Electricians will always be in demand, and in Virginia the average they make over $64K on average, according to the Bureau of Labor.
Training and Education
A good way to get started is through an online or hybrid program offered through a local institution.
How Long Does It Take?
Most starter programs take between 7 to 12 months.
What Are the Costs?
$2,500 to $3,500 depending on the length and depth of the course.
What Do You Study?
Most programs will cover these essential topics:
Introduction to Construction Electrician
- Electrical theory and current fundamentals
- Hands-on experience with electrical schematics and wiring diagrams
- National Electric Code (NEC) and OSHA 10-hour safety certification
Basic Electricity
- Alternating currents and conductor installations
- Load calculations and branch circuitry
- NEC requirements and proper wiring techniques
Electric Motor Principles
- Overview of AC and DC motors
- Motor enclosures and HVAC system components
- Troubleshooting and testing equipment usage
Life Safety Specialty Systems
- Fire alarm systems and troubleshooting
- Pools, spas, fountains, and semiconductor applications
- Solid State Relays (SSR) and Life Safety Systems (LSS) control panels
The Electrical Industry
- Residential electricity basics and electrical math
- Electrical system operation and personnel protection
- Jobsite and electrical safety practices
Soft Skills for the Electrician (optional)
- Communication and teamwork
- Time management and project planning
More Local Trade School Programs
- Norfolk, Virginia Beach
- Midlothian
- Lynchburg
- Chesapeake, Norfolk, Newport News, Richmond
- Norfolk, Richmond
- McLean
- Chesapeake
- Fairfax
- Abingdon
- Newport News
- Altavista
Advanced Technology Institute (Rating: 3.2 out 5)
ATI’s Electrical Systems Technology program offers comprehensive training over 7 months, preparing students to become proficient residential, commercial, or industrial electricians. The curriculum covers essential skills like reading schematics, installing electrical components, and maintaining power systems, ensuring graduates are equipped to work safely and effectively in diverse electrical environments. Upon completion, students earn a Certificate in Electrical Systems Technology, recognized for its focus on practical, hands-on learning and adherence to industry codes and standards.
The Electrical Engineering Technology, AAS program at Brightpoint College is a two-year degree that prepares students for entry-level jobs as electricians and electrician helpers, including the completion of a Career Studies Certificate in Residential Electricity. Graduates are equipped to meet state certification requirements for journeyman electricians, with guidance from local business leaders and the flexibility of regional reciprocity agreements for online courses.
The Residential Electricity, CSC program is a one-year certification that provides training for entry-level residential electrician positions, focusing on direct and alternating currents, electrical circuits, and compliance with national, state, and local electrical codes. Offered at the Chester campus, this program also qualifies for G3 tuition assistance, making it accessible to eligible students.
Central Virginia Community College (Rating: 4.1 out 5)
The Electrical Technology program at Central Virginia Community College is a two-year associate degree pathway that combines academic learning with professional skill development. Within this 24-month timeframe, students have the opportunity to earn several stackable industry-recognized credentials, including NCCER CORE and multiple levels of NCCER Electrical certification. The curriculum is specifically structured to move students through essential certifications—starting with the Career Studies Certificate in Fundamentals—to ensure they graduate with both a degree and the portable credentials required for immediate workforce entry.
Centura College (Rating: 3.5 out 5)
Centura College's Construction Electrician Diploma program offers a focused path into the electrical industry, combining comprehensive theoretical knowledge with hands-on training. Spanning 12 months with flexible day and night courses, the program covers essential topics like electrical theory, safety protocols, wiring methods, and PLC programming. Graduates emerge equipped for diverse roles including smart home installation and commercial electrician positions. With a curriculum emphasizing real-world applications and certification readiness, students also gain vital credentials such as OSHA 10-hour safety certification and proficiency in National Electric Code standards. Centura College supports student success with financial aid options and career services, ensuring a seamless transition into the workforce upon program completion at their Norfolk, VA campus.
