According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics the average annual wage for an electrician in Oregon is $85K. Thats #5 state in the nation for electrician pay.
Training and Education
Get started with an online certification program from a local trade school.
What Are the Benefits?
You will learn comprehensive electrical skills including applying the National Electrical Code, sizing electrical components like boxes, conductors, fuses, and circuit breakers, as well as mastering wiring techniques such as using tools effectively, splicing wires, mounting electrical boxes securely to building frames, fishing cables through walls, and installing overhead service entrances.
Some programs even include free tools.
How Long Does It Take?
Between 7 to 12 months for the average course.
What Are the Costs?
Expect to pay a minimum of $2,200. If you opt
What Do You Study?
A curriculum might look something like this:
Math
- Math Fundamentals
- Fractions and Decimals
- Units of Measurement
- Basics of Tolerance
- Geometry: Lines, Angles, Triangles, Circles, Polygons, Pythagorean Theorem, Sine, Cosine, Tangent
- Statistics
Inspection
- Basic Measurement
- Introduction to GD&T
- Major Rules of GD&T
- Inspecting Prismatic and Cylindrical Parts
Safety
- Intro to OSHA, PPE, Noise Reduction, Respiratory Safety, Lockout/Tagout Procedures, SDS, Bloodborne Pathogens, Fire Safety, Ergonomics, Lifting Device Safety, Powered Industrial Trucks, Confined Spaces, Environmental Hazards, Machine Guarding
Quality and Manufacturing Management
- Lean Manufacturing, Leadership, Communication, ISO 9001:2015, Process Improvement, Performance Management, Maintenance Approaches, Conflict Resolution, 5S, Six Sigma, Quality Assurance, Customer Service, Manufacturing Operations, Troubleshooting, Kaizen Events, Diverse Workplace Management, SPC, Harassment Prevention
Machining
- Safety, Metal Cutting, CAD/CAM, Machining Processes
Electrical/Mechanical Systems and Motor Controls
- Electrical Units, Safety, Circuits, Relays, Contactors, Motors, Magnetism, DC/AC Fundamentals, NEC, Electrical Instruments, Print Reading, Power Sources, Conductors, Circuit Calculations, Logic Diagrams, Battery Selection, Switches, Sensors
PLCs
- Basics of Siemens PLCs, Hardware, Communication, Networking, Inputs/Outputs, Human Machine Interfaces, Programming, Registers, Safety Integration
Automation
- Automated Systems, Robot Maintenance, Troubleshooting, Installations, Industrial Network Integration
Fasteners
- Threaded and Non-Threaded Fasteners, Tools, Ergonomics, Properties, Torque, Selection
Certificates
- Electrical Technology I and II: Includes courses in Electrical Theory, Calculations, Safety, Wiring, Motor Controls, Testing, Maintenance, and Distribution Systems
Other Local Trade Schools
- Pendleton
- Oregon City, Milwaukie, Wilsonville
- Eugene, Cottage Grove, Florence
- Portland, Scappoose, Hillsboro
- Ontario
Blue Mountain Community College (Rating: 4.5 of 5)
The Electrician Apprenticeship Technologies programs prepare students for specialized electrician roles through a combination of State of Oregon-approved on-the-job training (OJT) and related coursework. The Limited Electrician Apprenticeship requires 4000 hours of OJT, focusing on limited licensure areas such as limited energy technician and limited renewable energy technician, while the full Electrician Apprenticeship demands 6000 to 8000 hours of OJT, covering inside electrician, manufacturing plant electrician, and more.
Clackamas Community College
Clackamas's Electrician Apprenticeship Technologies AAS (90 quarter credits) and certificates are classroom training for registered apprentices only: you need a sponsoring employer, acceptance by a joint apprenticeship training committee and registration with Oregon's Bureau of Labor and Industries first. Tracks run 4,000, 6,000 or 8,000 hours, depending on the licence type. The catalog says the degree does not guarantee licensure. The degree is articulated with Oregon Tech.
