Louisiana Electrical License: Everything You Need to Know

The electrical industry is on the rise; across the country, job growth is expected to increase at a rate of about 11% over the next decade, according to the U.S. Department of Labor. In Louisiana, the job growth rate for electricians is even brighter; it’s estimated to increase 12% over the next 10 years. If you want a lucrative career in an ever-growing economy, the electrical industry may be right for you.

In this guide, we’ll break down everything you need to know about earning your Louisiana electrical license, from finding steady work to resources for starting your own business. We also include helpful links to the government websites you’ll need for your license, as well as resources for continuing education and job opportunities.

Does Louisiana require an electrical license?

Louisiana does not issue statewide licenses for trainees, journeymen, or master electricians. Instead, these licenses are available at the city and parish level. The Louisiana State University Agricultural Center notes that a license is not required to perform electrical work on a residential structure if the job’s value is less than $50,000.

However, there is an electrical contractor license available at the state level, issued by the Louisiana State Licensing Board for Contractors (LSLBC).

What are the different types of electrical licenses in Louisiana?

A trainee is the equivalent of an apprentice in many Louisiana cities. This unlicensed position allows you to work in an entry-level position or union apprenticeship.

A journeyman license allows you to repair and install different types of electrical equipment under the supervision of an electrical contractor or master electrician.

At this level, you could apply for a maintenance electrician license. This license allows you to take journeyman-level electrical jobs specifically for maintenance, and it is only valid as long as you are employed by a business.

Master electricians are the equivalent of electrical contractors in some cities. In New Orleans, a master electrician can repair, install, or contract to install all types of electric utilities and apparatus operating at up to 49 volts.

An electrical contractor license is the highest form of licensure in Louisiana. Electrical contractors can hire master electricians and run their own businesses. They can work either commercial jobs or residential jobs.

How to get an electrician license in Louisiana

If you’re seeking a state-issued electrical contractor license so you can open your own business, follow these steps:

• Start as an electrical trainee, combining hands-on work experience with classroom training
• Prepare for and pass the journeyman or maintenance electrician exam
• Continue with practical work experience and take the master electrician exam
• Apply for the electrical contractor license

However, before you get your state electrical contractor license, you’ll need to submit proof of years working as a professional electrician, starting as a trainee. To get that experience, you’ll have to work in a parish or city, and many do require that electricians hold a local license.

Each municipality that issues an electrician license has different requirements, so it’s important to check the city or parish website to make sure you understand the qualifications and requirements, including the cost.

As an example of what it may take to get a local electrician license in Louisiana, let’s look at what the city of New Orleans requires for electrician licensing:

Five years of experience before applying for a journeyman electrician license, which you can get by:

• Enrolling in a technical college
• Completing a union apprenticeship
• Being hired by a licensed electrician as a trainee

Once you complete this, you can submit your application for a Class D Journeyman electrician License in NOLA. You’ll also need to:

• Pass the journeyman license exam with a score of at least 70%
• Submit the required ID and other documents
• Pay the $60 fee

The International Code Council (ICC) administers the exam while the city of New Orleans issues the license. Your license must be renewed annually. You can find practice exams and study materials for your New Orleans journeyman electrician license here and here.

After working as a journeyman electrician for five years, you can apply for a Class A Master Electrical License. In New Orleans, this license doubles as an electrical contractor’s license, so many of the licensing requirements are the same. The exam is based on the 2011 National Electric code and is open-book. You also must have general liability insurance up to $500,000.

The electrical contractor license issued is Louisiana’s highest form of electrical license. To be eligible, you must have a business with a net worth of $10,000 over the last 12 months and pass both a trade exam and a business and law exam. You also need to designate whether you would like a commercial or residential license. You can find practice tests and study resources here and here.

Optional certifications for Louisiana electricians

An electrician’s license is required to work independently, on government projects, or run your own business. However, optional certifications are available to help you grow and advance in your career. The certifications from these three organizations are recognized in all 50 states, so even if you move out of Louisiana, your qualifications here will still be valid.

Independent Electrical Contractors Certified Professional Electrician

The Independent Electrical Contractors (IEC) Certified Professional Electrician (CPE) designation is reserved for the country’s most skilled electricians and is recognized nationwide. While earning a CPE certification may be a long-term goal, IEC also offers various other certifications, including specialized ones for those interested in niche fields.

In addition, IEC provides resources for continuing education, helping electricians stay current with industry developments and access apprenticeship opportunities. For those not pursuing a union apprenticeship or trade school, IEC can serve as a strong alternative for foundational training and career advancement. Whether you’re just starting or looking to specialize, IEC’s programs offer valuable pathways to grow in the electrical trade.

NECA certifications

The National Electrical Contractors Association (NECA) is the nation’s largest and most respected organization for professional electricians. Open to all electricians, NECA provides excellent opportunities for networking and continuing education. It also offers certifications for electricians at every career stage. Earning a NECA certification highlights your skills and expertise, making you stand out to potential customers and employers.

