Construction sites, government agencies, and residential property owners depend on electricians to perform installations and wiring. Because the electrical industry is growing, you might want to get an Oregon electrical license.

This career path offers flexibility and competitive pay. This electrical license guide shows you how to get licensed and find an electrician job.

Does Oregon require an electrical license?

Oregon electricians must be licensed to perform electrician work on residential and commercial properties.

What are the different types of electrical licenses in Oregon?

Oregon electrical license categories include:

• General Supervising Electrician
• General Journeyman Electrician
• Limited Supervising Electrician
• Limited Journeyman Electrician
• Limited Maintenance Electrician
• Limited Residential Electrician

General supervising electricians are authorized to plan, design, and sign permits. Licensees have the authority to supervise other electricians. Licensing fee is $100. Qualifications include:

• Be a licensed Oregon journeyman
• Have at least 8,000 hours of on-the-job training
• Be at least 18 years old with a high school diploma or GED
• Pass an examination

General journeyman electricians are authorized to perform electrical installations under the direction and control of a licensed general supervising technician. Licensing fee is $100. Qualifications include:

• Complete an Oregon electrician apprenticeship
• Have at least 576 hours of classroom training
• Have at least 8,000 hours of experience
• Pass an examination

Limited supervising electricians are authorized to plan, design, sign permits, and lay out electrical work. Licensees have the authority to direct, control, or supervise electrical work in a hospital, plant, or commercial building. Licensing fee is $100. Qualifications include:

• Be a licensed Oregon limited journeyman
• Have at least 8,000 hours of experience working in a plant
• Pass an examination

Limited maintenance electricians are authorized to maintain and repair existing electrical installations in a commercial building, institution, or plant. License fee is $100. Qualifications include:

• Complete an Oregon apprenticeship program
• Have at least 288 hours of classroom training
• Have at least 4,000 hours of work experience
• Pass an examination

Limited residential electricians are authorized to perform electrical installations in multi-family units, single family units, and multi-family units. Work is limited to residential properties with a maximum of three floors. All work must be supervised by a general supervising electrician. Licensing fee is $100. Qualifications include:

• Complete an Oregon apprenticeship
• Have at least 288 hours of classroom training
• Have at least 4,000 hours of work experience
• Pass an examination

Licenses are issued by the Oregon Department of Consumer and Business Services. The average hourly pay for Oregon electricians is $33.08.

How to get an electrician license in Oregon

The first step is to enroll in an approved Oregon apprenticeship program. During the program, you will receive on-the-job and classroom training. Unions and companies sponsor Oregon apprenticeship programs.

Oregon electrician apprenticeship programs:

• Limited Energy Technician Apprenticeship Program
• Limited Residential Technician Apprenticeship Program

Oregon electrician apprenticeship program information: 

Oregon apprenticeship application fees are between $50 and $100. Expect to pay up to $10,000 for electrician courses from a trade school or community college. Accredited trade schools generally offer financial aid options for apprentices. Some apprenticeships are paid for by sponsors. Electrician courses must be taken in a classroom.

Apprenticeship prerequisites:

• Must be at least 18 years old to enroll
• Must have a high school diploma or GED
• Be physically capable of performing work as an apprentice
• Must pass an Algebra I course before enrolling in the program

On-the-Job Experience:

• Troubleshoot electrical problems
• Install and connect wires
• Replace electrical wiring systems
• Repair electrical wires in existing dwellings

Oregon license examination information: 

Applicants must score at least a 75% on exams. Fees are between $100 and $200 per exam. Exams are administered by the Oregon electrical licensing division.

Oregon electrical examination content includes:

• Calculations
• Practical Applications
• Motors and Generators
• Theory formulas

Test Preparation Resources:

• Oregon Electrician License Exam – Tests.com
• Oregon Electric Test Prep

Should I join an electrician union in Oregon?

Union members are more likely to receive a higher salary. Many union members earn 20% more than other electricians. You’re also entitled to vacation pay, a pension, representation, and sick pay. Union members are required to pay union dues.

How to use your electrician license to get a job

The Oregon job industry is competitive. However, your Oregon electrical license shows hiring managers that you have the skills to perform your job. Search the following career websites for current electrician job listings:

• Electrical Agent
• CareerBuilder
• Electrical Jobs Today
• Glassdoor

Electrician insurance in Oregon

Oregon electricians face all types of job hazards, including risks of electrical fires and electrical shock. Electricians in Oregon must have liability insurance coverage to perform professional electrical work for residential and commercial properties.

Electrician industry trends

Innovative technology has contributed to the rapid changes in the electrical industry. Electricians must keep up with the latest trends to remain competitive. 

New homes are constructed with smart technology. Electricians must learn how to wire these homes. Electrician companies are providing their customers with automated billing and scheduling options. This trend enhances the customer experience. You can attend trade shows to learn the recent developments in the electrical industry.

Is my license only valid in Oregon?

Oregon has electrician license reciprocity agreements with Utah, Montana, Wyoming, Maine, Idaho, and Arkansas.

I already have a license but:

• I changed my name – Complete this form.
• I misplaced the card – Order a new card online.
• I changed my address – Complete this form.

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

Renew your electrician license every two years. Fees are between $100 and $200.