Electrician in Bloomington, MN

The Salary Picture: Where Bloomington Stands

For an electrician evaluating Bloomington, the salary data paints a solid, stable picture. The median salary for electricians in the Bloomington metropolitan area is $62,380/year. This translates to an hourly wage of $29.99/hour, which is a crucial figure for understanding your earning potential on a daily basis. It's important to note that this is slightly above the national average for electricians, which sits at $61,550/year. While the difference isn't massive, it's a positive indicator that the local market values this trade.

The job market itself is active. There are currently 262 jobs posted for electricians in the metro, signaling consistent demand. Over the past decade, the profession has seen an 11% job growth, which is a healthy rate that suggests continued opportunity, especially as the Twin Cities metro area ages and new construction projects continue.

To break this down further, here’s a realistic look at salary progression based on experience within the Bloomington market. These figures are estimates based on local market trends and the provided median.

Experience Level	Estimated Annual Salary	Key Responsibilities
Entry-Level (0-2 years)	$45,000 - $52,000	Apprentice tasks, conduit bending, basic wiring under supervision, safety protocols.
Mid-Level (3-7 years)	$58,000 - $70,000	Reading blueprints, troubleshooting, residential/commercial installations, permitting.
Senior-Level (8-15 years)	$72,000 - $85,000	Project management, mentoring apprentices, complex commercial/industrial systems.
Expert/Specialist (15+ years)	$85,000+	Master electrician, industrial controls, low-voltage systems, business ownership.

Insider Tip: The median of $62,380 is a great benchmark for a mid-level electrician with solid commercial or residential experience. The top earners, those with master electrician licenses and specialties in data centers or industrial controls, can push well into the $90,000+ range, especially with overtime.

When you compare Bloomington to other major Minnesota cities, its position is competitive. While Minneapolis-St. Paul might offer slightly higher top-end wages for union positions (IBEW Local 292 is based in the area), the cost of living in Bloomington is more manageable than downtown Minneapolis or Edina. Rochester, home to the Mayo Clinic and its massive medical campus, often has a higher demand for specialized healthcare facility electricians, but Bloomington offers a more diverse commercial and residential mix.

The Real Take-Home: After Taxes and Rent

Let's get real about your budget. A median salary of $62,380/year breaks down to approximately $5,198/month before taxes. After federal, state (Minnesota has a graduated income tax), and FICA taxes (Social Security & Medicare), a single filer can expect to take home roughly $3,900 - $4,100/month. This is a conservative estimate; actual take-home pay can vary.

The average rent for a 1-bedroom apartment in Bloomington is $1,327/month. This is a key data point. Let's model a monthly budget for an electrician earning the median salary:

• Monthly Take-Home (Est.): $4,000
• Rent (1BR): -$1,327
• Utilities (Electric, Gas, Internet): -$220
• Groceries & Household: -$450
• Car Payment/Insurance (Avg.): -$400
• Health Insurance (if not employer-provided): -$300
• Retirement Savings (10%): -$400
• Discretionary/Remaining: -$903

This budget leaves a healthy buffer for discretionary spending, emergency savings, or paying down student debt. The Cost of Living Index of 104.5 (US avg = 100) confirms that Bloomington is about 4.5% more expensive than the national average, driven largely by housing and healthcare. However, your salary as an electrician, particularly at the median level, is well-positioned to absorb this.

Can they afford to buy a home? Yes, it's challenging but very possible, especially for dual-income households. The median home price in Bloomington is around $400,000. A 20% down payment would be $80,000, but many local buyers use FHA (3.5% down) or VA loans. On a single median salary, a mortgage payment (including taxes and insurance) could be around $2,000/month. While this is a stretch on a single take-home of $4,000, it's manageable if you have a partner with income, are willing to buy a condo/townhome (often in the $250k-$350k range), or plan to live with roommates initially to save aggressively.

Personal Insight: Many electricians in the area live in nearby suburbs like Richfield, Eagan, or Bloomington itself for better housing value. The commute to job sites across the metro is manageable, and you can often find more space for your money.

Where the Jobs Are: Bloomington's Major Employers

Bloomington's economy is a mix of healthcare, corporate retail, light industrial, and residential. Electrical work is a constant need across all sectors. Here are the major local employers where electricians find steady work, either as direct hires or through contractors.

1. Allina Health (Fairview Southdale Hospital): Located in the heart of Edina, bordering Bloomington, this is a massive healthcare hub. Electricians here work on critical infrastructure—backup generators, medical gas systems, fire alarms, and 24/7 low-voltage data systems. Hiring is steady due to constant facility upgrades and strict maintenance schedules.

