From wiring a whole building to replacing wires and circuit breakers, the work of an electrician is crucial for construction projects—and an electrician license is required to get started. Read on to learn all about becoming an electrician in this step-by-step guide.
The Job of the Electrician
Electricians perform different tasks for both residential and commercial buildings, such as:
- Reading and working on the technical diagrams of a building’s electrical wiring
- Adding and connecting wires, circuit breakers, fuses and outlets
- Repairing and maintaining power generation and distribution systems
You’ll need to use specialized equipment and comply with building codes, and you’ll most likely be working with small components that have to be handled carefully. You’ll also need to operate in different and sometimes challenging settings, such as high or very narrow places. As maintenance may be necessary at any time of the day, you may work odd hours to address emergencies.
How Much Do Electricians Earn?
According to Payscale, the median hourly rate of an electrician is $22.40. Pay rates vary between $14.80 and $35.85 per hour, depending on the person’s experience, licensing, and location.
The total yearly pay for electricians can range from $31,000 to $82,000, including bonuses, commissions, and profit-sharing.
#1. Make Sure You Have the Right Education
The basic education necessary to become an electrician is a high school diploma or GED.
Then you can apply to an electrical trade school or vocational school to learn the basics about the trade.
The typical curriculum includes:
- Electrical Theory
- Mathematics
- Electrical Engineering Basics
- Electrical Installations
You can choose a college or university program, or seek a training program at a vocational school. In either case, you will get the necessary foundation for advancing your career.
Some educational programs require both classroom instruction and an apprenticeship to get the certificate or degree.
#2. Find an Apprenticeship Program
An apprenticeship is essential for your professional development. You may need to pass an aptitude test and an interview to get accepted as someone’s apprentice.
An apprenticeship allows you to learn necessary skills in a hands-on environment. You’ll work with a master electrician or a licensed electrician who can teach you the practical side of the job. You’ll typically need two to four years of an apprenticeship to qualify for a license.
Some states require apprentices to get a license or register. The apprentice license is required in Maine and West Virginia. In Idaho, Oklahoma, Nebraska, and North Dakota, you’ll need to register as an electrical apprentice. The registration process is easier than licensing because you only need to declare with the relevant authorities that you’re working as an apprentice.
You can seek an apprenticeship through trade organizations. They can help you find a program or may run apprenticeships themselves. Some of the organizations you can check include:
- International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers
- National Electrical Contractors Association
- Independent Electrical Contractors Association
- Associated Builders and Contractors
#3. Find Out the Licensing Requirements in Your State
The licensing rules for electricians vary across the U.S. In most states, you’ll need an electrical license on the state level.
In some states, cities or municipalities require licensing. They include Illinois, Indiana, Kansas, Missouri, New York, and Pennsylvania.
After you complete the necessary apprenticeship and work experience, you can get a journeyman license. Once you have worked a certain number of years as a journeyman, you can become a licensed master. License classifications are also different in each state.
Some states have additional types of licenses, such as residential electrical installer, commercial installation electrician, specialty electrician, residential electrician, residential journeyman, residential master electrician, and limited classifications.
The typical state license requirements include:
- Register business entity in your state
- Provide information about business owners and managers
- Show proof of completed apprenticeship program with sufficient practice hours and length
- Get general liability insurance and workers’ compensation insurance (if applicable)
- Get a surety bond
#4. Complete the State Exam
Most states require you to pass a trade exam to get a journeyman electrician license. You’ll have to prove you have apprenticeship experience to qualify for the exam.
There is no unified system for electrician licensing exams across the U.S. The exams are different in each state. Their content typically includes the National Electrical Code, and local electrical and building codes.
#5. Get Your Electrician License as a Journeyman
Once you pass the state exam, you can apply for your journeyman license, which will allow you to work on projects without the supervision of a master electrician.
You’ll have to meet all the requirements set by the licensing authority, which typically is a special state board of electricians. You’ll have to pay a license and/or application fee as well. Submit the completed application form together with all paperwork via mail or online to the electrical board.
Your license will be active for one or two years. If you wish to continue your operations, you’ll have to renew your license before the expiration date. You may need to get some hours of continuing education to keep your knowledge up to date.
#6. Become a Master Electrician
After some years of experience in the trade, your natural next step is to become a master electrician. Your role then is to handle complex projects, take part in the planning and design of systems, and teach and supervise apprentices.
In most states, you’ll have to get a new type of license—a master electrician license. You’ll need to pass an exam and meet the state criteria for master electricians.
Many states require a master electrician license if you want to open your own business.
Time Tracking and Payroll for Your Electrical Business
Electrical contractors juggle a ton of tasks, and this includes administrative work as well. Tracking the hours of employees and handling payroll are some of the major projects they take on.
