How to Become an Electrician in Iowa

Complete requirements, licensing steps, and career outlook for electricians in Iowa

Quick Facts

Median Salary: $57,340/year
Job Outlook: 7% growth (2024-2034)
Licensing Required: Yes
Continuing Ed: 18 hours/triennial (3 years)

✓ Information verified from official sources (Last updated: 2025-01-27)

⚠️ Important Note for Iowa

Iowa has statewide licensing requirements for electricians in municipalities over 15,000 population

Electrician License Requirements in Iowa

Licensing Authority

Iowa Division of Labor, Contractor Registration

Phone: (515) 725-5619

Website: https://www.iowadivisionoflabor.gov/contractor-registration

Official Source: https://www.iowadivisionoflabor.gov/

License Types & Requirements

Apprentice Electrician

  • Exam Required: No
  • Application Fee: $30
  • Requirements: Must register and work under licensed electrician

Journeyman Electrician

  • Required Hours: 8,000 hours of supervised work experience
  • Exam Required: Yes - PSI
  • Application Fee: $60
  • Requirements: 8,000 hours experience or apprenticeship, pass journeyman exam

Master Electrician

  • Required Hours: 10,000 hours of supervised work experience
  • Exam Required: Yes - PSI
  • Application Fee: $90
  • Requirements: 2,000 hours as journeyman, pass master exam

Electrical Contractor

  • Exam Required: No
  • Application Fee: $125
  • Requirements: Must employ licensed master electrician, register with state

Path to Becoming an Electrician in Iowa

Step 1: Complete High School Education

Earn a high school diploma or GED. Focus on math (especially algebra and trigonometry), physics, and shop classes if available.

Step 2: Enter an Apprenticeship Program

Apply to an apprenticeship program through a union (IBEW) or independent electrical contractor. In Iowa, you'll typically need 8000 hours of on-the-job training.

Step 3: Complete Required Hours

Work under supervision while logging your hours. Most apprenticeships in Iowa take 4-5 years to complete.

Step 4: Pass Licensing Exam

Study for and pass the PSI journeyman electrician exam.

Step 5: Apply for Your License

Submit your application to Iowa Division of Labor, Contractor Registration with proof of hours, exam scores, and fees.

Electrician Salary in Iowa

Entry Level: $39,680/year
Median Salary: $57,340/year
Experienced: $75,120/year

Source: BLS May 2024

License Reciprocity

Iowa has reciprocity agreements with the following states:

  • Minnesota
  • Nebraska
  • Wisconsin

This means if you're licensed in one of these states, you may be able to obtain a Iowa license with reduced requirements.

Major Cities Hiring Electricians in Iowa

  • Des Moines
  • Cedar Rapids
  • Davenport
  • Sioux City
  • Iowa City

Continuing Education Requirements

To maintain your electrician license in Iowa, you must complete 18 hours of continuing education every triennial (3 years).

Start Your Electrician Career in Iowa

Contact the Iowa Division of Labor, Contractor Registration for application details and approved training programs.

Visit Licensing Board

Recommended Resources

📘
NFPA 70: NEC 2026 Required for most exams
📗
Ugly's Electrical References Quick reference guide
🔧
Klein Tools Apprentice Tool Set Essential hand tools

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