New Hampshire Electrician License: Everything You Need to Know

New Hampshire has a lot to offer to a budding electrician. The state is constantly expanding, and with every new construction project, there is a need for skilled electricians to perform custom wiring projects. Across the country, electrician job growth is accelerating faster than the national average for job growth in general, according to the U.S. Department of Labor, at about 11% over the next ten years. In New Hampshire, electrician job growth is even brighter, estimated to increase at a rate of about 14% over the next decade.

Are you ready to explore a career as an electrician? This guide will explain the steps to getting a New Hampshire electrical license. We include links to help you get your training and license and other helpful professional resources. Plus, you’ll learn how to secure a job or start your own business in the electrician industry.

Does New Hampshire require an electrical license?

Yes, the state requires a New Hampshire electrical license issued by the New Hampshire Electricians’ Board. Apprentice electricians and high- and medium-voltage electricians must also register with the New Hampshire Office of Professional Licensure and Certification.

What are the different types of electrical licenses in New Hampshire?

New Hampshire issues three types of electrician licenses:

• Journeyman electrician license
• Master electrician license
• High/medium voltage electrician

Journeyman electricians install, maintain, repair, and alter any kind of wire, conduit, equipment, or fixtures that use or transmit electrical energy. However, these tasks must be performed under the supervision of a master electrician. A master electrician can perform all of the same tasks as a journeyman without supervision. A high/medium voltage electrician installs, repairs, and maintains electrical systems for power distribution systems over 600 volts. They work from the power source to the first disconnecting means of a building or structure.

How to get an electrician license in New Hampshire

Your New Hampshire electrician career begins with your electrician apprenticeship. Once you complete this professional training, you can work towards a Journeyman or Master electrician position, open your own electrical contractor business, or focus on specialty work, like becoming a high/medium voltage electrician.

New Hampshire apprentice electrician requirements

An apprenticeship is a four-year program that will provide you with practical training. Most programs consist of 600 hours of classroom training, divided into 150 hours each year. If you want to be an apprentice, you must have a high school diploma or the equivalent of a diploma (GED). To prepare for your journeyman license, you can get an associate’s degree to cover 2,000 of the 8,000 hours of experience. Two of the top schools for prospective electricians in New Hampshire include Lakes Region Community College and Manchester Community College. Both of these colleges offer associate’s degrees in electrical engineering as well as electrical power and control technologies.

Apprentice electricians are required to gain four years of hands-on experience under the guidance of a licensed journeyman or master electrician. This may consist of: 

• Complete 600 hours of electrical coursework, including a minimum of 24 hours focused on electrical safety, OR
• Obtain an associate degree or higher in an electrical-related program, OR
• Have at least 10 years of experience working as a licensed journeyman or master electrician in another jurisdiction

New Hampshire journeyman electrician requirements

To qualify for a journeyman license, you must obtain 600 hours of electrical schooling and 8,000 hours of experience.

Next, you will need to pass a two-part exam. The first section of this exam contains 50 questions about the National Electrical Code (NEC). The exam’s second portion consists of another 50 questions about electrical installations and the RSA 319-C. The final section of the exam consists of an additional 10 questions on the RSA 319-C, as well as 25 questions on administrative rules. To pass the exam, you will need to answer at least 70% of the questions correctly in each section.

You can take free practice tests for the exam here and here. The cost of a journeyman electrician license is $150, and it is issued by the Electrician’s Board at the Office of Professional Licensure and Certification.

New Hampshire master electrician requirements

You can go your entire career as a journeyman electrician. However, you’ll always be working for someone else, as the state does not permit journeyman electricians to work as independent contractors. For most journeyman electricians, the next professional step is securing their Master Electrician license.

You must have at least 2,000 hours of practical experience as a licensed journeyman electrician to qualify. Then, submit your application to the Electricians’ Board, pay the $50 application fee, and pass the Master Electrician exam. The exam is open-book, and you may use these resources to help you during the test:

• RSA 319-C (state law for a master license, provided with your application)
• The National Electrical Code
• American Electricians Handbook

The exam contains 125 questions:

• 50 covering installation and design
• 50 covering the current NEC
• 25 about state electrical laws

The cost for a Master Electrician license is $270, and it’s issued by the Electrician’s Board at the Office of Professional Licensure and Certification.

Professional certifications for New Hampshire electricians

An electrician’s license is required to work independently, take on government projects, or start your own business. However, earning additional certifications can enhance your career and open new opportunities. These optional credentials are recognized nationwide and showcase your expertise in specialized electrical work, helping you stand out in the field and advance professionally.

National Fire Protection Association certification

The National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) offers certifications for electricians specializing in fire suppression, security alarms, and related systems. These credentials validate your expertise and strengthen your professional standing. With various certification options available, the NFPA supports different career paths and skill levels. It also provides continuing education to keep electricians updated on industry standards, technologies, and safety regulations.

The NFPA is also responsible for creating, maintaining, and updating the National Electric Code (NEC) as needed.

