Becoming an Electrician in New York
New York State does not have a statewide regulation on becoming an electrician; therefore, regulations are decided by each jurisdiction. The main cities in New York are New York City, Buffalo, Rochester, Syracuse and Albany. Each area has its own licensing process and requirements, so it is recommended to research your area’s rules. [En Español]
Entering the electrical field typically begins with working as a trainee or electrician helper. After gaining the required hours of experience, individuals qualify to become a journeyman electrician, an essential certification for skilled workers in this trade. With further experience and licensing, electricians can apply to become a master electrician or special electrician.
In some municipalities, schooling may count toward the required experience hours, while others only accept hands-on apprenticeships before allowing candidates to sit for the licensing exam. In certain areas, experienced electricians can take the exam without completing a formal apprenticeship, as long as they meet experience requirements. Because education and training requirements vary by county, it is essential to understand the specific licensing rules in your area.
The Job Outlook in New York
In 2018, the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) reported 39,860 electricians working in New York state. Employment for electricians in New York is projected to grow by 27% through 20230, a rate higher than the average across all occupations. With high demand in the field, an estimated 5,720 new electricians will be hired by 2030. New York is also among the top five states employing electricians in the United States, making it a strong career choice in the state.
Electrician Salaries in New York
In 2020, the average annual salary for electricians in New York was $77,430, or $37.23 per hour, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS). Well-trained electricians can earn over $110,110 per year, while the top 10% in the field made an average of $130,720. With strong demand and high earning potential, electricians in New York have many opportunities for well-paying jobs.
Salaries in New York 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 | 39,860 | $37.23 | $77,430 | $43,990 | $58,770 | $106,410 | $130,720 |
| Helpers--Electricians | 5,480 | $25.10 | $52,210 | $38,030 | $46,010 | $61,260 | $72,540 |
| Electrical and Electronics Installers and Repairers, Transportation Equipment | 920 | $41.57 | $86,460 | $45,010 | $64,240 | $86,500 | $89,850 |
| Electrical and Electronics Repairers, Commercial and Industrial Equipment | 1,400 | $37.32 | $77,620 | $49,600 | $61,850 | $95,740 | $126,080 |
| Electrical and Electronics Repairers, Powerhouse, Substation, and Relay | 3,340 | $40.50 | $84,230 | $80,770 | $81,530 | $110,010 | $122,990 |
| Electrical Power-Line Installers and Repairers | 5,120 | $53.67 | $111,640 | $79,130 | $87,560 | $127,500 | $132,670 |
Electrician Salaries in New York 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| New York-Newark-Jersey City, NY-NJ-PA | 44,330 | $36.84 | $76,620 | $21.70 | $28.79 | $59.23 | $63.50 |
| Albany-Schenectady-Troy, NY | 1,670 | $34.49 | $71,740 | $20.72 | $26.48 | $45.36 | $51.26 |
| Binghamton, NY | 440 | $34.52 | $71,800 | $17.81 | $23.53 | $39.26 | $46.31 |
| Buffalo-Cheektowaga-Niagara Falls, NY | 2,370 | $37.21 | $77,400 | $18.91 | $25.21 | $41.49 | $50.36 |
| Elmira, NY | 140 | $30.79 | $64,050 | $15.49 | $19.26 | $39.50 | $42.38 |
| Glens Falls, NY | 240 | $42.02 | $87,390 | $21.12 | $28.63 | $49.48 | $49.48 |
| Ithaca, NY | 170 | $32.66 | $67,930 | $21.11 | $27.66 | $33.96 | $44.16 |
| Kingston, NY | 200 | $29.23 | $60,790 | $17.65 | $22.94 | $44.57 | $50.26 |
| Rochester, NY | 2,400 | $33.34 | $69,360 | $19.08 | $24.15 | $41.43 | $51.99 |
| Syracuse, NY | 1,160 | $38.27 | $79,600 | $20.14 | $26.60 | $47.04 | $52.83 |
| Utica-Rome, NY | 340 | $29.61 | $61,580 | $19.50 | $24.70 | $38.06 | $46.89 |
| Watertown-Fort Drum, NY | 100 | $28.52 | $59,320 | $21.45 | $23.11 | $40.50 | $48.67 |
Electrician Training Programs in New York
Training to become an electrician in New York is usually completed through apprenticeships via unions and/or non-union employers. New York State Department of Labor has regulations that employers must follow to be an approved apprenticeship. The NYS Department of Labor also keeps a listing of available apprenticeship opportunities that meet their regulations. In some parts of the state it is also possible to attend college or a trade school to reduce the amount of experience one needs to sit for the examination to become a master or special electrician.
