New York Electrician License: Everything You Need to Know

New York 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.

 Electrician job growth in the U.S. is faster than general job growth; according to the U.S. Department of Labor, national electrician job growth is expected to increase at a rate of about 11% over the next decade. In New York, electrician job growth is below the national average, at 5%, but it is still on pace with overall job growth in the state.

Do you want to offer electrical services to clients? You can be an important resource for homeowners and businesses. Whether you become an electrician or start your own business, our guide examines the requirements for attaining a New York electrical license. We also offer employment tips, links to helpful licensing and training sites, and specialized professional credential information.

Does New York require an electrical license?

No, you do not need a New York electrical license. In rural upstate New York, you can do electrical work without any license. However, in other jurisdictions, you may be required to have a license at both the county and municipal levels. New York City has one of the strictest licensing protocols in the country and issues licenses through the Department of Buildings.

Although municipal regulations for electrician licensing vary, we’ll use examples from New York City, which requires city electricians to be licensed. This will help prospective electricians or those seeking NYC certifications better understand the requirements that must be followed.

What are the different types of electrical licenses in New York?

Many New York county and city jurisdictions have electrical licensing procedures that use the traditional multistage process. New York City does not issue licenses to journeymen. New York City only issues two types of electrical contracting licenses:

• Master Electrician License: A Master Electrician license permits you to perform electrical contracting work in any building or facility project in New York City’s five boroughs.
• Special Electrician License: A Special Electrician license permits you to perform electrical contracting work in a specific building or facility project in New York City’s five boroughs.

How to get an electrician license in New York City

The NYC Department of Buildings is responsible for issuing Master Electrician and Special Electrician licenses as well as for administering the qualifying examinations.

Obtaining a New York electrical license is a complex process. To qualify, you must be at least 21 years old, read and write English, and be of good moral character. While the Department of Buildings does not define “good moral character,” one of the requirements for licensure is the ability to pass a background investigation. This background investigation includes the submission of specified documents, one of which is a questionnaire that inquires about criminal convictions.

Qualifications for NYC electrical licenses

You must have at least 7.5 years of practical field experience in electrical work, and this experience must have been within 10 years of the date you applied for your license. Of those 7.5 years, 10,500 hours must have been spent installing, repairing, or altering wiring or appliances that generate electric power, heat, or light in buildings or comparable facilities.

• If the licensee worked in New York City, this experience must have been obtained by working under the supervision of a Master Electrician or Special Electrician licensed by the NYC Department of Buildings.
• If the licensee worked outside of New York City, this experience must have been obtained by working under a supervisor whose qualifications were deemed equivalent to those of a Master or Special Electrician license holder by the Building Codes department in that jurisdiction.

You must satisfy one of the following experience requirements for your electrician license to be approved:

• Journeyman electrician with seven and a half years of experience and at least 10,500 hours of primary experience installing, repairing, or altering wiring or appliances involved in the generation of electric power, heat, or light in buildings or comparable facilities, OR
• Bachelor of Science in electrical engineering with three and a half years of experience and at least 4,900 hours of primary experience, OR
• Master of Science in electrical engineering with two and a half years of experience and at least 3,500 hours of primary experience, OR
• Graduate of a trade school or apprenticeship program registered with the New York Department of Labor with at least five and a half years of experience and 7,000 hours or more of primary experience, OR
• Someone who began working toward a bachelor’s degree in mechanical or electrical engineering or took classes at a vocational school with an electrical contracting curriculum. Classes taken toward this degree plus pertinent work experience must combine to equal seven and a half years of experience with a minimum of 7,000 hours of primary experience, OR
• Electrical inspector working with a state or public agency vetted by the Building Commission. This experience plus pertinent work experience must combine to equal seven and a half years of experience with a minimum of 7,000 of primary experience

You’ll have to summarize this information in the “Supplemental Investigation Questionnaire” for your background check.

NYC electrician examination details

Licensure candidates must pass two examinations.

