How to Become an Electrician in Oregon

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

Quick Facts

Median Salary: $71,840/year
Job Outlook: 10% growth (2024-2034)
Licensing Required: Yes
Continuing Ed: 24 hours/triennial (3 years)

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

⚠️ Important Note for Oregon

Oregon requires both individual licenses and contractor licenses

Electrician License Requirements in Oregon

Licensing Authority

Oregon Building Codes Division

Phone: (503) 378-4133

Website: https://www.oregon.gov/bcd/licensing/Pages/index.aspx

Official Source: https://www.oregon.gov/bcd/licensing/Pages/individual-licenses.aspx

License Types & Requirements

Limited Maintenance Electrician

  • Required Hours: 2,000 hours of supervised work experience
  • Exam Required: Yes - BCD
  • Application Fee: $50
  • Requirements: 2,000 hours experience, limited scope of work

Limited Journeyman Electrician

  • Required Hours: 4,000 hours of supervised work experience
  • Exam Required: Yes - BCD
  • Application Fee: $85
  • Requirements: 4,000 hours experience in specialty area

General Journeyman Electrician

  • Required Hours: 8,000 hours of supervised work experience
  • Exam Required: Yes - BCD
  • Application Fee: $85
  • Requirements: 8,000 hours supervised experience, 576+ hours related training, pass exam

General Supervising Electrician

  • Required Hours: 16,000 hours of supervised work experience
  • Exam Required: Yes - BCD
  • Application Fee: $95
  • Requirements: 16,000 hours including 8,000 as journeyman, pass supervising exam

Path to Becoming an Electrician in Oregon

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 Oregon, you'll typically need 4000 hours of on-the-job training.

Step 3: Complete Required Hours

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

Step 4: Pass Licensing Exam

Study for and pass the BCD journeyman electrician exam.

Step 5: Apply for Your License

Submit your application to Oregon Building Codes Division with proof of hours, exam scores, and fees.

Electrician Salary in Oregon

Entry Level: $49,620/year
Median Salary: $71,840/year
Experienced: $94,280/year

Source: BLS May 2024

License Reciprocity

Oregon has reciprocity agreements with the following states:

  • Washington
  • Idaho

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

Major Cities Hiring Electricians in Oregon

  • Portland
  • Salem
  • Eugene
  • Gresham
  • Hillsboro

Continuing Education Requirements

To maintain your electrician license in Oregon, you must complete 24 hours of continuing education every triennial (3 years).

Start Your Electrician Career in Oregon

Contact the Oregon Building Codes Division 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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