- Erie County Community College (ECC). ECC offers an Electrical Engineering Technology Program that is the only A.A.S. degree program in western New York that offers Engineering Technology Accreditation Commission (ETAC) of ABET accreditation. It provides students with entry-level skills as technicians as well as the ability to transfer credits to a four-year engineering technology program.
- Rochester Institute of Technology (RIT). RIT offers a few options in regards to programing. They have bachelor degree options in Electrical Engineering, Electrical Engineering Technology and Electrical Mechanical Engineering Technology. All of these options would help a person pursuing this field stand out amongst their competition.
- SUNY Alfred State. Alfred State offers programs specifically in Electrical Construction and Maintenance Electricity, geared toward those wanting to work in commercial and residential construction. They provide hands-on experience in conjunction with their classroom education. Alfred was actually ranked “Number One in the U.S, Colleges with Electrical and Power Transmission, General” by US News & World Report in 2018.
- See also, Apex Technical School in Queens, and Berk Trade and Business School near Long Island City.
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.
Electrical Apprenticeship Programs in New York
In New York, electricians start their careers through apprenticeships, which can be union or non-union. Both options provide paid on-the-job training and the classroom hours required for licensing.
Classroom coursework covers electrical wiring, electrical systems, the National Electrical Code (NEC), state regulations, local guidelines, and mathematical concepts, including algebra. As an apprentice, you will work alongside a qualified tradesman, gaining the hands-on experience needed to become a skilled electrician.
Non-union programs usually have tuition costs but do not tie you to the union.
Union programs are known as Joint Apprenticeship and Training Committees (JATCs). These are apprenticeship programs associated with a joint trust between the National Electrical Contractors Association (NECA) and the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers (IBEW). Each program is run through the local IBEW:
- IBEW Local 3 in Flushing, Queens
- IBEW Local 25 in Hauppauge, Long Island
- Tri-City JATC in Latham, Albany County
- IBEW Local 241 in Ithaca, in New York’s Finger Lakes region
- IBEW Local 1249 in Syracuse
- IBEW Local 236 in Albany, the state capital.
- IBEW Local 840 in Geneva, in Ontario and Seneca counties
- Central New York ETA in Clay, in Onondaga County, New York
Non-union apprenticeships in New York are offered by two trade organizations: Associated Builders and Contractors (ABC) and Independent Electrical Contractors (IEC). The IEC program, located in Buffalo, combines online and in-class learning with on-the-job training and takes five years to complete. The ABC program provides classes in Rochester, Buffalo, and Long Island, along with apprenticeship placements to help students gain hands-on experience in the field.
Where to Find Work in New York
With strong job growth expected in New York over the next decade, becoming an electrician offers high earning potential and job security. Most electricians work for construction companies or independent contractors. Licensed electricians can also secure government contracts for cities and towns or start their own businesses as independent contractors.
If you’re considering a career in this field, explore the electrician schools in New York to find the best program for your training and career goals.
College Programs
- Albany-Schenectady-Troy, NY
- Capital/Northern New York Nonmetropolitan Area
- Central New York Nonmetropolitan Area
- Southwest New York Nonmetropolitan Area
- Syracuse, NY
- Utica-Rome, NY
Albany-Schenectady-Troy, NY Area
80 Vandenburgh Ave, Troy, New York 12180
(518) 629-4822
Electrical Technology: Semiconductor Manufacturing Technology – Associate Program
Hudson Valley Community College offers various Associate program options for future professionals. All programs are taught at their campus in the city of Troy, NY. The majority of of the school’s 11,796 students are on 2-year programs. The college is accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education. Fees for tuition for in-state students are likely to be in the order of $5,632 and for students from outside the state likely to be about $12,532 yearly, while books and supplies may cost about $1,200, although this varies from program to program.
Capital/Northern New York Nonmetropolitan Area Area
1585 Military Turnpike, Plattsburgh, New York 12901-0455
(518) 561-0100
Electrician – Certificate Program
Clinton Essex Warren Washington BOCES’s Certificate program is taught at their campus in the town of Plattsburgh, New York. The college has roughly 74 students in total, with most students on 2-year programs. The college is accredited by the Council on Occupational Education. Fees for tuition are about $10,327 per year, while study materials may cost in the order of $1,877, depending on the program.
