Why Choose the Electrical Trade?
Electricians power the world around us — from hospitals and schools to airports, stadiums, and entire cities.
Choosing a career as an electrician means joining a trade that’s essential, rewarding, and always in demand.
Here’s why it’s one of Minnesota’s best career paths:
- Earn while you learn. Apprentices get paid while training — no student loans required.
- High job security. Electricians remain essential across industries, no matter the economy.
- Room to grow. Advance from apprentice to journeyman, foreman, or project manager — and beyond.
- Make a real impact. You’ll help power the systems that keep communities running.
Pay & Benefits
| Position | Annual Pay | Total Compensation w/ Benefits |
|---|---|---|
| Journeyman | $113,280 | $182,188 |
| 6th Period Apprentice | $96,288 | $175,244 |
| 3rd Period Apprentice | $56,640 | $102,912 |
| 1st Period Apprentice | $50,976 | $84,595 |
Based on published hourly rates, assuming 40 hours/week and 48 weeks/year.
Source: mplsjatc.org/wages-benefits
Total Compensation w/ Benefits reflects annual pay + added value of health retirement and training benefits.
Career Paths
There’s no single route to becoming an electrician — and that’s good news. Whether you prefer structured study or immediate hands-on experience, there’s a path for you.
High Demand for Electricians in Minnesota
| Rank | Career | Growth | Avg. Salary |
|---|---|---|---|
| #6 | Electricians | +9.9% | $60,000 – $77,000/year |
| #5 | Driver/Sales Workers | +10.2% | $44,075 – $61,963/year |
| #4 | Preschool Teachers | +11.8% | $37,500 – $38,480/year |
| #3 | Cooks, Restaurant | +12.1% | $27,020 – $42,330/year |
| #2 | Medical Assistants | +13.1% | $49,740 – $52,491/year |
| #1 | Home Health & Personal Care Aides | +13.9% | $34,620/year |
Electricians are ranked 6th for projected career growth in Minnesota and claim the #1 spot for salary among the top 6 careers.
Average Annual Salary Range Minnesota. Research: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), Minnesota Department of Labor and Industry (DLI), Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development (DEED), O*NET Online, CareerOneStop. https://mn.gov/deed/data/data-tools/employment-outlook/ and https://mplsjatc.org/wages-benefits/
Yearly wage based on published hourly rate assuming 40 hours/week and 48 weeks/year. Effective 5/1/25
The Work You’ll Do
Electricians build and maintain systems that power modern life. At Hunt Electric, our teams work on some of Minnesota’s most complex and recognizable projects, including:
- Ecolab Headquarters
- Amazon Distribution Centers
- Tesla Facilities
- Viking Lakes Development
From wiring and automation to large-scale energy systems, electricians are behind every major infrastructure success story.
How to Get Started
Ready to take the next step? Contact your local IBEW union office to learn more about apprenticeships and requirements.
Local 292 – Minneapolis
Aaron Olson: 612-617-4249 / aolson@ibew292.org
Local 110 – St. Paul
Aaron Johnson: 651-776-4239 ext. 5713 / ajohnson@ibew110.org
Frequently Asked Questions
Media
Watch: So My Kid Wants to be an Electrician
In this episode of the Hunt Electric podcast Beyond the Breaker, Rob Enos shares his journey from college to a thriving career as an electrician. He discusses the financial rewards, endless opportunities, and personal growth the trades offer, while breaking down how to get started and why the trades should be a first-choice career. Whether you’re a student, parent, or career changer, this episode is packed with valuable insights.
Watch: The Next Generation of Electricians
In this episode of the Hunt Electric podcast Beyond the Breaker, we sit down with three of Hunt’s top apprentices to discuss their journeys, the importance of trades, and the future of the industry.
Join us as we explore their experiences, challenges, and advice for those considering a career in the trades. Don’t miss this insightful and inspiring conversation!
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