2. Gillette Children's Specialty Healthcare (St. Paul Campus): While not in Bloomington proper, many electricians live in the south metro and commute. Gillette's unique needs for specialized equipment and ADA-compliant facilities require precise, detail-oriented electrical work.

3. Mall of America (MOA): The crown jewel of Bloomington. The MOA is a universe of its own, requiring a massive team of in-house and contract electricians for its lighting, HVAC controls, escalators, and the endless retail and attraction installations. It's a prime employer for commercial electricians, especially those with controls experience.

4. Twin Cities Orthopedics & Medical Device Companies: Bloomington is part of the "Medical Alley" corridor. Companies like Medtronic (corporate HQ in Fridley, but with facilities throughout the metro) and numerous orthopedic startups in the area provide specialized industrial and commercial electrical work, focusing on clean rooms, lab spaces, and manufacturing equipment.

5. Amazon Fulfillment Centers (BLM1 & BLM2): Bloomington hosts two major Amazon facilities. These are high-demand sites for industrial electricians. Work involves installing and maintaining conveyor systems, automated sortation, packaging machinery, and facility lighting. The hiring trends are aggressive for maintenance technicians and electricians to ensure 24/7 operations.

6. Local Residential & Commercial Contractors: Firms like Eagle Electric (local), Allied Electric (regional), and Coffman Electric (large regional) are major contractors with a heavy presence in Bloomington's residential renovation and commercial build-out markets. These are the primary employers for apprentices and journey-level electricians.

7. Bloomington Public Schools (ISD 271): The school district maintains and upgrades its facilities, including Nicollet Junior High and John F. Kennedy High School. This is stable public-sector work with good benefits, often contracted through unions.

Hiring Trends: There's a strong push toward electricians with low-voltage, data, and controls experience. The rise of smart buildings, IoT, and EV charger installations means electricians who understand power and data are in the highest demand. Commercial and industrial electricians are seeing faster growth than purely residential.

Getting Licensed in MN

Minnesota's licensing is handled by the Minnesota Department of Labor and Industry (DLI), Electrical Board. It's a structured, state-wide process.

Requirements & Timeline:

1. Apprenticeship (4 Years): You must complete a state-approved apprenticeship program. This typically involves 8,000 hours of on-the-job training and 720 hours of classroom instruction. You can start as a first-year apprentice with no prior experience.
2. Journeyman License: After completing your apprenticeship and passing the state exam, you become a journeyman electrician. This allows you to work independently under the supervision of a master electrician.
3. Master License: Requires an additional 4,000 hours of work (as a journeyman) and passing a more complex exam. A master electrician can pull permits and supervise other electricians.
4. Specialty Licenses: For residential, limited, or low-voltage systems. These have specific requirements.

Costs (Approximate):

• Apprenticeship Application/Training Fees: $500 - $2,000 (often covered or reimbursed by the employer).
• Journeyman Exam Fee: $150
• Master Exam Fee: $150
• License Fee (Annual): ~$100

Timeline to Get Started: You can apply for an apprenticeship immediately. The total time from starting as an apprentice to becoming a master electrician is typically 8-10 years. Most electricians work as a journeyman for several years before pursuing their master's license.

Insider Tip: The Twin Cities area has a very active IBEW Local 292 union. While apprenticeship through the union is competitive, it offers structured training, excellent benefits, and a clear wage progression path. It's worth investigating, even if you're non-union-focused.

Best Neighborhoods for Electricians

Bloomington is a large suburb with distinct areas. Your neighborhood choice will affect your commute, lifestyle, and budget.

1. Bloomington's Old Shakopee Road Area (Central Bloomington):

   • Vibe: Established, family-friendly, close to everything.
   • Commute: Excellent. Central to MOA, Allina Southdale, and easy access to I-494 and I-35W. 10-20 minutes to most major job sites.
   • Rent Estimate: $1,400 - $1,650/month for a 1BR.
   • Best For: Electricians who want a short commute and a quiet home life.

2. Lyndale Ave / 98th St Corridor:

   • Vibe: Convenient, retail-heavy, with a mix of apartments and older homes.
   • Commute: Direct access to major retailers and commercial hubs. 15-25 minutes to downtown Minneapolis.
   • Rent Estimate: $1,250 - $1,450/month for a 1BR.
   • Best For: Those who prioritize affordability and proximity to retail and dining.

3. Normandale Lake Area / West Bloomington:

   • Vibe: More scenic, with lake views, parks, and a slightly quieter, more residential feel. Home to Normandale Community College.
   • Commute: Still very good, about 15-25 minutes to most job sites, but you might deal with more lake traffic.
   • Rent Estimate: $1,350 - $1,700/month for a 1BR.
   • Best For: Electricians who enjoy outdoor spaces and a calmer environment.

