Electrician
IBEW Local 343
Install and maintain electrical systems for commercial and healthcare facilities across southeastern Minnesota and the Rochester area.
Starting Pay
$23.76/hr
1st year apprentice
Journeyman Pay
$49.49/hr
~$99k/year
Apprenticeship
5 years
earn while you learn
Total Package
$135,000+
wages + benefits
Overview
The Work
Electricians from IBEW Local 343 serve southeastern Minnesota — a region anchored by Rochester and the presence of Mayo Clinic, one of the largest medical campuses in the world. Local 343 members work on complex healthcare construction projects, institutional buildings, and commercial developments across the region. The Rochester area has seen substantial growth driven by the Destination Medical Center initiative, creating sustained demand for skilled commercial electricians. The local also covers smaller communities across the southeast corner of the state.
Day One as an Apprentice
Apprentices with Local 343 begin their training through the Southeast Minnesota Electrical JATC based in Rochester. Early assignments often involve commercial construction — the healthcare campuses and institutional buildings that define this region. You'll learn conduit installation, wire pulling, panel work, and the lighting and power systems used in medical and commercial environments.
This trade is
Pay Scale
Pay increases each year of the apprenticeship as a percentage of the journeyman rate. All rates are hourly; estimated annual at 2,000 hrs/year.
| Year | Stage | Hourly | Annual Est. |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 1st Year Apprentice | $23.76/hr | ~$48k |
| 2 | 2nd Year Apprentice | $29.69/hr | ~$59k |
| 3 | 3rd Year Apprentice | $35.63/hr | ~$71k |
| 4 | 4th Year Apprentice | $41.57/hr | ~$83k |
| 5 | Journeyman Wireman | $49.49/hr | ~$99k |
Benefits Package
Full health, dental, and vision through IBEW health fund. Pension and annuity. The Rochester market's healthcare-driven construction boom has provided unusually consistent employment for Local 343 members.
Apprenticeship Program
5 years
Program Length
900 hrs
Classroom Hours
9,000 hrs
On-the-Job Hours
How to Apply
Apply through IBEW Local 343 at ibewlocal343.org or contact the hall at (507) 288-7812. Requirements include a high school diploma or GED, one year of algebra, a valid driver's license, and an aptitude test.
Application Windows
Applications accepted periodically. Rochester's Destination Medical Center development has created sustained construction demand — contact the hall for current openings.
Requirements
General Requirements
- High school diploma or GED
- One year of high school algebra (or equivalent)
- Valid driver's license
- 18 years of age
- Pass an aptitude test (math and reading comprehension)
- Pass a drug test
Physical Requirements
- Climb ladders and work at heights in commercial settings
- Lift and carry conduit, panels, and wire spools
- Work in occupied buildings including active healthcare facilities
- Precise work in finished environments with minimal disruption
Tools You'll Need
- Standard electrician's hand tools
- Conduit bender
- Multimeter and voltage tester
- Personal PPE: hard hat, safety glasses, gloves
Physical Demand
3/5
Technical Level
4/5
Union Hall
Market Outlook
High Demand
BLS projects 10% growth for electricians 2024–2034 (much faster than average) with about 81,000 annual openings nationally, driven by renewable energy, grid modernization, and building electrification. MN DEED projects 10% growth in Minnesota 2022–2032, with about 1,240 annual openings statewide.
Next Steps
Ready to learn more or apply? Here's what to do right now.
Wage source: Journeyman base hourly rate is sourced from the Minnesota Department of Labor & Industry Commercial Prevailing Wage Schedule (effective 2025-12-22), which is derived from the prevailing collective bargaining agreement for Rochester & Southern Minnesota (26 counties). Total package (with fringe benefits) is higher than the base rate shown. Apprentice progression rates are calculated as standard percentages of journeyman scale and may differ slightly from the actual CBA. This page is not affiliated with IBEW Local 343 or any union. Verify all information — including current pay rates, application windows, and requirements — directly with IBEW Local 343.