How to Become an Electrician in New York
Individuals who want a rewarding career that involves working with their hands should think about becoming an electrician.
With the proper education and training, hopefuls can break into this challenging field.
Education & Training
Wondering how to become an electrician in New York? Those interested must first obtain their high school diploma or the equivalent. Hopefuls should then consider going to a trade school or vocational school that offers an electrician program.
Required Courses
During trade school or vocational school, students may potentially take some of the following courses:
- Electrical Fundamentals
- Electrical Plans, Drawings, & Schematics
- Conduits, Cables, and Conductors
- Working with Residential and Small Commercial Electrical Systems
Apprenticeship Programs
Many electricians learn the ins and outs of the trade through an apprenticeship program. Typically, an apprentice receives around 2,000 hours of paid on-the-job training and technical instruction. Apprentices can also get special training in soldering, communications, fire alarm systems, and elevators.
Additional Requirements
In the electrician field, technical instruction may include electrical theory, blueprint reading, mathematics, safety and first aid, as well as electrical code requirements.
How Much Does It Cost to Become an Electrician in NY?
The total cost can differ depending on which New York technical school or vocational college you pick. Some community colleges offer an education for around 5k per year, while some technical colleges may cost approximately 18k per year. Students will also need to pay for books and materials as well.
Other costs can include license exam fees and application fees.
How Long Does It Take to Get a License?
The length of time to get an electrician license varies in the state of New York based on the area. In certain municipalities, electricians can get the equivalent of a journeyman’s license in roughly four years. However, a place such as New York City requires a minimum of seven and half years before an individual can apply for a Master or Special license.
New York Electrician Requirements
The requirements to become an electrician in New York can vary by city or municipality, so there are no statewide requirements across the board.
Licensing Requirements
For instance, an electrician must have a license through the Department of Buildings in order to work in New York City, such as a Master Electrician License or Special Electrician License.
Meanwhile, to become a residential (single-phase) electrician in Rochester an individual needs a minimum of 3,000 hours as an apprentice electrician within the past five years of applying for a license.
Local Requirements
People looking to become an electrician in the state of New York should look into specific city and municipality requirements when joining the workforce to ensure all needs are met.
Salary
How Much Can You Make?
A typical electrician salary in New York can differ depending on a variety of things. Education, amount of training completed, and location may all affect the annual salary of a New York electrician. For reference, a few salaries that a person may be able to earn as an electrician in NY are:
- Buffalo $62,800
- Albany $66,400
- Bronx $79,000
- Brooklyn $79,000
- Yonkers $75,700
Job Description
What Do They Do?
An electrician has many important duties and responsibilities when on a work site. These workers install, maintain, and repair electrical systems inside of homes and businesses.
Standard Duties
Job duties may vary depending on the job site, but a NY electrician may be responsible for the following on any given day:
- Read and understand blueprints and diagrams
- Install and maintain wiring
- Inspect electrical components
- Identify electrical problems using different testing devices
- Replace electrical wiring, equipment, or fixtures using a variety of tools
- Follow state and local building regulations according to National Electrical Code
- Direct and train workers
Work Environment
Electricians can find themselves working in a range of environments. They work both indoors and outdoors and can work in homes, businesses, construction sites, as well as factories.
Potential Travel
Electricians can find themselves on multiple job sites in one day, so workers should expect to travel either locally or long distance.
Career Outlook
Those entering the industry in the next decade should have high hopes for their future. Per the Bureau of Labor Statistics, electrician jobs should increase by seven percent across the country. This will mean the addition of thousands of new electrician jobs in New York, too.
Experts believe that the rise in electrician positions will most likely be from a combination of current workers retiring or transferring to different occupations, new and older buildings needing proper electrical maintenance and installation, as well as the increased use of alternative power sources.