2805 State Hwy 67, Johnstown, New York 12095-3790
(518) 762-3622
Electrical Technology – Certificate Program
Fulton-Montgomery Community College’s Certificate-level Electrical Technology program is taught at their campus in Johnstown in Fulton County, NY. The college has roughly 2,551 students in total, with most students on 2-year programs. The college is accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education. The cost of tuition for in-state students is about $5,020 and for students from other states in the order of $9,470 per year, while study materials may cost in the order of $900, depending on the program.
34 Cornell Drive, Canton, New York 13617-1098
(315) 386-7011
Electrical Engineering Technology – Certificate Program
The Certificate program in Electrical Engineering Technology at SUNY College of Technology at Canton is based at their campus in the town of Canton, New York. Most of the school’s 3,140 students are on 4-year programs. The college is accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education. The retention rate of full-time students at this college is 83%. The cost of tuition for in-state students is about $8,130 and for students from other states in the order of $12,320 per year, while study materials may cost in the order of $1,300, depending on the program.
Central New York Nonmetropolitan Area Area
2 Main Street, Delhi, New York 13753-1100
(607) 746-4000
Electrical Construction & Instrumentation – Associate Program, Electrical Construction & Plumbing – Certificate Program
SUNY College of Technology at Delhi offers multiple training options, including an Associate program and a Certificate program. All programs are offered at their campus in the town of Delhi, NY. This is a full, 4-year public college with 3,457 students, of which 99% are undergraduates. The college is institutionally accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education. The cost of tuition for in-state students is around $8,120 and for out-of-state students approximately $12,290 annually. Study materials can cost around $1,600, depending on the program chosen.
New York-White Plains-Wayne, NY-NJ Metropolitan Division Area
24-02 Queens Plaza South, Long Island City, New York 11101
(212) 645-3300
Electrical – Certificate Program
The Certificate program in Electrical at Apex Technical School is offered at their campus in the city of Long Island City. The college has around 1,152 students in total, with the majority of students on programs that last under 2 years. The college is institutionally accredited by the Accrediting Commission of Career Schools and Colleges. Tuition fees are usually around $18,295 annually. Study materials can cost around $491, depending on the program chosen.
33-09 Queens Boulevard, Long Island City, New York 11101-8120
(718) 729-0909
Electrical Installation – Certificate Program
Berk Trade and Business School’s Certificate-level Electrical Installation program is offered at their campus in the city of Long Island City, NY. The college has around 295 students in total, with the majority of students on programs that last under 2 years. The college is accredited by the Accrediting Commission of Career Schools and Colleges. Tuition fees are around $11,225 annually. Study materials can cost around $375, depending on the program chosen.
Southwest New York Nonmetropolitan Area Area
10 Upper College Drive, Alfred, New York 14802
(800) 425-3733
Electrical Engineering Technology – Associate Program
SUNY College of Technology at Alfred’s Associate program in Electrical Engineering Technology is offered at their campus in the town of Alfred. Most of the school’s 3,699 students are on 4-year programs. The college is accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education. The retention rate of full-time students at this college is 88%. Tuition fees are around $8,327 per year. Study materials can cost in the order of $1,200, depending on the program chosen.
Syracuse, NY Area
Main Campus, Liverpool, New York 13088
(315) 453-4455
Electrical Maintenance Technician – Certificate Program
The Certificate program in Electrical Maintenance Technician at Onondaga Cortland Madison BOCES is based at their campus in Liverpool in Onondaga County. Most of the school’s 511 students are on diploma programs of under two years. The college is accredited by the Council on Occupational Education. The retention rate of full-time students at this college is over 80%. Tuition fees for the Electrical Maintenance Technician program are in the order of $8,700 per year. Typically, the program is completed in 7 months.
Utica-Rome, NY Area
1101 Sherman Dr, Utica, New York 13501-5394
(315) 792-5400
Electrical Service Technician – Certificate Program, Electrical Engineering Technology – Associate Program
Mohawk Valley Community College offers various Certificate program options for future electricians, a Certificate program and an Associate program. All programs are based at their campus in the city of Utica, NY. The college has in the region of 6,675 students in total, with most students on 2-year programs. The college is institutionally accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education. The cost of tuition for in-state students is usually in the order of $5,058 and for students from outside the state in the order of $9,308 per year. Study materials can cost in the order of $1,570, 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
You may also want to check out options in Pennsylvania, New Jersey, Connecticut and Vermont.
FAQs
How much do electricians earn in the state of New York?
According to the U.S Bureau of Labor Statistics, electricians in the state of New York made an average of $79,480 per year in 2019. Entry-level electricians earned around $39,240 and some experienced professionals earned salaries as high as $127,460.
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