Kentucky Electrical License: Everything You Need to Know

The electrical industry in the United States is growing quickly. Electrical companies in Kentucky are hiring skilled technicians to keep up with this demand. It’s a good time to work in the electrical field. It’s so good, in fact, that the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics estimates that electrician job growth to increase at a rate of 11% over the next decade. In Kentucky, electrician job growth is a little below the national average but still robust, estimated to grow at 9% over the same decade.

Start your career today and apply for a Kentucky electrical license. Our guide discusses state electrical licensing requirements, examination information, and electrician job tips, plus helpful links for education, testing, and optional certifications.

Does Kentucky require an electrical license?

The Commonwealth of Kentucky requires all electricians to be licensed to perform residential and commercial work. All electrical licenses are issued through the Kentucky Public Protection Cabinet Department of Housing, Buildings, and Construction.

What are the different types of electrical licenses in Kentucky?

Kentucky issues three types of electrician licenses: Journeyman, Master, and electrical Contractor. You begin your journey as a professional electrician as an apprentice, and you must register with the Kentucky Public Protection Cabinet Department of Housing, Buildings, and Construction.

Kentucky journeyman electrician license

Once you complete your apprenticeship,  you can apply for your journeyman license. To qualify, you must have a notarized waiver stating that you have at least four years of practical experience and 576 hours of classroom training OR a notarized waiver affirming that you have at least six years of work experience.

You must also pass the electrical journeyman exam, which is administered by Pearson Vue. Then, submit your license application and supporting documents and pay the $50 fee.

Once you receive your license, you can install, maintain, and repair electrical systems under the supervision of a Master Electrician or Electrical Contractor.  

Kentucky master electrician license

You must have worked as a journeyman electrician for at least two years before applying for the Master Electrician license. Once you have, you take the master electrician exam, submit your documents, and pay the licensing fee. You may supervise apprentice and journeyman electricians and work toward your Electrical Contractor license, although you don’t need to have the contractor license unless you want to open your own business.

Kentucky electrical contractor license

As an electrical contractor, you can open your own business and hire employees, including apprentices, journeymen, and master electricians. To obtain your contractor license, you must pass the Kentucky Business and Law exam and submit proof of insurance. The initial license cost is $100, and the renewal fee is $100.

How to get an electrician license in Kentucky

Apply for an electrician apprenticeship program in your area. After you have completed a minimum of four years in the program, apply for an electrician license. Work as an electrician for at least two years and submit an application for a master electrician license. The initial license cost is $200, and it’s $100 to renew.

Kentucky electrician apprenticeship programs

Kentucky apprenticeship programs are sponsored by unions, government agencies, and businesses. In some instances, sponsors pay the entire cost of the apprenticeship program. The fees and costs for each program vary.

Some excellent apprenticeships include:

• Louisville Electrical JATC
• IEC Electrical Apprenticeship
• IBEW 369 Apprenticeship Training

If you take courses from a trade school or community college, you are required to pay tuition and fees. Expect to pay as much as $10,000 for the courses. Accredited trade schools and community colleges offer financial aid to students.

Apprenticeship Program Prerequisites:

• Be at least 18 years old
• Possess a high school diploma or GED
• Be physically capable of performing electrician duties

On-the-Job Experience:

• Work under the direct supervision of a master electrician
• Repair and maintain electrical systems
• Assist with wire installation
• Inspect electrical systems

Kentucky electrician examination content

Your electrician exam is open-book, and you must pass with a score of at least 70%. The exam covers topics including:

• Estimating and bidding
• Special occupancies, conditions, and equipment
• Motors and generators
• Wiring methods and materials
• OSHA compliance and safety
• Project management and planning
• Financing and recordkeeping
• Tax, lien laws and dispute resolution

You can find practice exams here, here, and here. The tests are proctored by Peterson Vue.

Optional certifications for Kentucky electricians

To perform any kind of electrical work in Kentucky, you must pass an electrician’s exam (or register as an apprentice). However, many professional electricians continue their education and training to become certified in specialty work or secure a certification indicating their level of expertise. Depending on your career goals, you may find one or more of these certifications beneficial.

National Fire Protection Association certification

The National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) provides certifications for electricians specializing in fire suppression systems, building security alarms, and related systems. They also offer various certifications and ongoing education programs to support professionals in the field.

NECA certifications

The National Electrical Contractors Association (NECA) is the leading organization for professional electricians in the U.S. and is widely respected in the industry. Open to all electricians, NECA provides excellent opportunities for networking and continuing education. It also offers certifications for electricians at every career stage, showcasing their skills to potential clients and employers.

Independent Electrical Contractors Certified Professional Electrician

The Independent Electrical Contractors (IEC) Certified Professional Electrician (CPE) designation recognizes the top electricians in the nation and is valid in every state. Even if you’re not ready for the CPE, IEC provides other certifications, including specialty ones, to support those exploring niche fields.

