Being an electrician isn’t just a job, it’s a solid career path. Electrical contractors enjoy a wide range of employment opportunities and earn a respectable income. There’s also job security—customers will always need skilled trade professionals to install and service electrical systems in their homes and businesses.
The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics reports that there are 762,600 electricians nationwide and 11,280 work in Minnesota. The national number is predicted to grow 6% from 2022 to 2032. That growth rate is expected to be higher in Minnesota — projected at 8%, according to CareerOneStop, the U.S. Department of Labor’s job search website.
Many contractors nationwide are trying to find skilled tradesmen. According to the Associated General Contractors of America, 2020 AGC-Autodesk Workforce Survey, 93% of firms in the U.S. and 86% of firms in Minnesota had unfilled hourly craft positions like plumbers, electricians, and HVAC technicians. So, if you get the training you need you will have a lot of jobs to choose from when you’re ready.
The process of becoming an electrician takes time, but you get paid while you learn and gain experience.
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Is a state license required to be an electrician in Minnesota? Most of the time, yes.
The Minnesota Department of Labor and Industry - Board of Electricity at 443 Lafayette Road in St. Paul is responsible for issuing electrical licenses.
However, Minnesota also allows unlicensed individuals to perform limited electrical work. Unlicensed individuals must register with the state and adhere to specific guidelines. For example, unlicensed individuals can work only under the supervision of a licensed electrician, and they must report their annual electrical work experience to renew their registration.
GAIN NECESSARY EXPERIENCE: There are two ways to earn a Class A journeyman electrician license in the state of Minnesota. First, you can enroll in a two-year electrical course approved by the board of electricity and complete 36 months (7,000 hours) of work experience, or complete 48 months (8,000 hours) of work under the supervision of a licensed electrician.
Many prospective electricians gain hands-on work experience through an apprenticeship program. Minnesota Career Pathways maintains a list of available apprenticeships. Minnesota requires 144 hours of classroom training for each year of work experience.
Electrical apprentices in Minnesota must be at least 17 years old with a high school diploma or GED, have reliable transportation, be physically fit, and pass an aptitude test. The supervising company is required to submit any written agreements with the Minnesota Department of Labor and Industry Apprenticeship Unit. Once an apprentice completes a state-approved internship, they receive a certificate of completion.
EARN A JOURNEYMAN ELECTRICIAN LICENSE: After completing the necessary training, you can fill out an application to take the journeyman licensure exam. You’ll need to pay the $50 exam application fee, provide a copy of your apprenticeship completion certificate, and submit any electrician school transcripts to the Minnesota Construction Codes and Licensing Division. Once you pass the test, your journeyman license is valid for two years. You must complete 16 hours of continuing education to be eligible for renewal. At least four hours of continuing education must cover the National Electrical Code (NEC).
EARN A MASTER ELECTRICIAN LICENSE: After holding a journeyman electrician license for one year, you become eligible to take the master electrician exam. To apply for a master electrician license, you must fill out the appropriate application and pay the $50 exam application fee. Master electrician licenses require renewal every two years. You must complete 16 hours of continuing education to be eligible for renewal.
BECOME AN ELECTRICAL CONTRACTOR: If you want to start your own electrical contracting business, consider becoming an electrical contractor. If you have questions about requirements, you can consult the Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development. Typically, you’ll need to register your business name with the Minnesota Secretary of State’s Office. You must also apply and pay a $168 fee to obtain your state tax ID number and federal employer identification number. If you have employees, you’ll need an unemployment insurance number.
Electrical contractors also need to carry several types of insurance, including:
Electrical contractors also must complete a certificate of compliance adhering to Minnesota’s workers' compensation law and employ at least one full-time master electrician.
Minnesota offers several electrician licenses. According to the Minnesota Department of Labor and Industry, they include:
Journeyman Class A Electrician: Requires a minimum of 48 months of full-time experience. Experience may include planning, laying, installing, and repairing electrical wiring; line work; installing elevators; wiring and maintaining technology circuits; and wiring and maintaining process control circuits.
You can gain one year of experience credit for the successful completion of a two-year, post high school technical course approved by the board.
Class A Master Electrician: Requires a minimum of 60 months of full-time experience. Training includes planning, laying, installing, repairing, and supervising electrical wiring; line work; installing elevators; wiring and maintaining technology circuits; and wiring and maintaining process control circuits.
Maintenance Electrician: Requires a minimum of 48 months of full-time experience. Experience may include planning, laying, installing, and repairing electrical wiring; line work; installing elevators; wiring and maintaining technology circuits; and wiring and maintaining process control circuits.
You can gain one year of experience credit for the successful completion of a two-year, post high school technical course approved by the board.
Outside Lineman: Requires a minimum of 60 months of full-time experience. Experience may include planning, laying, installing, and repairing electrical wiring; line work; installing elevators; wiring and maintaining technology circuits; and wiring and maintaining process control circuits.
Power Limited Technician: Requires a minimum of 36 months of full-time experience. Experience may include planning, laying, installing, and repairing electrical wiring; line work; installing elevators; wiring and maintaining technology circuits; and wiring and maintaining process control circuits.
You can gain up to 12 months or 2,000 hours of experience credit for the successful completion of a two-year, post high school electrical course or other technical training approved by the board.
Class B Installer: Requires a minimum of 12 months full-time experience. Experience may include planning, laying, installing, and repairing electrical wiring; line work; installing elevators; wiring and maintaining technology circuits; and wiring and maintaining process control circuits.
Pursuing a Minnesota electrician license offers several benefits:
The annual mean wage for electricians in Minnesota is $78,790 per year according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor and Statistics. That salary, as you might expect, increases as you acquire more experience, according to Indeed.com.
Salary ranges can vary widely, depending on the city and many other important factors, including education, certifications, additional skills, and the number of years you have spent in your profession.
Getting the most out of an electrical technician, no matter where they are in their licensing journey, takes work. ServiceTitan’s cloud-based, all-in-one electrician software gives technicians and business owners the technology they need to do the work efficiently, and the data they need to do it smartly.
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Tuition at many Minnesota community colleges averages $5,500 per year, plus the cost of books and other materials. There are also fees associated with licensure, including exams, applications, renewals, etc.
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