Electrician in Kentucky
Requirements, salary data, licensing costs, and career ROI for KY. Updated with 2024 BLS OEWS wage data.
BLS OEWS 2024, Kentucky.
Jobs (KY)
10-yr job growth
Licensing fees
Time to complete
route How to become an electrician in Kentucky
To become a licensed Journeyman Electrician in Kentucky, individuals must meet specific requirements set by the Department of Housing, Buildings and Construction, Division of Electrical. This typically involves accumulating 8,000 hours of documented work experience over at least four years, coupled with 576 hours of classroom training or an associate's degree. After fulfilling these prerequisites, applicants must pass the Kentucky Electrician Exam and submit an application with the associated fee. Reciprocity is available with Ohio and Virginia.
bar_chart Salary percentiles
Source: BLS OEWS 2024 for Kentucky. Metro-area wages may differ significantly from the state aggregate.
checklist Kentucky requirements
| Licensing body | Department of Housing, Buildings and Construction, Division of Electrical |
| State license | Required |
| Education | 576 hours of classroom training OR an associate's degree, OR an additional two years of work experience beyond the 8000 hours. |
| Experience | 8,000.0 hours |
| Exam | Kentucky Electrician Exam ($80) |
| Renewal | Every 2.0 years |
| Continuing education | 6.0 hours per cycle |
| Notes | Minimum age is generally 18 years old. Experience must be gained over at least 4 years. Initial license fee is $50. Journeyman electricians must hold their license for two years before being eligible for a Master Electrician license. Reciprocity is available with Ohio and Virginia. |
Source: Department of Housing, Buildings and Construction, Division of Electrical
workspace_premium Kentucky license tiers
Kentucky offers multiple tiers of electrician licensing:
| Tier | Hours required |
|---|---|
| Electrician | 8,000 |
| Master Electrician | 10,000 |
| Electrical Contractor | 10,000 |
work_outline Job outlook
AI & tech impact
This career has low exposure to AI automation. Most tasks require physical presence, human judgment, or hands-on skills that AI cannot easily replicate.
balance Is it worth it?
- check_circleKentucky license required — clearer credential signal to employers
- check_circleStrong 10-year job growth (+9.5%)
- check_circleLow AI disruption risk