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In Tennessee, electrician jobs are becoming increasingly popular.
If you want to start on this new career path, read on how to get the required licenses.
Article Table of Contents
Become an Apprentice
You will need 8,000 hours of work experience and 576-900 hours of class.
Trade Schools
In a trade school, you can get an associate’s degree in electrical technology or a diploma which will count toward your training.
The schools provide programs that meet the specific region’s licensing criteria.
The programs offered are:
- Level 1 Apprentice Certificate – 432 hours
- Level 2 Apprentice Certificate – 864 hours
- Level 3 Apprentice Diploma – 1,296 hours
Upon the completion of your program, you can easily find an entry-level position to meet the experience requirements.
| School Name | Address |
|---|---|
| Nashville State Community College | 120 White Bridge Rd, Nashville, TN 37209 |
| Northeast State Community College | 2425 Hwy 75, Blountville, TN 37617 |
| Southwest Tennessee Community College | 737 Union Avenue, Memphis, TN 38103 |
| Tennessee College of Applied Technology | 1635 Vo Tech Dr, Athens, TN 37371 |
Union and Non-union Programs
In a union program, you will be placed with a job right after completing it.
All the training is also done in house.
To enroll, you must join the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers (IBEW) and contact a JATC.
In a non-union program, you can get into a program that is sponsored by Independent Electrical Contractors (IEC) or Associated Builders and Contractors (ABC).
The requirements are the same for both types of apprenticeships:
- 18 years old
- Driver’s license
- High school diploma/GED
- An algebra class
- A skills test
License by Experience
If you already have some work experience, you can continue your training with a licensed contractor.
This will provide you with the practical experience you need for licensing, but you will still need some theory hours.
Limited Licensed Electrician (LLE)
This license is available in counties that don’t have specific requirements.
These are managed by the Tennessee Department of Commerce & Insurance.
To get one, you must take the LLE trade exam and not work on projects valued higher than $25,000.
Become a Journeyman Electrician
In Tennessee, the counties have their own licensing requirements, the journeyman license criteria are the same.
Knoxville
There are 4 types of licenses in this county:
- Class 1 – Electrical Contractor
- Experience of 5 years
- You are allowed to get a permit and offer your services
- Class 2 – Electrical Residential Contractor.
- An experience of 4 years
- You can only work on residential homes
- Class 3 – Electrical Maintenance.
- Experience of 4 years
- You can only work on your property
- Class 4 – Electrical Appliance Dealer.
- Experience of 2 years
- You can perform electrical work on your own appliances
You must take an exam before getting any of the licenses.
Nashville
The certifications are managed by the Electrical Examiners and Appeals Board.
The county only issues master electrician licenses, for which you need:
- Experience of 4 years being an apprentice
- Experience of 3 years on the job
To get the license, you must submit an application to the Board.
Shelby County/Memphis
This county offers both journeyman licenses and master electrician licenses.
To take the journeyman exam, you should be 20 years old and have an experience of 3 years.
The exam includes 80 questions and lasts for 4 hours.
To take the master electrician exam, you should be 24 years old and have an experience of 4 years.
This exam lasts for 5 hours and has 100 questions.
Become an Electrical Contractor
The Department of Commerce and Insurance (DCI)m manages the licenses, which are:
- Limited Licensed Electrician – projects valued no higher than $25,000
- Contractor Electrical license – no restrictions
To get either of the licenses, you will take a theory exam and a Law and Business exam.
After passing it, you need to submit:
- A reference letter,
- A current financial statement
- Insurance
- Worker’s compensation
Salary
The salary of an electrician will depend on their experience and type of license they possess.
Annual Salary Range:| Location | Avg. Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| Nashville | $45,107 |
| Memphis | $45,076 |
| Knoxville | $44,969 |
| Chattanooga | $43,854 |
| Clarksville | $43,724 |
| Murfreesboro | $44,767 |
| Franklin | $44,948 |
| Jackson | $44,736 |
| Johnson City | $42,334 |
| Bartlett | $42,334 |
Regional Salary in Tennessee
| Region | Employed | Avg. Annual Salary | Avg. Hourly Pay | Top 10% Annual Salary | Bottom 10% Annual Salary |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Chattanooga, TN-GA | 1,860 | $56,470 | $27.15 | $75,250 | $36,190 |
| Clarksville, TN-KY | 380 | $56,230 | $27.03 | $79,760 | $36,990 |
| Cleveland, TN | 220 | $53,560 | $25.75 | $73,040 | $35,840 |
| Jackson, TN | 340 | $54,760 | $26.33 | $73,510 | $35,630 |
| Johnson City, TN | 220 | $49,680 | $23.89 | $62,230 | $36,970 |
| Kingsport-Bristol-Bristol, TN-VA | 650 | $55,510 | $26.69 | $76,920 | $35,760 |
| Knoxville, TN | 2,440 | $54,330 | $26.12 | $75,600 | $36,050 |
| Memphis, TN-MS-AR | 2,800 | $56,700 | $27.26 | $76,340 | $36,820 |
| Morristown, TN | 150 | $52,740 | $25.36 | $70,380 | $36,730 |
| Nashville-Davidson--Murfreesboro--Franklin, TN | 6,110 | $59,400 | $28.56 | $80,760 | $37,490 |
* Employment conditions in your area may vary.
Renewing the License
In Knoxville, the journeyman certification needs to be renewed once a year.
In Shelby County, the journeyman license should be renewed after a year.
The electrical contractor certification must also be renewed annually after you receive it.
Read the full guide: How to Become an Electrician
Electrician Schools by City
Electrician Schools by State