National Fire Protection Association certification

The National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) provides certifications tailored to electricians who work on fire suppression systems, building security alarms, and related systems. These certifications help demonstrate your expertise in these specialized areas, boosting your credibility with clients and employers. The NFPA offers a variety of certifications to suit different roles and career stages, along with continuing education opportunities to help you stay updated on industry standards, safety regulations, and emerging technologies in fire protection and security systems.

How much does an electrician make in Louisiana?

Electrician pay in Louisiana is competitive, particularly in larger metropolitan areas where demand is high. The state offers a wide range of opportunities, from entry-level positions to managerial roles, making it a great place to grow your career. If you’re considering working in Louisiana, here are the average pay rates for some of the most frequently advertised electrician jobs in the state:

• Apprentice electrician: $20.30 per hour
• Electrical technician: $24.01 per hour
• General electrician: $58,932 per year
• Journeyman electrician: $25.99 per hour
• Electrical foreman: $61,441 per year
• Electrical Project Manager: $84,938 per year

Louisiana electrician salaries are slightly lower than the national average. General electricians in Louisiana, for example, earn an average of $58,932 per year, compared to the U.S. average of $63,666 per year.

However, you can expect to earn more than the average if you work in a higher cost-of-living area or have specialty certifications and lengthy experience.

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 own 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 Louisiana?

Unions offer apprenticeship training, higher wages, safer working conditions, and steady work for electricians. Most Louisiana electricians land their first apprenticeship through one of Louisiana’s many Joint Apprenticeship and Training Committees. There are local committees in many of Louisiana’s larger cities, including:

• Baton Rouge Area Electrical JATC (BREJATC)
• Lake Charles Electrical JATC
• Alexandria Electrical JATC

If you’re having trouble finding work, unions strive to help all of their members. For example, the chapter of the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers in New Orleans aspires “to have each and every brother and sister in Local 130 gainfully employed, thereby making it possible for you to enjoy a safe, secure lifestyle.”

How to use your electrician license to get a job

To find a job with your Louisiana electrical license, check with your union or alma mater to see if they have any recent job board postings. Oftentimes, these organizations keep track of all current and past members/alumni, and they can help you network throughout the state. Trade shows are another excellent way to network and find electrical contractor positions.

Many employers advertise online, either on sites like:

• Indeed
• CareerBuilder
• Zip Recruiter

Or, if you want to work for the state, Louisiana also advertises government jobs online.

At your interview, you can expect your interviewer to ask about your past jobs, methods of electrical installation, level of license, and work ethic. Remember to bring your tools; some potential employers may ask you to perform basic electrician tasks to affirm your abilities.

Electrician insurance in Louisiana

Master electricians throughout the state generally need insurance. For example, master electricians in New Orleans must maintain general liability insurance coverage of up to $500,000. If they have any employees, they also must maintain workers’ compensation insurance coverage.

Electrical contractors are required to have general liability insurance to receive and maintain their licenses. They must have $100,000 in coverage. This requirement is the same for both commercial and residential contractors. Insurance keeps you and your employees safe on every job, no matter how dangerous the work may be.

If you own your own electrical contracting business and you have at least one other employee, you’re required by the state to carry Workers’ Compensation insurance coverage.

Electrician industry trends

Louisiana is an up-and-coming hot spot for the electrical industry and trade shows. Attending trade shows like the NECA Labor Relations Conference will help you grow your business and stay ahead of upcoming trends.

The electrical industry in Louisiana is evolving to be more sustainable and tech-focused. This includes the use of smart homes, microgrids, and alternative power generation. You can develop niche skills to work on alternative energy farms or transfer the harvested electricity to local grids. In addition, you may seek employment in one of the wind farms being built in the Gulf of Mexico.

FAQs

Is my license only valid in Louisiana?

Louisiana’s reciprocity agreements with other states only apply to waiving the requirement to take any required exam. Louisiana has reciprocity agreements with Alabama, Georgia, Kentucky, Mississippi, Nevada, Ohio, Tennessee, and Texas.

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

Electrical contractor licenses must be renewed one year after they are issued. After that, you can choose to renew your license every one, two, or three years. Renewal costs $100.

Each parish or city that issues a local electrical license has its own renewal schedule. Be sure to note your schedule; your license may be suspended if you miss the deadline.

How can I change my name, address, or other information on my Louisiana electrician license?

To change your name, address, or other information on your Louisiana electrician license, you can access the Louisiana State Licensing Board for Contractors (LSLBC) contractor portal online and update your details through there; for significant changes like a name change, you might need to submit additional documentation like a marriage certificate or court order, along with a fee.

If your license is issued by your parish or city, check the website of the issuing agency for license change instructions.