How to Become an Electrician in TN

Once you learn the trade, there is constant demand a job security for electricians. In Tennessee, the average electrician makes over $50K, and that just a start.

Training and Education

We recommend starting with an online or hybrid program that will teach you foundational knowledge.

Local Trade Schools & Programs

How Long Does It Take?

Entry level programs range between 7 and 12 months to come complete.

What Are the Costs?

Anywhere from $2,500 to $4,500.

What Do You Study?

The following topics might be part of a study plan.

Introduction and Safety

• Introduction: Electrical Occupations
• Safety Overview
• Electrical Safety
• Jobsite Safety
• Soft Skills for the Electrician (optional)

Electrical Theory and Fundamentals

• Atomic Structure
• Electrical Quantities and Ohm’s Law
• Static Electricity
• Magnetism
• Resistors
• Series Circuits
• Parallel Circuits
• Combination Circuits
• Measuring Instruments
• Conduction in Liquids and Gases
• Batteries and Other Sources of Electricity
• Magnetic Induction
• Basic Trigonometry and Vectors
• Alternating Current
• Inductance in AC Circuits
• Capacitors
• Surge, Spike, and Lightning Protection
• Harmonics

Circuits

• Circuit and Personnel Protection
• Branch Circuit Basics
• Required Branch Circuits
• GFCI Protection and Branch Circuits
• AFCI Protection
• Series Circuits
• Parallel Circuits
• Combination Circuits
• Inductance in AC Circuits
• Resistive-Inductive Series Circuits
• Resistive-Inductive Parallel Circuits
• Resistive-Capacitive Series Circuits
• Resistive-Capacitive Parallel Circuits
• Resistive-Inductive-Capacitive Series Circuits
• Resistive-Inductive-Capacitive Parallel Circuits
• Three-Phase Circuits
• Single-Phase Transformers
• Three-Phase Transformers
• Direct Current Generators
• Three-Phase Alternators
• Three-Phase Motors
• Single-Phase Motors

Wiring

• Residential Electricity – A Basic Overview
• Industrial Wiring
• Commercial Wiring
• Residential Wiring
• Appliance Connections

Building Materials

• Test Instruments
• Electrical System Operation Principles
• Hand Tools
• Power Tools
• Building Materials – Conductors and Cables
• Building Materials – Enclosures and Cabinets
• Building Materials – Terminal Devices
• Residential Services and Feeders
• Grounding and Bonding of Services
• Feeders and Separate Buildings
• Construction Drawings
• Required Outlets and Devices

Specialized Courses

• Electrical Drafting
• Electrical Testing & Maintenance
• Motor Controls
• Electrical Machines
• Distribution Systems
• Electrical Planning & Estimating

Salary Range

• Careerexplorer.com: $48,500
• Salary.com: $52,555
• Indeed.com: $52,581
• Talent.com: $53,625
• Bureau of Labor: $57,710
• ZipRecruiter.com: $58,240

Electrician pay for various cities and areas within TN is as follows:

Area	Hourly	Annual
Chattanooga	$27.15	$56,470.00
Clarksville	$27.03	$56,230.00
Cleveland	$25.75	$53,560.00
East Tennessee	$31.62	$65,760.00
Jackson	$26.33	$54,760.00
Johnson City	$23.89	$49,680.00
Kingsport-Bristol-Bristol	$26.69	$55,510.00
Knoxville	$26.12	$54,330.00
Memphis	$27.26	$56,700.00
Morristown	$25.36	$52,740.00
Nashville-Davidson–Murfreesboro–Franklin	$28.56	$59,400.00
North Central	$26.72	$55,590.00
South Central	$32.17	$66,910.00
West TN	$28.24	$58,730.00

TN Requirements

In Tennessee, electrical licenses are issued at the local and state levels. Local licenses for journeyman and master electricians are managed and distributed by individual cities and counties, with some cities like Knoxville offering multiple license classes based on experience and work type.

Journeyman

Generally, prospective electricians will need at least 8,000 hours (or 4 years) of work experience and 576 to 900 hours of classroom instruction to qualify for a journeyman electrician license, per local regulations.

State Wide vs Local Licenses

While state-wide licenses do not require prior experience, local licenses do.

