Trade Schools
Minnesota offers a variety of job opportunities for electricians and the chance to earn a higher-than-average salary.
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the mean annual wage reported by electricians in Minnesota was $68,970 as of May 2021- higher than the national average for this profession.
If you’re passionate about electricity and enjoy troubleshooting things and working with your hands, becoming an electrician can lead to a rewarding career.
Before being ready to work independently as a journey worker electrician you have to complete some specialized training at a community college or trade school.
This page compiles information about the top 10 programs in Minnesota.
1Anoka Technical College
About the School
Anoka Technical College offers hands-on training programs that prepare students for future careers in a variety of industries.
More than 70 programs are included in the college’s catalog.
Tuition at the college is $189.75 per credit.
Additional fees bring the total cost to $208.90 per credit hour- this includes tuition, MN state College Student Association Fee, Technology Fee, Parking/Access Fee, and Student Activity Fee.
Anoka Technical College is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.
Courses Offered
The college’s catalog includes a Construction Electrician pathway that includes 82 credits.
The curriculum is designed to help students develop skills in the installation and testing of electrical fixtures.
Among many other topics, students who attend this program learn about the installation and testing of electrical fixtures, electrical theory, and wiring laboratory.
The program also helps students develop skills such as:
- Work safely with others
- Use the proper techniques when troubleshooting electrical circuits
- Design and install circuits that follow NEC standards
- Follow written and verbal instructions
- And more
After graduating from this program, students join unions to complete their apprenticeship training.
Students need a cumulative 2.0 GPA for graduation.
The Construction Electrician program leads to a diploma.
Contact Information
- Address: 1355 West Highway 10, Anoka, MN 55303
- Phone: (763) 433-1100
- Website: http://www.anokatech.edu
2Ridgewater College
About the School
Ridgewater College offers training programs in a variety of educational areas.
Tuition is $182.42 per credit plus fees for students in Minnesota, North Dakota, South Dakota, and Wisconsin.
Additional fees sum up to $21.35 and bring the total cost for resident and non-resident students to $203.77 per credit.
Ridgewater College is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.
Courses Offered
The Construction Trades pathway provided by Ridgewater College includes an Electrician program.
This program teaches students how to perform electrical work in residential and commercial construction, and industrial and maintenance installation following the National Electrical Code.
Students enrolled in this program learn about:
- Motor controls and other complex areas
- Photovoltaic solar systems
- Service and transformers
- Specialized systems
- Heating, ventilation, and air conditioning
- Energy-efficient lighting, heating, and cooling systems
The following degree options are available:
- An Associate of Applied Science Electrician Degree that includes 83 credits
- A 74-credit Electrician Diploma
Contact Information
- Address: 2101 15th Ave NW, Willmar, MN 56201
- Phone: 320-222-5200
- Website: https://ridgewater.edu
3Summit Academy
About the School
Summit Academy OIC prepares students for careers in construction, healthcare, and information technology.
The academy’s training programs are designed to help students begin a new career in as few as 20 weeks.
Summit Academy OIC is an accredited, nonprofit Career and Technical Education Institute in North Minneapolis.
Courses Offered
The academy’s Construction pathway includes an Electrician program.
This program teaches students how to bring electricity to buildings.
They learn how to install and maintain electrical and power systems in homes, businesses, and factories.
The hands-on program covers the most relevant techniques and practices for the construction industry.
The Electrician curriculum offers classes on pipe bending, electrical circuitry, residential and commercial wiring, blueprint reading, and other skills.
Tuition is $7,050 for 20 weeks, but there is no out-of-pocket cost for students.
The school’s financial aid office works to ensure students’ tuition is fully covered.
Among many other topics, students who attend this program take classes on Electrical Trade Terms, Residential Wiring, Electrical Safety, Electrical Theory, Print Reading, Problem-Solving, and Electrical Math.
Contact Information
- Address: 935 Olson Memorial Hwy, Minneapolis, MN 55405
- Phone: (612) 377-0150
- Website: https://saoic.org
4St. Cloud Technical & Community College
About the School
St. Cloud Technical & Community College provides a variety of programs designed to prepare students for high-paying careers.
The programs are available fully online.
SCTCC is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.
Scholarships are available for students who qualify.
