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Many people choose to become electricians in New Hampshire because of the possibility of running their own business in the future.
These professionals need to train first and then obtain a license from the New Hampshire Office of Professional Licensure and Certification – Electrician’s Board (NHEB).
Article Table of Contents
Training
The training lasts for 8,000 hours of field experience as an apprentice, and meeting one of the following:
- 600 hours of classroom education, with 24 hours covering safety
- An associate’s degree in the field, from a technical school
- At least 10 years experience as journeyman or master electrician, in a different state
Technical College Programs
There are several advantages of attending an electrical college program, such as the possibility of finding long-term employment and wider career options.
The classes will include:
- Electrical fundamentals
- Power, transformers and rotating machinery
- Residential/commercial/industrial wiring
- Electrical motor controls
- Low voltage (communications) systems
- Advanced control systems
Many schools help their students land an apprenticeship as well.
| School Name | Address |
|---|---|
| Community College of New Hampshire | 1066 Front St, Manchester, NH 03102 |
Apprenticeship Programs
Completing an apprenticeship is still a popular way of entering any trade.
For electricians, these programs are available through both unions, or Joint Apprentice and Training Committees (JATCs) and non-union organizations.
In New Hampshire, the Chapter of Associated Builders and Contractors, Inc is the best association to contact for non-union electrical apprenticeship options.
Apprentice Registration
In New Hampshire, apprentices need to be registered and have an apprentice license.
Registration conditions:
- A high school diploma/GED
- Registered in an electrician training program
Being registered in a youth apprenticeship program for high school students, under the instruction of a licensed electrician is also acceptable instead of the high school diploma.
During each year of apprenticeship, individuals need to accumulate 150 hours of classroom education, and there are many institutions offering approved classes.
Those who enrolled in an educational program need an apprentice license from the Board.
Needed documents:
- Application – printed and filled
- License fee – $30
- Current employer, along with the following information:
- The nature of the employer’s business
- When you got employed
- The signature of the supervising electrician, and their license number
- 3 unrelated people who can vouch for your character
- The electrician license from any other state -if applicable
Journeyman Electrician
Those who completed their apprenticeship can become journeymen.
Requirements:
- Proof of completed apprenticeship
- An application
- Pay the fee to the Board -$50
- Pass the exam hosted online through Pearson VUE
The exam will cover:
- General Knowledge
- Services and Service Equipment
- Feeders
- Branch Circuits and Conductors
- Wiring Methods and Materials
- Equipment and Devices
- Control Devices
- Motors and Generators
- Special Occupancies, Equipment, and Conditions
- Administrative
High/Medium Voltage Electrician or Master Electrician
In New Hampshire, journeymen can choose to become:
- High/medium voltage electrician
- Master electrician
High/Medium Voltage Electrician
Requirements:
- Fill out the application
- Pay the fee – $90
- Prove the completion of an electrical education program.
Becoming a Master Electrician
Requirements:
- Accumulate 2000 hours as a journeyman
- Pass the exam
- Fill out the application
The exam has 3 parts in total, as follows:
- Electrical code – 50 questions
- Design and installation – 50 questions
- Electrical law – 25 questions
Candidates can use these books to answer the questions:
- National Electrical Code, Current Edition
- RSA 319-C (Law, for Master license, included in application)
- American Electricians Handbook
Salary
In New Hampshire, electricians earn on average, more than the median national salary of an electrician.
Annual Salary Range:| Location | Avg. Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| Manchester | $51,366 |
| Nashua | $52,728 |
| Concord | $50,198 |
| Derry | $51,990 |
| Dover | $49,809 |
| Rochester | $49,605 |
| Salem | $51,560 |
| Merrimack | $52,728 |
| Londonderry | $52,728 |
| Hudson | $52,728 |
Regional Salary in New Hampshire
| Region | Employed | Avg. Annual Salary | Avg. Hourly Pay | Top 10% Annual Salary | Bottom 10% Annual Salary |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Dover-Durham, NH-ME | 350 | $57,280 | $27.54 | $80,610 | $37,000 |
| Manchester, NH | 760 | $61,210 | $29.43 | $87,350 | $36,040 |
| Portsmouth, NH-ME | 560 | $62,980 | $30.28 | $82,390 | $44,530 |
* Employment conditions in your area may vary.
License Renewal
The apprentice license requires yearly renewal for a fee of $30.
Those who renew their apprentice license 5 times need to complete 30 hours of classroom instruction each year before being allowed to renew their license.
Journeyman renews their licenses every 3 years after completing 15 continuing education units (CEUs) and sending the application to the Board.
High/medium voltage electricians also renew their license every 3 years through the NHEB, but this can be done online.
They also need to complete 15 continuing education hours which must include 14 hours of code changes and one hour of NH deficiencies.
Master electricians will need to complete 15 hours of approved continuing education before renewing their license every 3 years.
Read the full guide: How to Become an Electrician
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Electrician Schools by State