Alaska Electrical License: Everything You Need to Know

According to the

Bureau of Labor Statistics

, the demand for electricians is expected to increase by 8% by 2026. Electricians can expect job growth opportunities and competitive pay.

If you are interested in becoming an electrician, you must apply for an Alaska electrical license. After you receive your license, you can

start your own electrician business

or work for an established company. Read this guide for information about the licensing process and job search tips.

Alaska requires all professional electricians to be licensed to do electrical work on commercial and residential properties.

Alaska electrical license categories are an electrical trainee (apprentice) license and an electrical journeyman license.

Electrical trainee or apprentice licensees

are authorized to perform a variety of work under the direction of an electrical administrator or a licensed journeyman. Types of electrical work include wire distribution and installing light fixtures. Trainees work on residential and commercial job sites. The fee for this license is $50.

Applicants for the electrical trainee license must:

Electrical journeyman licensees

are authorized to perform a variety of electrical work for electrical administrators and employers. Types of electrical work include installation of conduit and wire. People who hold this license work on residential property and commercial job sites. The application fee and electrical journeyman license are $250.

Applicants for the electrical journeyman license must:

The average

hourly pay for Alaska electricians

is $34.87.

The first step to getting an Alaska electrical license is to enroll in an apprenticeship program. As an apprentice, you will receive classroom and on-the-job training. Alaska apprenticeship programs can last up to four years. As an electrician apprentice, you are required to purchase your own tools.

Alaska electrician apprenticeship programs:

Alaska electrician apprenticeship program information:

Apprenticeship application costs are between $25 and $50. If you attend an electrician trade school for four years, expect to pay up to $10,000 for your courses. Some electrician apprenticeships pay a salary and cover the costs of classroom training. Community colleges and accredited trade schools generally offer financial aid options for students. Electrician courses must be taken in a classroom to meet licensing requirements.

Prerequisites:

On-the-Job Experience:

The

Alaska Department of Commerce, Community and Economic Development

administers electrical licenses.

Alaska license examination information:

You must pass an examination to receive your electrical journeyman license. The cost of the examination is $200. Alaska electrical examinations are administered by

PSI Exams

.

Alaska electrical examination content includes:

Examination preparation resources:

Electrician union members receive several benefits. Union members receive sick pay, vacation pay, and a pension plan. Unions represent members in disputes. The average pay for union members is 20% higher than the pay for non-union members.

Your electrician license can open the door to many opportunities. Government agencies, construction companies, and home builders hire licensed electricians. Search the following websites to find your next career opportunity:

During electrician job interviews, a hiring manager will ask questions to determine if you are a good fit for the company. Here are a few job interview tips:

Working with electricity can be dangerous. Wires catch on fire. Electricians work in extreme temperatures. Electricity can shock electricians.

Electricians must have insurance before they begin a job. Electricians are generally covered under their employer's insurance plan. However, self-employed plumbers must apply for their own coverage.

The electrical industry has undergone several changes within the past 10 years. These changes are responsible for the industry's significant growth. The latest trends in the industry include:

Alaska has reciprocal agreements for electrician licenses with Utah, South Dakota, New Mexico, North Dakota, New Hampshire, Oklahoma, Nebraska, Montana, Colorado, Minnesota, and Arkansas.

I already have a license but:

Renew your electrician license every two years. The renewal fees range from $50 to $200.