Becoming an Electrician in Ohio

Ohio has a statewide certifying qualification process to become a licensed contractor electrician. This certification is available after a basic requirement of five years of experience working as an electrician employee.

Each jurisdiction within the state creates its own guidelines and rules, and only two cities require one to become a licensed journeyman electrician. In Middletown and Hamilton, it is required to have a minimum of three years of experience in an apprenticeship along with technical training.

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The rest of the state allows one to instead work under a licensed contractor for five years as an employee before becoming eligible to apply for an electrician contractor license. Because of the variety of regulations across the state, it is very important to research your city and/or town’s specific rules to find the most suitable electrician schools at to determine the need to pass any test or exam. [En Español]

The Job Outlook in Ohio

In 2018, there were 26,630 working electricians in Ohio as detailed by the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS). Employment for electricians in the state is predicted to increase by 10 percent until 2028, which is higher than average growth across all occupations. Licensed professionals are in demand, and it is estimated that approximately 3,500 people will be hired by 2028.

It is important to note that the sub-fields of electrical and electronics repairers, powerhouse, substation and relay workers is expected to grow between 2018 and 2028 by only 3 percent and shrink nationwide, so be wary if planning on specializing in that area in Ohio.

Electrician Salaries in Ohio

How much do electricians earn in Ohio? In 2019, the average annual salary in Ohio was $52,880 (BLS). This is equivalent to a wage of $25.43 per hour. For an entry-level job, expect pay of around $31,010.The top 10th percentile earned an average of $78,720. Specialists in electrical power-line installation and repair will have the best outlook in regards to income and job openings.

Salaries in Ohio by Occupation

OccupationTotal EmploymentMean Hourly WageMean Annual WageAnnual Salary 10th PercentileAnnual Salary 25th PercentileAnnual Salary 75th PercentileAnnual Salary 90th Percentile
Electricians25,180$25.74$53,540$30,480$39,360$66,600$78,720
Helpers--Electricians790$15.26$31,730$22,070$26,600$36,720$43,700
Electrical and Electronics Installers and Repairers, Transportation Equipment260$29.03$60,380$51,820$54,590$65,110$75,720
Electrical and Electronics Repairers, Commercial and Industrial Equipment1,700$27.69$57,600$37,690$46,490$68,460$78,360
Electrical and Electronics Repairers, Powerhouse, Substation, and Relay480$32.40$67,400$48,290$58,460$77,510$84,270
Electrical Power-Line Installers and Repairers3,230$33.84$70,390$43,880$58,370$83,690$96,520

Electrician Salaries in Ohio by Region

AreaTotal EmploymentMean Hourly WageMean Annual SalaryHourly Wage 10th PercentileHourly Wage 25th PercentileHourly Wage 75th PercentileHourly Wage 90th Percentile
Cincinnati, OH-KY-IN5,230$24.04$50,010$14.03$18.27$29.44$34.47
Huntington-Ashland, WV-KY-OH780$30.71$63,870$19.20$25.19$36.82$42.97
Weirton-Steubenville, WV-OH290$27.27$56,710$14.61$23.40$31.25$38.44
Wheeling, WV-OH490$29.27$60,880$18.03$25.24$35.30$38.59
Youngstown-Warren-Boardman, OH-PA990$27.70$57,620$13.10$18.02$36.74$42.33
Akron, OH1,420$30.52$63,480$16.97$21.28$38.58$48.56
Canton-Massillon, OH810$27.87$57,980$17.31$21.76$34.87$38.46
Cleveland-Elyria, OH3,940$27.10$56,360$14.01$18.97$35.10$38.83
Columbus, OH5,610$23.80$49,490$14.63$17.77$28.88$34.56
Dayton, OH1,460$22.71$47,240$13.27$16.16$28.41$33.56
Lima, OH280$30.47$63,380$18.69$25.16$36.71$39.13
Mansfield, OH150$19.93$41,450$13.86$16.48$23.42$25.92
Springfield, OH90$23.30$48,460$14.62$19.11$28.49$30.54
Toledo, OH1,530$32.50$67,600$20.09$27.59$38.25$42.98

Electrician Training Programs & Apprenticeship Programs in Ohio

Training to become an electrician in Ohio can be completed while developing the skill through hands-on apprenticeships via unions and/or non-union employers in conjunction with classroom learning. In the classroom, the student will learn the basics of electricity, electrical wiring systems, health and safety at work, the National Electrical Code as well as the state code and regulations. There is some math required including algebra. While working side by side with a licensed professional, the apprentice will develop the skills, the experience and familiarity with the tools of the trade. Most of the state also allows individuals to work as electrician employees under licensed electrician contractors for five years to qualify to apply to become licensed themselves.

