How to Become an Electrician in Kentucky
The demand for qualified electricians in Kentucky remains strong and is expected to continue growing, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS). While the national growth rate for electricians is over 11%, Kentucky’s market is expanding by around 9%. If you’re looking for a stable career with job opportunities and strong income potential, consider becoming a licensed electrician in Kentucky. This process may involve attending a trade school and enrolling in an apprenticeship program to gain the necessary skills and experience. [En Español]
Requirements for a Kentucky Electrician License
Each state sets its own requirements for electricians, and Kentucky has three levels of licensing: electrician, master electrician, and electrical contractor. To obtain a license, applicants must submit an application and fee to the Electrical Division of the Department of Housing, Buildings, and Construction and pass the required licensing exam. Becoming a licensed electrician in Kentucky requires six years of training and work experience, while a master electrician license requires eight years.
To start your training and to get licensed at the electrician level, you can choose one of three paths:
- Enroll in and complete a union or non-union electrical apprenticeship program.
- Complete a vocational or technical degree program at a community college or trade school that includes at least 576 classroom hours, and transition to an entry-level job for four years of work experience.
- Find an entry-level position as a technician, assistant or apprentice with an electrical contractor and get six years of experience on the job.
In Kentucky, the licensing exam for an electrician license is the Kentucky Standard Journeyman Electrician exam, administered by Pearson VUE. The master electrician license requires passing the Kentucky Standard Master Electrician exam, also provided by Pearson VUE. To renew a license, electricians must provide proof of continuing education (CEU) completion as required by the state.
Electricians and master electricians in Kentucky can choose to become licensed electrical contractors, allowing them to start a business and offer services independently. To qualify, applicants must either be a master electrician or employ one and must carry liability insurance and workers’ compensation coverage. Additionally, they must pass the Kentucky Business and Law exam, which is based on the Kentucky Contractors Business and Law, 5th edition.
Electrician Apprenticeship Programs in Kentucky
Completing an apprenticeship program is the most effective way to meet the requirements for becoming a licensed electrician in Kentucky. The state offers several union apprenticeship programs through local chapters of the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers (IBEW) in partnership with the National Electrical Contractors Association (NECA). These programs are managed by Joint Apprenticeship and Training Committees (JATCs).
For those seeking non-union apprenticeship programs, options are available through the Independent Electrical Contractors (IEC) and the Associated Builders and Contractors (ABC). Both union and non-union programs provide the necessary classroom instruction and hands-on training to qualify for licensing.
To enroll in an apprenticeship program in Kentucky, applicants must meet specific eligibility requirements. These typically include being at least 18 years old, having a high school diploma or GED, and being physically capable of performing electrical work. Additionally, applicants must have reliable transportation and pass a general aptitude test. These programs provide the classroom training and on-the-job experience needed to become a licensed electrician. Examples of programs available in Kentucky are:
- Louisville Electrical JATC (Kentuckian Electrical Apprenticeship and Training)
- IBEW Local 1701 JATC in Owensboro
- Paducah Electrical JATC
- IEC of the Bluegrass in Lexington – Apprenticeship Program
- IEC of Kentucky and Southern Indiana
- ABC Indiana/Kentucky Chapter
Electrician Schools in Kentucky
The union and non-union apprenticeship programs provide classroom hours and work experience. If you choose to complete an educational program at an electrician or lineman trade school or community college instead, you will get the classroom time and will then need to find an electrician to hire you to get the four years of work experience required for licensing.
- Ashland Community and Technical College, Ashland. Ashland offers a program in electrical technology that takes two years to complete and confers an associate degree. The school also has diploma and certificate programs in industrial electrician, electrician apprentice, residential electrician and electrician helper.
- Bluegrass Community and Technical College, Lexington. Students at Bluegrass interested in a career as an electrician can choose from several degree, certificate and diploma options. They include construction electrician, industrial electrician, motor controls electrician and residential electricity.
