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Is Electrician a Good Career in North Dakota?

North Dakota · 2026 BLS salary data

Electrician pay in North Dakota

The median wage is $65,710/yr — 4% above the national median. Among U.S. states, North Dakotaranks #24 of 51 states by median pay.

The numbers in North Dakota

Real BLS state-level figures for Electrician.

Median salary
$65,710/yr
Pay range (25th–75th)
$56,920 – $80,510
National median
$63,190/yr
Employed in North Dakota
3,570

Source: BLS Occupational Employment & Wage Statistics (OEWS), state estimates, May 2025 release.

What that pay is really worth in North Dakota

Salary alone can mislead — North Dakota costs 11% less than the U.S. average. Here's the median adjusted for local prices (real purchasing power).

Cost of living (US=100)
89
Nominal median
$65,710
Adjusted for cost of living
≈ $73,831
State income tax
Up to 2.5%

Because North Dakota costs 11% less than the U.S. average, its pay stretches further — it ranks #14 of 51 once adjusted for cost of living, up from #24 on raw salary.

Cost of living: BEA Regional Price Parities (all items, US=100), 2024. Adjusted pay = nominal median ÷ (RPP/100) — purchasing power vs the U.S. average. State income tax = top marginal rate on wage income (Tax Foundation, 2025); your effective rate is lower and depends on income and deductions.

The verdict, pros, and cons below apply to Electrician nationally — North Dakota pay is 4% above the national median. See the full Electrician career guide →

The verdict

Yes — electricians combine debt-free apprenticeship entry with faster-than-average growth, boosted by the electrification and data-center boom. A strong pick unless you want office work or can't meet the physical/safety demands.

Pros & cons

Pros

  • Faster-than-average projected growth
  • Paid apprenticeship — earn while you learn, no debt
  • Riding the electrification / data-center / solar boom
  • Strong self-employment potential
  • Skilled, code-driven work that resists automation

Cons

  • Real safety risks (shock, falls)
  • Physically demanding, variable job sites
  • Multi-year apprenticeship before full licensure
  • Some travel and irregular hours

Who it's for

✓ A good fit if…

  • Technically-minded, hands-on people
  • Those wanting a debt-free path into a growing trade
  • Anyone eyeing self-employment

✗ Probably not if…

  • People who want office or remote work
  • Those uncomfortable with heights or electrical risk

What people are actually asking

Real Reddit discussions on whether Electrician is worth it — titles link to the original threads.