A Guide to NYC Electrician Apprenticeships and Licensing in 2024

Starting a career as an electrician in New York City is not just about securing a job—it's about embarking on a career journey that offers stability, growth, and the potential to earn a substantial income. But before you can begin working on the electrical systems that power the city, you need to navigate the licensing and apprenticeship process, which ensures you have the skills and knowledge to perform your job safely and effectively. In this guide, we’ll walk you through the steps needed to become a licensed electrician in New York City, from understanding the types of licenses available to finding the right apprenticeship program to kickstart your career.

The Growing Demand for Electricians

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, New York ranks the fourth highest among states for employment levels for electricians while ranking second in highest hourly mean wage at $ 40.17. Employment of electricians is projected to grow 6% annually until 2032 which is twice the rate of all other occupations. From a pure number of openings perspective, that means about 73,500 electrician job openings each year, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics.

Why Licensing Matters

In New York City, anyone wishing to perform electrical work must be licensed by the Department of Buildings (DOB). This ensures that all electrical work meets the city’s stringent safety standards. There are two primary types of licenses:

1. Master Electrician License: Required to operate as an independent contractor and request construction permits for electrical work.

2. Special Electrician License: Required to perform electrical work under the employment of a building owner.

New York City Electrician License Requirements

To be eligible for either license in New York City, you must meet specific requirements:

• Be 21 years or older.

• Pass both a written and practical exam

• Provide proof of relevant work experience, which varies depending on your education background.

Work Experience Requirements

You’ll need to demonstrate that you’ve completed one of the following:

• An electrical technology or mechanical engineering apprenticeship program OR graduate from a qualified electrical engineering trade school or vocational school registered with the New York State Department of Labor. Either path gives you 5.5 years of electrical work experience.

• 7.5 years of electrical work experience, with a minimum of 10,500 hours of experience, under the supervision of a licensed electrician.

• A master of science degree and 3,500 hours of electrical work experience under the supervision of a licensed electrician.

• A bachelor of science degree and 4,900 hours of electrical work experience under the supervision of a licensed electrician.

Electrician Apprenticeships in New York City

If you’re just starting, an apprenticeship is really the best possible first step toward becoming a licensed electrician. Apprenticeships are earn to learn programs where you are getting paid to learn a skill or trade.

Types of Electrician Apprenticeships

According to NY State Department of Labor here are the different apprenticeship lengths, based on the type of electrical apprenticeship:

Finding an Electrician Apprenticeship Program

We are biased (obviously), but we think the best place to start your search for an apprenticeship is on Gild, where we connect aspiring electricians with apprenticeship opportunities in NYC. The U.S. Department of Labor's Office of Apprenticeship is another excellent resource for finding programs as well as local unions.

The Application Process

Applying for an apprenticeship involves several steps:

• Gather Necessary Documents: This depends on the employer, but it is common for businesses to request proof of identification, transcripts, and other educational records.

• Be Prepared to Take an Aptitude Test: Some union run programs may require aptitude tests.

• Prepare for Interviews: Show your enthusiasm and commitment to becoming an electrician.

• Undergo Screening: Be prepared for drug screening and background checks.

Compensation During Apprenticeship

One of the perks of an apprenticeship is that you earn while you learn. Apprentices typically start at a percentage of a journeyman’s wage, which increases as they gain more experience. The average salary for an electrician apprentice in New York City is $23.21 per hour, plus $6,000 overtime pa per year.

How to Get an Electrician License in New York City

If you have completed your apprenticeship or other equivalent requirements and are already ready to apply for a license, here’s the process:

1. Complete the Written Exam Application: Submit it along with your exam fee to the NYC Department of Buildings Licensing and Exams Unit at 280 Broadway, 1st floor, New York, NY 10007.

2. Pass the Written Exam: Once approved, schedule and pass the exam.

3. Complete the Practical Exam Application: Submit it with your exam fee to the NYC Department of Buildings Licensing and Exams Unit at 280 Broadway, 6th floor, New York, NY 10007.

4. Pass the Practical Exam: After passing, you’ll receive your results by mail.

5. Submit Additional Documentation: This includes a physical exam form, experience verification, Social Security history, and more through the DOB NOW portal.

6. Secure Necessary Insurance: Ensure you have the required insurance policies, including general liability and workers’ compensation.

7. Receive Your License: Once you’ve passed all exams and background checks, schedule an appointment through the DOB NOW portal to obtain your license card.

Conclusion

Embarking on a career as an electrician in New York City is a promising path, offering both stability and growth. Whether you’re just starting as an apprentice or pursuing your license as a Master or Special Electrician, the journey requires dedication, training, and a commitment to meeting New York City’s rigorous standards. Start your path today by exploring apprenticeship opportunities on Gild and taking the first steps toward a rewarding career in the electrical field.