How to Become an Electrician in Massachusetts

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

Quick Facts

Median Salary: $72,340/year
Job Outlook: 6% growth (2024-2034)
Licensing Required: Yes
Continuing Ed: 21 hours/triennial (3 years)

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

⚠️ Important Note for Massachusetts

Massachusetts has comprehensive statewide licensing with multiple specialty classifications

Electrician License Requirements in Massachusetts

Licensing Authority

Massachusetts Board of State Examiners of Electricians

Phone: (617) 727-9931

Website: https://www.mass.gov/orgs/board-of-state-examiners-of-electricians

Official Source: https://www.mass.gov/orgs/board-of-state-examiners-of-electricians

License Types & Requirements

Apprentice Electrician (Class A)

  • Exam Required: No
  • Application Fee: $36
  • Requirements: Must register and work under licensed journeyman or master

Journeyman Electrician (Class B)

  • Required Hours: 8,000 hours of supervised work experience
  • Exam Required: Yes - State exam
  • Application Fee: $72
  • Requirements: 8,000 hours experience (600+ hours classroom), pass journeyman exam

Master Electrician (Class A)

  • Required Hours: 9,000 hours of supervised work experience
  • Exam Required: Yes - State exam
  • Application Fee: $132
  • Requirements: 1,000 hours as journeyman, pass master exam

Systems Contractor

  • Required Hours: 4,000 hours of supervised work experience
  • Exam Required: Yes - State exam
  • Application Fee: $72
  • Requirements: 4,000 hours experience in low-voltage systems

Path to Becoming an Electrician in Massachusetts

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 Massachusetts, 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 Massachusetts take 4-5 years to complete.

Step 4: Pass Licensing Exam

Study for and pass the State exam journeyman electrician exam.

Step 5: Apply for Your License

Submit your application to Massachusetts Board of State Examiners of Electricians with proof of hours, exam scores, and fees.

Electrician Salary in Massachusetts

Entry Level: $49,980/year
Median Salary: $72,340/year
Experienced: $94,860/year

Source: BLS May 2024

License Reciprocity

Massachusetts has reciprocity agreements with the following states:

  • Connecticut
  • Rhode Island
  • Maine
  • New Hampshire

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

Major Cities Hiring Electricians in Massachusetts

  • Boston
  • Worcester
  • Springfield
  • Cambridge
  • Lowell

Continuing Education Requirements

To maintain your electrician license in Massachusetts, you must complete 21 hours of continuing education every triennial (3 years).

Start Your Electrician Career in Massachusetts

Contact the Massachusetts Board of State Examiners of Electricians 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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