Courses Offered
The college offers an Electrical Construction Technology program that offers the following degree options:
- Electrical Construction Technology DIP – a 72-credit program
- Electrical Construction Technology AAS- an 81-credit program
This program covers the basic principles of electrical work and teaches students about AC and DC motors, as well as generator theory, transformers, three-phase systems, motors controls, and more.
Students who attend this program learn a variety of skills, including:
- Basic and safe use of tools
- How to Apply the National Electrical Code
- Wire and maintain electrical systems in residential, commercial, and industrial settings
- Complete basic computer functions
- Maintain OSHA standards
- And more
The curriculum includes classes on:
- Wiring and Materials
- National Electrical Code
- Applied Electrical Principles & Formulas
- Electric Heat
- Safety, Certification, and Skills
- Commercial Wiring
- AC Motor Control
- Low Voltage Systems
- And more
Contact Information
- Address: 1540 Northway Drive, St. Cloud, MN 56303
- Phone: (800) 222-1009
- Website: https://www.sctcc.edu
5Lake Superior College
About the School
Lake Superior College is a community and technical college that provides a variety of academic programs.
Students can prepare for careers in a wide range of trade fields, from electronics and electricity to welding and carpentry.
The college is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.
Courses Offered
The college’s catalog includes programs in:
- Basic Electronics
- Electronic Technician
- Electrical Wiring
- Electrical Engineering
- Electrician
- Welding
- And more
The Electrical Wiring program leads to a commercial and residential wiring diploma.
The courses included in this program teach students how to install, operate, and repair electrical wiring systems.
Among many other skills, students learn how to:
- Use electronic test equipment
- Read and understand circuit schematics
- Circuit analysis
- Troubleshoot and repair circuits
- Install and configure PC hardware components.
Tuition varies depending on the program.
The approximate tuition for the two-year Electrical Wiring program is $14,000 for Minnesota residents.
The Electrician program can be completed in two years and costs around $16,000.
The two-year Electrical Engineering program costs approximately $15,000.
Contact Information
- Address: 2101 Trinity Road, Duluth, MN 55811
- Phone: 218-733-7600
- Website: https://degrees.lsc.edu
6Minnesota West Community and Technical College
About the School
Minnesota West Community and Technical College prepare students for careers in a wide range of industries through hands-on education.
The total tuition at the college is $216.14 with fees.
Minnesota West Community and Technical College is a member of the Minnesota State which consists of 30 colleges, seven universities, and 54 campuses.
Courses Offered
The college’s catalog includes a variety of programs, including:
- Electric Utility Substation Technician, Diploma- a 60-credit program that includes hands-on experience and theory in single and three-phase metering, overcurrent and complex relaying, regulators, transmission, and many other topics
- Electric Utility Substation Technician, Associate in Applied Science- this program also includes 60 credits
- Electrician, Diploma- a 74-credit program with classes on topics such as:
- Residential Wiring
- National Electric Code
- AC/DC
- Safety Principles and OSHA
- Applied Electric Calculations
- Conduit Installation
- Alternative Energies
- Low Voltage
- Heating and Air Conditioning Controls
- And more
- Electrician- Associate in Applied Science- an 81-credit program
Contact Information
- Address: 1011 First Street West, Canby, MN 56220 (Canby Campus)
- Phone: 800-658-2330 (Minnesota West Communication Center)
- Website: https://www.mnwest.edu
7Alexandria Technical & Community College
About the School
Alexandria Technical & Community College is a public two-year college that prepares students for careers in a variety of industries or further education.
The college is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.
Courses Offered
A wide range of majors is available at the Alexandria Technical & Community College, including:
- Diesel Mechanics- this program can lead to an Associate in Applied Science Degree or Diploma and includes classes on DC Electricity, Diesel Electronic Systems, HVAC Systems, Applied Technical Mathematics, Electronic Engines/Controls, Technical Writing, and a variety of other topics.
- Machine Tool Technology- a program that teaches students about blueprint reading, how to use precise measuring tools and how to make accurate setups on shop equipment, and a variety of other skills
- Mechanical Drafting, Design, & Engineering- a program that can lead to an Associate in Applied Science Degree or Diploma
- Marine, Motorcycle, & Powersports Technician- a program that also covers an Introduction to Powersports Electrical Systems, Applied Technical Mathematics, Motorcycle Fuel Systems, and many other topics
- And more
Total cost varies depending on the program.
Tuition is $182.61 per credit.
Additional fees sum up to $20.98 per credit.