- Gateway Community and Technical College, Florence. In Florence students can choose to complete a two-year degree program or a shorter diploma program in either construction electrical technology or industrial electrical technology.
- Lineman Training Center. If you’re looking for a lineman school in Kentucky, the Lineman Training Center in Somerset, KY has one of the most expansive indoor training facilities and comprehensive curriculum in the nation.
Penn Foster College – Residential Electrician Career Diploma
Nationally Accredited and Licensed School. Support from Expert Faculty and Success Coaches. Up-to-date Material That Complies with the National Electric Code (NEC)®. Snap-On Tool Discount for Trades Students.Call 1-800-851-1819 today.
Outlook and Salary Expectations
The outlook for electrical careers in Kentucky is positive. You can expect to have a lot of options for careers once you have the appropriate training and work experience for becoming licensed. According to the BLS, there were 9,890 electricians working in the state in 2020, and there will be nearly 10,800 by 2030. This means the state will need many more qualified electricians to fill positions in the coming years. You can expect approximately 1,200 annual job openings during this period.
New electricians can also expect to have a great salary once licensed. The average income for a Kentucky electrician in 2020 was $57,140. That same year the top earners in the field made $80,520 on average. There is plenty of room for growth and to earn more over the years.
Salaries in Kentucky 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 | 9,890 | $27.47 | $57,140 | $35,680 | $45,870 | $74,310 | $80,520 |
| Helpers--Electricians | 620 | $16.63 | $34,580 | $29,190 | $30,840 | $37,930 | $45,540 |
| Electrical and Electronics Installers and Repairers, Transportation Equipment | ** | $29.66 | $61,700 | $41,010 | $52,700 | $72,700 | $82,730 |
| Electrical and Electronics Repairers, Commercial and Industrial Equipment | 930 | $28.65 | $59,580 | $35,750 | $44,510 | $74,400 | $83,250 |
| Electrical and Electronics Repairers, Powerhouse, Substation, and Relay | 320 | $39.53 | $82,220 | $37,400 | $53,680 | $94,310 | $99,030 |
| Electrical Power-Line Installers and Repairers | 2,780 | $38.13 | $79,310 | $47,310 | $58,880 | $88,680 | $97,710 |
Electrician Salaries in Kentucky 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cincinnati, OH-KY-IN | 5,230 | $44.61 | $92,800 | $23.92 | $35.76 | $47.71 | $49.18 |
| Huntington-Ashland, WV-KY-OH | 780 | $39.14 | $81,420 | $25.22 | $28.48 | $46.98 | $48.97 |
| Louisville/Jefferson County, KY-IN | 4,050 | $38.27 | $79,600 | $23.71 | $27.89 | $45.40 | $47.29 |
| Evansville, IN-KY | 1,000 | $45.37 | $94,370 | $31.28 | $40.35 | $47.86 | $47.88 |
| Clarksville, TN-KY | 260 | $37.16 | $77,300 | $20.83 | $25.47 | $39.16 | $43.82 |
| Bowling Green, KY | 360 | $42.28 | $87,940 | $24.65 | $31.09 | $43.68 | $44.47 |
| Elizabethtown-Fort Knox, KY | 190 | $40.66 | $84,570 | $23.85 | $29.93 | $44.39 | $46.88 |
| Lexington-Fayette, KY | 1,180 | $38.79 | $80,670 | $24.45 | $31.24 | $47.60 | $48.94 |
| Owensboro, KY | 390 | $40.11 | $83,420 | $24.50 | $31.04 | $45.51 | $45.69 |
Working as an Electrician in Kentucky
Job opportunities for electricians in Kentucky are expected to grow in the coming years, offering a variety of career paths. As a licensed electrician or master electrician, you could work for an electrical contractor, general contractor, building company, commercial business, industrial company, or even a government agency. Additionally, you have the option to become a licensed contractor and start your own business. With a few years of training and paid apprenticeship experience, you can build a stable and rewarding career in any of these fields.
College Programs
- Bowling Green, KY
- Cincinnati-Middletown, OH-KY-IN
- Clarksville, TN-KY
- East Kentucky Nonmetropolitan Area
- Elizabethtown, KY
- Evansville, IN-KY
- Huntington-Ashland, WV-KY-OH
- Lexington-Fayette, KY
- Louisville-Jefferson County, KY-IN
- Owensboro, KY
- South Central Kentucky Nonmetropolitan Area
- West Central Kentucky Nonmetropolitan Area
- West Kentucky Nonmetropolitan Area
Bowling Green, KY Area
1845 Loop Dr, Bowling Green, Kentucky 42101-3601
(270) 901-1000
Residential Electricity – Certificate Program
Southcentral Kentucky Community and Technical College offers various Certificate program options for future opticians. Classes are taken at their campus in the city of Bowling Green, Kentucky. This public college has approximately 3,962 students in total, with the majority of students on 2-year programs. The college is institutionally accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools, Commission on Colleges. Fees for tuition for in-state students are about $4,080 and for students from other states likely to be about $13,800 yearly. Books and supplies can cost about $1,000, although this will depend on the program.
Cincinnati-Middletown, OH-KY-IN Area
500 Technology Way, Florence, Kentucky 41042
(859) 441-4500
Electrical Technology: Construction Electrician – Certificate Program
Gateway Community and Technical College offers various Certificate program options for future opticians. All programs are offered at their campus in Florence in Boone County. Most of the school’s 4,581 students are on 2-year programs. The college is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools, Commission on Colleges. The cost of tuition for students living in the state is around $4,160 and for out-of-state students around $13,880 for each academic year. Study materials can cost roughly $1,000, depending on the program chosen.
Clarksville, TN-KY Area
720 North Dr., Hopkinsville, Kentucky 42240
(270) 707-3700
Electrical Technology – Certificate Program
Hopkinsville Community College offers various Certificate program options for future opticians. All programs are offered at their campus in the town of Hopkinsville. The majority of of the school’s 3,120 students are on 2-year programs. The college is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools, Commission on Colleges. Fees for tuition for in-state students are in the order of $4,080 and for students from outside the state likely to be about $13,800 yearly. Learning materials may cost about $1,000, although this will vary with the program.
East Kentucky Nonmetropolitan Area Area
One Community College Drive, Hazard, Kentucky 41701-2402
(606) 487-3503
Electrician Construction – Certificate Program
Hazard Community and Technical College offers various Certificate program options for future opticians. All programs are taught at their campus in the town of Hazard, KY. The majority of of the school’s 3,238 students are on 2-year programs. The college is institutionally accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools, Commission on Colleges. The cost of tuition for students living in the state is about $4,080 and for students from other states around $13,800 for each academic year. Books and supplies can cost roughly $1,000, although this will depend on the program.
700 College Rd, Cumberland, Kentucky 40823
(606) 589-2145
Electrical Technology – Certificate Program
Southeast Kentucky Community and Technical College offers various Certificate program options for future opticians. All programs are imparted at their campus in the town of Cumberland, KY. The majority of of the school’s 3,111 students are on 2-year programs. The college is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools, Commission on Colleges. Tuition fees for in-state students are generally around $4,080 and for out-of-state students approximately $13,800 annually. Books and supplies can cost around $1,000, although this will depend on the program.
Elizabethtown, KY Area
600 College Street Rd, Elizabethtown, Kentucky 42701-3081
(270) 769-2371
Electrical Construction – Certificate Program
Elizabethtown Community and Technical College offers various Certificate program options for future opticians, a Certificate program and an Associate program. All programs are imparted at their campus in the city of Elizabethtown. The majority of of the school’s 6,301 students are on 2-year programs. The college is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools, Commission on Colleges. The cost of tuition for students living in the state is roughly about $4,080 and for students from other states around $13,800 for each academic year. Learning materials may cost roughly $1,000, although this will vary with the program.
Huntington-Ashland, WV-KY-OH Area
1400 College Drive, Ashland, Kentucky 41101-3683
(606) 326-2000
Electrician Apprentice – Certificate Program
Ashland Community and Technical College offers various Certificate program options for future opticians. All programs are taught at their campus in the city of Ashland, Kentucky. The college has in the region of 2,728 students in total, with most students on 2-year programs. The college is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools, Commission on Colleges. Tuition fees for in-state students are generally in the order of $4,080 and for students from outside the state approximately $13,800 annually. Learning materials may cost around $1,000, although this will vary with the program.
Lexington-Fayette, KY Area
470 Cooper Drive, Lexington, Kentucky 40506
(859) 246-6200
Electrical Engineering Technology – Certificate Program
Bluegrass Community and Technical College offers various Certificate program options for future opticians, a Certificate program and an Associate program. Classes are taken at their campus in the city of Lexington, KY. The college has approximately 10,388 students in total, with most students on 2-year programs. The college is institutionally accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools, Commission on Colleges. Tuition fees for in-state students are around $4,160 and for out-of-state students approximately $13,880 annually. Study materials can cost around $1,000, depending on the program chosen.
Louisville-Jefferson County, KY-IN Area
109 E Broadway, Louisville, Kentucky 40202-2005
(502) 213-4000
Electrical Technology – Certificate Program
Jefferson Community and Technical College offers various Certificate program options for future opticians. All programs are based at their campus in Louisville in Jefferson County. The college has round 12,138 students in total, with the majority of students on 2-year programs. The college is institutionally accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools, Commission on Colleges. Fees for tuition for in-state students are likely to be in the order of $4,160 and for students from outside the state likely to be about $13,880 yearly. Learning materials may cost about $1,000, although this will vary with the program.
Owensboro, KY Area
4800 New Hartford Rd, Owensboro, Kentucky 42303
(270) 686-4400
Electrical Technology – Certificate Program
Owensboro Community and Technical College offers various Certificate program options for future professionals, a Certificate program and an Associate program. Classes are taken at their campus in Owensboro in Daviess County. The majority of of the school’s 3,974 students are on 2-year programs. The college is institutionally accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools, Commission on Colleges. The cost of tuition for students living in the state is roughly about $4,080 and for students from other states around $13,800 for each academic year. Books and supplies can cost roughly $1,000, although this will depend on the program.
West Central Kentucky Nonmetropolitan Area Area
1755 U.S. Hwy 68, Maysville, Kentucky 41056
(606) 759-7141
Electrical Construction – Certificate Program
Maysville Community and Technical College offers various Certificate program options for future professionals. Classes are taken at their campus in Maysville in Mason County, KY. The majority of of the school’s 3,158 students are on 2-year programs. The college is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools, Commission on Colleges. The cost of tuition for students living in the state is in the order of $4,080 and for students from outside the state around $13,800 for each academic year, while books and supplies may cost roughly $1,000, although this varies from program to program.
West Kentucky Nonmetropolitan Area Area
2000 College Drive, Madisonville, Kentucky 42431
(270) 821-2250
Electricity – Associate Program
The Associate’s degree program in Electricity at Madisonville Community College is offered at their campus in Madisonville in Hopkins County. The majority of of the school’s 4,261 students are on 2-year programs. The college is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools, Commission on Colleges. The cost of tuition for in-state students is usually around $4,080 and for out-of-state students likely to be about $13,800 yearly. Books and supplies can cost about $1,000, although this will depend on the program.
Neighboring States
Residents of Kentucky may also wish to review their options in Tennessee, Ohio, Virginia, Indiana, Missouri, West Virginia and Illinois.
FAQs
How much do electricians earn in the state of Kentucky?
According to the U.S Bureau of Labor Statistics, electricians in the state of Kentucky made an average of $53,440 per year in 2019. Entry-level electricians earned around $32,680 and some experienced professionals earned salaries as high as $77,880.
