How to Become an Electrician in Ohio

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

Quick Facts

Median Salary: $58,420/year
Job Outlook: 7% growth (2024-2034)
Licensing Required: No
Continuing Ed: 10 hours/biennial (2 years) - varies by locality

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

⚠️ Important Note for Ohio

Ohio does NOT have statewide journeyman licensing. Local jurisdictions set their own requirements. State licenses commercial electrical contractors only.

Electrician License Requirements in Ohio

Licensing Authority

Ohio Construction Industry Licensing Board (local licensing)

Phone: (614) 644-3493

Website: https://com.ohio.gov/divisions-and-programs/industrial-compliance/construction-industry-licensing-board

Official Source: https://com.ohio.gov/

License Types & Requirements

Apprentice Electrician

  • Exam Required: No
  • Requirements: Local jurisdiction requirements; no state registration

Journeyman Electrician (local)

  • Required Hours: 8,000 hours of supervised work experience
  • Exam Required: Yes - Local exam
  • Application Fee: $75
  • Requirements: 8,000 hours experience, exam required in licensed jurisdictions

Electrical Contractor (OCILB)

  • Exam Required: Yes - PSI
  • Application Fee: $150
  • Requirements: 5 years experience, pass state contractor exam for projects over $5,000

Path to Becoming an Electrician in Ohio

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 Ohio, 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 Ohio take 4-5 years to complete.

Step 4: Pass Licensing Exam

Study for and pass the Local exam journeyman electrician exam.

Step 5: Apply for Your License

Submit your application to Ohio Construction Industry Licensing Board (local licensing) with proof of hours, exam scores, and fees.

Electrician Salary in Ohio

Entry Level: $40,420/year
Median Salary: $58,420/year
Experienced: $76,680/year

Source: BLS May 2024

License Reciprocity

Ohio has reciprocity agreements with the following states:

  • Kentucky
  • Michigan
  • Pennsylvania
  • West Virginia

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

Major Cities Hiring Electricians in Ohio

  • Columbus
  • Cleveland
  • Cincinnati
  • Toledo
  • Akron

Continuing Education Requirements

To maintain your electrician license in Ohio, you must complete 10 hours of continuing education every biennial (2 years) - varies by locality.

Start Your Electrician Career in Ohio

Contact the Ohio Construction Industry Licensing Board (local licensing) 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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