Are you seeking a new career path?  The electrical industry is growing rapidly in Nebraska. By providing electrical services to businesses and homeowners, you will become an important resource for them. You can either work for a corporation or start your own electrical contracting business. In this guide, you’ll learn the licensing requirements to earn your Nebraska electrical license.

Does Nebraska require an electrical license?

Yes, you will need a Nebraska electrical license to perform electrical work in the state.

What are the different types of electrical licenses in Nebraska?

There are three Nebraska electrical licenses: an apprenticeship electrician license, a journeyman electrician license, and an electrical contractor license. The apprenticeship electrician license allows you to perform electrical wiring under the supervision of an electrical contractor. Your work counts as on-the-job experience to get your journeyman license.

After gaining the required experience, you can apply for a journeyman license. This license allows you to install and maintain electrical systems in an array of settings, like homes, hospitals, and manufacturing warehouses. With an electrical contractor license, you can supervise other electricians and serve as a foreman on large-scale projects. 

When you obtain an apprenticeship electrician license, the average salary for this position is about $35,000. For a journeyman electrician, the average annual salary is closer to $45,000. The salary for an electrical contractor in Nebraska is $65,000.

How to get an electrician license in Nebraska

To get an apprentice electrician license, the only requirement is to register with the Nebraska Electrical Division. Upon approval, you can work with a licensed electrician. Registration fees for this license are $20 for an even numbered year and $40 for an odd numbered year.

To apply for a journeyman license, you will need at least four years of experience within the electrical industry. This experience can be gained through an apprenticeship. You also can use a two-year associate’s degree in electrical technology as one year of experience. The top schools include the Metropolitan Community College, Central Community College, and Western Nebraska Community College.

Tuition for these schools can cost around $2,500-$3,500 per year. Some of these costs can be covered by FAFSA. After four years of experience, you will need to take an exam, costing $125. This exam covers such topics as the National Electrical Code, the Nebraska State Electrical Act, blueprint reading, and basic electricity. The National Electrical Code Book is the best resource that you can use to study for this exam. The exam lasts for three hours and comes with 50 questions. You must obtain a score of 76% or higher to pass.  You can find some free practice tests here.

For the electrical contractor license, you can obtain this license solely with experience or with a combination of experience and education. With the former route, you must have five years of experience in the electrical industry. You also can apply for this license if you have a four-year electrical degree at an accredited college and have one or more years of experience as a journeyman electrician.

The best universities for a bachelor’s degree include the University of Nebraska at Lincoln and the University of Nebraska at Kearney. Both of these universities offer bachelor’s degrees in electrical engineering. Tuition for these universities can cost around $7,000-$8,500 per year. 

After earning the experience and education, the examination fee will be $125, while the license fees will be $125 for an even-numbered year and $250 for an odd-numbered year. All three of these licenses can be obtained through the Nebraska State Electrical Division.

Should I join an electrician union in Nebraska?

In Nebraska, you have the opportunity to join an electrician union through the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers. To join, you will need to complete an apprenticeship offered directly by the union. In turn, you will gain access to organization benefits, like collective bargaining for better pay and better working conditions.

How to use your electrician license to get a job

Websites like LinkedIn, ZipRecruiter, andIndeed post hundreds of licensed electrician jobs. You also can network with people in your local area. It’s important to give yourself several options from large companies to public entities. It’s important to be well prepared for the interview. You will be required to demonstrate technical knowledge as well as consistent professionalism.

Electrician insurance in Nebraska

You will need insurance to pursue an electrical contractor license. You must have accident insurance, property insurance, and liability insurance.

Electrician industry trends

You’ll have the opportunity to work with many modern technologies. The wearable devices are being increasingly used by electrical contractors to warn about close proximity to high-voltage electricity.

LED lighting is also becoming more prominent in homes and businesses across the country. The main initiative for making the grid smarter involves placing sensors into the electrical system infrastructure. Electricians will need to know how to work with this technology.

The best way to discover the new trends is to attend trade shows. At these events, you’ll take classes and network with other industry professionals.

Is my license only valid in Nebraska?

Nebraska has reciprocal licensing agreements for its journeyman license with Alaska, Arkansas, Colorado, Idaho, Iowa, Minnesota, Montana, New Mexico, North Dakota, Oklahoma, South Dakota, Utah, Texas, and Wyoming. You also can use a Nebraska contractor electrical license in Minnesota and South Dakota.

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

Nebraska electrical licenses expire on December 31st of even-numbered years. You will be required to attend 12 hours of continuing education. Renewal fees are $250 for an electrical contractor license and $50 for a journeyman electrician license.