FORTIS College (Rating: 4.3 out 5)
The Electrical Trades program at Fortis provides students with the skills and knowledge to pursue careers as electricians or electrical systems technicians in residential, commercial, or industrial settings. Combining classroom instruction with hands-on training, the program covers key areas like electrical theory, National Electrical Code compliance, and low-voltage systems such as home theater, security, and networking. Graduates are equipped with technical expertise in installation, troubleshooting, and compliance, positioning them for entry-level roles in the evolving electrical and electronic technology fields.
JASA Inc Trade School (Rating: 4.6 out 5)
The JASA Inc. Electrical Program is an accredited 12-week (265-hour) vocational course that utilizes a hybrid model of online curriculum and advanced virtual reality (VR) simulations to provide job-ready training without requiring prior experience. Students learn residential, commercial, and industrial wiring at their own pace, typically dedicating 10 to 15 hours per week to complete the program. Graduates earn industry-recognized credentials, including the OSHA 10-Hour Safety Card and EPA 608 certification (for electrical work in HVACR), and gain access to a job placement network of electrical contractors.
Tidewater Community College (Rating: 3.7 out 5)
The Electrical Technology program at Tidewater Community College (TCC) prepares students for diverse careers in the electrical industry. Offering specializations such as Fiber & Data Cabling, Industrial & Business Management, Occupational Safety, Programming & Logic Control, and Renewable Energy Technologies, students gain hands-on experience over four semesters. Certificates in Electrical Wiring and related fields like Renewable Energy and Fiber & Data Cabling provide focused training in as little as two semesters, preparing graduates for industry-specific certifications, including those required for electrician licensing in Virginia.
TradeWorx Academy (Rating: 5 out 5)
The Electrical Basics Workshop at TradeWorx Academy is a concentrated, 3-hour intensive session held at their Fair Oaks Mall facility in Fairfax, VA. For a fee of $225, students learn critical home electrical skills—including wiring outlets, GFCIs, and light switches—using de-energized equipment in private practice bays. While the course is geared toward homeowner independence rather than formal trade licensing, participants receive a take-home digital multimeter and a professional reference guide to safely maintain their own household systems.
Virginia Highlands Community College (Rating: 4.5 out 5)
The Electrical Technology Associate of Applied Science (AAS) degree at VHCC prepares students for careers in the electrical, electronic, or industrial maintenance fields over two years (five semesters). This program includes Practical and Advanced Practical Electrical Technician certificates and prepares students to sit for the NEC Journeyman’s license. With G3 eligibility, Virginia residents of modest income can cover tuition and fees for high-demand careers, and the program offers significant tuition savings compared to other institutions.
The Industrial Electricity Career Studies Certificate at VHCC is a one-year program designed to equip students with the skills necessary for full-time employment as industrial electricians. The program, guided by experienced professionals like Donnie Melvin, covers essential topics such as industrial wiring, programmable logic controllers, and hydraulics and pneumatics. It is G3 eligible, offering financial aid for Virginia residents pursuing high-demand careers, with additional tuition savings for local out-of-state students.
Virginia Technical Academy (Rating: 4.8 out 5)
The EL-100 Electrician Career Track at Virginia Technical Academy is a multi-level professional program designed to be completed as a series of 180-hour modules, totaling 720 hours of instruction across four levels. Graduates earn a program certificate for each level completed, and because the curriculum is approved by the Department of Labor and Industry (DOLI) for Related Technical Instruction (RTI), these hours count directly toward the educational requirements for a Virginia Journeyman Electrician License. By progressing from the foundational Core Curriculum to advanced industrial motor controls and code review, students gain the accredited theoretical and lab experience needed to supplement on-the-job training in a registered apprenticeship.
Virginia Technical Institute (Rating: 4.9 out 5)
The Electrical program at Virginia Technical Institute (VTI) is a multi-level trade course in Altavista, VA, that utilizes the nationally recognized NCCER (National Center for Construction Education and Research) curriculum. The program typically spans four semesters (approximately two years) for full completion, though students earn credentials for each level (Levels 1–4) as they progress. Graduates are equipped with the technical knowledge and safety training required to pursue a Virginia Journeyman Electrician license, covering everything from residential wiring and the National Electrical Code to advanced commercial control systems and motor theory.
