How to Become an Electrician in Pennsylvania

Overall, there are three ways you can become a licensed professional electrician in Pennsylvania:

1. Complete an apprenticeship program and earn 3-5 years of on-the-job experience, plus 750-900 hours of classroom time.
   
2. Graduate from a community college or trade school with a certificate in electrical technology and receive 2 years of field experience.
   
3. Work under the direct supervision of an electrical contractor for 10 years or more.

In some areas of PA, electricians earn as much as $85K.  And  you do not need a college degree.

Education & Training

In order to receive enough training and experience, you should attend a trade school or community college with an electrician training program.

Local Trade Schools

Accredited institutions provide certified coursework and hands-on training with the correct tools and equipment to meet industry standards.

What Do You Study?

Most courses cover topics such as:

Foundational Electrical Knowledge:

• Basic Electrical Theory: Understanding voltage, current, resistance, transformers, and power.
• Basic Electrical Math: Mathematics and load calculations essential for electrical work.
• Technical Math: Advanced mathematical skills for complex electrical calculations.

Electrical Systems and Principles:

• Electrical System Operation Principles: DC, AC, and other electricity fundamentals.
• Wiring Techniques: Wiring, single-phase, 3-phase motors, and electrical controls.
• Circuit and System Design: Branch Circuit Basics, Required Branch Circuits, GFCI and AFCI Protection.

Safety Practices:

• General Safety: Familiarity with field and shop safety, electrical safety, and jobsite safety.
• Tool Safety: Proper use of hand tools and power tools.

Materials and Equipment:

• Building Materials: Conductors and Cables, Enclosures and Cabinets, Terminal Devices.
• Understanding Generators: Related codes and operational principles.

Installation and Maintenance:

• Residential and Commercial Wiring: Overview and detailed practices.
• Installing and Inspecting: Techniques for proper installation and inspection adherence.
• Appliance and System Connections: Residential Services and Feeders, Feeders and Separate Buildings, Required Outlets and Devices, Appliance Connections.

Specialized Electrical Systems:

• Solar Photovoltaics: Learning installation and troubleshooting of solar systems.
• Grounding and Bonding: Essential for safety and system efficiency.

Code Compliance:

• National Electrical Code (NEC): Comprehensive study to ensure compliance with all regulations.

Project and Business Skills:

• Project Planning: Strategies and tools for effective project management.
• Soft Skills for the Electrician (optional): Communication and interpersonal skills critical for professional success.

Practical Application and Challenges:

• Troubleshooting: Diagnosing and fixing electrical issues effectively.
• Course Challenge: Capstone-like evaluation to test knowledge and skills.

Professional Development:

• The Electrical Industry: An introduction to the field and career opportunities.
• Construction Drawings: Understanding and interpreting technical drawings.

How Much Does Electrician Training in PA Cost?

Most schools  charge between a $2,500 to $5,000

Students often apply for scholarships or financial aid to afford smaller monthly payments.

How Long is Training?

Most beginner programs take between 7 and 12 months.  Online programs usually can be completed quickly since you control the pace of study.

Associate degrees in applied science typically take 2 years.

After completing your training, you become an entry-level worker and begin your career with an apprenticeship or as an electrician’s helper.

Salary Range

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics the average salary in the state is $73,100.

• Indeed.com: $60,754
• ZipRecruiter.com: $66,755
• Salary.com: $56,351

The table below shows more BLS data for different cities:

Area	Per Hour	Per Year
Allentown-Bethlehem-Easton	$36.02	$74,920
Altoona	$28.41	$59,090
Bloomsburg-Berwick	$28.09	$58,420
Chambersburg-Waynesboro	$31.20	$64,890
East Stroudsburg	$29.04	$60,390
Erie	$30.71	$63,880
Gettysburg	$32.34	$67,270
Harrisburg-Carlisle	$34.12	$70,960
Johnstown	$29.13	$60,580
Lancaster	$32.61	$67,820
Leba	$31.54	$65,590
Northern Pennsylvania	$31.01	$64,500
Philadelphia-Camden-Wilmington	$37.24	$77,460
Pittsburgh	$34.25	$71,240
Reading	$34.97	$72,740
Scranton–Wilkes-Barre–Hazleton	$35.53	$73,900
Southern Pennsylvania	$27.75	$57,730
State College	$30.80	$64,060
Western Pennsylvania	$32.54	$67,680
Williamsport	$30.06	$62,530
York-Hanover	$33.90	$70,520

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

Over time, more training, experience, and licensing can lead to higher wages if you work for a local or government entity and increased revenue if you run your own company.

