Does Connecticut require an electrical license?
Yes, Connecticut requires a licensed electrician to do all professional wiring projects. The state distinguishes between electricians who can work on any system and those who can only work on low-voltage systems, such as fire alarms. While an electrical apprentice is not licensed, they must be registered with the Connecticut Department of Labor and work under the supervision of a licensed electrician.
What are the different types of electrical licenses in Connecticut?
The Connecticut Department of Consumer Protection offers limited and unlimited general electrical licenses. Both licenses have two levels: journeyperson and electrical contractor. The department also issues journeyperson and contractor licenses to people working with electric lines or photovoltaic systems.
An unlimited journeyperson electrician has completed a four-year apprenticeship and passed the journeyperson exam. This person can do any electrical work under the supervision of an electrical contractor. You can work at the journeyperson level throughout your career.
An unlimited electrical contractor has worked for two years as a journeyperson and passed the electrical contractor exams. This level of license allows you to do any kind of electrical work independently, including designing electrical systems. You can run your own business at this level.
The limited electrical journeyperson and contractor licenses have similar requirements but only allow work on electrical systems, like security, sound, and fire alarm systems.
Electrical line and photovoltaic licenses involve specific training and exams, and electricians can only work in those fields. The need for photovoltaic electricians has grown significantly in the past few years.\
Optional electrician certifications
In addition to the mandatory licenses that Connecticut requires electricians to have, you may also benefit from holding one or more of these optional certifications.
NECA certifications
NECA, or the National Electrical Contractors Association, is the country’s largest professional non-profit organization for electricians. It offers valuable networking opportunities, continuing education programs, and optional certifications. For example, if you want to pursue specialty work, like photovoltaic or electrical line work, you could complete a training and certification program through NECA to demonstrate your capabilities.
While employers do not require NECA certifications, having these certificates can help you negotiate a higher rate of pay. Since the organization is recognized in all 50 states, you may be able to use your professional network to find a job.
Independent Electrical Contractors Certified Professional Electrician
The Independent Electrical Contractors Certified Professional Electrician (CPE) distinction identifies electricians who are the best of the best. It’s recognized in all 50 states and verifies that you have a certain level of skills and expertise. The IEC also offers apprenticeships and continuing education resources, which come in handy when it’s time to renew your license.
National Fire Protection Association certification
The National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) issues multiple certifications that can benefit your electrical career, especially if you choose to work on building safety systems, like fire alarm wiring.
How much does an electrician make in Connecticut?
Connecticut has many career options for professional electricians and plenty of room for advancement. The average pay for some of the most commonly advertised electrical jobs in Connecticut is as follows:
Electrician pay in Connecticut is notably higher than the national average. For example, the average electrician wage in the U.S. is $28.78 per hour, compared to Connecticut’s $38.70, and an apprentice electrician in the state makes a little more than the national average of $21.97 per hour.
Some employers may offer a pay increase to employees who work evenings or weekends to handle emergency calls. You may also work overtime, which can also increase your earnings. Both salaried and hourly electricians tend to make more money in areas with higher cost-of-living than lower ones or where there is a shortage of electrical workers.
Electricians who can perform specialty work, like linemen, or those in in-demand jobs, like working with electrical vehicles, may also make more, as these are niche skills.
How to get an electrician license in Connecticut
Getting your Connecticut electrical license begins with an apprenticeship. In most cases, you must be at least 18 years old and have a high school diploma or GED. Vocational high school programs are the exception to this rule. In this case, students can begin their classroom and practical studies at 16. A $110 registration fee to be an apprentice is split into $50 from the student and $60 from the sponsor.
During your apprenticeship, you are required to take 720 hours of classwork, or 180 hours per year for four years. You also will be required to do 8000 hours of electrical work under the supervision of your licensed electrician.
There are several ways to enter an apprenticeship program beyond a vocational high school. Most community colleges in the state, such as Asnuntuck Community College and Gateway Community College, offer classes. These programs are eligible for state and federal financial aid.
The local chapters of the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers (IBEW) Union offer classes, too. To participate, you must join the union and pay annual dues. Once accepted into the program, the union will partner you with an approved journeyperson or electrical contractor for your practical work.