Many individuals choose to go the traditional route of completing apprenticeships through unions. In Ohio there are 17 Joint Apprenticeship and Training Committee (JATC) that are part of the Electrical Training Alliance (ETA). The ETA ensures that education programs meet national standards. There are also eight non-union programs available to train under, which might be better for individuals who already have some training under their belt. The JATCs are run as a partnership between the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers (IBEW) and the National Electrical Contractors Association (NECA), and are generally associated with their local chapters.

The are also non-union “open shop” apprenticeships in offered by the local chapters of trade associations. For electricians these are offered in Ohio by Independent Electrical Contractors (IEC) and Associated Builders and Contractors (ABC). The American Council of Education (ACE) established the IEC program for electrical construction workers provides college-level instruction. Apprentices earn college credits as part of their technical training.

There are some online courses available that can provide the coursework element of your professional development, and for which the student only requires access to a computer and the internet.

Featured School

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Where to Find Work in Ohio

Electrical careers in Ohio are expected to experience decent growth over the next decade. This makes deciding to work as an electrician a smart choice, with job security and a good income. Most electricians in this state work under independent licensed contractor electricians until they become eligible to become one themselves. They are then able to operate their own businesses. If owning your own business is not your cup of tea, you could build a career for one of the popular electrical contractors in the state such as Studebaker Electric Company or ESI Electrical.

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How to Become an Electrical Contractor in Ohio

Contractor’s licenses in Ohio are regulated through the State of Ohio Department of Commerce, Ohio Construction Industry Licensing Board. In order to become a licensed contractor in Ohio you will need to meet the following requirements:

  • You must be at least 18 years of age.
  • You must be a United States citizen or legal alien (legal aliens will need to provide proof).
  • You should be able to pass a background check.
  • Once you have passed the background check, you will need to take and pass an electrical trade examination.
  • Applicants should have at least five years of experience working in the trade, or be a registered engineer with at least three years of experience.
  • Contractors in Ohio are required to carry at least $500,000 in contractor’s liability insurance.
  • You will need to pay all applicable fees for an electrical contractor.

College Programs

Canton-Massillon, OH Area

Stark State College

6200 Frank Ave NW, North Canton, Ohio 44720
(330) 494-6170
Electric Power Utility Technology – Certificate Program

The Electric Power Utility Technology Certificate program in Electric Power Utility Technology at Stark State College is based at their campus in North Canton in Stark County, OH. The majority of of the school’s 12,645 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 in-state students is about $3,686 and for students from other states in the order of $6,794 per year. Learning materials may cost in the order of $1,100, although this will vary with the program.

Cincinnati-Middletown, OH-KY-IN Area

Butler Tech-D Russel Lee Career Center

3603 Hamilton Middletown Rd, Hamilton, Ohio 45011
(513) 645-8205
Electrical Maintenance Technician – Certificate Program

Butler Tech-D Russel Lee Career Center’s Certificate-level Electrical Maintenance Technician program is taught at their campus in Hamilton in Butler County, OH. This public college has in the order of 295 students in total, with the majority of students on programs that last under 2 years. The college is accredited by the Council on Occupational Education. The college’s retention rate for full-time students is 84%. Fees for tuition are likely to be about $6,441 per year. Learning materials may cost in the order of $430, although this will vary with the program.

Cleveland-Elyria-Mentor, OH Area

Auburn Career Center

8140 Auburn Rd, Concord Twp, Ohio 44077
(440) 357-7542 x8213
Electrical Engineering Prep – Certificate Program

Auburn Career Center’s Certificate program in Electrical Engineering Prep is taught at their campus in Concord Twp in Lake County, OH. The majority of of the school’s 194 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%. Fees for tuition are likely to be about $1,950 per year. Learning materials may cost in the order of $930, although this will vary with the program.