Contact Information
- Address: 1601 Jefferson Street, Alexandria, MN 56308
- Phone: 320.762.0221
- Website: https://www.alextech.edu
8Dunwoody College of Technology
About the School
Dunwoody College of Technology offers educational programs in a wide range of industries.
The college’s catalog includes robotics and manufacturing programs, as well as engineering degrees, among many other pathways.
Dunwoody College of Technology has an average class size of 11 students.
Small class sizes allow students to work closely with instructors.
The college is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.
Courses Offered
The College’s catalog includes an Electrical Engineering pathway.
Graduates earn a Bachelor of Science degree in four years.
Daytime on-campus classes are available.
The Electrical Engineering program combines lab and theory to help students experience the engineering principles learned in class through hands-on projects.
During the final year of college, students complete a project or internship, thus preparing for a career in the field of electrical engineering.
Graduates are ready to pass the Fundamentals of Engineering Exam- which is the first step toward a professional engineering license.
The Electrical Engineering curriculum covers topics such as:
- Logic and Digital Design
- Circuit Fundamentals
- Electrodynamics
- Mechatronics
- Biomedical Topics
- And more
Contact Information
- Address: 818 Dunwoody Boulevard, Minneapolis, MN 55403
- Phone: 612.374.5800
- Website: https://dunwoody.edu
9Hennepin Technical College
About the School
Hennepin Technical College provides training programs that prepare students for careers in a wide range of industries.
Tuition at the college is $178.06 per credit.
Additional fees bring the total cost to $197.97 per credit.
Total cost varies depending on the program and the credential it leads to.
The school offers small class sizes and a dedicated faculty with experience in the industry.
Hennepin Technical College is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.
Courses Offered
The college’s catalog includes a Manufacturing and Engineering Technology pathway with programs in:
- Electronics Technology
- Engineering CAD Technology
- Industrial Building Engineering & Maintenance
- Manufacturing Engineering Technology
- And more
The Industrial Building Engineering & Maintenance pathway covers a variety of aspects regarding maintenance, carpentry, heating, cooling, electrical and motor control operation, welding, troubleshooting techniques, and many other topics.
This program leads to an Industrial Building Engineering and Maintenance Diploma.
Contact Information
- Address: 9000 Brooklyn Boulevard, Brooklyn Park, MN 55445
- Phone: 952-995-1300
- Website: https://hennepintech.edu
10Sunde School Electrical Training
About the School
Sunde School Electrical Training offers continuing education credits, test prep, and customized electrical training.
Courses Offered
By attending classes at the school, students can prepare for Journeyman, Master, or Maintenance Minnesota Licensing Exams.
The test prep program for the Electrical Licensing Exam costs $1,200.
Classes meet in person for approximately four months.
Each class sets its own pace.
Students need a physical copy of the National Electric Code book.
Those interested can attend the first night of class free with no obligation to buy the course.
In-person continuing education classes are also available for electricians who are already licensed and want to keep up with their training.
The courses are approved by the Minnesota Department of Labor and Industry and by oversight agencies in Iowa, Nebraska, and North Dakota.
The classes take place on Saturday and Sunday from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. and cost $175 per person per day.
Students who attend both days of training achieve 16 hours of continuing education.
Contact Information
- Address: 50995 290th Street, Austin, MN 55912
- Phone: 507-434-3590
- Website: https://sundeschoolelectrical.training
Regional Salary in Minnesota
| Region | Employed | Avg. Annual Salary | Avg. Hourly Pay | Top 10% Annual Salary | Bottom 10% Annual Salary |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Duluth, MN-WI | 610 | $70,110 | $33.71 | $92,660 | $45,080 |
| Mankato-North Mankato, MN | 190 | $69,350 | $33.34 | $92,210 | $46,150 |
| Minneapolis-St. Paul-Bloomington, MN-WI | 7,380 | $77,140 | $37.09 | $104,430 | $46,770 |
| Rochester, MN | 380 | $69,490 | $33.41 | $94,790 | $47,420 |
| St. Cloud, MN | 620 | $68,740 | $33.05 | $96,400 | $46,010 |
* Employment conditions in your area may vary.
Final Thoughts
Now that you have read our list of top electrician schools in Minnesota, it’s time to decide what format best suits your needs and learning style.
This is an important decision, so make sure you have information about all the relevant factors.