Salary Range
- Salary.com – $56,925
- Careerexplorer.com – $57,850
- Indeed.com – $58,926
- Ziprecruiter.com – $62,400
- Bureau of Labor – $64,730
- Comparably.com – $76,560
Below is electrician pay data for areas within the state.
| Area | Hourly | Annual |
|---|---|---|
| Blacksburg-Christiansburg-Radford | $27.05 | $56,260.00 |
| Charlottesville | $30.07 | $62,540.00 |
| Harrisonburg | $27.20 | $56,570.00 |
| Lynchburg | $26.97 | $56,100.00 |
| Northeast VA | $26.38 | $54,870.00 |
| Northwest VA | $30.42 | $63,270.00 |
| Richmond | $28.31 | $58,880.00 |
| Roanoke | $26.00 | $54,070.00 |
| Southside VA | $28.04 | $58,320.00 |
| Southwest VA | $31.21 | $64,920.00 |
| Staunton-Waynesboro | $27.12 | $56,400.00 |
| Virginia Beach-Norfolk-Newport News | $28.33 | $58,930.00 |
| Winchester | $29.12 | $60,580.00 |
source: data.bls.gov
Virginia Requirements
The Virginia Department of Professional and Occupational Regulation’s Board for Contractors regulates individual tradespeople, including electricians; state certification is mandatory.
To become an electrician in Virginia, in addition to completing mandatory prerequisite training and work experience, you must be at least 18, have a high school diploma or equivalent, and possess a Virginia driver’s license or a Social Security number.
Tradesmen must also comply with local ordinances, laws, and other requirements imposed by state agencies, courts, and localities.
Apprenticeship Not Mandatory
While most electricians opt to complete a 4-to-5-year apprenticeship program (according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics), it is not a mandatory component of your prerequisite training to become an electrician in Virginia.
Licensing & Certification
To apply for a license, electricians and other prospective licensees in the skilled trades use the same application form for the TRADESMAN Exam and licensing process.
Prospective electricians can qualify to take the licensing exam through a combination of work experience and formal education, through the completion of an Associate’s or Bachelor’s degree paired with on-the-job experience, or 10 years of verifiable, practical experience as an electrician, according to the Virginia Department of Professional and Occupational Regulation (DPOR).
Becoming a Journeyman Electrician
To become a Journeyman Electrician in Virginia, applicants must meet only ONE of several criteria:
- 4 years of practical experience coupled with 240 hours of formal vocational training
- 5 years of practical experience coupled with 160 hours of formal vocational training
- 6 years of practical experience coupled with 80 hours of formal vocational training
- 7+ years of practical experience coupled with 40 hours of formal vocational training
- An Associate’s degree or certificate of completion from an accredited 2-year program and 2 years of practical experience
- A Bachelor’s degree or certificate of completion from a 4-year program and 1 year of practical experience
- 10 years of verifiable practical experience
Applicants who hold Journeyman or Master electrician’s licenses from other jurisdictions are also acceptable prerequisite qualifications.
According to the Virginia Department of Professional and Occupational Regulation, these qualifications require formal verification through supervisor endorsements, transcripts, or letters of good standing and copies of previous licenses.
Following the prerequisite experience verification process and the acceptance of your application to take the TRADESMAN Electrician’s exam, prospective licensees will be eligible to apply for their electrician’s license of choice.
Journeyman Electricians are authorized to perform electrical work independently without direct supervision, install and repair electrical wiring and equipment, and work on residential, commercial, and industrial projects. They are also eligible to supervise apprentice electricians and can advance to becoming a master electrician with additional experience.
These privileges are regulated by the Virginia Department of Professional and Occupational Regulation’s Board for Contractors.