Lane Community College
Lane's Electrician Apprenticeship Technologies AAS is 90 credits and open only to BOLI-registered apprentices accepted by a JATC, with an employer sponsor. Five tracks set the trade credits: Inside Wire Electrician 47, Limited Energy Technician A 38 or B 26, Manufacturing Plant Electrician 36 and Limited Maintenance Electrician 18. On-the-job training is 4,000 to 8,000 hours depending on the trade, and every track includes preparation for Oregon Building Codes Division licence exams.
Portland Community College
PCC's electrical awards are only for people in a registered apprenticeship: the catalog says the Electrician Apprenticeship Technologies AAS is available only during or after a registered apprenticeship. The AAS is 90 to 108 credits, combining 4,000 to 8,000 hours of BOLI-approved trade training, 16 to 75 credits of related training and up to 22 credits for prior certification. Limited electrician certificates of 16 to 44 credits also exist. Classes meet at the Swan Island Trades Center.
Treasure Valley Community College (Rating: 4.4 of 5)
The Electrical Apprenticeship programs overseen by Ontario JATC MA# 6008 provide a rigorous four-year, 576-hour technical curriculum designed to supplement 8,000 hours of required on-the-job training. Apprentices can choose between the General Journeyman (Inside) Electrician or Manufacturing Plant Electrician tracks, both of which are certified to meet state registration standards in both Idaho and Oregon. Upon successful completion of the coursework and field hours, graduates are eligible to sit for the state Journeyman exam to earn their professional license.
Salary Range
- Salary.com: $55,068
- ZipRecruiter: $62,400
- CareerExplorer: $80,160
- Talent.com: $82,885
- Bureau of Labor: $85,330
- Indeed.com: $88,130
How much you get paid will vary a bit based on where you are in the state. See below:
| Area | Hourly | Annual |
|---|---|---|
| Albany | $38.59 | $80,270.00 |
| Bend-Redmond | $35.90 | $74,680.00 |
| Central Oregon | $39.22 | $81,570.00 |
| Coast Oregon | $36.55 | $76,030.00 |
| Corvallis | $39.31 | $81,750.00 |
| Eastern Oregon | $36.25 | $75,400.00 |
| Eugene | $36.89 | $76,740.00 |
| Grants Pass | $35.18 | $73,170.00 |
| Medford | $36.77 | $76,480.00 |
| Portland-Vancouver-Hillsboro | $42.88 | $89,190.00 |
| Salem | $37.12 | $77,210.00 |
Oregon Requirements
Apprenticeships & Training
To become an electrician in Oregon, you must meet the minimum educational requirements, which include completing an approved apprenticeship program or having prior vocational experience.
If you wish to use apprenticeship experience as your prerequisite training before applying for a license, you must complete an internship approved by the Oregon Bureau of Labor and Industries.
Alternative pre-exam training routes include completing 8,000 hours of work experience and 576 hours of classroom training, or 16,000 hours of work experience, according to the Oregon Department of Consumer and Business Services’ documentation.
Licensing & Certification
Requirements (Local & State)
A state license is required to become an electrician in Oregon. Oregon issues specialty and limited electrical licenses requiring specific experience and classroom training.
The Oregon Building Codes Division (BCD) issues non-contracting electrical permits, including:
- Limited Residential Electrician
- Limited Journeyman Manufacturing Plant Electrician
- Limited Renewable Energy Technician
- Limited Journeyman Sign Electrician
- Limited Journeyman Stage Electrician
- Limited Maintenance Electrician
- Limited Building Maintenance Electrician
- Limited Energy Technician, Class A
- Limited Energy Technician, Class B
The Oregon Construction Contractors Board (CCB) issues contracting electrical licenses, including:
- General Supervising Electrician
- Limited Supervising Electrician
- General Journeyman Electrician
- Reciprocal General Supervising Electrician
- Reciprocal Journeyman Electrician
Licensing fees range from $50 to $100.