• The first examination is a closed-book, multiple-choice test of the applicant’s knowledge of the National Electrical Code (NEC), the New York City Electrical Code, and other applicable rules and regulations. The fee is $525, and a passing grade is 70%.
• The second examination is a practical exam covering field parameters such as conduits, starters, and lighting. It costs $350.

You must apply to the Licensing and Exams Unit of the New York City Department of Buildings to schedule your exam dates. The written exam proctor will notify you whether or not you passed that exam after the examination. You will be notified if you pass the practical exam three to four weeks after you take the exam.

NYC electrician pre-licensing background investigation

You must pass a background investigation to obtain either a Master or a Special Electrical license in New York City. You’ll have to submit the documentation below to the Licensing & Exams Unit of the NYC Department of Buildings within one year:

• Photo ID
• Original social security card
• Proof of residence
• Examination score reports
• Supplemental investigation questionnaire
• Notarized background investigation questionnaire
• Voluntary authorization for summons notifications
• Physical exam form
• Verification forms signed by supervisors for all the years you’re claiming as experience
• History of social security earnings for all the years you’re claiming as experience
• Child support certification form, if applicable

The fee for processing these materials is $500. All documents must be originals.

To be licensed as an electrician in New York City, candidates must register as a business entity. Sole proprietorships and general partnerships can be registered with a county clerk’s office; corporations and limited liability companies must be registered with the New York State Department of State.

As part of the background check, you will be required to verify your business’s address. You will also be required to show proof that your electrical business carries general liability, disability, and workers’ compensation insurance.

Licensing requirements for other New York cities

NYC isn’t the only municipality to require electricians to hold a valid license to perform residential and commercial electrical work.

• Rochester issues a single-phase electrician license, which requires a minimum of two years of practical experience in electrical wiring or 3,000 hours of experience in the electrical trade. It also issues Master Electrician licenses, which require at least four years of practical experience in electrical wiring or 6,000 hours of practical field experience.
• Syracuse also issues two types of electrician licenses. Limited electricians must have at least five years of practice experience, while Master Electricians must have at least ten years of experience.

Professional certifications for New York electricians

An electrician’s license isn’t required to work in many areas of the state. However, some municipalities, including Rochester, New York City, and Syracuse, require electricians to be licensed to work independently, take on government projects, or start their own business.

Although you may not need a license, earning professional certifications can enhance your career and open new opportunities. These optional credentials are recognized nationwide and showcase your expertise in specialized electrical work, helping you stand out in the field and advance professionally.

NECA professional certifications

The National Electrical Contractors Association (NECA) is the leading organization for professional electricians in the U.S. Open to all electricians, NECA provides networking opportunities, continuing education, and certifications for various career levels. These certifications validate your expertise, helping you stand out to employers and clients while strengthening your professional reputation. As a highly respected industry leader, NECA offers valuable resources to support electricians in growing their careers, expanding their knowledge, and staying competitive in the ever-evolving electrical industry.

National Fire Protection Association certification

The National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) provides certifications for electricians specializing in fire suppression, security alarms, and related systems. These credentials validate your skills and enhance your professional reputation. With multiple certification options, the NFPA supports various career paths and experience levels. It also offers continuing education to keep electricians informed about industry standards, new technologies, and safety regulations. Additionally, the NFPA is responsible for developing, maintaining, and updating the National Electric Code (NEC) as needed.

Independent Electrical Contractors Certified Professional Electrician

The Independent Electrical Contractors (IEC) is a national trade association representing merit shop electricians and contractors. It offers education, training, and certifications to support career growth and professional development. The IEC Certified Professional Electrician (CPE) designation recognizes top electricians across the country and is accepted in every state. IEC provides various certifications for those not yet ready for CPE, including specialized options for niche fields.

As a leading merit shop association, IEC also offers continuing education and apprenticeships to help electricians stay updated with industry advancements. For those not pursuing a union apprenticeship or trade school, IEC provides a strong alternative for foundational electrical training.

