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In Connecticut the demand for electricians is still on the rise, thus now it is a good time to consider this as a future occupation as it offers the possibility of having a career.
In Connecticut, an electrician advances in their career as follows:
- Apprentice
- Journeyman
- Electrical contractor
All interested individuals in Connecticut need to obtain a license from the Department of Consumer Protection (DCP).
Article Table of Contents
Apprenticeship Period
The apprenticeship period lasts for about 4 years, or until the candidate accumulated 8,000 hours of training on the job.
Apprentices also need classroom education of at least 144 hours.
Individuals also have the possibility of enrolling in a technical college and earn a degree.
Technical Colleges
Those who choose to enroll in an electrical school will generally have better options when it comes to career advancements.
This formal education is included in the 8,000 hours of hands-on experience, but the amount of hours that can be substituted varies from school to school, as well as the number of classes a person takes.
Future electricians are expected to learn about the following subjects:
- Orientation and safety
- Tools, equipment, and instruments
- Residential, commercial and industrial wiring, maintenance, and repair
- Low voltage wiring, maintenance, and repair
- Cable installation/splicing installation, maintenance, and repair
- Basic knowledge and associated trades
Some technical schools include field training or the possibility of finding employment with a local contractor for the needed practice hours.
In many cases, this ends up being full-time employment after graduating from the program.
There are some cases in which finding an employer is up to the student.
| School Name | Address |
|---|---|
| Industrial Management Training Institute | 233 Mill St, Waterbury, CT 06706 |
| Lincoln Tech | 200 John Downey Dr New Britain, CT 06051 |
| Lincoln Tech | 8 Progress Drive Shelton, CT 06484 |
| Lincoln Tech | 97 Newberry Road East Windsor, CT 06088 |
| Porter and Chester Institute | 30 Waterchase Dr Rocky Hill, CT 06067 |
| Porter and Chester Institute | 1245 Dixwell Avenue Hamden, CT 06514 |
| Porter and Chester Institute | 670 Lordship Blvd Stratford, CT 06615 |
| Porter and Chester Institute | 881 Wolcott Street Waterbury, CT 06705 |
| Porter and Chester Institute | 470 Bank Street New London, CT 06320 |
Union and Non-Union Apprenticeships
There are still many people who, for various reasons choose to join a traditional apprenticeship directly through a local union branch, or Joint Apprenticeship & Training Committees.
The conditions to join a JATC are:
- 18 years old
- A photo ID
- Pass a general aptitude test
- Have a high school diploma/GED
- Having passed one full year of algebra
- Be able to physically perform the requirements of the trade
- Be able to transport themselves to the classroom and job site
- Appear for an interview
- Be drug-free
- Join the union
Non-unionized apprenticeships are also possible, though the requirements are the same with the exception of having to join the union.
The Independent Electrical Contractors of New England is the agency you need to contact for this route.
Apprentice Registration
All apprentice electricians need to register with the state to work in a paid apprenticeship.
The registration of new apprentices can be done online.
Become a Journeyman
In Connecticut, electricians need to obtain the E-2 Unlimited Electrical Journeyman license once their training is complete.
The license allows its holder to perform almost all electrical work while being employed by a properly licensed electrical contractor.
The requirements are:
- Completing the application
- Providing proof their apprenticeship period was completed, as described above
- Pass the exam
The application for the exam has to be done within 30 days of completing the apprenticeship.
The passing score is a minimum of 70%.
The exam lasts 3.5 hours and has 80 questions.
Candidates in Connecticut can consult these books:
- National Electric Code
- Ugly’s Electrical Reference
The exam focuses on the following topics:
- General Electrical Knowledge
- Service, Feeders, and Branch Circuits
- Grounding and Bonding
- Conductors and Cables
- Raceways and Boxes
- Special Occupancies and Equipment
- Electrical Power
- Motors
- high and Low Voltage
- Lighting
- Illuminated Signs
- Fire Detection and Alarm Systems
- Safety Information
- Overcurrent Protection
- Photovoltaics (solar power)
Independent Electrical Contractor in Connecticut
Journeymen in Connecticut have the possibility to earn an E-1 Unlimited Electrical Contractor License which allows them to conduct business.
The requirements are:
- 2 years as a journeyman electrician (E-2 license) OR 6 years of equivalent, documented experience
- Scoring at least 70% on the electrical contractor exam
- Scoring at least 70% on the Business and Law exam
There is a single application for both exams.
The electrical contractor exam is four hours long and has 100 questions.
Candidates can consult the National Electric Code and the Ugly’s Electrical Reference on the exam.
The test focuses on the following topics:
- General Electrical Knowledge
- Service, Feeders, and Branch Circuits
- Grounding and Bonding
- Conductors and Cables
- Raceways and Boxes
- Special Occupancies and Equipment
- Electrical Power
- Motors
- Low and High Voltage
- Lighting
- Illuminated Signs
- Fire Detection and Alarm Systems
- Safety and Overcurrent Protection
- Photovoltaics
The business and law exam is 2 hours long and has 50 questions.
Candidates can consult the Contractor’s Guide to Business, Law, and Project Management on the exam.
The exam covers the following topics:
- Licensing
- Estimating and Bidding
- Lien Law
- Financial Management
- Tax Laws
- Labor Laws
- Project Management
- Contracts
- Business Organization
- Risk Management
- Environmental and Safety
All contractors in Connecticut must have a worker’s compensation insurance, even when self-employed or offer their employees’ worker’s compensation insurance if they have their own insurance.
Salary
Your salary as an electrician in Connecticut will depend on which stage you are at during your career.
Annual Salary Range:| Location | Avg. Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| Bridgeport | $54,807 |
| New Haven | $53,282 |
| Stamford | $55,975 |
| Hartford | $52,468 |
| Waterbury | $52,345 |
| Norwalk | $55,975 |
| Danbury | $53,907 |
| New Britain | $52,442 |
| West Hartford | $52,468 |
| Greenwich | $55,975 |
Regional Salary in Connecticut
| Region | Employed | Avg. Annual Salary | Avg. Hourly Pay | Top 10% Annual Salary | Bottom 10% Annual Salary |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Bridgeport-Stamford-Norwalk, CT | 1,280 | $69,940 | $33.62 | $95,610 | $44,290 |
| Danbury, CT | 590 | $66,350 | $31.9 | $90,330 | $42,020 |
| Hartford-West Hartford-East Hartford, CT | 2,470 | $68,220 | $32.8 | $92,650 | $38,510 |
| New Haven, CT | 1,090 | $72,100 | $34.66 | $111,820 | $39,540 |
| Norwich-New London-Westerly, CT-RI | 720 | $63,140 | $30.36 | $81,530 | $44,790 |
| Waterbury, CT | 530 | $72,020 | $34.62 | $97,550 | $45,500 |
* Employment conditions in your area may vary.
License Renewal
Both licenses need to be renewed annually.
In Connecticut, all licensed electricians also need to complete a number of continuing education credits before they renew their license.
The Department of Consumer Protection has more details related to the renewal process as well as which classes and how many must an electrician take, to count towards the continuing education requirement.
Read the full guide: How to Become an Electrician
Electrician Schools by City
Electrician Schools by State