To acquire an electrician’s license of any level in the state of Oregon, you must be at least 18 years of age, have a high school diploma, a GED certificate, or a college degree, in addition to any educational or vocational experience requirements that may vary depending on the level of licensure you seek.
Becoming a Journeyman Electrician
To become a journeyman electrician in Oregon, you must complete only one of the following options:
- Complete an apprenticeship or internship program from the list approved by the Oregon Bureau of Labor & Industries.
- Complete 8,000 hours of work experience and 576 hours of classroom/technical training, including:
- 1,000-3,000 hours in residential settings.
- 1,000-3,000 hours in commercial settings.
- 1,000-3,000 hours in industrial settings.
- Complete 16,000 hours of electrical installation experience outside of Oregon, including:
- 2,000-6,000 hours in residential settings.
- 2,000-6,000 hours in commercial settings.
- 2,000-6,000 hours in industrial settings.
After meeting these requirements and passing the exam, submit an electrical experience verification form with your license application to the Department of Consumer and Business Services’ Business Codes Division.
Make sure to abide by their checklist before submitting your application to ensure that every requirement is met.
General journeymen can work in all areas under the supervision of a licensed electrical contractor or supervising electrician, while limited electricians work within their specialty area.
Both licenses must be renewed every three years and require continuing education credits.
Completing the requirements to become a journeyman electrician makes you eligible to become a limited electrician.
Becoming a Supervising Electrician
To become a supervising electrician in Oregon, you must work as a journeyman for four years. Supervising electricians can oversee general electricians and pull city permits for electrical projects. To apply:
- Fill out and submit the electrical license application to the Oregon Department of Consumer and Business Services Building Codes Division.
- Submit an electrical experience verification form for each previous employer.
Upon approval, schedule and pass the exam. A Supervising Electrician license requires renewal every three years, which requires continuing education credits.
Becoming an Electrical Contractor
The Oregon Construction Contractors Board (CCB) issues electrical contractor licenses. Electrical contractors own and operate their businesses, hiring other licensed employees. To obtain a permit:
- Complete 16 hours of pre-license training from an approved educator.
- Take and pass the exam provided by your training provider.
- Determine your endorsement type based on the CCB chart.
- File your corporation, LLC, or assumed business name with the Oregon Secretary of State’s Corporate Division.
- Submit a CCB surety bond.
- Provide proof of general liability insurance with the CCB as the certificate holder.
- Obtain workers’ compensation insurance if hiring employees, following Oregon Workers Compensation Division regulations.
- Pay the $325 fee for a two-year license.
The CCB offers a licensing guide for those seeking to become licensed electrical contractors and documentation detailing licensing endorsement options for prospective contractors.
Renewals
As per the Oregon Building Codes Division, all licenses are eligible for online renewal within 45 days of the expiration date. Many licenses require continuing education for renewal, with credit hour requirements varying by license level.
State Reciprocity
Oregon has reciprocity agreements for General Journeyman Electricians with Arkansas, Idaho, Maine, Montana, Utah, Washington, and Wyoming.
For General Supervising Electricians, reciprocity agreements exist with Arkansas and Utah, per the Oregon Building Codes Division’slicensing reciprocity page.
What Oregon Employers Are Looking for in Electricians
Employers across Oregon seek electricians with a combination of technical proficiency, practical experience, and a strong commitment to safety and professionalism. Companies hiring in this field range from residential service providers and commercial contractors to large-scale industrial manufacturers, each with specific skills and qualifications in demand.
Core Skills and Qualifications in Demand
- Technical Proficiency and Hands-On Experience
- Oregon employers value electricians with proven skills in installing, maintaining, and repairing electrical systems. Companies such as Falcon Services, Inc. in Portland expect apprentices to demonstrate competence in adhering to electrical codes, troubleshooting issues, and working collaboratively with journeyman electricians.