4. Richfield (Just North of Bloomington):

   • Vibe: A classic first-ring suburb with strong community ties, older housing stock, and excellent public schools.
   • Commute: Borders Bloomington, so commute times are similar. 10-20 minutes to most Bloomington job sites.
   • Rent Estimate: $1,200 - $1,500/month for a 1BR.
   • Best For: Electricians looking for slightly better housing value and a strong community feel.

5. Edina (Adjacent to Bloomington's South Side):

   • Vibe: Affluent, with top-ranked schools, and a bustling 50th & France commercial district.
   • Commute: Direct access to Bloomington job sites, but commute times into Minneapolis can vary. 15-30 minutes.
   • Rent Estimate: $1,500 - $1,900+ for a 1BR.
   • Best For: Higher-earning electricians (senior/specialist) or those with dual incomes looking for premium schools and amenities.

Personal Insight: For a single electrician earning the median, Richfield or the Lyndale corridor offer the best balance of affordability and commute time. If you have a family, the Old Shakopee Road or Normandale areas provide great schools and community.

The Long Game: Career Growth

A career as an electrician in Bloomington has a clear path for advancement.

Specialty Premiums:

• Industrial Controls/PLC Programming: This is the highest-value skill. Electricians who can program and troubleshoot programmable logic controllers (PLCs) in manufacturing (like Amazon or Medtronic facilities) can command $85,000 - $100,000+. This is a 20-30% premium over the median.
• Low-Voltage/Data & Security: BICSI certification or experience with structured cabling and security systems can add a 10-15% premium.
• EV Charger Installation: With Minnesota's push for electric vehicles, certified EV charger installers are in high demand. This is a growing niche for residential and commercial electricians.
• Solar Photovoltaics (PV): While less dense than other states, Minnesota's solar incentives are driving growth. PV installers can see higher project-based pay.

Advancement Paths:

1. Path 1: Business Owner. The most common path to high earnings. Journeyman electricians with 4-5 years of experience often start their own small contracting business. Success requires management skills, marketing, and a master electrician license. In Bloomington, targeting residential remodels or small commercial projects is a viable niche.
2. Path 2: Project Manager. For those who prefer not to own a business. Senior electricians can move into a project manager role with a larger contractor (e.g., a firm like Coffman Electric). This involves less hands-on work and more coordination, scheduling, and client management.
3. Path 3: Forklift/Industrial Technician. Some electricians transition into maintenance roles at large industrial sites like Amazon or manufacturing plants. This offers steady hours, benefits, and sometimes a salary rather than hourly pay.
4. Path 4: Inspector/Code Official. With a master electrician license and several years of experience, you can apply to become an electrical inspector for the city or state. This is a stable, salaried government job.

10-Year Outlook (Based on 11% Growth): The 11% job growth is a strong signal. The drivers are the aging electrical infrastructure in homes and commercial buildings (especially in older parts of Bloomington), the continued expansion of data centers and medical facilities, and Minnesota's renewable energy goals. The demand for electricians who can work on EV infrastructure and energy-efficient systems (like heat pumps, which require dedicated circuits) will be particularly high. A journeyman electrician who starts in Bloomington today could reasonably expect to be a master electrician or business owner in 10 years, with earnings potentially doubling the median salary.

The Verdict: Is Bloomington Right for You?

Bloomington offers a compelling package for electricians: a competitive salary above the national average, a diverse and growing job market, and a cost of living that, while slightly above the national average, is manageable for skilled tradespeople. The proximity to the major economic engine of the Twin Cities metro provides endless opportunity, while the suburb offers a more livable, less hectic environment than downtown Minneapolis.

Pros and Cons:

Pros	Cons
Median Salary ( $62,380 ) exceeds the national average.	Cost of Living (104.5) is higher than the national average.
Diverse job market: MOA, healthcare, residential, industrial.	Winters can be harsh, impacting outdoor work and commuting.
Strong job growth (11%) ensures long-term stability.	Traffic congestion on I-494 and I-35W during rush hour.
Proximity to major metro while living in a suburb.	Housing costs are rising, though still more affordable than Edina.
Access to union (IBEW 292) and non-union opportunities.	Requires a significant time investment for full licensing.
Good starting buffer for savings after rent and taxes.	Competition for top-tier jobs (specialties) is increasing.

Final Recommendation:
Bloomington is an excellent choice for electricians at all career stages. For apprentices and journeyman electricians, the sheer volume of job opportunities across retail, healthcare, and residential renovations makes it a prime place to build experience. For senior electricians and specialists, the industrial and medical device corridors offer high-value niches. The financial math works: you can live comfortably, save, and even plan for homeownership on a median salary.

The key is to specialize. While general residential and commercial wiring is stable, the highest earners are those who add skills in controls,