How to Become an Electrician in Kentucky

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

Quick Facts

Median Salary: $54,280/year
Job Outlook: 8% growth (2024-2034)
Licensing Required: Yes
Continuing Ed: 12 hours/annual

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

⚠️ Important Note for Kentucky

Kentucky has statewide licensing requirements for electricians

Electrician License Requirements in Kentucky

Licensing Authority

Kentucky Department of Housing, Buildings and Construction

Phone: (502) 573-0365

Website: https://dhbc.ky.gov/

Official Source: https://dhbc.ky.gov/

License Types & Requirements

Electrical Apprentice

  • 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: $50
  • Requirements: 8,000 hours experience or approved apprenticeship, pass journeyman exam

Master Electrician

  • Required Hours: 12,000 hours of supervised work experience
  • Exam Required: Yes - PSI
  • Application Fee: $75
  • Requirements: 4,000 hours as journeyman, pass master exam

Electrical Contractor

  • Exam Required: Yes - PSI
  • Application Fee: $150
  • Requirements: Must hold master license, pass contractor exam, obtain bond

Path to Becoming an Electrician in Kentucky

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 Kentucky, 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 Kentucky 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 Kentucky Department of Housing, Buildings and Construction with proof of hours, exam scores, and fees.

Electrician Salary in Kentucky

Entry Level: $37,540/year
Median Salary: $54,280/year
Experienced: $71,320/year

Source: BLS May 2024

License Reciprocity

Kentucky has reciprocity agreements with the following states:

  • Indiana
  • Ohio
  • Tennessee
  • West Virginia

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

Major Cities Hiring Electricians in Kentucky

  • Louisville
  • Lexington
  • Bowling Green
  • Owensboro
  • Covington

Continuing Education Requirements

To maintain your electrician license in Kentucky, you must complete 12 hours of continuing education every annual.

Start Your Electrician Career in Kentucky

Contact the Kentucky Department of Housing, Buildings and Construction 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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