How to Become an Electrician in Washington, D.C.

If you want a hands-on career that requires a deep understanding of electrical systems, becoming an electrician could be a great choice. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), the electrician trade in Washington, D.C. is expected to grow by 13% from 2018 to 2028. While this may seem moderate, the field has 190 annual job openings in D.C. alone. [En Español]

Requirements for Becoming an Electrician in Washington, D.C.

Electrician licensing requirements vary by state, but in Washington, D.C., licensing is mandatory for apprentices, journeymen, and master electricians. The District of Columbia Board of Industrial Trades, under the Department of Consumer and Regulatory Affairs (DCRA), sets the rules and regulations for obtaining a license.

To apply for a limited/low voltage master electrician or journeyman electrician license in Washington, D.C., you must complete 8,000 hours of apprenticeship over four years. Additionally, you need a degree in electrical engineering from an accredited college or university and at least two years of practical electrical work experience, certified by a licensed master electrician.

If you did not attend an accredited college, trade school, or university, you can still apply for a limited/low voltage master electrician or journeyman electrician license in Washington, D.C.. The Board may accept comparable experience or a combination of education and experience equivalent to a college degree. Additional evidence may be required.

The Board also accepts certificates from nationally recognized trade organizations or labor unions, verifying that you have passed their required exam and hold a journeyman electrician designation. Records must confirm that you have not been disciplined or disqualified by the organization.

To apply for a master electrician license in Washington, D.C., you must meet the journeyman licensing requirements and have at least four years of experience as a journeyman electrician.

Electrician Apprenticeship Programs in Washington, D.C.

If you want to be successful at this career, there will be footwork involved. Joining an apprenticeship program is a great way to get the experience you need to progress within this field.

The Joint Apprenticeship and Training Committee (JATC) of Washington, D.C. includes representatives from Local Union 26 of the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers (IBEW) and the Washington, D.C. Chapter of the National Electrical Contractors Association (NECA). If accepted into this apprenticeship program, you will be placed with a Local Union 26 IBEW contractor. The program provides both on-the-job training and classroom instruction to meet licensing requirements.

To apply, you must meet the following requirements:

• Be at least 18 years of age
• Show proof of a passing grade in algebra 1 or GED equivalent
• Be a high school graduate or have a GED
• Provide a photo ID
• Pass an aptitude test

There is no cost for tuition, and programs are offered for completion within three or five years.

The non-union ABC Metro Washington, the D.C. chapter of Associated Builders and Contractors (ABC), offers an electrical apprenticeship program. This program trains workers to read blueprints and technical diagrams, install and maintain wiring, control, and lighting systems, inspect electrical components like transformers and circuit breakers, identify electrical issues using testing devices, and repair or replace wiring, equipment, or fixtures using hand and power tools. Apprentices also learn to follow state and local building regulations based on the National Electrical Code (NEC).

Washington, D.C. Schools for Electricians

In addition to an apprenticeship, you can go to a college or university to gain the experience and classroom hours required to apply for your electrician license. Below are some colleges in Washington D.C. that offer courses in electrical technology:

• Brightwood College offers an Electrical Technician undergraduate certificate that takes 12 months to complete. Tuition and fees amount to $21,023. Campuses are located in Towson, Beltsville and Baltimore, MD.
• Lincoln Tech offers an undergraduate certificate in Electrical and Electronics Systems Technology, which takes 47 weeks to complete. The total cost for tuition and fees total $21,919. The nearest campus to Washington D.C. is located about 49 minutes away in Columbia, MD.

Outlook and Salary Expectations

By 2028, the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) projects that 180 new electrician jobs will be added in Washington, D.C.. Electricians in D.C. earn an average annual salary of $85,310, with top earners making up to $103,280 per year. These wages compare favorably to D.C.’s overall average salary of $89,800 across all occupations.

Salaries in DC by Occupation

Occupation	Total Employment	Mean Hourly Wage	Mean Annual Wage	Annual Salary 10th Percentile	Annual Salary 25th Percentile	Annual Salary 75th Percentile	Annual Salary 90th Percentile
Electricians	1,430	$38.23	$79,520	$49,670	$65,350	$118,090	$120,270
Helpers--Electricians	300	$21.86	$45,470	$38,110	$38,120	$50,490	$52,060
Electrical and Electronics Repairers, Commercial and Industrial Equipment	180	$41.41	$86,140	$67,280	$70,780	$104,720	$106,890
Electrical Power-Line Installers and Repairers	220	$46.98	$59,360	$62,570	$77,020	$107,300	$124,470

Electrician Salaries in DC by Region

Area	Total Employment	Mean Hourly Wage	Mean Annual Salary	Hourly Wage 10th Percentile	Hourly Wage 25th Percentile	Hourly Wage 75th Percentile	Hourly Wage 90th Percentile
Washington-Arlington-Alexandria, DC-VA-MD-WV	1,430	$38.23	$79,520	$23.88	$31.42	$56.77	$57.82

Working as an Electrician in Washington, D.C.

The electrician trade is expected to grow in the coming years, making Washington, D.C. a great place to start your career. Working in D.C. provides access to a diverse environment, as the city attracts millions of tourists each year. If you enjoy critical thinking and hands-on work, becoming an electrician could be a great fit for your skills and interests.

Organizations You Should Know

• IBEW Local 26, Washington, D.C.
• Washington D.C Joint Apprenticeship and Training Committee
• Associated Builders and Contractors, Washington D.C. Chapter

Neighbor States

Residents of District of Columbia may also wish to review their options in Delaware, Pennsylvania, West Virginia, Maryland, Virginia and New York.

FAQs

How much do electricians earn in the state of D.C.?

According to the U.S Bureau of Labor Statistics, electricians in the state of D.C. made an average of $79,870 per year in 2019. Entry-level electricians earned around $50,250 and some experienced professionals earned salaries as high as $103,280.