New Jersey Electrical License: Everything You Need to Know

New Jersey has a lot to offer to a budding electrician. The state is constantly expanding, and with every new construction project, there is a need for skilled electricians to perform custom wiring projects.

Skilled electricians are in demand. It has never been a better time to apply for a New Jersey electrical license. As an electrician, you can earn a good salary with benefits.

According to the U.S. Department of Labor, the electrical industry is projected to grow by 11% over the next decade. In New Jersey, the job growth rate for electricians is close to the national outlook: 10% over the next ten years. You must be licensed to benefit from this growth. Read this New Jersey electrical license guide for exam, licensing, and job information.

Does New Jersey require an electrical license?

New Jersey electricians must be licensed to perform electrical work in the state. The New Jersey Board of Examiners of Electrical Contractors (BEEC) issues electrician licenses.

What are the different types of electrical licenses in New Jersey?

New Jersey offers a journeyman license and an electrical contractor’s license. Apprentices in New Jersey are not required to register with the state or have a license. However, they may only perform electrical work under the supervision of a licensed journeyman electrician or an electrical contractor.

Journeyman electrician requirements

Journeyman electricians perform electrical repairs, installations, maintenance services, and inspections. They supervise apprentice electricians. The fee for this license is $40. Applicants must:

• Have a high school diploma or GED
• Submit a color photo ID
• Work at least 8,000 hours as an electrician
• Complete at least 576 hours of classroom instruction
• Have a valid journeyman electrician license

Journeyman electrician licensees can fulfill work requirements by enrolling in a New Jersey apprenticeship program, earning a bachelor’s degree in engineering, and gaining two years of practical experience or working five years in electrical contracting.

Electrical contractor license requirements

Electrical contractors supervise apprentice electricians. They perform a variety of electrical work, including repairs, inspections, and installations. The fee for this license is $100. Applicants must:

• Be at least 21 years old
• Possess a high school diploma or GED
• Have at least 5 years of on-the-job electrical experience
• Pass an electrical contractor examination

How to get an electrician license in New Jersey

Submit an application for a New Jersey electrician apprenticeship. Then, attend an interview and get hired. You must work for at least 5 years as an apprentice under the supervision of a licensed electrical contractor.

After your apprenticeship, pass an electrical contractor examination and apply for an electrical contractor’s license. Then, register for a New Jersey journeyman certification after you receive your electrical contractor license.

Electrician apprenticeship programs

New Jersey offers many apprenticeships, both union and non-union. The International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers (IBEW) sponsors several apprenticeships, as do other professional organizations.

• New Jersey Independent Electrical Contractors
• IBEW Local 164 Apprenticeship Program
• IBEW Local 456 Apprenticeship Program

New Jersey apprenticeships are sponsored by local unions, government agencies, and businesses. Electrician apprentices receive entry-level salaries, health insurance, classroom training, and work opportunities at commercial and residential job sites. Sponsors generally pay the costs for apprenticeship programs. Trade school and community college courses can cost as much as $350 per credit. Financial aid is available at many trade schools and community colleges.

NJ electrician apprenticeship program prerequisites

Each apprenticeship may have specific requirements to be accepted, but in general, an apprentice electrician in New Jersey must:

• Be at least 18 years old
• Possess a high school diploma or GED
• Be physically capable of performing electrician work
• Have a clean driving record
• Score at least a ‘C’ in a high school algebra course

Apprentice on-the-job experience

Your classroom training in your apprenticeship will give you the valuable information you need to properly complete commercial and residential electrical work, but you’ll also need plenty of hands-on experience before you’re ready to work on your own. Common practical experience that NJ electrician apprentices gain includes learning how to:

• Troubleshoot electrical systems and fire alarms
• Work on different types of open and closed systems
• Install and repair electrical systems under the direction of a supervisor
• Drive a company vehicle

The testing administers the examination. Practice New Jersey electrical contractor examination costs $100. Exam applicants must submit a photo taken within the past six months. PSI testing administers the electrical examination. You can find practice exams and other study resources can be found here and here.

The exam covers topics including:

• Fire detection and alarm systems
• New Jersey electrical safety regulations
• OSHA regulations

Professional certifications for New Jersey electricians

To work independently, take on government projects, or start your own business, you need an electrician’s license. However, earning extra certifications can boost your career and create new opportunities. While optional, these credentials are recognized nationwide and highlight your expertise in specialized electrical work. They help you stand out, build credibility, and advance professionally in a competitive field.

National Fire Protection Association certification

The National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) offers certifications for electricians specializing in fire suppression, security alarms, and related systems. These credentials validate your skills and enhance your professional reputation. With multiple certification options, the NFPA supports various career paths and experience levels. It also provides continuing education to keep electricians informed about industry standards, new technologies, and safety regulations. Additionally, the NFPA is responsible for developing, maintaining, and updating the National Electric Code (NEC) to ensure compliance with evolving industry needs.