Lorain County Community College

1005 North Abbe Rd, Elyria, Ohio 44035-1691
(440) 366-5222
Electric Power Utility Technology – Overhead Line Technology – Associate Program

The Electric Power Utility Technology – Overhead Line Technology Associate’s program in Electric Power Utility Technology – Overhead Line Technology at Lorain County Community College is taught at their campus in the city of Elyria, Ohio. This public college has round 11,520 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-district students are usually about $3,151 and are $3,753 and $7,376 for in-state and out-of-state students respectively. Learning the general electrical knowledge materials may cost about $1,180, although this varies from program to program.

Ohio Technical College

1374 E 51st St, Cleveland, Ohio 44103
(216) 881-1700
Electronics Installer – Certificate Program

The Certificate program in Electronics Installer at Ohio Technical College is taught at their campus in the city of Cleveland. The college has round 1,072 students in total, with the majority of students on 2-year programs. The college is institutionally accredited by the Accrediting Commission of Career Schools and Colleges. The cost of tuition is in the order of $20,500 yearly.

Columbus, OH Area

Career and Technology Education Centers of Licking County

150 Price Rd, Newark, Ohio 43055-3399
(740) 364-2333
Electrical Trades – Certificate Program

The Certificate program in Electrical Trades at Career and Technology Education Centers of Licking County is taught at their campus in Newark in Licking County. The majority of of the school’s 304 students are on 2-year programs. The college is accredited by the Accrediting Commission of Career Schools and Colleges. The retention rate of full-time students at this college is 88%. Fees for tuition are usually about $768 yearly. Study materials can cost about $45, depending on the program chosen.

Dayton, OH Area

Brightwood College-Dayton

2800 East River Road, Dayton, Ohio 45439
(937) 294-6155
Electrical Technician – Certificate Program

Brightwood College’s Certificate program in Electrical Technician is taught at their Dayton campus in Dayton in Montgomery County. This private, for-profit college has about 326 students in total, with the majority of students on 2-year programs. The college is institutionally accredited by the Accrediting Commission of Career Schools and Colleges. Tuition fees for the Electrical Technician program are about $18,580 yearly. Study materials can cost about $2,354. Typically, the program is completed in 12 months.

Miami Valley Career Technology Center

6800 Hoke Rd, Englewood, Ohio 45315
(800) 716-7161
Electrician – Certificate Program

The Certificate program in Electrician at Miami Valley Career Technology Center is taught at their campus in Englewood in Montgomery County, Ohio. This public college has about 345 students in total, with the majority of students on programs that last under 2 years. The college is institutionally accredited by the Council on Occupational Education. Tuition fees for the Electrician program are about $11,145 yearly. Study materials can cost about $975. Typically, the program is completed in 12 months.

Sinclair Community College

444 W. Third St., Dayton, Ohio 45402-1460
(937) 512-3000
Automotive Electrical/Electronic Systems – Certificate Program, Electrical Construction – Associate Program

Sinclair Community College offers multiple training options, including a Certificate program and an Associate program. Classes are taken at their campus in the city of Dayton, OH. The college has in the order of 18,136 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-district students are likely to be about $2,546 and are $3,674 and $6,938 for in-state and out-of-state students respectively. Study materials can cost about $960, although this will depend on the program.

Eastern Ohio Nonmetropolitan Area Area

Mid-EastCTC-Adult Education

400 Richards Rd, Zanesville, Ohio 43701
(740) 455-3111
Electrical Technologies – Certificate Program

The Certificate program in Electrical Technologies at Mid-EastCTC-Adult Education is taught at their campus in Zanesville in Muskingum County, OH. The majority of of the school’s 323 students are on diploma programs of under two years. The college is institutionally accredited by the Council on Occupational Education. The cost of tuition is in the order of $9,000 yearly. Books and supplies can cost about $2,000, although this will depend on the program.