Businesses also offer apprenticeship positions. However, these are often geared towards apprentices with a couple of years of experience. They will list these jobs as second—or third-year apprentice positions.
An apprenticeship is a paid position working under a licensed electrician. Your salary will begin at about half that of a typical journeyperson and will increase with each year of experience. You will work a full day doing basic electrical installations and maintenance. Some programs supply you with basic tools.
Once you complete the requirements, you can file your application for a journeyman license and take the trade exam to become a journeyperson electrician. The state administers all journeyperson electrical work exams and has a $90 application fee. Once you pass the exam and a criminal background check, the state will issue you your license for a $65 license fee.
After two years as a journeyperson, you are eligible to apply for an electrical contractor’s license. To receive this license, you must pass the trade and business and law exams. The exam fee is $150. There is another $65 fee for this license.
Since the specialty licenses focus on narrow fields within the electrical world, the requirements to receive a license are lower. The journeyperson level of all these licenses involves 2000-4000 hours of practical work experience. The journeyperson level license fee for all these specialties is $120. For the contractor level, the fee is $150.
Should I join an electrician union in Connecticut?
Joining an electrician’s union in your area can be a helpful way to get started as an electrician. Several IBEW chapters, such as the IBEW Chapter 488, in Wester Connecticut, have five-year apprenticeship programs with on-site training facilities. If accepted into the program, the union provides health insurance and a retirement pension. The union also can help you as you move forward in your career by sharing local job openings. Many self-employed electricians depend on unions for their work-related benefits.
How to use your electrician license to get a job
As a licensed electrician, you can start looking for a new job. Many companies place job openings on online search sites. Search for a position at your level of license. Unlimited electricians have more options than limited electricians in this regard. Organizations with large physical plants, such as hospitals or universities, often need full-time electricians on staff.
During your interview, it’s important to display your professionalism. Dress appropriately and show up on time. Some interviewers will want to see some of your practical skills. Ask about this ahead of time so you arrive prepared with the tools you need. You also want to review your basic electrical knowledge to answer questions accurately.
Electrician insurance in Connecticut
Electricians of all levels need basic health insurance. If you work for a large company or organization, health insurance will be one of your benefits. If you run your own business, you can get it through a union or purchase your own plan.
If you own your own business, you should purchase electrician insurance. This insurance covers basic business concerns like stolen tools or damaged property. However, it also has increased liability insurance coverage. In addition, business owners in Connecticut must carry workers’ compensation coverage.
Depending on the project, like a government bid, you may be required to have a certain amount of liability insurance and
Even with extensive training, mistakes happen. Unfortunately, when an electrician makes a mistake, it can have serious consequences, including fire, property damage, and personal injury. Electrician insurance helps keep your business protected.
Electrician industry trends
The technology around electrical work is constantly changing. Each specialty in the field deals with updated codes as well as new types of systems. You can stay current on trends by attending trade shows, following blogs, reading electrical trade journals, and participating in union meetings.
NECA estimates that about 30% of electricians in Connecticut are approaching retirement. This, plus a growing demand for solar and wind power, means that there is plenty of opportunity for younger electricians, especially those who have training in wind farms, solar electricity, or EV technology. For example, electricians training in wind energy may find plenty of opportunities working with Orsted’s $1.5-billion offshore wind farm, which will provide electricity to thousands of homes in Rhode Island and Connecticut.
Frequently Asked Questions about Connecticut Electrician Licensure
Is my license only valid in Connecticut?
Connecticut has reciprocity agreements with Massachusetts, Maine, New Hampshire, and Vermont for certain licensing levels.
How can I change the information on my license?
You can access the Department of Consumer Protection’s website to change any information on your license or request a duplicate license.
How often do I need to renew my electrician license in Connecticut?
Connecticut electrical licenses of all types must be renewed by September 30 every year. The annual renewal cost is $120 for the journeyperson level and $150 for contractors.
Connecticut also requires a four-hour continuing education course for all types of electricians as part of the renewal process every year.
