Maybe you want to start working as an electrician in Kentucky.
In that case, you first need to fulfill some requirements.
Read on below to learn more about how you can start your electrician career.
Article Table of Contents
Become an Apprentice
To train for your apprenticeship license, you can choose from one of the 3 methods.
Enrolling in a Trade School
If you enroll in a trade school, you can get an associate’s degree that will help you get licensed.
You may even get help from your school to find an entry-level position as an electrician.
In class, you will study the following topics:
- Introduction to the National Electric Code
- CPR and First Aid Training
- DC/AC Theory
- Blueprint Reading
- Motor theory
- Grounding and resistance theory and testing
- Lightning Protection
School Name | Address |
---|---|
Kentucky Community and Technical Colleges | 1 Bert Combs Dr, Prestonsburg, KY 41653 |
Kentucky Community and Technical Colleges | 1400 College Drive, Ashland, KY 41101 |
Kentucky Community and Technical Colleges | 470 Cooper Drive, Lexington, KY 40506 |
Kentucky Community and Technical Colleges | 600 College Street Rd, Elizabethtown, KY 42701 |
Kentucky Community and Technical Colleges | One Community College Drive, Hazard, KY 41701 |
Kentucky Community and Technical Colleges | 2660 S Green St, Henderson, KY 42420 |
Kentucky Community and Technical Colleges | 720 North Dr., Hopkinsville, KY 42240 |
Kentucky Community and Technical Colleges | 109 E Broadway, Louisville, KY 40202 |
Kentucky Community and Technical Colleges | 500 Technology Way, Florence, KY 41042 |
Traditional Apprenticeship
If you want to get into a union program, you need to register with the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers (IBEW).
The Joint Apprenticeship & Training Committee (JATC) programs are offered all through Kentucky and require:
- To be 18 years old
- High school diploma/GED
- Photo ID
- Ability to perform job duties
- Available transportation
- Take the electrical Training Alliance Aptitude Test Battery
Getting into a non-union program is similar, except you will train with a company that doesn’t belong to a union.
In Kentucky, the most well-known ones are the IEC (Independent Electrical Contractors) and the ABC (Associated Builders and Contractors).
You will also need to register your apprenticeship with the Commonwealth of Kentucky and the US Department of Labor.
Becoming a Journeyman
The requirements for this license are:
- Test result scores
- Legalized proof of 6 years of experience, or 4 years of experience and 576 hours of class
- An application form
- Photo ID
- Copy of driver’s license or birth certificate
The exam lasts for 4 hours, has 80 questions, is open-book and costs $100.
Getting a Master Electrician License
To apply for a master electrician license, you need:
- Proof of passing test results
- Notarized proof of eight years of experience OR six years of experience plus 576 hours of classroom training
- Application and fee
- Color photo
- Copy of driver’s license or birth certificate
The exam lasts for 5 hours, has 100 questions, and costs $100.
Becoming an Independent Electrical Contractor
To become an electrical contractor, you need a master electrician to work for you if you don’t have the license.
This certification allows you to run a business and requires:
- Exam results
- $500,000 general liability Liability Insurance and workers’ compensation insurance
- Application form and fee
- Color photo
- Copy of driver’s license or birth certificate
This exam lasts for 1.5 hours, comprises 30 questions, is open-book and costs $60.
The independent contractor license needs to be renewed once a year after 6 extra hours of class.
Salary
Apprentices, journeymen, and master electricians earn a different salary, but the overall average can be seen below.
Annual Salary Range:Location | Avg. Annual Salary |
---|---|
Louisville | $45,789 |
Lexington | $45,726 |
Bowling Green | $43,770 |
Owensboro | $45,603 |
Covington | $47,484 |
Richmond | $45,264 |
Georgetown | $45,701 |
Florence | $47,465 |
Hopkinsville | $43,701 |
Nicholasville | $45,649 |
Regional Salary in Kentucky
Region | Employed | Avg. Annual Salary | Avg. Hourly Pay | Top 10% Annual Salary | Bottom 10% Annual Salary |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
Bowling Green, KY | 430 | $56,470 | $27.15 | $83,580 | $34,390 |
Elizabethtown-Fort Knox, KY | 210 | $51,670 | $24.84 | $75,000 | $31,720 |
Lexington-Fayette, KY | 1,340 | $55,860 | $26.85 | $79,050 | $35,330 |
Louisville/Jefferson County, KY-IN | 3,610 | $62,720 | $30.15 | $80,780 | $38,370 |
Owensboro, KY | 230 | $57,010 | $27.41 | $79,620 | $34,330 |
* Employment conditions in your area may vary.
Renewing the License
After getting your journeyman license, you need to renew it annually, pay a $50 fee and take 6 extra hours of class.
The master electrician license also needs to be renewed annually, for a fee of $100.
You also need to attend 6 extra hours in class.
To renew the independent contractor license, you must provide:
- $200 fee
- $500,000 general liability Liability Insurance and workers’ compensation insurance
- A master electrician who works for you
- Application form
Read the full guide: How to Become an Electrician