Electrician
License requirements, cost and salary by state
Electricians install, maintain, and repair electrical systems in homes, commercial buildings, and industrial facilities — wiring, circuit breakers, outlets, lighting, and control systems. Most states use a tiered licensing system (apprentice, journeyman, master) that requires a combination of classroom instruction and thousands of hours of on-the-job training, typically through a 4–5 year apprenticeship.
Time to certify
Required exam
Exam cost
Education
Renewal
Annual openings
What it's actually like
A day-to-day reality check, grounded in current practitioner sources — not just the salary math.
Hours / week
Shifts: 8-12 hours.
Weekends
Where you work: construction sites, residential homes, commercial buildings.
Physical demand
HighThe job requires standing for long periods, climbing ladders, and working in cramped spaces while lifting components that can weigh up to 50 pounds.
Stress level
ModerateStress is often situational, arising from tight deadlines, diagnosing live systems, and the responsibility for ensuring safety and code compliance.
A typical shift
- Read and interpret blueprints and technical diagrams to plan electrical system layouts.
- Install wiring, conduits, and electrical control and distribution equipment like switches and circuit breaker panels.
- Inspect and test electrical systems and components to identify hazards or defects.
- Use testing devices to diagnose and troubleshoot malfunctioning systems and components.
- Repair or replace wiring, equipment, and fixtures using hand and power tools.
- Ensure all work complies with the National Electrical Code and local regulations.
- Train and direct apprentices and other helpers on job sites.
check_circle Best fit if
- —You enjoy hands-on problem-solving and seeing the tangible results of your work.
- —You can work effectively in a variety of environments, from new construction sites to cramped residential attics.
- —You are detail-oriented and can adhere strictly to safety protocols and electrical codes.
- —You have the physical stamina to be on your feet, climb, and lift heavy materials for most of the day.
cancel Skip if
- —You are uncomfortable working in physically demanding conditions, including extreme temperatures, confined spaces, or at heights.
- —You require a predictable 9-to-5 schedule, as emergency calls and project deadlines can lead to irregular hours, including nights and weekends.
- —You are not prepared for a physically taxing job that can be hard on your body over time.
- —You have difficulty working under pressure or with the significant responsibility of ensuring the safety of electrical systems.
The Landscape
The national median salary for electricians stands at $63,190, with a healthy growth projection of +9.5%, indicating a stable and in-demand profession that is also minimally exposed to AI disruption. A clear regional divide emerges, with the Pacific Northwest leading the nation in earnings; Oregon tops the list at $101,310 and Washington sits in the top five at $95,220, reflecting strong economies and a high cost of living that also necessitates rigorous licensing.
A striking pattern involves states with no statewide licensing, which don't necessarily correlate with lower pay; Illinois, for example, boasts a median salary of $99,560, placing it among the top earners despite local rather than state regulation. Similarly, New York ($78,750) also relies on municipal licensing, demonstrating that strong local markets and demand can drive high wages even without a centralized state standard. Conversely, many Southern states, including Arkansas ($49,070) and Alabama ($55,690), generally fall at the lower end of the salary spectrum, often coinciding with a lower cost of living and, in many cases, an absence of statewide licensing.
Across the board, most states that require a license mandate 8,000 hours of experience, typically gained over four to five years, but the continuing education requirements vary wildly, from a mere 3 hours every three years in Virginia to 24 hours every three years in Oregon. This diversity means that while the foundational experience is often similar, the ongoing commitment to maintain licensure can differ substantially, impacting long-term professional development and mobility. A closely-related path worth comparing is the Plumber certification. Weighing the skilled trades? Our Electrician vs. Plumber breakdown compares licensing hours, earnings, and regional demand side by side. You can also compare Electrician vs. HVAC Technician on the same dimensions.
