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

The average annual salary for electricians in New York is $84,860, according to BLS May 2025 OEWS data. The top quarter of electricians in the state earn more than $106,420 a year, and the top 10 percent more than $131,640. 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.

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.

Neighbor States

You may also want to check out options in Pennsylvania, New Jersey, Connecticut and Vermont.

More Electrician Training in New York

• Where Can I Train as an Electrician in Westchester County?
• What Are the Best Training Options for Electricians in Long Island?
• Where Can I Find Electrician Training Near Syracuse, NY?

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