Becoming an Electrician in Nevada

Nevada has an abundance of opportunities for electricians to thrive in their career field, work different jobs in the industry and earn higher salaries. Regulations and policies are handled by city rather than the state as a whole. However, electrical contractors are regulated by the Nevada State Contracting Board (NSCB). [En Español]

In Nevada, electricians must start their careers with an apprenticeship, though requirements vary by jurisdiction. After completing an apprenticeship, Nevada residents can become residential electricians or journeyman electricians. They then have the option to obtain an electrical contractor license. Unlike in other states, most Nevada electricians choose to become electrical contractors rather than master electricians.

Job Outlook in Nevada

According to the 2023 report from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), there were 7,750 employed electricians in Nevada at that time. There is a projected employment increase of 26 percent by 2033, adding over 1,000 more positions for electricians in the state. The rise in electrician jobs in the state is much higher than the national average, which suggests that Nevada is an excellent place for work opportunities.

The average salary for electricians in Nevada is $75,710 a year, according to BLS May 2025 OEWS data. The top 10 percent of electricians in the state earn $121,200 or more a year. More specifically, the top 10 percent of electrical repairers and installers for commercial and industrial equipment earn $100,620 or more. There is a wide range of salaries depending on the specificity of the job and how much experience the electrician has.

Salaries in Nevada 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	7,750	$29.07	$60,460	$42,760	$45,970	$84,240	$112,920
Helpers--Electricians	360	$24.89	$51,760	$36,470	$45,050	$67,320	$81,240
Electrical and Electronics Installers and Repairers, Transportation Equipment	40	$45.20	$94,020	$63,300	$75,880	$95,340	$95,340
Electrical and Electronics Repairers, Commercial and Industrial Equipment	430	$36.59	$76,110	$37,860	$69,720	$76,110	$94,620
Electrical and Electronics Repairers, Powerhouse, Substation, and Relay	90	$31.00	$64,480	$50,110	$55,230	$118,150	$136,050
Electrical Power-Line Installers and Repairers	1,080	$32.20	$66,980	$19,760	$30,460	$107,930	$116,760

Electrician Salaries in Nevada 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
Carson City, NV	160	$27.84	$57,910	$21.53	$22.51	$37.41	$50.03
Las Vegas-Henderson-Paradise, NV	5,080	$29.08	$60,480	$19.77	$21.97	$41.64	$54.83
Reno, NV	1,310	$29.00	$60,320	$21.50	$22.28	$37.20	$47.65

Electrician Requirements in Nevada

The first step in an electrician’s career in Nevada is obtaining an apprenticeship, which requires a minimum of 8,000 hours of training. In Reno, electricians must obtain an Apprentice Electrical Certificate, while journeyman certificates are issued by the International Code Council (ICC). Residential journeymen in Reno need 6,000 hours of experience, while journeyman electricians require 8,000 hours. In Clark County, electrical licenses are granted based solely on exam scores.

Electricians working on public structures must be certified by the Nevada State Contractors Board (NSCB) as electrical contractors. To qualify for NSCB certification, electricians must have at least four years of experience after completing their apprenticeship. Once qualified, they can apply for electrical contractor licensing and take the NSCB exam.

Electrician Training in Nevada

An apprenticeship in Nevada can be union-sponsored or unaffiliated. There are two union-sponsored apprenticeships in the state: Las Vegas for southern Nevada residents and a northern Nevada program in Reno. Individuals must be able to pass an aptitude test, a drug test and an algebra test to start an apprenticeship.

• Great Basin College. Students at Great Basin College have the opportunity to earn a certificate or associate’s degree in electrical systems. Those who receive their certificate of achievement are strongly encouraged to get their associate’s degree, since the majority of the work is done during the certificate completion.
• College of Southern Nevada (CSN). CSN offers an associate’s degree in engineering technology with an emphasis on electronic technology, biomedical equipment or defense contractor technology. There are two locations in Las Vegas and one in Henderson that offer CSN’s programs.

Where to Find Work in Nevada

The best job opportunities for electricians in Nevada come after obtaining an electrical contractor license. Electricians can find work as contractors for the government, power companies, and public projects, among other sectors. Employment opportunities for electricians in the state are growing rapidly, as shown by employment projections. Regardless of career level, electricians in Nevada can expect competitive pay across all positions.

College Listings

Neighbor States

See also the neighbor states of California, Oregon, Idaho, Utah and Arizona.

More Electrician Training in Nevada

• Best Electrician Apprenticeship Programs in Reno, Nevada
• What are the Best Places to Study Electrical Technology in Las Vegas?
• Where Can I Study HVAC in Las Vegas?