How to Become an Electrician in Massachusetts

The average salary for an electrician in MA is over $80K, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics.  Learn how you can get started on this career today.

Education and Training

You’ll need to complete the necessary schooling, experience hours, and pass the state-required certification exam to get your journeyman license.

Local Trade School Programs

What Will You Learn?

Most schools cover topics like:

Core Electrical Concepts and Theory:

• Basic Electrical Theory: Understanding voltage, current, resistance, transformers, and power.
• DC and AC Fundamentals: Including single phase and 3 phase motors, and electrical controls.
• Technical Math: Advanced calculations necessary for load evaluations and complex installations.

Practical Skills and Techniques:

• Wiring Techniques: Proficiency in residential and commercial wiring.
• Pipe and Conduit Bending: Essential skills for proper cable and wire management.
• Generator Systems: Understanding generators and compliance with related codes.
• Solar Photovoltaics: Learning installation techniques and troubleshooting for solar systems.

Safety Training:

• Field and Shop Safety: Familiarity with standard safety practices.
• Electrical and Jobsite Safety: Ensuring safe working conditions and practices.
• Circuit and Personnel Protection: Focus on protective measures and safety regulations.

Tools and Materials:

• Hand and Power Tools: Effective use of essential electrician tools.
• Building Materials: Knowledge of conductors, cables, enclosures, cabinets, and terminal devices.

Electrical Systems and Standards:

• National Electrical Code: Mastery of regulations and standards for electrical installations.
• Electrical System Operation Principles: In-depth understanding of system functionalities.

Installation and Maintenance:

• Service Installations: Techniques for residential services, feeders, and separate buildings.
• Grounding and Bonding: Critical for safety and system efficiency.
• Branch Circuits: Basics, required circuits, and specialized protection (GFCI and AFCI).
• Appliance and Device Connections: Ensuring proper installation and functionality.

Project and Troubleshooting Skills:

• Project Planning: Organizational skills for managing electrical projects.
• Troubleshooting: Diagnosing and solving electrical problems efficiently.

Professional Development:

• Soft Skills for the Electrician: Enhancing interpersonal and communication skills (optional).
• Understanding the Electrical Industry: Comprehensive insight into the sector.
• Construction Drawings: Reading and interpreting technical blueprints.

Certification and Career Preparation:

• Required Outlets and Devices: Comprehensive knowledge for installation.
• Course Challenge: Capstone assessment to test knowledge and readiness.
• Certification Prep: Including study materials and vouchers for national exams.

What Are the Costs?

The price range for entry level programs for those with little or no experience is typically between $,2500 to $5,000.  Financial aid or financing is often available.

How Long is Electrician School?

7 to 12 months is the timeframe for training programs.  Online courses can be completed faster since you can control how often you study.

Salary Range

Below are some average salary numbers for the state:

• Salary.com: $61,433
• CareerExplorer.com: $76K
• Bureau of Labor: $81,840
• Talent.com: $82,117

Local city wages per BLS data:

Area	Per Hour	Per Year
Barnstable Town	$40.22	$83,650
Boston-Cambridge-Nashua	$39.61	$82,380
Leominster-Gardner	$35.95	$74,770
Massachusetts	$35.70	$74,250
New Bedford	$35.20	$73,210
Pittsfield	$33.59	$69,870
Springfield	$38.36	$79,780
Worcester	$35.73	$74,320

_{Occupation: Electricians (SOC Code472111)
source: data.bls.gov}

More experienced electricians in MA might earn salaries closer to $91,540 per year, especially if they obtain the necessary certification to become master electricians.

Those who get government positions or become private contractors who run their own electrician businesses can often make even more.

Massachusetts Requirements

According to state regulations, aspiring journeyman electricians in MA must complete at least 600 hours of classroom instruction. Most schools offer 12-month courses, allowing students to earn the necessary hours in exactly one year.

However, some programs may take closer to 10 or 24 months, depending on where you attend classes.

Before you can qualify for electrician jobs in Massachusetts, you’ll need to obtain a journeyman electrician license from the Board of State Examiners of Electrician Licensing.

Certification Requirements

To apply for your certification, you’ll need to submit the following:

1. An application form
2. Your high school diploma and proof of completion of at least 600 hours of accredited journeyman electrician course curriculum
3. A signed Employment Verification form from your apprenticeship supervisor documenting 8,000 hours of supervised work experience
4. A Criminal Offender Record Information (CORI) background check
5. Payment of the $226 application and exam fee

Licensing Fees

Applicants must then take and pass the state certification exam for journeyman electricians in MA. Those who pass their tests must pay an additional licensing fee of $104 and will receive their official electrician license the same day.

Apprenticeships

In addition to completing an accredited training program, aspiring electricians in MA must gain real-world electrician experience through state-approved apprenticeships.

Some schools partner with local contractors to set up externships for students. However, you can also use the Massachusetts Division of Apprenticeship Standards (DAS) to find available programs.

Apprenticeship Skills

During your apprenticeship, you’ll apply all the skills you learned during your educational program, including:

• Conduit and electrical system installation
• Running wires
• Motor, outlet, and light fixture installation
• Electrical maintenance, upkeep, and repair

Tracking Work Hours

To ensure apprentices stay on track for meeting the required hours for electricians in MA, supervisors must document each student’s training and work hours for the duration of the program. Once their apprenticeship is over, the student can submit this signed form when applying for state licensure.

Do Electrician Apprentices Get Paid?

