How to Become an Electrician in Louisiana

Becoming an electrician in Louisiana offers job security and strong earning potential. In 2023, the state employed 11,270 electricians, and according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), the number of electricians nationwide is expected to grow by 15% in the coming years. [En Español]

Requirements for a Louisiana Electrical License

Each state sets its own rules and regulations for electrician licensing. While some states issue licenses statewide, Louisiana grants journeyman and master electrician licenses at the city or county level. However, once licensed, electricians can work anywhere in the state. Electrical contractor licenses are issued by the Louisiana State Licensing Board for Contractors and are required for those looking to operate independently or run a business.

Before applying for an electrician license in Louisiana, you must first gain experience as an electrical trainee or enroll in an apprenticeship program. If you have no prior construction or electrical experience and are not working as an apprentice, you may need to apply for a trainee license, as some cities require it.

To apply for a trainee electrician license, you must submit:

Two passport-sized photos
A driver’s license
A letter from an employer or union on official letterhead requesting a helper’s license

This step ensures you gain the necessary experience before advancing to a journeyman license.

As a journeyman electrician in Louisiana, you can work under a licensed contractor, installing and repairing electrical systems and wiring. To qualify for a journeyman license, you must complete either five years of work experience as a trainee electrician or four years of work experience along with an apprenticeship or electrical training program at a trade school or community college. Additionally, you must pass the journeyman exam with a score of 70 or higher. This license must be renewed annually to remain valid.

A maintenance electrician license is another option, but it limits you to working on existing electrical installations rather than installing new systems. To qualify, you must complete five years of work experience and pass the licensing exam. Like the journeyman license, this license must be renewed annually to remain valid.

To earn a master electrician license in Louisiana, also known as a Class A Master Electrical License, you must work under a licensed contractor for five years. This license allows you to operate as an independent contractor. In addition to work experience, you must pass the Louisiana Master Electrician – 701 exam, submit two passport-sized photos, have a business location for inspection, carry liability and worker’s compensation insurance, possess a valid driver’s license, and pay the application fee. This license must be renewed annually to remain active.

If you choose to become a contractor, you can work as either a residential or commercial contractor. To apply for a Louisiana contractor license, you must determine if you want a commercial or residential license, provide your Louisiana contractors uniform financial statement, pass the Business and Law (the exam is based on NASCLA Contractors Guide to Business, Law and Project Management, Louisiana Contractors 12th Edition) and trade exams (which will test your knowledge of the National Electrical Code and the state code) and, if you are going for residential, have liability insurance. After the first year you must renew your license, then you can opt to renew it annually, biannually or every three years. Six continuing education hours are required to renew a contractor’s license. See a list of continuing education providers in Louisiana.

Louisiana electrician licenses are reciprocal with the following states:

The Louisiana State Licensing Board for Contractors also provides a Louisiana contractor license search service for consumers.

Apprenticeship Programs

In Louisiana, Joint Apprenticeship and Training Committee (JATC) offices partner with the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers (IBEW) and the National Electrical Contractors Association (NECA) to provide union apprenticeships. These programs combine classroom instruction with paid on-the-job training. Apprenticeships typically last four to five years, meeting both work experience and education requirements. Union membership is required to participate. The following JATCs offer apprenticeship programs in Louisiana:

For non-union apprenticeship options, Associated Builders and Contractors (ABC) New Orleans/Bayou Chapter offers a four year program for students who are indentured with the Louisiana Department of Labor. All courses are NCCER certified. The course is competency-based, with testing for both technical knowledge and skill.

For information on all registered apprenticeship programs in Louisiana, visit the Louisiana Department of Labor website or the U.S. Department of Labor’s apprenticeship.gov website.

Independent Electrical Contractors (IEC) do not currently have a chapter in the state of Louisiana.

Electrician Programs in Louisiana

Technical college or trade school programs give students the chance to complete their education requirements to become licensed electricians, receive training through labs and internships and earning a certificate or degree in the process. Several Louisiana trade schools and community colleges have certificate and/or associate degree programs in electrical technology.

Delgado Community College offers three certificate programs that focus on the three main types of electrical work: residential, commercial and industrial. When you complete one of these programs, you will receive a certificate in technical studies (CTS) as either a residential, commercial or industrial electrician. All three programs are available at both the Sidney Collier and Jefferson campuses. The residential CTS program is 25 credit hours and can be completed in about nine months. The commercial is 30 credit hours and can also be completed in nine months. The industrial CTS program is 33 credit hours and takes about 13.5 months to complete. Additionally, they offer an Electric Line Technician for those interested in becoming a lineman.
Sowela Technical Community College in Lake Charles has an associate degree program that prepares students to become industrial electricians by teaching them to install and repair wiring and equipment used in industrial settings. The program consists of 60 credit hours and takes four semesters (about two years) to complete.
Central Louisiana Technical Community College. The electrician program at Central Louisiana Tech is offered at the Alexandria, Many and Natchitoches campuses. Students can get a technical competency certificate as either an electrician helper or a solar systems installer. They can also get a certificate of technical studies as a residential electrician or energy systems technician. The highest level of achievement is the technical diploma, of which there are two options: industrial electrician and commercial wiring.
South Louisiana Community College. For those looking for a lineman school in Louisiana, SLCC offers a Certified Power Lineman program. The 16-25 week program is a partnership with local utility companies LUS, SLEMCO, Cleco, and Entergy and is taught on SLCC’s Acadian Campus in Crowley.