NECA professional certifications

The National Electrical Contractors Association (NECA) is the top organization for professional electricians in the U.S. Open to all electricians, NECA offers networking, continuing education, and certifications for different career stages. These certifications validate your expertise, helping you stand out to employers and customers while enhancing your professional credibility. As a respected industry leader, NECA provides valuable resources to support electricians in advancing their careers and staying competitive in the field.

Independent Electrical Contractors Certified Professional Electrician

The Independent Electrical Contractors (IEC) is a national trade association representing merit shop electricians and contractors. It provides education, training, and certifications to help electricians advance their careers.

The IEC Certified Professional Electrician (CPE) designation recognizes top electricians nationwide and is accepted in every state. For those not yet ready for CPE, IEC offers various other certifications, including specialized options for niche fields. As a leading merit shop trade association, IEC provides continuing education and apprenticeships to help electricians stay current with industry advancements. If you’re not pursuing a union apprenticeship or trade school, IEC offers a strong alternative for foundational electrical training.

Average wages for electrical professionals in New Hampshire:

How much do electricians make? Your salary depends on experience, training, and education. Wages vary by position, with different roles offering different pay. In New Hampshire, the average salary for the most commonly advertised electrician jobs reflects these factors, providing a range based on skill level and job type.

These are some of the most commonly advertised jobs for electricians in New Hampshire, for all skill levels, and their respective average wages:

• Apprentice electrician: $24.46 per hour
• Electrical technician: $31.25 per hour
• General electrician: $86,402 per year
• Journeyman electrician: $42.41 per hour
• Electrical foreman: $42.41 per hour
• Electrical Project Manager: $92.944 per year

Compared to the national averages, New Hampshire electricians make about 20% more for most positions. The entry-level wage for an apprentice electrician in New Hampshire is $24.46 per hour, compared to the national average of $22.03 per hour. And, the national average salary for a general electrician is $63,627 per year, compared to New Hampshire’s $86,402 per year.

Hourly electricians can earn more by working overtime or taking night and weekend shifts if their employer offers higher pay for those hours. Salaried electricians may not receive overtime but could qualify for bonuses. If you own an electrical contracting business, your earnings have the potential to reach six figures or more. Pay varies based on experience, job type, and opportunities for additional income, making the electrical trade a financially rewarding career path.

Should I join an electrician union in New Hampshire?

Many electricians join a union, which allows them to receive better benefits, working conditions, and pay. Consider participating in a union when you receive your New Hampshire electrical license.

The International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers (IBEW) is the largest electricians’ union in the country, and it’s also the largest one in New Hampshire. The IBEW offers apprenticeships, which many aspiring electricians may use to help them secure a job after their apprenticeship ends. There are several IBEW Locals in the Granite State, including IBEW Local 490 in Concord; IBEW Local Union 104, which represents New Hampshire, Maine, and Massachusetts; and IBEW Local 2320 in Manchester.

How to use your electrician license to get a job

Some online resources that can aid in your job search include Indeed, Zip Recruiter, and Career Builder. These sites offer extensive details on the job listing as well as an easy way to apply. If you’re interested in a state government job, the State of New Hampshire lists electrician jobs on its website.

For any interview, you’ll want to dress well and be fully prepared to answer any questions about the electrician industry. Expect to receive questions similar to the ones that were found on the exams. You may also be asked to demonstrate your skills, so bring your tools. It’s better to have them and not need them than to need them and be without them. Remember to remain calm and professional throughout the entire interview.

Electrician insurance in New Hampshire

As an electrician, you will work with electrical currents that can cause injury, property damage, or death. Safety is critical no matter what your position is, as the likelihood of injury is higher in this type of job than in others.

Whether you obtain a journeyman or master electrician license, you don’t need electrician insurance in New Hampshire. However, you should purchase general liability insurance if you plan to start a business. And, if you have employees working for you, then you must have proper New Hampshire Workers’ Compensation insurance coverage.

Electrician industry trends

Keeping abreast of changes in electrical demands and electricity production is critical to your success as a licensed New Hampshire electrician. Many consumers are seeking alternative energy sources like solar and wind power.

Green initiatives in construction are increasing in New Hampshire at a faster pace than in other states for both residential and commercial new builds. If you hone your skills for solar power or understand how to retro-wire a home for an EV charging port, you may have a thriving career.

Wind farms are an increasingly common form of alternative energy across the country. If you can install or repair the turbines, or if you develop the skills necessary to transfer the energy harvested from the turbines to a local grid, you could have a long and lucrative career as a wind farm engineer.

FAQ

Is my license only valid in New Hampshire?

New Hampshire has reciprocity agreements with Maine, Massachusetts, and Vermont.

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

Journeyman and master electrician licenses need to be renewed once every three years on the last day of your birth month. You will be required to pay $150 for a journeyman license renewal and $270 for a master license renewal.

How can I change the information on my New Hampshire electrician license?

To change your New Hampshire electrician license information, log into your online account on the New Hampshire Office of Professional Licensure and Certification (OPLC) website. There, you can update your personal details, such as your address, phone number, and email address. Contact OPLC customer support directly with your license number if you need assistance.