Lineworker Career Guide in North Dakota
Explore lineworker salary, licensing requirements, training pathways, apprenticeships, job outlook, and career opportunities in North Dakota.
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How to Become a Lineworker in North Dakota
Bismarck State College offers North Dakota’s dedicated electrical-lineworker program. Apprenticeships and utility positions provide paid field training.
Note: Training pathways vary by employer, program sponsor, and licensing category. Classroom education may provide useful technical preparation, but it does not automatically replace supervised work experience unless the applicable licensing authority specifically allows that credit.
Lineworker Salary in North Dakota
The salary figure shown on this page represents the North Dakota median wage for lineworker workers, based on U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics occupational wage data. A median wage is the point at which half of workers earn more and half earn less. It is not a guaranteed starting salary.
Actual earnings may vary by experience, license level, metropolitan area, employer, industry, overtime, and union agreement.
Compared with the national median of $92,560, the median wage in North Dakota is approximately $13,310 higher. This comparison does not account for differences in cost of living.
Licensing Authority for Lineworkers in North Dakota
Note: Licensing rules, fees, examinations, exemptions, and renewal requirements may change. Applicants should verify current requirements directly with the authority listed above before beginning work, applying for an examination, or enrolling in a training program.
CAREER PREPARATIONLineworker Training Requirements in North Dakota
North Dakota lineworkers typically combine technical education with supervised utility or outside-line employment.
- Meet employer education, physical, and commercial-driver requirements.
- Learn overhead and underground construction and electrical safety.
- Complete paid supervised apprentice progression.
- Confirm the State Electrical Board’s rules for the exact work and employer.
Lineworker Training Providers in North Dakota
| Provider | City | Program Website |
|---|---|---|
| Bismarck State College — Lineworker (Electrical) | Bismarck | View Program |
| North Dakota State College of Science — related electrical training | Wahpeton | View Program |
| Lake Region State College — related technical training | Devils Lake | View Program |
| Williston State College — related technical training | Williston | View Program |
Note: Program availability, admission requirements, tuition, and credit toward licensing requirements may change. Verify current details directly with the provider and the applicable state licensing authority before enrolling. Listings are informational and do not constitute rankings or endorsements.
PAID TRAINING OPPORTUNITIESLineworker Apprenticeship Programs in North Dakota
Lineworker Employment and Training Pathway
Organization: Basin Electric Power Cooperative
Lineworker Licensing Requirements in North Dakota
North Dakota licenses covered electrical work and contracting. Utility-system work must be assessed under the state electrical statute; a general building-electrician license should not automatically be assigned to every lineworker position.
EMPLOYMENT PROJECTIONSLineworker Job Outlook in North Dakota
North Dakota projects 6% growth from 2024 to 2034 and approximately 60 annual openings.
Note: State employment projections may use a different base period from national BLS projections. Projected growth is an estimate rather than a guarantee of employment, and local demand may vary by metropolitan area, industry, construction activity, and employer investment.
CAREER QUESTIONSFrequently Asked Questions
What is the lineworker salary in North Dakota?
The statewide median wage for lineworkers in North Dakota is approximately $105,870 per year, or $50.90 per hour, based on May 2024 occupational wage data. Actual earnings vary by experience, license level, location, employer, overtime, and industry.
Does North Dakota require lineworker licensing?
Licensing requirements for lineworker workers in North Dakota vary by work scope, license category, and jurisdiction. Applicants should verify current requirements with North Dakota State Electrical Board before beginning work or applying for an examination.
How long does it take to become a lineworker in North Dakota?
The time required depends on the license pathway and training program. A typical training pathway takes approximately 3–4 Years to Journey Level, although licensing, apprenticeship, and employer requirements may differ.
Are lineworkers in demand in North Dakota?
North Dakota projects lineworker employment to grow by approximately 6% from 2024 to 2034, with about 60 openings per year. Projections include both new positions and openings created when workers leave the occupation.
Career Data Sources
State wage, employment outlook, and licensing information is reviewed using government and official regulatory sources. Data and requirements may change after publication.
- May 2024 State Occupational Employment and Wage Estimates — U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. May 2024 State OEWS
- North Dakota Wages for Lineworker (SOC 49-9051) — O*NET OnLine, U.S. Department of Labor. North Dakota Lineworker Wages
- North Dakota Lineworker Employment Trends — O*NET OnLine, U.S. Department of Labor. North Dakota Lineworker Employment Trends
- North Dakota State Electrical Board — Licensing authority. North Dakota State Electrical Board