Electrician by State
Licensing cost, reciprocity, and median pay across all 50 states.
| State | License | Licensing cost | Reciprocity | Median | vs. National |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Alabama | Yes | $115 | Re-exam | $55,690 | -11.9% |
| Alaska | Yes | $100 | Endorsement | $89,440 | +41.5% |
| Arizona | Yes | $80 | Re-exam | $61,060 | -3.4% |
| Arkansas | Yes | $105 | Endorsement | $49,070 | -22.3% |
| California | Yes | $175 | Re-exam | $76,160 | +20.5% |
| Colorado | Yes | $178 | Endorsement | $62,230 | -1.5% |
| Connecticut | Yes | $155 | Re-exam | $77,540 | +22.7% |
| Delaware | Yes | $199 | Endorsement | $63,700 | +0.8% |
| District of Columbia | Yes | $117 | Endorsement | $78,970 | +25.0% |
| Florida | No | $446 | Endorsement | $57,250 | -9.4% |
| Georgia | Yes | $70 | Endorsement | $58,320 | -7.7% |
| Hawaii | Yes | $235 | — | $96,460 | +52.7% |
| Idaho | Yes | $130 | Endorsement | $63,000 | -0.3% |
| Illinois | No | — | None | $99,560 | +57.6% |
| Indiana | No | — | No license | $68,490 | +8.4% |
| Iowa | Yes | $162 | Endorsement | $60,860 | -3.7% |
| Kansas | No | $100 | None | $65,860 | +4.2% |
| Kentucky | Yes | $80 | Endorsement | $59,720 | -5.5% |
| Louisiana | Yes | $365 | Endorsement | $61,540 | -2.6% |
| Maine | Yes | $246 | Endorsement | $75,380 | +19.3% |
| Maryland | Yes | $85 | Endorsement | $73,490 | +16.3% |
| Massachusetts | Yes | $226 | Endorsement | $79,420 | +25.7% |
| Michigan | Yes | $140 | Re-exam | $76,270 | +20.7% |
| Minnesota | Yes | $100 | Endorsement | $78,160 | +23.7% |
| Mississippi | Yes | $640 | Re-exam | $60,860 | -3.7% |
| Missouri | No | $280 | Endorsement | $65,410 | +3.5% |
| Montana | Yes | $310 | Endorsement | $76,760 | +21.5% |
| Nebraska | Yes | $120 | Endorsement | $60,820 | -3.8% |
| Nevada | No | $395 | No license | $73,570 | +16.4% |
| New Hampshire | Yes | $240 | Endorsement | $62,840 | -0.6% |
| New Jersey | Yes | $200 | — | $77,250 | +22.3% |
| New Mexico | Yes | $99 | Endorsement | $58,390 | -7.6% |
| New York | No | — | None | $78,750 | +24.6% |
| North Carolina | Yes | $125 | Endorsement | $56,800 | -10.1% |
| North Dakota | Yes | $50 | Endorsement | $65,710 | +4.0% |
| Ohio | No | $163 | Endorsement | $64,700 | +2.4% |
| Oklahoma | Yes | $167 | Endorsement | $61,010 | -3.4% |
| Oregon | Yes | $200 | Endorsement | $101,310 | +60.3% |
| Pennsylvania | No | — | None | $67,600 | +7.0% |
| Rhode Island | Yes | $150 | Re-exam | $74,090 | +17.2% |
| South Carolina | Yes | $235 | Endorsement | $58,740 | -7.0% |
| South Dakota | Yes | $150 | Endorsement | $61,390 | -2.8% |
| Tennessee | Yes | $100 | Endorsement | $61,090 | -3.3% |
| Texas | Yes | $108 | Endorsement | $58,570 | -7.3% |
| Utah | Yes | $220 | Endorsement | $62,000 | -1.9% |
| Vermont | Yes | $180 | Endorsement | $63,430 | +0.4% |
| Virginia | Yes | $230 | Endorsement | $62,900 | -0.5% |
| Washington | Yes | $130 | Endorsement | $95,220 | +50.7% |
| West Virginia | Yes | $75 | Endorsement | $64,810 | +2.6% |
| Wisconsin | Yes | $130 | Endorsement | $76,540 | +21.1% |
| Wyoming | Yes | $205 | Endorsement | $76,120 | +20.5% |
Related Certifications
Compare Electrician head-to-head
All comparisons →Weighing an Electrician career against another credential? Pay, training time, and licensing side-by-side.