Becoming a Master Electrician
To apply to become a Master Electrician, applicants must meet one of the following criteria in addition to meeting the primary age and citizenship requirements necessary for all license levels:
- 1 year of practical experience as a licensed Journeyman Electrician
- 10 years of verifiable practical experience in the trade
- A Journeyman Electrician License or higher from another jurisdiction
After their application to take the licensing exam is accepted, prospective Master Electricians must pass it to obtain their licenses, following regulations outlined by the Virginia DPOR.
In addition to the privileges granted to Journeyman Electricians, Master Electricians in Virginia have the highest level of certification, allowing them to design, install, and supervise all types of electrical systems and projects, including residential, commercial, and industrial installations.
They can also pull permits, bid on projects, and oversee journeyman and apprentice electricians.
Master electricians often take on leadership roles in electrical contracting businesses.
License Upgrades & Renewals
To upgrade an electrical license in Virginia, you must meet the requirements for the desired license level, such as moving from journeyman to master, which requires one year of practical experience as a licensed journeyman, ten years of practical experience verified by a supervisor, or an out-of-state journeyman license. Fill out the DPOR application for license upgrades or additional designations to an existing license.
Continuing education (CE) credits are required for license renewal, and courses must be board-approved. You can check the hours needed to renew your license and find approved courses on the Board for Contractor’s website.
Licenses must be renewed every two years, with a renewal fee of $90. Missing the deadline results in a 30-day grace period during which you cannot work, for which you must complete an additional three hours of CE.
Renewals can be completed online at the DPOR website.
State Reciprocity
According to the Virginia Board for Contractors, electrical licenses have reciprocity with several states:
- Alabama: Electrical Contractor License and Virginia Master Electrical Tradesman License Examination Reciprocity.
- District of Columbia: Journeyman and Master Electrical Tradesman License and Virginia Journeyman and Master Electrical Tradesman License and Examination Reciprocity.
- Kentucky: Electrician and Master Electrician License and Virginia Journeyman and Master Electrical Tradesman License Examination Reciprocity.
- Maryland: Master Electrical Tradesman License and Virginia Master Electrical Tradesman License Examination Reciprocity.
- West Virginia: Journeyman and Master Electrical Tradesman License and Virginia Journeyman and Master Electrical Tradesman License Examination Reciprocity.
- North Carolina: Unlimited and Intermediate Electrical Contractor License and Virginia Master Electrical Tradesman License and Class A or Class B Electrical Contractor Business License and Examination Reciprocity.
Joining a Union
The International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers (IBEW) is the leading union for electricians and one of the most powerful labor organizations globally.
Established in 1891, it holds the distinction of being the oldest electrical union in existence.
The IBEW has several locations throughout North Carolina, including:
- IBEW Local 666 — Highland Springs, VA
- IBEW Local 50 — Highland Springs, VA
- IBEW Local 26 — Winchester, VA
- IBEW Local 26 — Manassas, VA
- IBEW Local 26 — Roanoke, VA
- IBEW Local 26 — Charlottesville, VA
- IBEW Local 80 — Chesapeake, VA
To join an apprenticeship program offered by the IBEW, you must be at least 18 years old, have a GED or a 2-year associate degree or higher, and have completed high school algebra with a passing grade. You need to provide official transcripts or records of your education and training, complete the IBEW Apprenticeship Aptitude Test, and interview with the local union office or the apprenticeship director. After the interview, you will be placed on an eligibility list for two years, with names ranked according to score.
For experienced electricians, joining a union typically involves contacting your local union. Requirements include living in the union’s jurisdiction, possessing a state driver’s license, providing a social security card, having a high school diploma or GED equivalent, and agreeing to a background check. Local requirements may also vary.
What Employers in Virginia Are Seeking in Electricians
Employers across Virginia are seeking electricians who demonstrate technical proficiency, physical endurance, and a commitment to safety. From large corporations to smaller, family-owned businesses, companies prioritize candidates with both technical expertise and a strong work ethic. Many of these roles also offer opportunities for career advancement, cross-disciplinary experience, and exposure to cutting-edge electrical systems.
