Becoming an Electrician in Nebraska
The Nebraska State Electrical Division (NSED) oversees requirements for becoming an electrician in Nebraska. The process is about the same for all areas of the state and requires a combination of education and work experience to advance and earn licenses.[En Español]
The first opportunity for electricians to earn a license comes as journeymen, which can be for residential or nonspecific work. Journeymen electricians require a minimum of three years of on-the-job experience or a combination of education and experience, and an extra year for future commercial workers. Three regions – Fremont, Hastings and Lincoln – have more specific requirements than the rest of the state. They continue to offer their licenses with different requirements than NSED for more advanced licenses and jobs.
Job Outlook in Nebraska
The Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) reported 4,850 electricians and related workers employed in Nebraska in 2014. It is expected that there will be a 19-percent rise in employed electricians in the state by 2024, adding a predicted 930 jobs to the field. The average salary in 2017 was around $48,900 a year or $15 an hour. There are many opportunities to advance in the field and increase your pay, with a typical $35,780 entry-level salary up to $73,730 per year for the most advanced electricians.
Salaries in Nebraska 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 | 5,770 | $25.42 | $52,860 | $31,460 | $37,590 | $65,580 | $80,240 |
| Helpers--Electricians | 160 | $16.49 | $34,310 | $24,220 | $27,610 | $42,140 | $48,320 |
| Electrical and Electronics Installers and Repairers, Transportation Equipment | 80 | $25.04 | $52,070 | $42,080 | $46,870 | $58,630 | $61,810 |
| Electrical and Electronics Repairers, Commercial and Industrial Equipment | 290 | $28.38 | $59,020 | $35,560 | $44,810 | $66,460 | $94,820 |
| Electrical and Electronics Repairers, Powerhouse, Substation, and Relay | 90 | $40.49 | $84,210 | $61,990 | $75,110 | $96,350 | $101,360 |
| Electrical Power-Line Installers and Repairers | 1,140 | $33.30 | $69,250 | $41,900 | $52,660 | $85,520 | $97,100 |
Electrician Salaries in Nebraska 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Sioux City, IA-NE-SD | 430 | $26.08 | $54,240 | $14.79 | $20.23 | $30.21 | $39.24 |
| Omaha-Council Bluffs, NE-IA | 3,880 | $27.55 | $57,310 | $15.07 | $18.70 | $35.51 | $39.20 |
| Grand Island, NE | 300 | $17.79 | $37,010 | $12.70 | $14.86 | $19.00 | $26.02 |
| Lincoln, NE | 850 | $24.44 | $50,830 | $16.00 | $19.13 | $29.31 | $35.01 |
Electrician Training in Nebraska
The first step to begin your career as an electrician is to find and register for an apprenticeship through NSED with a union or non-union company. Residential electricians are qualified for a journeyman license after three years of related work, or two years of work along with an associate’s degree. Journeymen electricians, who can work residentially or commercially, require one extra year of work experience. For residential and journeyman electrician licenses, the student must meet the experience requirements stated above and receive a passing grade on the respective exam administered by NSED.
- Metropolitan Community College. The Metropolitan community college offers an associate’s degree in electrical technology as well as an apprenticeship program approved by the NSED. Apprenticeship work can be credited towards an associate’s degree for those who wish to earn a degree.
- Central Community College. An associate degree is offered in electrical technology, or certificates in commercial wiring, electrical fundamentals and residential wiring.
- There are additionally two joint apprenticeship and training committees (JATC) in Nebraska; Omaha JATC and Lincoln Electrical JATC.
Nebraska does not offer master electrician licenses but instead allows advanced electricians to apply for an electrical contractor position. An electrician is eligible after completion of a four-year electrical education program and at least one year working as a journeyman electrician, or five years of experience. Electrical contractors are expected to have extensive knowledge of fire alarm circuits, emergency circuits, wiring apparatus installation and National Electrical Code. For electricians who earned a license through Fremont, Hastings or Lincoln, the NSED will consider their license a state-recognized license but it will not be transferable to any other state.
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Finding Work in Nebraska
There are plenty of opportunities for electricians in Nebraska, whether they are just beginning their career or well into their time as an electrical contractor. Most electricians typically look for jobs with construction companies or independent contractors. More advanced licensed electricians can be hired to work for the government or can open their own company if they choose to change jobs.
College Programs
- Central Nebraska Nonmetropolitan Area
- Northeastern Nebraska Nonmetropolitan Area
- Omaha-Council Bluffs, NE-IA
- Western Nebraska Nonmetropolitan Area
Central Nebraska Nonmetropolitan Area Area
3134 West Hwy 34, Grand Island, Nebraska 68802-4903
(308) 398-4222
Electrical Fundamentals – Certificate Program, Electrical Technology – Associate Program
Central Community College offers various Certificate program options for future professionals, a Certificate program and an Associate program. All programs are taught at their campus in the city of Grand Island. The majority of of the school’s 6,227 students are on 2-year programs. The college is institutionally accredited by the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools, The Higher Learning Commission. Fees for tuition for in-state students are likely to be in the order of $3,000 and for students from outside the state approximately $4,320 annually. Study materials can cost around $1,500, depending on the program chosen.
Northeastern Nebraska Nonmetropolitan Area Area
801 E Benjamin, Norfolk, Nebraska 68702-0469
(402) 371-2020
Electrical Construction and Control – Associate Program
Northeast Community College’s Associate program in Electrical Construction and Control is based at their campus in the town of Norfolk. The college has in the region of 5,051 students in total, with the majority of students on 2-year programs. The college is accredited by the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools, The Higher Learning Commission. Fees for tuition for in-state students are in the order of $3,405 and for students from outside the state likely to be about $4,545 yearly. Learning materials may cost about $1,535, although this will vary with the program.
Omaha-Council Bluffs, NE-IA Area
30 & Fort Street, Omaha, Nebraska 68111-1610
(402) 457-2400
Electrical Mechanical Systems – Certificate Program, Industrial Electrical – Associate Program
Metropolitan Community College Area offers various Certificate program options for future professionals, a Certificate program and an Associate program. All programs are taught at their campus in the city of Omaha. This public college has in the region of 14,812 students in total, with the majority of students on 2-year programs. The college is institutionally accredited by the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools, The Higher Learning Commission. Fees for tuition for in-state students are in the order of $2,970 and for students from outside the state likely to be about $4,568 yearly. Learning materials may cost about $1,350, although this will vary with the program.
Western Nebraska Nonmetropolitan Area Area
1101 Halligan Drive, North Platte, Nebraska 69101
(800) 658-4308
Electrical Technology – Certificate Program, Electrical Technology – Associate Program
Mid-Plains Community College offers multiple training options, including a Certificate program and an Associate program. All programs are imparted at their campus in the town of North Platte, NE. The majority of of the school’s 2,235 students are on 2-year programs. The college is institutionally accredited by the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools, The Higher Learning Commission. The cost of tuition for students living in the state is about $3,120 and for students from other states around $3,930 for each academic year. Study materials can cost roughly $1,600, depending on the program chosen.
* 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 South Dakota, Iowa, Missouri, Kansas, Colorado and Wyoming.
FAQs
How much do electricians earn in the state of Nebraska?
According to the U.S Bureau of Labor Statistics, electricians in the state of Nebraska made an average of $52,860 per year in 2019. Entry-level electricians earned around $31,460 and some experienced professionals earned salaries as high as $80,240.
College Listings