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Outlook and Salary Expectations

The BLS reported in 2023 that the number of electricians working in Louisiana was expected to increase by fifteen percent by 2033, although nationwide an increase of eight percent is anticipated.

Electricians in Louisiana were making an average of $28.49 an hour in 2023, as stated in BLS data. The average annual pay for electricians was $59,260. Electricians who are licensed and have more work and managerial experience can make up to $76,960 in the state.

Salaries in Louisiana 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	11,270	$28.49	$59,260	$36,140	$47,200	$64,360	$76,960
Helpers--Electricians	2,770	$17.83	$37,090	$28,940	$34,400	$46,470	$50,660
Electrical and Electronics Installers and Repairers, Transportation Equipment	180	$32.60	$67,800	$52,120	$61,600	$79,490	$84,900
Electrical and Electronics Repairers, Commercial and Industrial Equipment	1,070	$31.63	$65,790	$46,160	$56,160	$85,780	$102,710
Electrical and Electronics Repairers, Powerhouse, Substation, and Relay	320	$48.69	$101,280	$82,370	$89,870	$105,350	$112,770
Electrical Power-Line Installers and Repairers	1,030	$35.14	$73,090	$41,660	$58,170	$82,430	$100,670

Electrician Salaries in Louisiana 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
Alexandria, LA	160	$26.29	$54,690	$18.44	$26.29	$26.29	$28.59
Baton Rouge, LA	3,810	$29.52	$61,390	$20.77	$24.98	$32.20	$36.74
Hammond, LA	80	$23.62	$49,140	$16.85	$19.19	$28.56	$34.26
Houma-Thibodaux, LA	570	$27.35	$56,880	$19.13	$22.99	$31.65	$36.17
Lafayette, LA	1,180	$25.00	$52,000	$16.92	$21.64	$28.73	$34.72
Monroe, LA	340	$23.18	$48,210	$14.35	$18.39	$27.94	$30.37
New Orleans-Metairie, LA	2,680	$29.02	$60,360	$17.44	$22.09	$32.11	$39.55
Shreveport-Bossier City, LA	700	$23.01	$47,860	$16.05	$18.15	$29.51	$34.11

Working as an Electrician in Louisiana

Licensed electricians can find jobs in residential, commercial, and industrial settings. New Orleans and Baton Rouge have the highest employment rates for electricians in Louisiana. Opportunities exist in homes, factories, government buildings, construction sites, hotels, condominiums, and airports. Electricians can also work with contractors. Major contracting companies in the state include Doyle Electric Inc, Copeland Electric, Trinity Electric, Fitzgerald Electrical LLC, Leger Electric LLC, Blanchard Electric Inc, Anytime Electric LLC, and Kintzing Electrical Contractors Inc. The demand for electricians in Louisiana continues to grow, making it a strong career choice.

Organizations You Should Know

IBEW Local 995, Baton Rouge
IBEW Local 130, Metairie, serving New Orleans
IBEW Local 861, Lake Charles
IBEW Local 194, Shreveport

Alexandria, LA Area

Central Louisiana Technical Community College

4311 South MacArthur Drive, Alexandria, Louisiana 71302-3137
(318) 487-5443
Electrician Technology – Certificate Program

Central Louisiana Technical Community College offers various Certificate program options for future electricians. Classes are taken at their campus in the city of Alexandria, Louisiana. The majority of of the school’s 2,445 students are on 2-year programs. The college is accredited by the Council on Occupational Education. The cost of tuition for in-state students is usually around $4,089 and for out-of-state students in the order of $8,198 per year. Learning materials may cost roughly $1,220, although this will depend on the program.

Baton Rouge, LA Area

ITI Technical College

13944 Airline Hwy, Baton Rouge, Louisiana 70817
(225) 752-4233
Electrical Technology – Certificate Program

The Certificate program in Electrical Technology at ITI Technical College can be taken at their campus in Baton Rouge in East Baton Rouge County. Most of the school’s 816 students are on 2-year programs. The college is accredited by the Accrediting Commission of Career Schools and Colleges. Fees for tuition are generally about $10,575 for each academic year. Books and supplies can cost roughly $3,203, although this will depend on the program.

Hammond Nonmetropolitan Area Area

Northshore Technical Community College

1710 Sullivan Dr, Bogalusa, Louisiana 70427
(985) 732-6640 x100
Electric Line Technology – Certificate Program

Northshore Technical Community College offers various Certificate program options for future electricians. Classes are taken at their campus in Bogalusa in Washington County. This public college has approximately 3,655 students in total, with the majority of students on 2-year programs. The college is institutionally accredited by the Council on Occupational Education. The cost of tuition for students living in the state is around $4,103 and for out-of-state students around $7,612 for each academic year. Study materials can cost roughly $1,220, depending on the program chosen.

