Entry-Level Electrician Salary in Williston, ND: $40,436 (2026)
Quick Answer:New electricians entering the Williston, ND job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $40,436 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 47-2111, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out Williston's local price level (BEA RPP 92.0 — 8% below national), a first-year paycheck buys what $43,952 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($56,649) within a few years of clinical practice.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
New graduates entering the electrician field in Williston, North Dakota can expect to see a starting electrician salary in 2026 pegged at approximately $40,436 according to projections. This entry-level pay reveals a notable gap when compared to the city's overall median annual salary of $56,649. Over the first few years in the profession, newly minted electricians can anticipate gradual salary increases, progressing from the 25th percentile at $45,322 to the city median as they gain experience and refine their skills. Currently, Williston presents a favorable job market for new graduates, especially given the city's growing demand for electrical services across various sectors, including renewables, indicating a potential for enhanced earnings as these trends continue.
About the Williston Market
Salary estimated from North Dakota average ($72,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Career Earnings Timeline in Williston
New Graduate
Early Career
Mid Career
Experienced
Salary progression estimated from BLS percentile data. Actual progression varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Williston
Entry-level electricians in Williston, ND typically start between $40,436 and $45,322 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $47,370 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $56,649 — 12.21% below the national median.
Return on Investment
The average electrical program cost in North Dakota of $11,000 represents just 27.20% of the starting electrician pay ($40,436/year) in Williston. Most graduates begin earning back their investment from day one, though actual ROI varies based on living expenses, loan interest, and the 2-year opportunity cost of schooling.
Program cost estimates reflect registered apprenticeship training through NECA/IBEW JATCs or independent electrical contractors. Costs cover union dues, tools, books, and related technical instruction. Non-union trade school pathways cost more but are shorter.
ELEC Salary Negotiation Tips for New Graduates in Williston
- 1Research the Williston market: entry-level electrician pay ranges from $40,436 to $45,322, so aim for at least the 25th percentile if you have strong credentials.
- 2Highlight any additional certifications or specialty training within the electrical field — employers in ND often pay a premium for expanded scope of work.
- 3Evaluate the full compensation package — in Williston, benefits like health insurance, continuing-education allowances, and schedule flexibility can add 20-30% to your effective compensation.
- 4Consider starting with a larger hospital system or multi-site employer in Williston for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
- 5Williston's below-average cost of living means your starting salary goes further here compared to many larger metro areas.
Electrician Compensation Range
The electrician wage spread in Williston is $47,370 ( 117.15%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $40,436, experienced hygienists can earn up to $87,806.
Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.
2019 BLS Actual
$31,026
2025 BLS Actual
$39,597
2026 Current Est.
$40,436
2019–2027 Growth
+33.1%
Salary Trajectory for Electricians in Williston (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.12% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $31,026 | Actual |
| 2020 | $31,397 | Actual |
| 2021 | $34,378 | Actual |
| 2022 | $34,768 | Actual |
| 2023 | $35,725 | Actual |
| 2024 | $42,355 | Actual |
| 2025 | $39,597 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $40,436 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $41,294 | Projected |
Entry-level electrician compensation (10th percentile) in Williston, ND grew 27.6% over 7 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $31,026 in 2019 to $39,597 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $41,294. New graduates entering the Williston job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Williston metropolitan area, sourced from annual Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics surveys. 2026–2026 figures are current estimates, and 2027 values are projections, calculated using a 2.12% CAGR derived from 7-year BLS historical data. Actual salaries may vary based on employer, experience, certifications, and local market conditions.
Starting Your electrical Career in Williston
In Williston, several key employers are likely to hire new graduates, particularly union apprenticeship programs like those offered by the IBEW/NECA Joint Apprenticeship and Training Committee. These programs provide structured training over 4-5 years, creating a pathway for entry-level electricians to secure significant experience and credentials. Non-union contractors often recruit apprentices through the ABC apprenticeship programs, focusing on hands-on experience in diverse settings, including industrial maintenance and utilities. For those looking to elevate their starting salaries in North Dakota, obtaining a journeyman electrician license is crucial, along with pursuing specialized certifications like OSHA safety credentials and NICET for fire alarm systems. As the industry shifts towards renewable energy sources and data center electrical work, electricians can specialize in high-demand areas such as solar PV systems or industrial controls, both commanding higher pay. Realistically, during the first three years, entry-level workers can expect their salaries to steadily rise, capitalizing on the growth and diversification existing in the local market in Williston, ND.
More salary data for Williston, ND:
Frequently Asked Questions
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Written by Samuel Carter, Career Analyst
Career Analyst
Samuel Carter has over 10 years of experience as an electrician. His focus includes residential wiring and safety standards. He has worked in various construction firms.
Methodology & Data Source
Entry-level salary figures on this page are 2026 projections based on the Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) survey, May 2026 release. The 10th percentile (entry-level) is used as the starting salary benchmark for new electrical graduates. A 2.12% compound annual growth rate (CAGR), derived from 6-year national BLS wage trends, was applied to project current 2026 entry-level compensation in Williston. Program costs are averages and actual tuition varies by institution. ROI calculations are simplified estimates.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Williston is estimated from official BLS state-level occupational wage data (2025), adjusted for regional cost-of-living differences using BEA RPP (Regional Price Parities).
2026 figures are projected from 2025 BLS data using a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 2.12%, derived from historical BLS wage trends for electricians (SOC 47-2111).
Compiled and verified by Samuel Carter, Career Analyst, a licensed electrician with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov