How to Become an Electrician in Delaware

The Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) reports a growing demand for qualified electricians in Delaware. Between 2023 and 2033, electrician jobs in the state are expected to increase by 17%. For those willing to complete training and classroom instruction, becoming an electrician in Delaware offers a stable, lucrative career. [En Español]

Requirements for Becoming an Electrician in Delaware

To perform electrical work in Delaware, you must obtain a license from the State Board of Electrical Examiners. The first step is becoming a licensed electrical apprentice, which allows you to work and gain hands-on experience through an apprenticeship. To qualify, you must be enrolled in an approved program.

After completing an apprenticeship program, you can apply for a journeyperson license in Delaware. If you have a certificate of completion from an approved program, you are not required to take the journeyperson exam. If you do not have a certificate, you must apply for the license by examination, which requires 8,000 hours of on-the-job work experience and passing the journeyperson exam.

After working as a journeyperson, you can apply for an electrician license in Delaware. The state offers four types of licenses: Master Electrician, Limited Electrician, Master Special Electrician, and Limited Special Electrician. All require passing an exam and meeting specific work experience requirements. A Master Electrician license requires six years of experience, while a Limited Electrician license requires three years. For Master Special and Limited Special licenses, the required six or three years must be in the specific area of expertise.

Electrician Apprenticeship Programs in Delaware

The most common way to become an apprentice electrician in Delaware is by enrolling in an approved apprenticeship program. Both union and non-union programs are available, providing the required classroom instruction and hands-on work experience needed to qualify as a journeyperson. Graduates of these programs do not need to take the journeyperson exam.

The largest union apprenticeship program in Delaware is offered by Local 313 of the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers (IBEW) in partnership with the National Electrical Contractors Association (NECA) through the Electrical Training Alliance. This program includes the Joint Apprenticeship and Training Committee (JATC) for individuals pursuing a career as an electrician.

To qualify, applicants must be at least 18 years old, have a high school diploma or GED, pass Algebra I, have reliable transportation, and pass an aptitude test.

For a non-union apprenticeship, students can enroll in the Independent Electrical Contractors (IEC) of Chesapeake Bay. The Electrical Apprenticeship Training Program lasts four years and prepares students for the journeyperson license. Enrolment requirements are similar to those of union programs.

Delaware Schools for Electricians

An apprenticeship program in Delaware provides all the requirements for licensing, but it is not the only path to becoming an electrician. Another option is completing a community college or trade school program in electrical technology or electronics engineering to fulfill the classroom hour requirements. However, you must also work with an electrical contractor as an apprentice to complete the required 8,000 hours of hands-on experience. Some schools to consider include:

• University of Delaware, Newark. For students who want to earn a four-year degree, the University of Delaware offers a bachelor’s degree in electrical engineering. This gives you the flexibility to continue with a career as an electrician or to go into engineering and related fields.
• Delaware Skills Center, New Castle. The Delaware Skills Center offers a quicker path to being qualified to apprentice as an electrician. The electrical trades program includes 420 hours of classroom work and prepares students to begin earning work experience hours as apprentices.
• Delaware State University, Dover. This school also offers a four-year bachelor’s degree in Electrical and Electronics Engineering Technology. The program prepares students for a variety of careers in electronics, including an apprenticeship with an electrician.

Outlook and Salary Expectations

Job growth for electricians remains strong nationwide, and Delaware is no exception. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), there were 2,360 electricians in the state in 2023, with projections reaching 2,750 by 2033, a significant increase. Though Delaware has a small population, demand for qualified electricians continues to grow, creating more job opportunities in the coming years.

Electrician salaries in Delaware are competitive. In 2023, the average annual salary was $60,990, while top earners made $100,470. Higher salaries were earned by experienced master electricians and electrical contracting business owners with years of industry experience.

Salaries in Delaware 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	2,360	$29.32	$60,990	$37,450	$47,220	$78,030	$100,470
Helpers--Electricians	220	$17.05	$35,460	$29,190	$30,630	$43,750	$47,420
Electrical and Electronics Repairers, Commercial and Industrial Equipment	200	$37.52	$78,040	$48,140	$63,810	$91,040	$92,130
Electrical and Electronics Repairers, Powerhouse, Substation, and Relay	50	$46.18	$96,050	$75,550	$88,730	$126,460	$133,450
Electrical Power-Line Installers and Repairers	370	$45.18	$93,980	$54,640	$64,180	$106,530	$110,080

Electrician Salaries in Delaware 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
Philadelphia-Camden-Wilmington, PA-NJ-DE-MD	10,710	$34.93	$72,660	$21.39	$26.92	$47.47	$60.86
Salisbury, MD-DE	610	$27.17	$56,520	$18.51	$22.18	$30.83	$37.03
Dover, DE	300	$27.58	$57,370	$17.62	$21.46	$31.53	$37.11

Working as an Electrician in Delaware

Job opportunities for trained electricians in Delaware are plentiful and expected to grow. Electricians can find work in commercial and residential buildings, with independent contractors, construction companies, and developers. Those who gain experience can also become licensed contractors and start their own electrical business.

Organizations You Should Know

• IBEW Local 313, New Castle
• Associated Builders and Contractors (ABC), Delaware Chapter
• IEC, Chesapeake

Neighbor States

See also the neighbor states of Pennsylvania, New Jersey, Maryland and New York.

FAQs

How much do electricians earn in the state of Delaware?

According to the U.S Bureau of Labor Statistics, electricians in the state of Delaware made an average of $58,460 per year in 2019. Entry-level electricians earned around $35,000 and some experienced professionals earned salaries as high as $92,220.