Students can find paid electrician apprenticeships with some companies and private contractors. Wages for apprentice electricians in MA are usually around $17.00 per hour, though earnings differ across employers. Some contractors may offer tuition assistance or program reimbursement instead of paying you for your apprenticeship services.

Documented Work Hours

You’ll need to complete at least 8,000 documented work hours during your apprenticeship, as well. It takes most people three to four years to finish their apprenticeship programs, bringing the total length of electrician education and training to either four or five years.

Job Description

What Do They Do?

Electricians in MA are responsible for troubleshooting, installing, maintaining, repairing and replacing wiring, control, and lighting systems in homes and businesses.

Daily duties for these professionals typically include:

• Inspecting transformers, circuit breakers, and other electrical components
• Using specialized testing equipment to identify electrical issues
• Maintaining a steady hand and practicing proper safety protocols while using hand and power tools
• Upgrading electrical panels to power more appliances
• Ensuring electrical systems are up to code
• Connecting electrical systems to outdoor powerlines to provide electricity to buildings
• Restoring power after storms and outages

Physical Demands of Electrician Jobs

Electricians work in a wide range of spaces and settings. As such, they need to be able to sit, kneel, stand, and crouch for long periods while doing their work. An electrician should also be able to lift up to 50 lbs and maintain focus while working in inclement weather and extremely hot or cold temperatures.

What Massachusetts Employers Are Looking for in Electricians

In Massachusetts, employers seeking electricians—whether apprentices or licensed professionals—are looking for a combination of technical expertise, reliability, and a willingness to grow. Across the state, companies such as Kuhlman Electric, Basnett Plumbing & Heating, Rodenhiser Home Services, TradeSource Inc., and Gibbons Electric are actively hiring and offer competitive compensation, benefits, and opportunities for advancement. Many employers value hands-on experience, industry certifications, and soft skills that promote customer satisfaction and team cohesion.

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1. Technical Skills and Certifications

Massachusetts employers require electricians to have a solid foundation in residential and commercial electrical systems. Some of the key technical qualifications sought include:

• Experience with NEC (National Electrical Code): Many job postings, such as those from Kuhlman Electric, emphasize familiarity with NEC standards as a prerequisite. This reflects the need for compliance with industry safety regulations and codes.
• Ability to read and interpret blueprints and schematics: Companies like TradeSource Inc. expect their electricians to accurately follow technical diagrams for wiring, panel installations, and circuit layouts.
• Licensure and ongoing education: Apprentices are typically expected to have completed at least 75 hours of accredited classroom instruction and possess a valid Massachusetts electrician apprentice license. Employers, such as Basnett Plumbing & Heating, prioritize candidates with trade school experience and offer tuition reimbursement to support further education.
• Mechanical aptitude and troubleshooting skills: Employers seek electricians who can diagnose and repair electrical issues efficiently, as highlighted in Rodenhiser Home Services’ job description.

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2. Experience and Hands-On Expertise

Massachusetts employers frequently require field experience, even for apprentices. For instance:

• Kuhlman Electric seeks 2nd to 4th-year apprentices with residential wiring experience, highlighting the importance of practical skills in troubleshooting and installation.
• Rodenhiser Home Services prefers candidates with at least two years of experience and a minimum of 300 completed school hours, demonstrating that both education and real-world application are valued.
• TradeSource Inc. specifically targets electricians with two or more years of field experience, capable of working independently on large-scale projects.

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3. Work Ethic and Reliability

Employers place a strong emphasis on punctuality, organization, and professionalism. For example:

• Gibbons Electric specifies that applicants must be neat in appearance, reliable, and capable of passing drug tests and background checks.
• Companies seek candidates who can maintain clean and organized workspaces and properly manage job site inventory, as noted in Kuhlman Electric’s job duties.
• Rodenhiser Home Services highlights the need for a “can-do” attitude and eagerness to learn, reflecting the value of proactive and positive team members.

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4. Crossover Into Other Disciplines

Many electrical employers in Massachusetts operate in multi-disciplinary trades, creating crossover opportunities for electricians:

• Basnett Plumbing & Heating, for example, offers exposure to plumbing and HVAC systems. Their electrical apprentices assist with service upgrades and installation of electrical equipment, while also gaining insight into related mechanical systems.
• TradeSource Inc. focuses on multi-residential construction projects, where electricians collaborate with carpenters, HVAC technicians, and general contractors, enhancing their adaptability and versatility.
• Rodenhiser Home Services, while primarily an electrical services provider, exposes apprentices to broader home service operations, including customer relations and in-field problem-solving.

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5. Compensation, Benefits, and Growth Opportunities

Employers across Massachusetts offer competitive pay and comprehensive benefits packages:

• Kuhlman Electric offers apprentices $18 to $28 per hour, with full-time benefits, including health insurance, paid time off, and educational reimbursement.
• Basnett Plumbing & Heating pays between $17 and $24 per hour, with benefits such as 401(k) matching, company-paid disability insurance, and tool allowances.
• Rodenhiser Home Services offers an annual salary between $50,000 and $70,000 for experienced apprentices, highlighting the earning potential as they advance.
• Many companies, including TradeSource Inc., offer tuition reimbursement, milestone bonuses, and overtime pay, fostering long-term growth and skill development.

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Conclusion

Employers in Massachusetts are looking for electricians who not only possess technical proficiency and field experience but also demonstrate reliability, professionalism, and a commitment to growth. The industry’s crossover with plumbing, HVAC, and general contracting offers opportunities for electricians to expand their skills. With competitive pay, attractive benefits, and clear career pathways, Massachusetts offers a promising landscape for electricians seeking both stability and advancement.