Ohio Electrical License: Everything You Need to Know

Ohio 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.

Job growth for electricians in the United States, according to the Department of Labor, should increase at a rate of about 11% over the next decade. Ohio’s job growth rate for electricians is lower than the national average, although a 5% growth rate over the next decade is still a respectable increase.

The Ohio housing market is on the rise, and with more construction projects comes the need for more electricians. Tradesmen are the backbone of Ohio’s workforce. If you are considering a career as an electrician, you may feel overwhelmed with information and questions about the licensing process. This guide breaks down everything you need to know to get your Ohio electrical license, along with helpful links for training, education, and license application.

Does Ohio require an electrical license?

You will need an Ohio electrical license to run your own electrician business as an electrician contractor. However, general electrical work in Ohio does not require licensing, such as that performed by a journeyman electrician or a Master Electrician.

It’s important to note that only commercial contractors in Ohio need a license to work. These licenses are issued through the Ohio Construction Industry Licensing Board (OCILB), which is part of the state’s Department of Commerce.

The only exceptions are the cities of Hamilton and Middletown, which require journeyman licenses for general electrical work.

What are the different types of electrical licenses in Ohio?

Most journeyman electricians in Ohio will never need a license. However, in Middletown and Hamilton, a journeyman license allows an electrician to install electrical wiring under the supervision of a master electrician or electrical contractor.

Commercial electrical contractors are licensed by the state and can install, repair, or alter all forms of electrical equipment. They also can run their own businesses and hire employees.

How to get an electrician license in Ohio

In Ohio, you need five years of experience before you can apply for an electrical contractor license. There are a few ways that you can gain that experience:

• Work as an apprentice through a state-approved apprenticeship program
• Attend trade school
• Get an associate’s degree in electrical work from a local community college
• Get a bachelor’s degree in electrical work from a four-year college or university  

Electrician apprenticeships in Ohio

Apprenticeships teach you the basics of electrical wiring, equipment usage, and electrical theory. You can expect both classroom training and fieldwork at an apprenticeship. After all, the goal of all apprenticeships is to train competent, innovative electricians.

Most Ohio apprenticeships are union-affiliated. You would have to join a union and apply for an apprenticeship at one of Ohio’s many Joint Apprenticeship and Training Committees. Alternatively, ApprenticeOhio uses an online portal to connect hopeful apprentices with their future supervisors. Either way, you can expect to spend two to four years completing your apprenticeship.

Electrician trade schools in Ohio

Trade schools and technical colleges offer future electricians accelerated learning and cutting-edge technology. While you can expect to spend most of your time in the classroom or shop, many Ohio technical colleges have online courses, so you can finish your general education requirements quickly and focus on your trade.

The top five colleges for electricians in Ohio are:

• Sinclair Community College
• Northwest State Community College
• O.N. Collins Career Center
• Miami Valley Career Technology Center
• Ohio Business College

College can be expensive, so ask each school about its financial aid options.

Getting your Ohio electrical contractor license

After accruing five consecutive years of experience as an electrician, you can apply for Ohio’s electrical contractor license. You will need to fill out this application, pay a $25 application fee, hold $500,000 in liability insurance, and pass two exams: a trade exam and a business/law exam. You must score at least 70% on both exams to receive your license. Find study materials and practice tests here and here.

A bulletin explaining the exam will be given to you upon the approval of your application. The exams are based on the 2014 National Electric Code (NEC), Ugly’s Electrical Reference, and the Electrical Field Reference Handbook.

Professional certifications for Ohio electricians

An electrician’s license is required to work independently as a commercial electrical contractor, handle government projects, or start a business. However, earning additional certifications can enhance your career and open new opportunities. While optional, these nationally recognized credentials showcase your expertise in specialized electrical work. They help you stand out, build credibility, and advance professionally in a competitive industry.

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 support career growth and professional development.

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 additional certifications, including specialized options for niche fields.

As a leading merit shop association, IEC provides continuing education and apprenticeships to keep electricians current with industry advancements. For those not pursuing a union apprenticeship or trade school, IEC serves as a strong alternative for foundational electrical training.

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 reputation. With multiple certification options, the NFPA supports various career paths and experience levels.

In addition to certifications, the NFPA provides continuing education to keep electricians up to date on industry standards, new technologies, and safety regulations. The organization is also responsible for developing, maintaining, and updating the National Electric Code (NEC) to ensure it aligns with evolving industry requirements and safety standards.