Pennsylvania Electrician Requirements

There are no statewide licensing requirements for professional electricians in Pennsylvania. But, you must possess a license to perform electrical work within your jurisdiction.

Therefore, individual cities and counties handle the license requirements for apprentices, journeyman electricians, and electrical contractors.

For example, here is some information for Philadelphia.

Most cities have similar requirements for each type of license, and you can check with your local government to verify what they are.

Apprentice

Step one in becoming a licensed electrician in PA is to become an apprentice. You must be 18 years or older, have a high school diploma or GED, and have passed at least one year of high school algebra.

Most apprentices also must take an aptitude test involving basic math and reading skills.

If you go through an accredited training program, you might be able to land an apprenticeship quite easily. Most apprenticeships include classroom education and on-the-job experience where you work directly under a contractor.

You might become an apprentice via a union sponsor or go through a local contractor affiliated with electrician state organizations.

Journeyman Electrician

After being an apprentice for a few years, you can apply to become a journeyman electrician.

Some cities allow you to skip this step of the process and may not even offer this licensing option in your jurisdiction. However, most contractors refuse to hire individuals who lack apprenticeship or internship experience.

To get a journeyman electrician license in PA, you must:

• Have about 4 years of experience
• Be at least 21 years old
• Have a high school diploma or GED
• Complete an application with the city
• Pass the journeyman exam

Journeyman licenses expire after one year. You must renew your license for a fee each year around the same time or face losing it.

Some cities recognize the licensing from other areas, too. After working for at least two years as a journeyman electrician, you can apply for an independent electrical contractor’s license.

Electrical Contractor

All cities in Pennsylvania require workers to apply for a master electrician’s license before they can do electrical work.

Once they earn this credential, these workers can perform almost any job in the industry.

Requirements to apply for a license as a master electrician in PA vary by city but mostly include:

• Passing the electrical contractor exam with a 70% or higher
• 4 years of experience as an electrician or completion of an electrician training program with 2 years of experience
• Liability insurance of $300k or more
• Photo ID(s)
• Proof of registering for city taxes

You can purchase your electrical contractor license after passing the exam. Licenses expire after one year, so you must renew them to keep working as a master electrician.

With this license, you can hire your own team and freelance various jobs throughout the state of Pennsylvania.

Electrician Licensing Costs

Fees to take the journeyman and master electrician exams vary by city and change annually. Costs also differ between new applications, renewals, and potential late fees.

To find more information about what it costs to become a licensed electrician in PA, try visiting your city government’s website.

Job Description

Electricians install, maintain, and repair electrical systems to power various communication, lighting, and control fixtures.

Hospitals, schools, factories, businesses, homes, and residential areas rely on these workers to supply the power that keeps their operations running. Electricians are also responsible for restoring power after outages.

Once they have the required experience and licensure, electricians have several job opportunities they can pursue.

Some qualified electricians choose to be self-employed and open their own businesses. However, others prefer to work with the local government or join an existing electric company.

Electrical work is hands-on, so you can expect to perform physical tasks in a variety of environments. There are some potential dangers of working with electricity, which is why proper training and education are so important.

Those looking for more specialized jobs in this industry might consider work in electrical engineering, refrigeration, HVAC, and telecommunications.

What Employers in Pennsylvania Are Looking for in an Electrician

Employers across Pennsylvania seek highly skilled, adaptable, and safety-conscious electricians who can handle a diverse range of electrical tasks, from residential and commercial wiring to industrial installations and maintenance. The demand spans various industries, including transportation, construction, and residential services. Key employers such as Norfolk Southern Corp, Arrow Electric, Mister Sparky Electric, JDV Electric, and Comroe Advanced Power have common expectations but also emphasize unique skills and qualities depending on their sector focus.

