by 
In New York, becoming an electrician requires training and passing some exams.
Below we have brought you more info on how to start your electrician career.
Article Table of Contents
Become an Apprentice
In this state, every county has its own licensing regulations.
For example in New York City, you will go from training to the master electrician or special electrician license.
You can meet the required education in a few different ways.
Trade schools
To get a license, you need to enroll in a program that results in a Bachelor of Science in Electrical or Mechanical Engineering in a school that is accredited by the New York State Department of Labor.
You will also need a practical experience of 7.5 years in total, from which 2 can be substituted by education.
Some of the topics you will study in class include:
- Safety and Health Awareness
- Blueprint Reading and Sketching
- Basic Mathematics and Trade Math
- Trade Electrical Theory
- Tools and Equipment
- National and New York Electrical Code
- Motor Control and Distributed Control
- Intelligent Wiring Systems
- Low Voltage Systems
- Lighting Controls and Energy Efficiency
- Project Layout and Planning
- Thinwall Conduit Raceway Systems
- Rigid Conduit Raceway Systems
- Installing Services, Switchboards and Panels
- Floor Duct Installation
- Motor Control Center Installation
- Installing, Splicing and Terminating Wires and Cables
- Cable Tray Installation
- Lighting System Installation
- Testing and Troubleshooting Feeders, Motors, and Branch Circuits
- Fire Alarm and Security System Installation
- Motor Installation
- Installing Sound and Communication Systems
- Installing Fiber Optic and Tele/Data Cable
- Welding/Exothermic Welding and Brazing, Mechanical Fastening
Upon completion, you will be able to get an entry-level position and start your career.
| School Name | Address |
|---|---|
| Apex Technical School | 24-02 Queens Plaza South, Long Island City, NY 11101 |
| Berk Trade and Business School | 33-09 Queens Boulevard, Long Island City, NY 11101 |
| New York State BOCES | 1585 Military Turnpike, Plattsburgh, NY 12901 |
Apprenticeship Programs
These are offered by New York Joint Apprenticeship and Training Committees around New York.
To enroll, you will need to join the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers (IBEW).
You can also attend a non-onion program provided by electrical companies in your area.
You will also need 5.5 years of experience to get licensed as a master electrician.
Take the Master Electrician Exam
In New York, you can either apply for a master electrician license or a special electrician license.
The Special Electrician license requires:
- An age of 21 years
- Get a background check
- 7.5 years and 10,500 hours of electrical experience
- Submit proof of experience
You also need to pass an open book exam with a 70% score, as well as a practical exam.
Become an Independent Contractor
If you want to become an independent contractor, you need to meet the below criteria:
- General Liability Insurance of $1 million
- Worker’s Compensation and Disability Insurance
- If it applies, Project Insurance
- An age of 21 years
- Get a background check
- 7.5 years and 10,500 hours of electrical experience
- Submit proof of experience
For this certification too, you will need to pass a theory-based test with a score of 70%.
You must also pass a practical exam.
Salary
In New York, electricians have a higher median salary compared to the national average for this occupation.
Annual Salary Range:| Location | Avg. Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| New York | $58,856 |
| Hempstead | $53,203 |
| Brookhaven | $52,567 |
| Islip | $52,664 |
| Oyster Bay | $55,481 |
| Buffalo | $46,517 |
| Babylon | $52,664 |
| Rochester | $47,950 |
| Huntington | $55,481 |
| Yonkers | $56,068 |
Regional Salary in New York
| Region | Employed | Avg. Annual Salary | Avg. Hourly Pay | Top 10% Annual Salary | Bottom 10% Annual Salary |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Albany-Schenectady-Troy, NY | 1,720 | $74,000 | $35.58 | $106,610 | $43,090 |
| Binghamton, NY | 340 | $68,920 | $33.13 | $96,330 | $37,040 |
| Buffalo-Cheektowaga-Niagara Falls, NY | 2,310 | $72,710 | $34.96 | $104,760 | $39,330 |
| Elmira, NY | 110 | $62,350 | $29.98 | $88,160 | $32,210 |
| Glens Falls, NY | 270 | $81,440 | $39.16 | $102,920 | $43,930 |
| Ithaca, NY | 90 | $67,370 | $32.39 | $91,850 | $43,900 |
| Kingston, NY | 270 | $70,590 | $33.94 | $104,540 | $36,700 |
| New York-Newark-Jersey City, NY-NJ-PA | 39,310 | $85,650 | $41.18 | $132,070 | $45,130 |
| Rochester, NY | 2,430 | $71,960 | $34.59 | $108,130 | $39,680 |
| Syracuse, NY | 1,310 | $77,650 | $37.33 | $109,890 | $41,880 |
| Utica-Rome, NY | 280 | $66,690 | $32.06 | $97,520 | $40,550 |
| Watertown-Fort Drum, NY | 80 | $68,030 | $32.71 | $101,220 | $44,610 |
* Employment conditions in your area may vary.
License Renewal
After you become an electrical contractor, you will need to attend 8 extra hours of education in order to renew your license.
Read the full guide: How to Become an Electrician
Electrician Schools by City
Electrician Schools by State