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 provides networking, continuing education, and certifications for different career levels. These credentials validate your skills, making you stand out to employers and clients while enhancing your credibility. As an industry leader, NECA offers valuable resources to help electricians advance their careers and stay competitive in the ever-evolving electrical industry.

Average wages for electrical professionals in Ohio:

How much do electricians earn? Your salary is influenced by experience, training, and education. Wages vary by role, with different positions offering different pay. In Ohio, salaries for commonly advertised electrician jobs reflect these factors, ranging based on skill level and job type.

Here are some of the most frequently advertised electrician jobs in Ohio, covering all experience levels, along with their average wages.

• Apprentice electrician: $21.53 per hour
• Electrical technician: $29.27 per hour
• General electrician: $58,939 per year
• Journeyman electrician: $26.68 per hour
• Electrical foreman: $31.88 per hour
• Electrical Project Manager: $97,199 per year

Ohio electricians make less than the national average for most positions. General electricians in Ohio earn an average of $58,939 per year compared to the U.S. average of $63,627 per year. If you’re an hourly employee, your employer may permit you to work overtime, so your weekly wage could be higher than the average.

Salaried electricians may not qualify for overtime pay, but they can still earn bonuses based on performance or company incentives. If you choose to start your own electrical contracting business, your earning potential increases significantly. Running your own business allows you to set your rates, take on larger projects, and maximize profits.

Should I join an electrician union in Ohio?

Unions benefit their members by providing higher wages, safer working conditions, and better job stability than non-union employers. Contractors use unions to network throughout the nation and get the edge on upcoming industry trends. The largest electricians’ union in the country is the International Brotherhood of Electrician Workers (IBEW).

Unions also provide most apprenticeships in Ohio. The National Training Alliance has 17 different Joint Apprenticeship and Training Committees in Ohio, connecting people with hundreds of apprenticeships each year. Overall, union affiliation boosts tradesmen’s careers.

If you think a union may be the right step for your electrician career, check out one of the Locals, like IBEW Local 38, representing northeastern Ohio, IBEW Local 71 in Grove City, and IBEW Local 82 in Dayton.

How to use your electrician license to get a job

Your job search can easily begin with your alma mater or union. Technical colleges and trade schools have career departments for their alumni to help them connect with employers. Unions always keep updated job boards filled with local contractors seeking help in the field.

Most employers post their jobs on Internet job boards, like Indeed and Career Builder. You can look for jobs in your city or one nearby. And, if you’re looking for a state government job, plenty are posted on the state of Ohio’s website.

Don’t forget to leverage your professional network to find a job. People you worked with as an apprentice or journeyman, former trade school or community college instructors, and people you met at trade shows or through your membership in professional organizations like IBEW or NECA can help you connect with employers.

At a job interview, you can expect your interviewer to ask about past work experience. They may ask if you have a specialty or any expertise. Interviewers like to focus on work ethic when they vet potential employees. Always come to an interview prepared for questions about electrical work and business practices.

Electrician insurance in Ohio

All contracting master electricians and Class B electricians in Ohio must carry general liability insurance. Contracting master electricians need to maintain at least $500,000 of coverage, and class B electricians must maintain at least $250,000.

If you have an electrician contractor business, and you have more employees than just yourself, then you must carry Ohio Workers’ Compensation Insurance.

Electrician industry trends

Ohio’s net interstate flow of electricity is equal to its natural gas and distillate fuel oil consumption combined. Wind-generated energy makes up nearly a quarter of the state’s renewable energy production, creating many jobs for electricians skilled in alternative energy. With the entire nation shifting towards alternative energy, tradesmen have more opportunities to earn better job security.

You can keep up with the new industry trends by attending the nation’s many electrical trade shows.

FAQ

Is my license only valid in Ohio?

Class B licenses are only valid in Ohio.

Ohio has reciprocity agreements with Kentucky and North Carolina for electrical contractors.

How can I get a duplicate electrical license or change my personal information?

If you misplace your license and need a duplicate or if you need to change your name or address, you should contact the Ohio State Electrical Board.

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

Your Ohio electrical license must be renewed every year. You must renew your license every year by January 31 and pay a $10 renewal fee. The renewal fee costs $25, and your license must be renewed by March 31 of each year.

Class B electrician licenses can be renewed either with the contracting master renewal form or the non-contracting master renewal form. For these classifications, renewal is due by April 30 of each year. There is a $40 renewal fee for class B electrician licenses, and there is a $50 renewal fee for both contracting and non-contracting master electrician licenses.