The following are state-wide licenses:

• Certified Electricians (CE) License
• Limited License Electrician (LLE) License

Additionally, you must be at least 18 years old–some areas require a minimum age of 20 for journeymen and 24 for master electricians–have a high school diploma or equivalent, pass a high school algebra exam, and hold a driver’s license, as per the Tennesee Department of Commerce and Insurance.

Statewide electrical contractor licenses are issued by the Tennessee Department of Commerce and Insurance through the Tennessee Board for Licensing Contractors.

LLE vs CE

Limited License Electrician (LLE) licenses are accepted in areas without local regulations and allow for projects costing under $25,000, subject to local code enforcement office approval. In some municipalities, electrical codes adopted by the Division of Fire Prevention cover electrical installations performed by an LLE.

A Certified Electrician (CE) license is required for projects valued at $25,000. 

Becoming a Limited License Electrician (LLE)

To become a Limited Licensed Electrician (LLE) in Tennessee, you must pass the LLE trade exam, provide a photo ID, and show proof of U.S. citizenship or qualified alien status. No preapproval is needed to take the exam, and no continuing education requirements exist.

The application process includes paying a $50 fee. It’s important to note that LLEs are not permitted to use the term “contractor” or advertise themselves as “electrical contractors.”

Becoming a Certified Electrician (CE)

To become a Certified Electrician (CE) in Tennessee, you must pass both a statewide electrical contractor exam and its associated business and law exams administered by PSI exams. The exam provider offers a candidate information bulletin to prepare prospective electricians for the licensing exams.

Additionally, you need a CPA to verify your finances and obtain approval from the Contractors Board. You must also have workers’ compensation insurance or a written exemption if you are self-employed.

Renewals

Renewal of your electrician license in Tennessee is recommended 30 days before it expires. To retain your renewal rights, the renewal must be received within 90 days of expiration.

This is not a grace period; you can only legally perform work once your license has been renewed and issued. If your license has expired for 90 days or more, you cannot renew it and must submit a license application to the Tennessee Department of Commerce and Insurance for reinstatement and a fee.

State Reciprocity

Tennessee does not have out-of-state reciprocal agreements for the Limited Licensed Electrician (LLE). However, for contractors, there are reciprocal agreements with Alabama, Arkansas, and Georgia, which provide a trade exam waiver but do not allow the use of another state’s license in Tennessee.

According to the Tennessee Department of Commerce and Insurance, the process for license issuance takes 4-6 weeks. 

Tennessee Electrician Unions

The International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers (IBEW) is the main electrician union and one of the world’s most influential labor organizations.

Established in 1891, it is the oldest electrical union globally and has several locations across Tennessee, including:

• IBEW Local 429 — Nashville, TN
• IBEW Local 175 — Chattanooga, TN
• IBEW Local 760 — Knoxville, TN
• IBEW Local 474 — Memphis, TN
• IBEW Local 270 — Oak Ridge, TN
• IBEW Local 934 — Blountville, TN
  

To join an apprenticeship program with the IBEW in Tennessee, you must be at least 18, possess a GED or a 2-year associate degree or higher, and have passed high school algebra. You must provide official transcripts or records of your education and training, complete the IBEW Apprenticeship Aptitude Test, and interview with the local union office or apprenticeship director. After the interview, your name will be placed on an eligibility list for two years, ranked according to your score.

For experienced electricians, joining the IBEW typically involves contacting your local union office. Requirements vary by location, but generally, you must reside within the union’s jurisdiction, hold a state driver’s license, have a social security card, possess a high school diploma or GED equivalent, and consent to a background check.

What Tennessee Employers Are Looking for in Electricians

Tennessee employers seeking electricians are looking for a combination of technical proficiency, practical problem-solving skills, and a commitment to safety and professionalism. With a growing demand for electrical work in residential, commercial, industrial, and healthcare sectors, companies are emphasizing adaptability, reliability, and a willingness to learn. Here’s a detailed overview of what they expect:

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1. Core Skills and Technical Expertise

Employers in Tennessee prioritize candidates with a strong foundation in the following areas:

• Electrical Installation & Maintenance: The ability to install, maintain, and repair electrical systems, fixtures, and components is fundamental. For example, Stansell Electric Company in Nashville expects apprentices to assist with conduit installation, wire pulling, and terminating panels and motors.
• Basic Electrical Theory & Code Compliance: Understanding the National Electrical Code (NEC) and adhering to safety standards is essential, especially for companies with federal contracts like Stansell Electric.
• Mechanical and Technical Aptitude: Many companies, including Feyen Zylstra, value problem-solving abilities and mechanical knowledge, particularly in complex commercial and industrial settings.