IEC also offers continuing education resources to help electricians stay updated on industry changes and apprenticeship opportunities. For those not interested in a union apprenticeship or trade school, IEC can be a strong alternative for foundational education and career development, making it a valuable resource for electricians at every stage of their professional journey.

How much does an electrician make in Kentucky?

Electricians’ pay in Kentucky is competitive, particularly in larger metro areas, with numerous job opportunities ranging from entry-level to managerial positions. Here are the average pay rates for some of the most commonly advertised electrician jobs in Kentucky:

• Apprentice electrician: $20.23 per hour
• Electrical technician: $31.47 per hour
• General electrician: $60,503 per year
• Journeyman electrician: $30.27 per hour
• Electrical foreman: $65,529 per year
• Electrical Project Manager: $86,446 per year

Electrician salaries in Kentucky are slightly lower than the national average. For instance, general electricians in Kentucky earn an average of $60,503 annually, compared to the U.S. average of $63,666 per year. However, working in higher cost-of-living areas, having specialty certifications, or gaining extensive experience can significantly increase your earning potential above the state average.

If you are an hourly employee, you may earn more by working overtime or receive extra pay for responding to emergency calls at night or on weekends, which can also increase your weekly pay. Electrical contractors who own their businesses have much more potential for high earnings than people who work for someone else, although owning your own business can come with different challenges.

Should I join an electrician union in Kentucky?

Kentucky electrician unions offer significant benefits to their members. Benefits include a pension, vacation pay, and sick pay. As a union member, you do not have to handle disputes with your employer. Your union handles all disputes, plus negotiates raises on your behalf. Electrician union members may earn at least 20% more money than electricians who are not enrolled in a union.

The International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers (IBEW) is the largest electrician union in the country. It is a powerful union that offers members plenty of benefits. The union has several local branches in the Bluegrass State, including IBEW 369, which represents Louisville, Lexington, and Bowling Green, and IBEW Local 816, which represents Paducah and McCracken County.

How to use your electrician license to get a Job

An electrician license opens the door to career opportunities, including a competitive salary and job security. Below are a few tips to help you find an electrician job.

Look online

Most employers advertise their jobs online on job boards like the ones below. The Commonwealth of Kentucky advertises state jobs on its website.

• CareerBuilder
• ZipRecruiter
• Indeed

You can also attend career fairs, which are especially beneficial for entry-level electricians (or contractors looking for qualified employees), work on your LinkedIn profile, or use your professional connections. Your trade school teachers, members of your local electrical union, former employers, and those with whom you worked as an apprentice or journeyman may be great sources of job leads.

When you go to your interview, wear professional clothing, resist the urge to have a negative conversation about an employer, and arrive at least 15 minutes early to the interview. Bring your tools, too. You may be asked to perform basic practical tasks, so it’s better to have your tools and not need them than to need them and not have them.

Electrician insurance in Kentucky

From electrical shocks to fires, Kentucky electricians face a variety of dangers. Before you take on your first electrical job, get insurance coverage.

Electrical companies provide insurance for employees. However, business owners and self-employed electricians must pay for their own insurance. Contractors with more than a few employees must also carry Kentucky Workers’ Compensation Insurance coverage.

Electrician industry trends

Companies hire electricians to rewire outdated electrical systems and grid lines. Updating electrical systems allows companies to use modern technology easily. Homeowners, property managers, and investment property owners must also update and repair older homes and apartment complexes. Staying current with your Code knowledge and the requirements of residential property owners is essential.

As more and more people switch to electrical vehicles, both commercial and residential property owners may opt to have electrical vehicle chargers installed. Learning how to do this and working on the vehicles themselves (the electrical components, at least) can help round out your job skills.

Kentucky is home to both solar and wind farms, including Unbridled Solar Project, a 160-MW solar project in Henderson and Webster counties that will connect to the Big River Substation and E.W. Brown Generating Station, the site of Kentucky’s first utility-scale wind turbine. Learning how to service these harvesting plants and transfer the harvested power to the local power grids can give you job security and a changing, challenging career.

Electrical companies use automated billing and scheduling systems, which expedite customer transactions. Electricians also attend trade shows to stay current on the latest technology.

FAQs

Is my license only valid in Kentucky?

Kentucky has reciprocity agreements with Ohio, Virginia, and West Virginia for journeyman and master electricians.

How can I change my information on my Kentucky electrician license?

To change information on your Kentucky electrician license, you need to submit an address change request to the Kentucky Department of Housing, Buildings, and Construction’s licensing division. You can update your name, address, or other relevant details by contacting them directly or through their online portal, if available.

How often do I need to renew my electrician license in Kentucky?

Renew your Kentucky electrical license every year. Renewal fees are: electrical contractor license ($100.00), master electrician license ($100.00), and journeyman license ($50.00).