Are you ready for a new career? The electrical industry is expanding rapidly in Wyoming. Homeowners and businesses need your electrical services. This profession offers you the opportunity to work for a corporation or start your own electrical contracting business. In this guide, learn the licensing requirements to earn your Wyoming electrical license.

Does Wyoming require an electrical license?

Yes, you need a Wyoming electrical license to perform this type of work.

What are the different types of electrical licenses in Wyoming?

There are two types of Wyoming electrical licenses: a master license and a journeyman license. A journeyman electrician can install, maintain, and repair many different types of electrical systems in buildings. You would be installing new lighting systems, replacing heating equipment, and creating automation systems. All of this work is supervised by a master electrician.

A master license allows you to complete the same tasks as a journeyman electrician but without supervision. You can train journeyman electricians, oversee large projects, design electrical plans, and read blueprints. 

A journeyman electrician earns an average salary of $48,000. A master electrician earns an average salary of $64,000.

How to get an electrician license in Wyoming

To get a journeyman license, you must have four years of work experience (or 8,000 hours) in the industry. You also must have nearly 600 hours of classroom instruction over that four-year period. To gain this experience, you must enter into an apprenticeship program.

You also could consider substituting 2,000 hours worth of education in various electrical-related courses. This education can be obtained through a two-year associate’s degree. The best schools for such degrees include Western Wyoming Community College and Central Wyoming College. The costs are around $3,000-$3,500 per year. You may cover some of these costs by applying for grants.

After receiving your journeyman license, you can start working towards qualifying for a master license. To qualify for this license, you are required to have an additional four years of experience while working with a journeyman license. Another 576 hours of continuing education is also required. 

The license fees are $100 for the journeyman license and $200 for the master license. Before you can pay this fee and receive your license, you must first pass an exam. These exams are based entirely on the National Electrical Code. The journeyman electrician exam is comprised of 80 questions that must be answered in four hours. You must answer 56 or more of these questions correctly to pass.

As for the master license exam, you’ll be required to answer 100 questions in five hours. A passing score is at least 75%. You can learn more about the subjects to study for this exam by looking at pages 17-20 of this online booklet. Free practice tests can be takenhere. The Wyoming Department of Fire Prevention and Electrical Safety issues all licenses.

Should I join an electrician union in Wyoming?

A union is as organized worker group that engages in collective bargaining for its members. You get access to more pay, better working conditions, a pension, and healthcare. 

You will be required to pay fees to join the union as well as annual fees, costing $200-$500. You can learn more about unions by visiting the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers.

How to use your electrician license to get a job

In today’s world, the best way to find a job is to use the Internet. LinkedIn, Indeed, andMonster are among the top online resources to find job postings.

During the interview, you will be asked to provide details about your qualifications and why you’re the right electrician for the job. The interview can cover many different subjects, including your knowledge of very technical subjects. While electricians typically wear work boots and jeans while on the job, you’ll want to dress business casual for the interview.

Electrician insurance in Wyoming

Wyoming does require all contractors to hold electrician insurance, which will protect the consumer from any financial damage while also lessening your legal risk when working on a project. All electrician insurance comes with general liability coverage.

You also might want to purchase additional coverage like a business owners policy and workers’ compensation. Electrical work is dangerous due to the possibility of electrical burns, electrocution, extreme temperatures, and other hazards.

Electrician industry trends

The electrician industry is evolving with many technological advancements. Modern client relationship and project management software allows you to keep track of customer interactions, organize billing, and reduce the amount of paperwork you need to do.

The best way to stay on top of industry trends is attending trade shows. These conferences and events can provide you with an up-close look at the industry through electrical classes and keynote speakers.

Is my license only valid in Wyoming?

Your master license is valid in Idaho, Utah, and South Dakota. Your journeyman license is valid in the following states:

• Colorado
• Arkansas
• South Dakota
• Oregon
• New Hampshire
• Minnesota
• Texas
• Montana
• Idaho
• Nebraska
• New Mexico
• Utah
• Maine

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

Journeyman electrician licenses must be renewed every three years between April 1st and July 1st. There is a $50 fee. A master license must be renewed every three years between October 1st and January 1st. The renewal fee is $100. If you don’t renew your license by the deadline, you have a grace period of 45 days to do so, if you fail to renew you will incur an additional $50 fee.