How to Become an Electrician in Louisiana
The occupation of an electrician is a secure and financially rewarding one. In Louisiana, there were 13,110 electricians employed in 2018. According to the United States Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) the number of electricians working nationally is predicted to rise by eight percent over the next few years. Furthermore, in 2017 Louisiana was the ranked fourth out of the 50 states for the highest concentration of jobs by state. [En Español]
In Louisiana, you must first work as a trainee electrician, then you can become licensed as a journeyman. After working as a journeyman for a couple of years, you can procure a master electrician license and eventually go on to work as an electrical contractor.
Requirements for a Louisiana Electrical License
Each state has its own rules and regulations when it comes to electrician licenses. Some are issued statewide, while other states, like Louisiana, issue them by city or county. In Louisiana, journeyman and master electrician licenses are assigned locally, but once you are licensed you can work anywhere in the state. Contractor licenses are issued through the Louisiana State Licensing Board for Contractors.
Before applying for any electrician license, you must work 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 want to apply for a trainee license. Some cities will require it. To apply for a trainee electrician license, you will need two passport-sized pictures, a driver’s license and a letter on employer or union letterhead requesting a helper’s license.
As a journeyman, you can work under the guidance of a contractor to install or fix electrical systems and wiring. To earn a journeyman license, you must either work for five years as a trainee electrician or work for four years as well as enroll in an apprenticeship or educational training program at a trade school or community college. You must also pass the journeyman test with a score of 70 or higher. This license needs to renewed yearly.
A maintenance electrician license is also an option, but you will be limited to working only on existing installations, not putting in new ones. For this license you will also need five years’ work experience and to pass the test. This license also needs to be renewed yearly.
To earn a master electrician license, you must work with a contractor for five years. This license is also called a Class A Master Electrical License and will allow you to work as an independent contractor. In addition to work experience, you must also pass the Louisiana Master Electrician – 701 exam, provide two passport-sized photos, have a place of business that can be inspected, have liability and worker’s compensation insurance, have a driver’s license and pay the application fee. This license must be renewed each year as well.
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:
- Alabama
- Arkansas
- Georgia
- Kentucky
- Mississippi
- North Carolina
- Ohio
- South Carolina
- Tennessee
- Texas
- Utah
- Virginia
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) chapter offices work with the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers (IBEW) and the National Electrical Contractors Association (NECA) to offer union apprenticeships. Apprenticeship programs pair in-class teaching with hands-on training through paid employment. These programs usually last four to five years, giving the student time to fulfill both the work experience requirements as well as educational requirements. You must hold a union membership to complete a union apprenticeship. The following JATCs offer apprenticeship programs in Louisiana:
- Alexandria Electrical JATC
- Baton Rouge Area Electrical JATC
- Bogalusa Electrical JATC
- Lake Charles Electrical JATC
- Monroe Electrical JATC
- New Orleans Electrical JATC
- Shreveport Area Electrical JATC
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.
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 BLS reported in 2018 that the number of electricians working in Louisiana was expected to decline by twelve percent by 2028, although nationwide an increase of eight percent is anticipated.
Electricians in Louisiana were making an average of $24.43 an hour in 2019, as stated in BLS data. The average annual pay for electricians was $50,800. Electricians who are licensed and have more work and managerial experience can make up to $73,900 in the state. The Shreveport-Bossier City Area is where you will find the highest paid electricians in the state, as they averaged $52,810 annually in 2019.
Salaries in Louisiana by Occupation 2019
| 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 | 12,570 | $25.07 | $52,140 | $34,280 | $41,240 | $61,760 | $73,940 |
| Helpers--Electricians | 3,470 | $16.19 | $33,680 | $22,580 | $26,750 | $39,320 | $48,420 |
| Electrical and Electronics Installers and Repairers, Transportation Equipment | 240 | $23.71 | $49,320 | $32,250 | $37,100 | $58,030 | $75,520 |
| Electrical and Electronics Repairers, Commercial and Industrial Equipment | 1,160 | $29.82 | $62,030 | $35,810 | $49,050 | $76,050 | $88,660 |
| Electrical and Electronics Repairers, Powerhouse, Substation, and Relay | 340 | $35.19 | $73,190 | $46,800 | $56,940 | $90,150 | $99,290 |
| Electrical Power-Line Installers and Repairers | 1,140 | $28.86 | $60,020 | $31,830 | $43,150 | $74,750 | $90,610 |
Electrician Salaries in Louisiana by Region 2019
| 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 | $25.29 | $52,610 | $17.86 | $21.21 | $29.08 | $31.97 |
| Baton Rouge, LA | 3,810 | $24.62 | $51,200 | $16.60 | $19.65 | $28.97 | $32.86 |
| Hammond, LA | 80 | $26.27 | $54,640 | $14.56 | $19.01 | $34.84 | $39.24 |
| Houma-Thibodaux, LA | 570 | $24.79 | $51,570 | $16.18 | $19.45 | $28.61 | $32.69 |
| Lafayette, LA | 1,180 | $22.80 | $47,430 | $15.22 | $17.87 | $26.69 | $32.33 |
| Monroe, LA | 340 | $23.36 | $48,590 | $16.37 | $18.50 | $28.22 | $32.51 |
| New Orleans-Metairie, LA | 2,680 | $25.38 | $52,800 | $16.95 | $19.57 | $30.41 | $36.86 |
| Shreveport-Bossier City, LA | 700 | $24.77 | $51,530 | $11.13 | $18.85 | $30.96 | $36.70 |
Working as an Electrician in Louisiana
Licensed electricians can look for work in residential, commercial and industrial settings. New Orleans and Baton Rouge have the highest employment rate of electricians within the state. In addition to homes, plants and government buildings, you may also be able to find work on construction sites, hotels, condominiums and airports. You may also choose to work with a contractor. Some of the larger contracting companies in the state are Doyle Electric Inc, Copeland Electric, Trinity Electric, Fizgerald Electrical LLC, Leger Electric LLC, Blanchard Electric Inc, Anytime Electric LLC and Kintzing Electrical Contractors Inc. With the number of electricians working within the state increasing yearly, now is a good time to be working as an electrician in Louisiana.
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
College Programs
- Alexandria, LA
- Baton Rouge, LA
- Hammond Nonmetropolitan Area
- Houma-Bayou Cane-Thibodaux, LA
- Lafayette, LA
- Lake Charles, LA
- Monroe, LA
- New Iberia Nonmetropolitan Area
- New Orleans-Metairie-Kenner, LA
- Winnsboro Nonmetropolitan Area
Alexandria, LA Area
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 opticians. 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
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
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 opticians. 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
1407 Highway 311, Schriever, Louisiana 70395
(985) 448-7900
Electrician – Certificate Program
Fletcher Technical Community College offers various Certificate program options for future opticians. 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
1101 Bertrand Drive, Lafayette, Louisiana 70506-4109
(337) 521-9000
Power Lineman Tech – 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
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
7500 Millhaven Rd, Monroe, Louisiana 71203
(866) 500-5322
Industrial Electrician – Certificate Program
Louisiana Delta Community College offers various Certificate program options for future opticians. 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
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
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 opticians. 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.
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
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 opticians. 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.