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2. Safety Awareness and Physical Capability

Electrical work carries inherent risks, so employers expect a strong focus on safety practices and physical stamina. This includes:

• Adhering to OSHA Standards: Ensuring compliance with workplace safety regulations is vital. For example, ShoffnerKalthoff MES, Inc. requires employees to work safely at all times, operate heavy machinery, and utilize protective equipment such as face shields, steel-toe boots, and arc flash gear.
• Physical Demands: Candidates must demonstrate the ability to lift heavy objects, climb ladders, work in confined spaces, and perform repetitive physical movements. At Stansell Electric, apprentices are expected to handle up to 51 pounds regularly and work in varied environments, including construction sites.

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3. Reliability, Work Ethic, and Soft Skills

Employers seek candidates with strong work ethics, dependability, and teamwork skills. Attributes include:

• Punctuality & Reliability: Timeliness and consistent attendance are critical, as projects often rely on dependable scheduling.
• Communication & Collaboration: Companies such as Feyen Zylstra and GoHero Home Services emphasize the importance of working collaboratively with journeyman electricians and other tradespeople.
• Willingness to Learn: Apprenticeships, such as the program at Hero Services, prioritize a growth mindset. These programs offer on-the-job training with the expectation that apprentices develop technical proficiency over time.

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4. Certifications, Licenses, and Educational Requirements

Many Tennessee employers expect candidates to meet certain certification and licensing requirements:

• Driver’s License: A valid driver’s license is often required, as electricians may travel to multiple job sites (e.g., GoHero Home Services).
• High School Diploma or GED: Most employers require a minimum education level, with opportunities for further training.
• Apprenticeship or NCCER Certification: Companies like ShoffnerKalthoff MES, Inc. offer certified NCCER programs, which can transfer credits from other apprenticeship programs.
• Drug-Free and Background Checks: Companies such as Stansell Electric and ShoffnerKalthoff MES, Inc. enforce drug-free workplace policies, including pre-employment and random drug screenings.

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5. Cross-Disciplinary Skills and Versatility

As electrical work increasingly overlaps with other trades, Tennessee employers value candidates with cross-disciplinary skills. For example:

• HVAC and Electrical Crossover: Companies like ShoffnerKalthoff MES, Inc. specialize in both HVAC and electrical services, creating opportunities for electricians with additional mechanical skills.
• Healthcare and Facility Maintenance: Vanderbilt University Medical Center seeks electricians with general facility maintenance abilities, showcasing a need for electrical professionals who can integrate with healthcare maintenance teams.
• Low-Voltage and Data Systems: Companies like Feyen Zylstra value knowledge of low-voltage systems, particularly in data centers and commercial settings, indicating a growing demand for electricians with IT and networking expertise.

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6. Benefits and Career Growth Opportunities

Tennessee employers attract and retain talent by offering comprehensive benefits and growth opportunities, including:

• Paid Training and Apprenticeships: Companies such as Hero Services and Feyen Zylstra offer paid, structured apprenticeship programs with clear paths for advancement.
• Health and Retirement Benefits: Employers like GoHero Home Services provide health, dental, and vision insurance, along with retirement plans and paid time off.
• Specialized Perks: Some companies offer unique benefits, such as Chiropractic care (Hero Services) and GI Bill eligibility for veterans (ShoffnerKalthoff MES, Inc.).

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Conclusion

Employers in Tennessee are seeking electricians with a blend of technical expertise, physical stamina, and a strong work ethic. Companies like Stansell Electric, GoHero Home Services, and ShoffnerKalthoff MES, Inc. emphasize the importance of safety, adaptability, and the willingness to learn. Additionally, the growing overlap between electrical work and other disciplines—such as HVAC, low-voltage systems, and healthcare facility maintenance—makes cross-disciplinary skills increasingly valuable. With competitive benefits, paid training, and clear career advancement opportunities, the electrical field in Tennessee offers a promising career path for motivated individuals.