Nebraska Electrician License: Everything You Need to Know

Nebraska has a lot to offer to a budding electrician. The state is constantly expanding, and with every new construction project, there is a need for skilled electricians to perform custom wiring projects.

Are you seeking a new career path? The electrical industry is growing rapidly in Nebraska. In fact, over the next decade, the U.S. Department of Labor estimates that electrician job growth in Nebraska will be about 14%, which is higher than the national average of 11%.

By providing electrical services to businesses and homeowners, you will become an important resource for them. You can either work for a corporation or start your own electrical contracting business. In this guide, you’ll learn the licensing requirements to earn your Nebraska electrical license. We include links for submitting your license application, practice tests and continuing education, and other helpful links to help you find a job with your electrician training.

Does Nebraska require an electrical license?

Yes, you will need a Nebraska electrical license to perform electrical work in the state. The Nebraska State Electrical Division regulates license requirements, and issues state electrician licenses. Although Nebraska apprentice electricians don’t have to have a license to train, they do have to register with the state electrical board.

What are the different types of electrical licenses in Nebraska?

There are three Nebraska electrical licenses:

• Journeyman electrician
• Master electrician
• Electrical contractor

As a registered apprentice, you can perform electrical wiring under the supervision of an electrical contractor. Your work counts toward the on-the-job experience required to get your journeyman license.

After gaining the required experience, you can apply for a journeyman license. This license allows you to install and maintain electrical systems in an array of settings, like homes, hospitals, and manufacturing warehouses.

The next step is securing your Master Electrician license, which can open up more opportunities for you. Holding this license shows the extent of your training and education.

With an electrical contractor license, you can supervise other electricians and serve as a foreman on large-scale projects. You can also bid on state projects; Nebraska only permits licensed electrical contractors to perform work on state property.

Professional certifications for Nebraska electricians

To work independently, take on government projects, or run your own business, an electrician’s license is required. However, optional certifications can help you advance your career. Recognized in all 50 states, these certifications showcase your expertise in specialized electrical work, making you more competitive in the field.

Independent Electrical Contractors Certified Professional Electrician

The Independent Electrical Contractors (IEC) Certified Professional Electrician (CPE) designation recognizes top electricians nationwide and is accepted in all 50 states. For those not yet ready for CPE certification, IEC offers various other certifications, including specialized options for niche fields. IEC also provides continuing education resources to help electricians stay current with industry advancements and connect with apprenticeship opportunities. If you’re not pursuing a union apprenticeship or attending trade school, IEC serves as a strong alternative for gaining foundational education and hands-on training in the electrical trade.

NECA professional certifications

The National Electrical Contractors Association (NECA) is the largest and most respected organization for professional electricians in the U.S. Open to all electricians, it offers valuable networking opportunities and continuing education. NECA also provides certifications designed for different career stages, helping electricians showcase their skills and expertise. Earning a NECA certification enhances your professional credibility, making you more competitive in the industry and helping you stand out to potential employers and customers.

National Fire Protection Association certification

The National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) offers certifications for electricians specializing in fire suppression systems, security alarms, and related technologies. These certifications validate your expertise and strengthen your professional credentials. NFPA provides various certification options for different career paths and experience levels. It also offers continuing education to help electricians stay up to date with industry standards, new technologies, and safety regulations, ensuring they remain knowledgeable and competitive in the field.

Average wages for electrical professionals in Nebraska:

How much do electricians make? Your salary varies based on your experience, training, and education, with different positions offering different wages. In Nebraska, the average pay for the most commonly advertised electrician jobs varies, reflecting these factors. Here’s a breakdown of the average salaries for those positions in the state:

• Apprentice electrician: $22.02 per hour
• Electrical technician: $29.96 per hour
• General electrician: $64,521 per year
• Journeyman electrician: $35.61 per hour
• Electrical foreman: $29.58 per hour
• Electrical Project Manager: $96,956 per year

Hourly electricians can earn more by working overtime or if their employer offers higher pay for night and weekend shifts. Salaried electricians might not receive overtime pay, but they could qualify for bonuses. If you own your own electrical contracting business, the potential earnings can be substantial, often reaching six figures or more.

Compared to the national averages, Nebraska electricians make about the same. However, the cost of living in Nebraska is lower than in many other parts of the country, which can help your dollars stretch further. General electricians in Nebraska make an average of $64,521 per year, close to the national average of $63,627 per year. Entry-level electricians, too, make about the same; Nebraska’s journeyman electricians can expect to earn an average of $35.61 per hour, compared to the U.S. average of $34.05 per hour.