- Roseburg Forest Products, an industrial leader, seeks individuals with experience in root cause analysis, preventative maintenance, and complex industrial troubleshooting. Knowledge of computer-based documentation and the ability to work with precision measuring tools is also highly valued.
- At Oregon Generators, proficiency in both residential and backup power systems (e.g., generator installation and maintenance) is particularly sought after. Experience with solar and battery systems is considered a bonus, indicating the growing crossover into renewable energy.
- Licensing and Certification Requirements
- Most employers require or prefer candidates who are enrolled in an accredited electrical apprenticeship program or have relevant licensing, such as a Journeyman Electrician License.
- Companies like AM Technical Solutions, which operates in semiconductor and industrial settings, look for licensed journeyman electricians capable of working on high-tech electrical systems and performing maintenance on switchgear, motors, and variable frequency drives.
- Physical and Safety Standards
- Across the board, Oregon employers emphasize strict adherence to safety protocols. For example, Roseburg Forest Products seeks candidates with a total commitment to observing safety regulations, including working in extreme weather conditions and navigating catwalks and ladders.
- Electrical roles often demand physical endurance, such as the ability to lift heavy equipment (up to 49 pounds), stoop, bend, and work in confined or elevated spaces.
Key Qualities and Competencies Employers Seek
- Problem-Solving and Analytical Skills:
Employers like Mt. Hood Meadows prioritize candidates with strong critical thinking and risk management skills. The ability to troubleshoot complex electrical issues, especially in challenging environments such as mountain resorts, is a valued competency. - Flexibility and Availability:
Many roles require working non-traditional hours. For instance, Roseburg Forest Products and AM Technical Solutions seek individuals willing to work overtime, weekends, and rotating shifts. In contrast, Falcon Services, Inc. offers the perk of no weekend work, catering to candidates seeking a more standard schedule. - Customer Service and Communication Skills:
Companies providing residential and commercial services, such as Oregon Generators, place a strong emphasis on customer-facing skills. Electricians in these roles need to explain technical issues to clients, provide estimates, and ensure customer satisfaction.
Cross-Disciplinary Skills and Industry Crossover
The electrical trade in Oregon is increasingly overlapping with other disciplines:
- Renewable Energy & Backup Power:
Companies like Oregon Generators look for electricians with experience in solar panel systems, battery storage, and backup generators, reflecting the growing demand for renewable energy solutions. - Semiconductor & High-Tech Industries:
AM Technical Solutions highlights the demand for electricians with skills in precision equipment installation and maintenance, demonstrating a crossover with the tech and industrial manufacturing sectors. - Mechanical and Facilities Maintenance:
At Mt. Hood Meadows, apprentices gain expertise in both electrical and facilities maintenance, showcasing the blend of electrical and mechanical skills required in resort operations.
Top Oregon Employers Hiring Electricians
- Falcon Services, Inc. (Portland) – Residential and light commercial electrical services with mentorship opportunities for apprentices.
- Roseburg Forest Products (Riddle) – Industrial manufacturing with a focus on troubleshooting and preventative maintenance.
- AM Technical Solutions (Statewide) – Semiconductor and high-tech industry projects with travel opportunities.
- Oregon Generators (Clackamas) – Residential generator and backup power installation, offering high hourly pay and benefits.
- Mt. Hood Meadows (Mt. Hood) – Resort operations, combining electrical and facilities maintenance with benefits like free skiing.
Key Takeaway
Oregon employers in the electrical field seek candidates with a blend of technical expertise, safety consciousness, and adaptability. While residential companies prioritize customer service and generator experience, industrial employers look for troubleshooting skills and preventative maintenance expertise. The industry’s increasing crossover with renewable energy, semiconductor, and mechanical maintenance makes electricians with diverse skill sets particularly attractive to employers.