Key Skills and Qualifications Employers Value
- Technical Proficiency and Experience:
- Employers like M.C. Dean, Inc. in Sterling expect candidates to have basic electrical knowledge, including installing, testing, and maintaining electrical wiring, equipment, and fixtures. They value the ability to interpret blueprints, troubleshoot electrical systems, and diagnose issues using testing devices.
- Carmeuse Lime & Stone in Middletown seeks apprentices with the ability to work on electrical apparatuses and systems under the guidance of a mentor, demonstrating both technical aptitude and a willingness to learn.
- Physical Fitness and Stamina:
- Many roles, including those at Excel Electric, LLC in Ashland, emphasize physical capabilities. Electricians are expected to:
- Lift at least 50 pounds unassisted.
- Climb ladders and scaffolding.
- Work in confined spaces.
- Maintain balance and stability while working at heights.
- M.C. Dean, Inc. specifies that employees must be capable of relocating a 12-foot stepladder and working at heights of up to 60 feet.
- Many roles, including those at Excel Electric, LLC in Ashland, emphasize physical capabilities. Electricians are expected to:
- Communication and Teamwork:
- Collaboration is a major component of these roles. Companies such as VP Services in Fairfax Station look for electricians who can effectively communicate with team members and clients, fostering positive relationships.
- Being detail-oriented and organized is crucial, as electricians often need to interpret complex electrical plans and document their work.
- Reliability and Transportation:
- Many employers, including Compu Dynamics LLC in Chantilly, require electricians to have a valid driver’s license and reliable transportation. This is essential for traveling between job sites and responding to service calls.
- Some companies, such as Carmeuse Lime & Stone, also expect employees to work on-call or outside of standard business hours for emergency repairs.
- Education and Certification:
- A high school diploma or GED is a common minimum requirement.
- While some employers, like Excel Electric, LLC, are willing to hire entry-level apprentices and assist with licensing, others, such as United Electric Company Inc. in Haymarket, prefer candidates who are actively enrolled in apprenticeship programs or have several years of experience.
- Certifications, such as OSHA safety training or NEC compliance knowledge, are often considered a plus.
Cross-Disciplinary and Emerging Opportunities
- Data Centers and Technology Infrastructure:
- With Virginia being a hub for data centers, companies like Compu Dynamics LLC offer unique opportunities for electricians to work on large-scale, technologically advanced projects. Electricians in this field gain experience with power distribution, smart breaker systems, and interlock wiring—skills that cross over into IT infrastructure and engineering roles.
- Industrial and Mechanical Crossover:
- Carmeuse Lime & Stone provides hands-on training in maintaining industrial electrical systems, offering apprentices exposure to mechanical troubleshooting and maintenance. This crossover allows electricians to develop skills in related disciplines like machinery repair and industrial automation.
- Commercial and Residential Services:
- Companies such as VP Services focus on residential and commercial electrical services, providing electricians with a broad range of experiences, from wiring new construction projects to repairing existing systems. This flexibility enables electricians to pursue careers in either sector or transition between them.
Notable Employers in Virginia
- M.C. Dean, Inc.: A large electrical contractor offering opportunities in advanced electrical installations and maintenance.
- Excel Electric, LLC: A privately held company emphasizing long-term career growth in residential and commercial electrical work.
- VP Services: Known for its family-like environment and focus on residential and commercial projects.
- Compu Dynamics LLC: Specializing in data center infrastructure, offering electricians exposure to large-scale, tech-driven projects.
- Carmeuse Lime & Stone: Provides industrial electrical experience with strong mentorship and cross-disciplinary exposure.
- United Electric Company Inc.: Seeking motivated electricians with both field experience and formal apprenticeship training.
Conclusion
Employers in Virginia are seeking electricians who are not only technically skilled but also physically capable, adaptable, and collaborative. Whether working on residential services, data centers, or industrial systems, Virginia offers a wide range of opportunities with substantial crossover into fields like IT, construction, and industrial maintenance. Electricians who demonstrate versatility, reliability, and a commitment to safety are highly valued across the state.