NECA professional certifications

The National Electrical Contractors Association (NECA) is the leading organization for professional electricians in the U.S. Open to all electricians, NECA offers networking, continuing education, and certifications for various career levels. These credentials validate your skills, helping you stand out to employers and clients while boosting your credibility. As an industry leader, NECA provides valuable resources to help electricians grow their careers and stay competitive in the evolving electrical field.

Independent Electrical Contractors Certified Professional Electrician

The Independent Electrical Contractors (IEC) is a national trade association representing merit shop electricians and contractors. It offers education, training, and certifications to support career advancement. The IEC Certified Professional Electrician (CPE) designation recognizes top electricians nationwide and is accepted in every state. For those not yet ready for CPE, IEC provides various other certifications, including specialized options for niche fields. As a leading merit shop association, IEC offers continuing education and apprenticeships to keep electricians up to date with industry advancements. If you’re not pursuing a union apprenticeship or trade school, IEC provides a strong alternative for foundational training.

Average wages for electrical professionals in New Jersey:

How much do electricians earn? Your salary depends on experience, training, and education. Pay varies by position, with different roles offering different wages. In New Jersey, salaries for commonly advertised electrician jobs reflect these factors, showing a range based on skill level and job type.

Below are some of the most frequently advertised electrician jobs in New Jersey, covering all experience levels and their respective average wages.

• Apprentice electrician: $23.02 per hour
• Electrical technician: $30.31 per hour
• General electrician: $64,410 per year
• Journeyman electrician: $31.60 per hour
• Electrical foreman: $35.39 per hour
• Electrical Project Manager: $107,526 per year

New Jersey electricians make close to the national average for most positions. General electricians in the Garden State earn an average of $64,410 per year compared to the U.S. average of $63,627 per year. If you’re an hourly employee, your employer may permit you to work overtime, so your weekly wage could be higher than the average.

While salaried workers aren’t eligible for overtime, they could earn bonuses. If you start your own contractor business, you could earn considerably more than if you worked for someone else.

Should I join an electrician union in New Jersey?

Electrician union membership comes with benefits. First, many unions offer apprenticeships, which are well-regarded by many employers throughout the state. Second, the majority of union members have guaranteed pensions. Union members are protected from unjust dismissals. Unions can go on strike if employers do not meet their demands and can collectively bargain for higher pay and better benefits for all members, regardless of their employer.

The International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers (IBEW) is the largest electricians’ union in the country. It offers apprenticeships through local branches, like IBEW Local 102 in Parsippany, IBEW Local 351 in southern New Jersey, and IBEW Local 400 in Ashbury Park.

How to use your electrician license to get a job

You must plan ahead and take action to get an electrician job in New Jersey. Most jobs are advertised online now, on job boards like Indeed, Career Builder, and Zip Recruiter. If you’re interested in working for the government, the state of New Jersey posts electrician jobs for its facilities on its website. And, don’t forget the power of your professional network. People you know from your apprenticeship, trade school, or your local union can all help point you in the direction of a good job.

Use these job search tips when you apply for electrician jobs:

• Submit job applications from a professional email address
• Set up the voice message system on your phone
• Make a list of job references
• Proofread your resume

Helpful electrician job interview tips

• Ask questions
• Wear professional clothing to the interview
• Bring your tools in case you’re asked to perform practical tasks 

Electrician insurance in New Jersey

Performing electrical work can be risky. Electricians are exposed to electrical fires, UV rays, extreme temperatures, and electrical burns. Insurance can help give you peace of mind, knowing you’re covered if the worst happens.

New Jersey electricians must have general liability insurance coverage at all times. This type of insurance covers property and bodily harm. Some clients may request higher liability insurance for large projects or a surety bond. And, if you’re a contractor with employees (i.e., not a single owner-operator), then you must carry New Jersey Workers’ Compensation Insurance coverage.

Electrician industry trends

With the nation trending towards alternative energy sources, electricians can expect more jobs like these to be created over the next decade. If you can operate solar or wind farm equipment or know how to transfer harvested solar or wind energy to the grid, you may have a very successful career in this specialty field.

Trade shows are the best way for electricians to familiarize themselves with new tools and industry trends. Check out the New Jersey Electrical Contractors Association (NJECA) free trade show and CEU event or the NECA trade show, representing the entire tri-state area.

FAQ

Is my license only valid in New Jersey?

New Jersey does not have electrical license reciprocity agreements with other states. If you want to perform electrical work in another state, submit an application.

How can I change my name or other information on my New Jersey electrician license?

To change your name or other information on your New Jersey electrician license, you need to contact the New Jersey Board of Examiners of Electrical Contractors directly at (973) 504-6410 to submit a change of information request

How do I get a replacement license?

To get a replacement license as an electrician in New Jersey, you can:

• Complete the Electrical Contractors Duplicate License Form
• Pay the fee, which is $25 and payable to the State of New Jersey
• Provide proof of your identity
• Provide proof of the loss or destruction of your license, or return the damaged license to the Board
• Return the completed form and payment to the Board

How often do I need to renew my electrician license in New Jersey?

In New Jersey, electrical licenses must be renewed every three years. The renewal fee is $100.