How to Become an Electrician in Pennsylvania

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

Quick Facts

Median Salary: $63,280/year
Job Outlook: 6% growth (2024-2034)
Licensing Required: No
Continuing Ed: Not required

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

⚠️ Important Note for Pennsylvania

Pennsylvania does NOT have statewide electrical licensing. Philadelphia, Pittsburgh, and other municipalities have their own licensing requirements.

Electrician License Requirements in Pennsylvania

Licensing Authority

Pennsylvania Department of Labor and Industry (local licensing)

Phone: (717) 787-3323

Website: https://www.dli.pa.gov/

Official Source: https://www.dli.pa.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 Philadelphia, Pittsburgh, and other cities

Master Electrician (local)

  • Required Hours: 12,000 hours of supervised work experience
  • Exam Required: Yes - Local exam
  • Application Fee: $150
  • Requirements: 4,000 hours as journeyman, local exam required in licensed jurisdictions

Electrical Contractor (local)

  • Exam Required: Yes - Local exam
  • Application Fee: $200
  • Requirements: Must hold master license in jurisdiction, obtain liability insurance

Path to Becoming an Electrician in Pennsylvania

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 Pennsylvania, 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 Pennsylvania 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 Pennsylvania Department of Labor and Industry (local licensing) with proof of hours, exam scores, and fees.

Electrician Salary in Pennsylvania

Entry Level: $43,760/year
Median Salary: $63,280/year
Experienced: $83,040/year

Source: BLS May 2024

License Reciprocity

Pennsylvania has reciprocity agreements with the following states:

  • Delaware
  • New Jersey
  • Maryland

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

Major Cities Hiring Electricians in Pennsylvania

  • Philadelphia
  • Pittsburgh
  • Allentown
  • Reading
  • Erie

Start Your Electrician Career in Pennsylvania

Contact the Pennsylvania Department of Labor and Industry (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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