Occupation Outlook for Electricians in Virginia
According to the US Bureau of Labor Statistics, the average annual salary for electricians in Virginia is over $50,000. Additionally, the job growth in the United States for electricians is projected to increase 10% over the next ten years thanks to increased construction. Construction projects tend to provide many opportunities for those interested in electrical work and in the state of Virginia a licensed electrician is required to work on construction projects.License Types and Requirements
According to the Virginia Department of Professional and Occupational Regulation, electricians in the state are considered tradesmen. Electrical licensing in Virginia has 3 levels: journeyman, master, and contractor. Here are the requirements for each: To become either a journeyman electrician or a master electrician, there are two examination portions that must be passed: statutory and regulatory portion and the trade portion.Master License
Master Electricians can install, maintain, alter, repair any electrical systems, controls or apparatus. This license also includes supervision of an apprentice and/or journeyman. Requirements include:- Be at 18 years old
- Pass two examinations: statutory and regulatory portion and the trade portion
- Have at least one year of journeyman electrician experience
- Possess 10 years of electrician experience (if you do not have a journeyman license), verified by an affidavit from those who observed the candidate’s work in the trade
Journeyman License
Journeyman electrician licensees are authorized to install, modify, and maintain electrical controls, systems, and apparatus. Requirements include:- Receive approval to sit for the journeyman exam
- Pass the two required exams: statutory and regulatory portion and the trade portion
- Possess a high school diploma or GED
- Provide proof of work experience and education:
- Two years of practical experience in the trade and a degree or certification showing the completion of a two year program from either a trade or technical school, or a community college; or
- Four years of practical experience in the trade and 240 hours of formal vocational training in the trade; or
- Five years of practical experience in the trade and 160 hours of formal vocational training in the trade; or
- Six years of practical experience in the trade and 80 hours of formal vocational training in the trade; or
- A bachelor’s degree received from an accredited college or university in an engineering curriculum related to the trade and 1 year of practical experience in the trade; or
- Ten years of practical experience in the trade, verified by an affidavit from those who observed the candidate’s work in the trade
Electrical Contractor License
Per the state of Virginia, if you are performing work over $1,000 you will have to contact the Board for Contractors to obtain a Virginia Contractors License. There is an 8-hour Pre-License requirement for all new Virginia Contractors. Additionally, Virginia requires two licenses to become a contractor: Business/Law and Technical. The Class A/B license covers the business and law portion and is required by the designated employee or member of responsible management. There are three types of Virginia contractor’s licenses:- Class A – unrestricted dollar amount of contracts that may be bid on or completed.
- Class B – work or projects up to $120,000 per project or $750,000 annually
- Class C – work or manage projects greater than $1,000 (but not more than $10,000) and not more than $150,000 yearly