Houma-Bayou Cane-Thibodaux, LA Area

Fletcher Technical Community College

1407 Highway 311, Schriever, Louisiana 70395
(985) 448-7900
Electrician – Certificate Program

Fletcher Technical Community College offers various Certificate program options for future electricians. All programs are offered at their campus in Schriever in Terrebonne County. Most of the school’s 1,951 students are on 2-year programs. The college is accredited by the Council on Occupational Education. The cost of tuition for in-state students is in the order of $3,966 and for students from outside the state approximately $7,489 annually. Books and supplies can cost around $1,200, although this will depend on the program.

Lafayette, LA Area

South Louisiana Community College

1101 Bertrand Drive, Lafayette, Louisiana 70506-4109
(337) 521-9000
Electrician- Certificate Program

South Louisiana Community College offers various Certificate program options for future professionals. Classes are taken at their campus in the city of Lafayette, LA. This public college has about 6,958 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 in the order of $4,205 and for students from outside the state likely to be about $7,810 yearly. Study materials can cost about $1,300, depending on the program chosen.

Lake Charles, LA Area

SOWELA Technical Community College

3820 J Bennett Johnston Ave, Lake Charles, Louisiana 70615
(337) 421-6565
Residential Electrician – Certificate Program

SOWELA Technical Community College offers various Certificate program options for future professionals. All programs are imparted at their campus in the city of Lake Charles. This public college has approximately 3,722 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. The cost of tuition for students living in the state is roughly around $4,185 and for out-of-state students around $7,612 for each academic year. Learning materials may cost roughly $1,300, although this will vary with the program.

Monroe, LA Area

Louisiana Delta Community College

7500 Millhaven Rd, Monroe, Louisiana 71203
(866) 500-5322
Industrial Electrician – Certificate Program

Louisiana Delta Community College offers various Certificate program options for future electricians. All programs are based at their campus in Monroe in Ouachita County. The college has approximately 2,080 students in total, with the majority of students 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 about $4,158 and for students from other states likely to be about $4,396 yearly. Learning materials may cost in the order of $1,220, although this will vary with the program.

New Iberia Nonmetropolitan Area Area

South Central Louisiana Technical College

900 Youngs Road, Morgan City, Louisiana 70380
(985) 380-2957
Electrical Technology – Certificate Program

South Central Louisiana Technical College offers various Certificate program options for future professionals. All programs are imparted at their campus in the town of Morgan City. The college has round 2,669 students in total, with the majority of students on 2-year programs. The college is institutionally accredited by the Council on Occupational Education. The cost of tuition for students living in the state is about $2,946 and for students from other states around $4,178 for each academic year, while books and supplies may cost roughly $1,300, although this varies from program to program.

New Orleans-Metairie-Kenner, LA Area

Delgado Community College

615 City Park Avenue, New Orleans, Louisiana 70119
(504) 671-5000
Residential Electrician – Certificate Program

Delgado Community College offers various Certificate program options for future electricians. All programs are based at their campus in the city of New Orleans, LA. The college has in the order of 16,131 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. The cost of tuition for in-state students is usually in the order of $4,079 and for students from outside the state in the order of $8,368 per year. Learning materials may cost in the order of $1,244, although this will vary with the program.

Nunez Community College

3710 Paris Rd, Chalmette, Louisiana 70043
(504) 278-6200
Electrical Construction – Certificate Program

Nunez Community College’s Certificate program is offered at their campus in Chalmette in Saint Bernard County. The college has round 2,629 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. The cost of tuition for students living in the state is around $4,175 and for out-of-state students approximately $7,674 annually. Books and supplies can cost around $1,300, although this will depend on the program.

Winnsboro Nonmetropolitan Area Area

Northwest Louisiana Technical College

9500 Industrial Drive, Minden, Louisiana 71055-0000
(318) 371-3035
Electrician- Industrial Electrician – Certificate Program

Northwest Louisiana Technical College offers various Certificate program options for future electricians. All programs are offered at their campus in Minden in Webster County, Louisiana. The college has around 2,924 students in total, with most students on 2-year programs. The college is institutionally accredited by the Council on Occupational Education. Tuition fees for in-state students are generally around $2,976 and for out-of-state students approximately $7,481 annually. Books and supplies can cost around $1,220, although this will depend on the program.

* College accredition status and tuition fees and are, to our best knowledge, correct at the time of writing, and sourced from the National Center for Education Statistics (http://nces.ed.gov/). Check all details directly with college before applying.

Neighbor States

See also the neighbor states of Arkansas, Mississippi and Texas.

FAQs

How much do electricians earn in the state of Louisiana?

According to the U.S Bureau of Labor Statistics, electricians in the state of Louisiana made an average of $52,140 per year in 2019. Entry-level electricians earned around $34,280 and some experienced professionals earned salaries as high as $73,940.

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