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An electrical career in Louisiana can be profitable, as jobs will grow by 8% until 2024.
Let’s take a look at the state requirements for this industry.
Article Table of Contents
Apprenticeship
In this state, new electricians are not required to be licensed.
However, each city and county has its own licensing laws.
New Orleans is the only city in Louisiana where certifications are required.
To start your career, you will need to get trained first.
Trade Schools
The easiest way to fulfill the education requirements is by enrolling in a trade school.
Such programs offer both theory class and practical courses.
At the end of your training period, you will be awarded an associate’s degree.
Some trade schools provide job placements, which makes it easy to get hired in an entry-level position.
| School Name | Address |
|---|---|
| ITI Technical College | 13944 Airline Hwy, Baton Rouge, LA 70817 |
| Louisiana Community and Technical Colleges | 615 City Park Ave, New Orleans, LA 70119 |
| Louisiana Community and Technical Colleges | 1710 Sullivan Dr, Bogalusa, LA 70427 |
| Louisiana Community and Technical Colleges | 4311 South MacArthur Drive, Alexandria, LA 71302 |
| Louisiana Community and Technical Colleges | 3710 Paris Rd, Chalmette, LA 70043 |
| Louisiana Community and Technical Colleges | 9500 Industrial Drive, Minden, LA 71055 |
| Louisiana Community and Technical Colleges | 1407 Highway 311, Schriever, LA 70395 |
| Louisiana Community and Technical Colleges | 7500 Millhaven Rd, Monroe, LA 71203 |
Union Apprenticeships
These are available through the Joint Apprenticeship & Training Committee (JATC) chapter offices in Louisiana.
To get accepted into a program, you have to join the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers (IBEW).
You can also get your training by applying directly to a job with an electrical company.
However, you should have a background in the industry to improve your chances of getting accepted.
In New Orleans, trainees need to apply for a license which requires:
- An application form
- 2 passport-style photos
- Driver’s license copy
- Letter from your school or employer
Become a Journeyman
To become a journeyman, you need:
- 5 years of work experience
- 4 years of training
- 4 years with an electrician helper’s license
- Score 70% on the test
- Application form
The exam is open book, lasts for 4 hours, and comprises 80 questions.
If you want to get a maintenance electrician license and work in that specialization, you need:
- 5 years of experience
- A 70% score in the test
- Application form
The test is open book, lasts for 3 hours and features 60 questions.
Get a Master Electrician License
To become a master electrician, you need to pass an exam.
The exam requirements are as follows:
- Pass the Louisiana Master Electrician – 701 Exam
- 2 passport-style photos
- Have a physical location for your company
- Represent only one business
- Application form
- General Liability insurance of $500,000 and Worker’s Compensation
- Driver’s license copy
- Application fee
The exam is open book, has a duration of 5 hours and comprises 100 questions.
Become an independent contractor
If you want to run your own business, you will need an independent contractor license.
You can either get the commercial contractor license for projects over $10,000, or the residential contractor license for $7,500 projects on residential homes.
The requirements for these certifications are:
- Application form for the type of license you are seeking
- The current net worth of $10,000
- Having at least one employee (can be yourself)
- Take the Business and Law and trade tests
- General liability insurance.of $100,000
Salary
There are several factors influencing your salary as an electrician in Louisiana.
Annual Salary Range:| Location | Avg. Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| New Orleans | $48,205 |
| Baton Rouge | $45,148 |
| Shreveport | $44,643 |
| Metairie | $48,205 |
| Lafayette | $44,613 |
| Lake Charles | $44,002 |
| Bossier City | $44,643 |
| Kenner | $48,178 |
| Monroe | $44,410 |
| Alexandria | $43,022 |
Regional Salary in Louisiana
| Region | Employed | Avg. Annual Salary | Avg. Hourly Pay | Top 10% Annual Salary | Bottom 10% Annual Salary |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Alexandria, LA | 550 | $53,900 | $25.91 | $59,470 | $38,350 |
| Baton Rouge, LA | 3,390 | $62,520 | $30.06 | $76,420 | $43,210 |
| Hammond, LA | 160 | $51,900 | $24.95 | $71,260 | $35,060 |
| Houma-Thibodaux, LA | 530 | $58,140 | $27.95 | $75,230 | $39,800 |
| Lafayette, LA | 960 | $53,870 | $25.9 | $72,220 | $35,200 |
| Lake Charles, LA | 670 | $62,670 | $30.13 | $98,650 | $35,850 |
| Monroe, LA | 480 | $49,760 | $23.92 | $63,170 | $29,850 |
| New Orleans-Metairie, LA | 2,650 | $58,920 | $28.33 | $82,260 | $36,270 |
| Shreveport-Bossier City, LA | 780 | $51,600 | $24.81 | $70,950 | $33,380 |
* Employment conditions in your area may vary.
Maintaining the License
The journeyman, maintenance, and master electrician licenses will need annual renewal.
Your first contractor license needs to be renewed after a year, and at that point, you can choose to get it renewed every 2 or 3 years.
You will also need to take 6 extra education hours before renewal.
Read the full guide: How to Become an Electrician
Electrician Schools by City
Electrician Schools by State