Hourly helps you manage your employee time tracking and payroll with ease. It’s your trusted partner for staying on top of workers’ comp, employee costs, and payroll deductions.
Want to see how Hourly can benefit your electrical business? Download our payroll app on any mobile device - and get started right away.
1. Introducing Yourself
Your introductory email needs to pack a lot of information into a small package. Try something like this:
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Hello Jane,
My name is John Doe and I work for ABC Agency, where we provide business insurance policies to many of Dallas' rockstar small businesses.
Congratulations on your new business, Jane's Bakery. Are you wondering if you have all the insurance you need? Or if your policies will really cover you in a pinch?
At ABC Agency, we pride ourselves on providing robust, comprehensive coverage options to companies like yours with flexible, pay-as-you-go plans.
Are you available this week to talk more about how we can help? I can help you find the most affordable rates and the best policies out there.
I look forward to speaking with you soon.
Cheers,
John Doe
2. Presenting a Quote
Once you've met with your potential client, a quick reply with their quote will get the ball rolling.
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Hi Jane,
Thanks so much for meeting with me this morning. I loved touring Jane's Bakery–I can still smell those delicious chocolate chip cookies baking! You have a great location, and I'm sure you're going to do great on Front St.
After reviewing my notes, I've pulled together an insurance quote for you (attached). I recommend a business owner's policy. A BOP includes several insurance products in one: liability, property insurance, and business interruption insurance. It offers robust coverage at a competitive price.
I'll call you in a few days to see what you think about this insurance plan. In the meantime, if you have any questions, don't hesitate to email me or call me at [phone number].
Again, thank you for your time today. I look forward to working with you in the future.
Cheers,
John Doe
3. Thanks for Purchasing a Policy
Gratitude is important! It's never a bad idea to thank your clients for their business.
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Hi Jane,
Thank you for choosing a business owner's policy with ABC Agency. We know it's so important to get the right coverage for your business, and we are honoured you've placed your trust in us.
We're excited to work closely with you, and our no. 1 goal is to make sure you're business is always protected.
Do you have any questions? We are here to help. Reach out whenever something comes to mind.
Thank you again for choosing ABC Agency to insure Jane's Bakery.
Cheers,
John Doe
4. Welcome Email
A welcome email helps clients feel like you're there to help–and can softly pitch other insurance products you offer.
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Dear Jane,
Welcome to the ABC family! We are thrilled to have you as a new customer and can't wait to meet all of your insurance needs.
As an independent insurance agency, we work with multiple insurance providers to find the best coverage options for all our customers. If you need any other type of insurance–like [include additional offerings unique to your agency, like life insurance, health insurance, home insurance or anything else]–we can help you too.
Do you want to discuss any of these policies?
Cheers,
John Doe
5. Introducing a New Product
A happy client may want to expand their business with you.
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Hello Jane,
I hope all is well with you and Jane's Bakery. I stopped in yesterday for a blueberry muffin and coffee, and they were delicious. I loved the hint of cinnamon in the muffin! Was that your idea?
I wanted you to be the first to know we are now offering commercial vehicle insurance to our policyholders. Auto insurance for your catering vans is super important since your personal car insurance won't cover them.
We're offering this insurance coverage solely to our current business clients at the moment and have some very competitive rates.
Would you like me to work up a quote for you?
As always, thanks so much for being a part of the ABC family.
Cheers,
John Doe
6. Asking For Referrals
Once your relationship is established and comfortable, let your clients help you grow.
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Hi Jane,
You've been a valuable member of the ABC family for two years now, and we so appreciate your business–not to mention the muffins you supply for our monthly meetings!
Because you are a valued policyholder, I wanted to ask a quick favour. I know you are active in the local Chamber of Commerce, and I'm hoping you might know some colleagues who would benefit from working with our insurance company.
Referrals are one of the most effective ways to connect with our community since people really trust their friends, family and colleagues. Is there anyone you'd recommend I speak with?
Remember that in addition to business insurance products, we offer everything from life insurance policies to pet insurance.
As a thank you for your help, we will send you an Amazon gift card of $100 when your referrals buy insurance from us.
Thanks so much for your help!
Cheers,
John Doe
7. Policy Renewal
If your client needs to renew their policy with you, send an email like this:
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Hi Jane,
I hope you're doing well! What a year it's been—from being listed as one of the top 5 bakeries in Dallas to being an official vendor for the city—you have so much to be proud of.
Just a heads up that your business owner's policy is up for renewal soon and will expire on June 15, 2023.
If you're still happy with the coverage, we can easily renew it for you.
Do you have some time to chat this week?
Looking forward to serving you again!
Cheers,
John Doe