Average wages for electrical professionals in New York:

How much do electricians earn? Your salary depends on factors like experience, training, and education. Pay varies by position, with different roles offering different wages. In New York, salaries for the most commonly advertised electrician jobs reflect these factors, showing a range based on skill level and job type. Higher experience and specialized skills often lead to better-paying opportunities. Whether you’re just starting or have years of experience, understanding the average wages for various electrician roles can help you plan your career path.

Below are some of the most frequently advertised electrician jobs in New York and their respective average salaries:

• Apprentice electrician: $23.46 per hour
• Electrical technician: $29.73 per hour
• General electrician: $67,378 per year
• Journeyman electrician: $32.17 per hour
• Electrical foreman: $40.09 per hour
• Electrical Project Manager: $104,975 per year

New York electricians’ salaries are slightly higher than the national average for most positions. The national average for entry-level apprentices is $22.03 per hour, compared to $23.46 per hour in New York. General electricians in New York can earn $67,378 per year, and electrical foremen can earn $40.09 per hour, compared to the U.S. averages of $63,671 per year and $34.88 per hour, respectively. It’s important to note that large metro areas like NYC may pay considerably more than smaller towns in upstate New York.

Hourly electricians can boost their earnings by working overtime, night, or weekend shifts if their employer offers higher pay for those hours. Salaried electricians may not receive overtime but could earn bonuses. Those who own electrical contracting businesses have the potential to make six figures or more. Pay depends on experience, job type, and extra income opportunities, making the electrical trade a financially rewarding and versatile career choice.

Should I join an electrician’s union in New York?

The largest electricians’ union throughout New York—and the country—is the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers (IBEW) is the largest electricians’ union in New York and the country. Unionized jobs typically command higher pay rates and better benefits, particularly for apprentices and journeymen electricians. The IBEW offers apprenticeships through its Locals throughout the state. However, many potential employers may prefer to work with non-union electricians.

If you believe joining a union is right for you, you can check out IBEW Local 3 in NYC, IBEW 1249 in Syracuse, or IBEW Local 97 in the Finger Lakes region.

How to use your electrician license to get a job

Electrical contractors find employment in the counties and municipalities through membership in professional organizations like the National Electrical Contractors Association (NECA) or the Independent Electrical Contractors (IEC) and through affiliation with local business groups like the Chamber of Commerce and the Better Business Bureau. Don’t forget to use your professional network to find a job, too. Your former mentors from your apprenticeship, instructors from trade school, or other people you’ve worked with, such as in a subcontractor role, can all help you find a job.

Most employers advertise jobs online; major sites like Indeed, Career Builder, or Zip Recruiter. If you’re interested in a government job, you can also search the New York State careers website.

Electrician insurance in New York

New York contractors, including electricians, are required to carry general liability insurance covering themselves and their workers. If you work for someone else, your employer will likely cover you, although having good insurance coverage is critical if you get seriously hurt. If you own a contractor business, you must also carry New York Workers’ Compensation Insurance coverage.

Electrician industry trends

Environment awareness is one of the major construction industry trends in New York. Electricians are needed to engineer energy-efficient residential and commercial electrical systems. Wind and solar power are becoming more commonplace, too. If you are able to work on solar panels, turbines, or transfer the power harvested from the wind and sun to the grid, then you may have a great career ahead of you.

You can also attend trade shows for electricians to learn about the latest trends and innovative software that can help them deliver their services more efficiently.

FAQ

Is my license only valid in New York?

Since New York State doesn’t issue electrical licenses, there are no reciprocity agreements with other states.

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

Each municipality that issues electrician licenses sets its own renewal schedule and fees. Check with your local jurisdiction to find out license renewal procedures in other counties and municipalities.

Can I work in New York without an electrical license?

Yes, you can work as an electrician in a jurisdiction (city or county) that doesn’t require licensing. However, not having a license can impact your job options, as you may not be able to work in major cities like NYC, Syracuse, or Rochester without one.