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Technical Skills & Competencies

1. Electrical Installation & Maintenance:

• Employers expect electricians to be proficient in installing, maintaining, and repairing electrical systems. This includes pulling and running wire through conduits, interpreting blueprints, and following circuit diagrams.
• Companies like Arrow Electric seek apprentices capable of performing wire pulls, tracing short circuits, and constructing controllers and panels.
• Comroe Advanced Power, which emphasizes commercial and industrial work, looks for candidates with experience in motor control installation, PLC wiring, and troubleshooting—skills critical in manufacturing and industrial automation.

2. Knowledge of Tools & Equipment:

• Electricians must be skilled in using hand and power tools such as wire cutters, electrical testing devices, saws, and drills.
• Norfolk Southern Corp, which focuses on large-scale transportation infrastructure, values expertise with testing instruments and safety equipment to handle complex rail signaling systems.

3. Low Voltage & Specialty Systems:

• Cross-disciplinary skills are increasingly valued. Arrow Electric, for example, trains apprentices in low-voltage and fire alarm systems, broadening their skill set for diverse projects.
• Familiarity with conduit bending, pipe fitting, and control panel assembly is essential for roles like those at Comroe Advanced Power, where industrial electrical work requires mechanical and electrical crossover skills.

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Certifications & Safety Knowledge

Employers place a strong emphasis on safety and compliance:

• OSHA 10 and OSHA 30 certifications are highly desirable, with many companies either requiring them upfront or offering on-the-job training.
• First Aid, CPR, and Arc Flash training are common requirements, particularly in physically demanding roles.
• Norfolk Southern Corp highlights the importance of adhering to railway-specific safety protocols, while JDV Electric prioritizes compliance with residential safety standards.

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Physical and Environmental Requirements

Electricians in Pennsylvania must be prepared for physically demanding work in varying conditions:

• Tasks often involve climbing, bending, crawling, and lifting heavy equipment, as noted by Arrow Electric and Mister Sparky Electric.
• JDV Electric specifies the need for physical fitness, requiring apprentices to lift over 75 lbs. and work in confined spaces like attics and crawl spaces.
• Field-based roles may require working in outdoor, industrial, or confined environments with exposure to noise, contaminants, and temperature variations.

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Soft Skills & Work Ethic

Employers are not only seeking technical proficiency but also value strong work ethics and customer service skills:

• Mister Sparky Electric has a unique, high-energy approach, emphasizing qualities like team spirit, self-motivation, and professionalism. Their job posting highlights the need for employees who are driven, coachable, and goal-oriented.
• Customer-focused companies such as JDV Electric prioritize interpersonal skills, seeking candidates who can communicate effectively, explain technical concepts clearly, and provide excellent customer service.
• Arrow Electric emphasizes a team-oriented mindset, requiring apprentices to collaborate effectively with senior electricians and field personnel.

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Crossover into Other Disciplines

In Pennsylvania, the role of an electrician increasingly overlaps with other technical disciplines:

• Industrial Automation & PLC Programming: Employers like Comroe Advanced Power look for electricians with skills in Programmable Logic Controllers (PLCs), which involves both electrical wiring and programming knowledge.
• Transportation & Signal Maintenance: Companies like Norfolk Southern Corp hire electricians with competencies in signal systems and rail infrastructure, offering crossover opportunities into transportation technology.
• Low Voltage & Smart Systems: As the demand for smart home technology and low-voltage systems grows, electricians with crossover skills in networking, security systems, and automation are highly valued.

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Key Takeaways: What PA Employers Want

• Technical Expertise: Wiring, installation, maintenance, and troubleshooting skills.
• Safety & Compliance: OSHA certifications, First Aid, and adherence to safety standards.
• Physical Stamina: Ability to handle physically demanding tasks in various environments.
• Adaptability & Cross-disciplinary Skills: Knowledge of low-voltage systems, PLCs, and specialty electrical work.
• Work Ethic & Customer Service: Professionalism, communication skills, and a strong team-oriented attitude.

Employers in Pennsylvania are seeking electricians who are not only technically skilled but also adaptable, safety-conscious, and customer-focused, making them valuable assets across residential, commercial, and industrial sectors.