How to get an electrician license in Nebraska

First, as an apprentice, you must register with the Nebraska Electrical Division. Upon approval, you can work with a licensed electrician. Registration fees for this license are $20 for an even-numbered year and $40 for an odd-numbered year; registrations must be renewed every even-numbered year.

Journeyman license requirements

To apply for a journeyman license, you will need at least four years of experience within the electrical industry. This experience can be gained through an apprenticeship. You also can use a two-year associate’s degree in electrical technology as one year of experience. Some of the top schools for electrical professionals include:

• Metropolitan Community College
• Central Community College
• Western Nebraska Community College

Tuition for these schools can cost between $2,500 and $3,500 per year. The FAFSA can help cover some of these costs.

After four years of experience, you will need to take the journeyman exam. This exam covers such topics as the National Electrical Code, the Nebraska State Electrical Act, blueprint reading, and basic electricity. The National Electrical Code Book is the best resource that you can use to study for this exam. The exam lasts for three hours and comes with 50 questions. You must obtain a score of 76% or higher to pass.  You can find some free practice tests here.

The cost for the exam is: $25 in even-numbered years, $50 in odd-numbered years

Electrical contractor license requirements

For the electrical contractor license, you can obtain this license solely with experience or with a combination of experience and education. With the former route, you must have five years of experience in the electrical industry. You also can apply for this license if you have a four-year electrical degree at an accredited college and have one or more years of experience as a journeyman electrician.

The cost of the electrical contractor exam is $125 in even-numbered years and $250 in odd-numbered years.

The best universities for a bachelor’s degree in electrical work include the University of Nebraska at Lincoln and the University of Nebraska at Kearney. Both of these universities offer bachelor’s degrees in electrical engineering. Tuition for these universities can cost around $7,000-$8,500 per year.

Should I join an electrician union in Nebraska?

In Nebraska, you have the opportunity to join an electrician union through the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers (IBEW). To join, you will need to complete an apprenticeship offered directly by the union. In turn, you will gain access to organization benefits, like collective bargaining for better pay and better working conditions.

The IBEW has several local branches in the state, including IBEW Local 22 in Omaha, IBEW Local 1597 in central and western Nebraska, and IBEW Local 1920 in North Platte.

How to use your electrician license to get a job

Websites like LinkedIn, ZipRecruiter, and Indeed post hundreds of licensed electrician jobs. If you are interested in a government job, the state posts electrician jobs on its website, too.

You can also network with people in your local area, including your instructors from a community college or university, your local IBEW union, or people you worked with as an apprentice. Membership in organizations like NECA and the IEC can also provide valuable networking opportunities.

When you go for your electrician job interview, be polite and professional. Wear business casual clothing so you look nice but are comfortable enough to complete practical tasks if the employer asks. Many employers may ask for a demonstration of your skills, so be sure to bring your tools, just in case.

Electrician insurance in Nebraska

To pursue an electrical contractor license, you will need insurance. You must have accident, property, and liability insurance. Depending on the cost and scope of the project, some jobs may require additional liability insurance or a surety bond.

In addition, if you have an electrician business and employees (as in, more people than just you), you must carry appropriate Nebraska Workers’ Compensation insurance.

Electrician industry trends

You’ll have the opportunity to work with many modern technologies. For example, wearable devices are being increasingly used by electrical contractors to warn about close proximity to high-voltage electricity.

LED lighting is also becoming more prominent in homes and businesses across the country. The main initiative for making the grid smarter involves placing sensors into the electrical system infrastructure. Electricians will need to know how to work with this technology.

LED isn’t the only advancement in alternative energy. Solar power is increasingly popular, so electricians who can install and repair solar panels for both residential and commercial customers may have a solid career in this sector.

The best way to discover the new trends is to attend trade shows. At these events, you’ll take classes and network with other industry professionals.

FAQ

Is my license only valid in Nebraska?

Nebraska has reciprocity agreements with Iowa, Minnesota, Montana, New Hampshire, New Mexico, North Dakota, Oklahoma, South Dakota, and Wyoming.

You also can use a Nebraska contractor electrical license in Minnesota and South Dakota.

How often do I need to renew my electrician license in Nebraska?

Nebraska electrical licenses expire on December 31st of even-numbered years. You will be required to attend 12 hours of continuing education.

How can I change my name or other information on my Nebraska electrician license?

Submit contact change requests for any license on NIPR’s Producer Database.