Key Points

• What is an Electrician? An Electrician is a skilled trades professional who designs, installs, maintains, and repairs electrical wiring, systems, and equipment.
• How to become an Electrician in Pennsylvania? To become an Electrician in Pennsylvania, you must complete a 4- to 5-year apprenticeship program to gain the required on-the-job and classroom training to qualify for a local journeyman license.
• Length of training for an Electrician: The standard apprenticeship pathway, which includes paid on-the-job training, takes 4 to 5 years to complete.
• Average Electrician salary in Pennsylvania: The median salary for an Electrician in Pennsylvania is approximately $68,500 per year.
• Number of employment of Electricians in Pennsylvania: As of May 2024, there were approximately 45,100 Electricians employed in Pennsylvania.

What is an Electrician?

Electricians are trained professionals who specialize in working with electrical systems. They are responsible for installing, maintaining, and repairing electrical wiring, fixtures, and equipment. Electricians need to have a strong understanding of electrical codes and safety regulations to ensure that their work meets the required standards.

What does an Electrician do?

The daily work of an electrician is a blend of technical precision, physical labor, and problem-solving. Common responsibilities include:

• Installing and connecting wires, circuit breaker panels, switches, and outlets in new construction.
• Reading and interpreting blueprints and technical diagrams to determine the layout of electrical systems.
• Inspecting and testing electrical systems and components to identify hazards or defects.
• Troubleshooting and repairing wiring, fixtures, and equipment.
• Ensuring all work complies with the National Electrical Code (NEC) and local building codes.

Requirements to Become an Electrician in Pennsylvania

The path to becoming a professional Electrician in Pennsylvania is a structured journey through an apprenticeship, leading to a local license.

• Education: You must have a high school diploma or a GED. Strong grades in algebra are crucial for apprenticeship applications.
• Apprenticeship: You must complete a registered apprenticeship program, which typically involves 8,000 hours of paid on-the-job training and about 900 hours of classroom instruction over 4-5 years.
• Licensing: Pennsylvania does not have a statewide electrician license. Instead, licenses are issued at the municipal level (e.g., by the City of Philadelphia, Pittsburgh, etc.). After completing an apprenticeship, you must pass a journeyman exam in the city or county where you plan to work.
• Age: You must be at least 18 years old to begin an apprenticeship.

How to Become an Electrician in Pennsylvania?

To become an Electrician in Pennsylvania, one must first complete an approved electrical apprenticeship program or technical school education. After obtaining the necessary certification, the individual can then search for job opportunities to start earning a competitive salary in the field. Here's a detailed step by step you can follow!

1. Meet the Foundational Requirements

Before you can apply for an apprenticeship, your first step is to get your high school diploma or GED. Focus on developing strong math skills, especially algebra, as you will be required to pass a math aptitude test for most apprenticeship programs. You'll also need a valid driver's license and the ability to pass a drug test.

2. Enroll in an Apprenticeship Program

This is the most important step in your career. An electrical apprenticeship is a formal training program where you work full-time for an electrical contractor, earning a good wage and benefits, while also attending school part-time (usually one or two nights a week). There are two main paths in Pennsylvania:

• Union Apprenticeships (JATC): Offered by the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers (IBEW) and the National Electrical Contractors Association (NECA). These are highly competitive, offer excellent wages and benefits, and are run through local Joint Apprenticeship and Training Committees (JATCs).

• Non-Union Apprenticeships: Offered by organizations like the Independent Electrical Contractors (IEC) and Associated Builders and Contractors (ABC).

3. Complete Your Apprenticeship to Become a Journeyman

Over the next 4-5 years, you will work under the supervision of journeyman and master electricians. You will complete your 8,000 hours of on-the-job training and your 900+ hours of classroom instruction to graduate from your program.

How to Get an Electrician Certification/License in Pennsylvania?

Upon graduating from your apprenticeship, you are considered a journeyman electrician. To work legally in many parts of PA, you must then get your local license.

• Gain Experience: Complete your apprenticeship.

• Apply for a Local Exam: Apply to take the journeyman electrician exam in the municipality where you want to work (e.g., the City of Philadelphia Department of Licenses and Inspections).

• Pass the Exam: Pass the exam, which is based on the National Electrical Code (NEC), to receive your journeyman license for that specific jurisdiction.

4. Apply for Electrician Jobs

As an apprentice, you are already employed. As a new journeyman, you can continue working for your contractor or explore other opportunities. Use resources like MyNextMove.org to understand the full scope of the electrician career.

How to Get an Electrician Job in Pennsylvania?

The best way to get a job is by being accepted into an apprenticeship program, which guarantees you employment and training. Once you are a licensed journeyman, you are a highly in-demand professional. You can find work through your union hall or by applying to electrical contractors across the state.