Huntington-Ashland, WV-KY-OH Area

O C Collins Career Center

11627 State Rte 243, Chesapeake, Ohio 45619-0000
(740) 867-6641 x202
Electricity – Certificate Program

The Certificate program in Electricity at O C Collins Career Center is taught at their campus in Chesapeake in Lawrence County, OH. The majority of of the school’s 501 students are on 2-year programs. The college is institutionally accredited by the Council on Occupational Education. The college’s retention rate for full-time students is 94%. The cost of tuition is in the order of $9,500 yearly. Books and supplies can cost about $2,000, although this will depend on the program.

Mansfield, OH Area

Madison Adult Career Center

600 Esley Ln, Mansfield, Ohio 44905
(419) 589-6363
Industrial Electrical Maintenance – Certificate Program

Madison Adult Career Center’s Certificate program is based at their campus in Mansfield in Richland County. This public college has in the order of 138 students in total, with the majority of students on 2-year programs. The college is accredited by the Accrediting Commission of Career Schools and Colleges. The cost of tuition is generally in the order of $5,880 yearly. Books and supplies can cost about $1,492, although this will depend on the program.

Other Ohio Nonmetropolitan Area Area

Ashtabula County Technical and Career Campus

1565 State Route 167, Jefferson, Ohio 44047
(440) 576-6015 x1007
Electricity – Certificate Program

The Certificate program in Electricity at Ashtabula County Technical and Career Campus is taught at their campus in Jefferson in Ashtabula County, OH. This public college has in the order of 118 students in total, with most students on programs that last under 2 years. The college is accredited by the Accrediting Commission of Career Schools and Colleges. The cost of tuition is generally in the order of $12,000 yearly.

Southern Ohio Nonmetropolitan Area Area

Pickaway Ross Joint Vocational School District

1410 Industrial Drive, Chillicothe, Ohio 45601-1038
(740) 642-1200 x31288
Electrical – Certificate Program

Pickaway Ross Joint Vocational School District’s Certificate-level Electrical program is taught at their campus in Chillicothe in Ross County. Most of the school’s 258 students are on diploma programs of under two years. The college is institutionally accredited by the Council on Occupational Education. Tuition fees for the Electrical program are about $7,145 for each academic year, while study materials may cost roughly $1,169. Usually, the program is completed in 9 months.

Scioto County Career Technical Center

951 Vern Riffe Drive, Lucasville, Ohio 45648-0766
(740) 259-5526
Industrial/Constructional Electricity – Certificate Program

Scioto County Career Technical Center’s Certificate-level Industrial/Constructional Electricity program is taught at their campus in Lucasville in Scioto County. This public college has in the order of 198 students in total, with most students on programs that last under 2 years. The college is institutionally accredited by the Council on Occupational Education. Tuition fees for the Industrial/Constructional Electricity program are broadly about $7,142 for each academic year, while study materials may cost roughly $1,047. Usually, the program is completed in 12 months.

Steubenville-Weirton, OH-WV Area

Eastern Gateway Community College

4000 Sunset Blvd, Steubenville, Ohio 43952-3598
(740) 264-5591
Electrical Trades – Associate Program

The Associate’s degree program in Electrical Trades at Eastern Gateway Community College can be taken at their campus in the city of Steubenville, Ohio. The college has in the order of 3,024 students in total, with most students on 2-year programs. The college is 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 roughly about $3,645 and for students from other states around $6,885 for each academic year, while study materials may cost roughly $1,000, depending on the program.

Toledo, OH Area

Northwest State Community College

22600 State Route 34, Archbold, Ohio 43502-9542
(419) 267-5511
Industrial Electrical – Associate Program

The Associate’s degree program in Industrial Electrical at Northwest State Community College is offered at their campus in Archbold in Fulton County. Most of the school’s 3,630 students are on 2-year programs. The college is 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 roughly about $3,858 and for students from other states around $7,490 for each academic year, while study materials may cost around $1,930, 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

Residents of Ohio may also wish to review their options in Indiana, Pennsylvania, West Virginia, Kentucky and Michigan.

FAQs

How much do electricians earn in the state of Ohio?

According to the U.S Bureau of Labor Statistics, electricians in the state of Ohio made an average of $53,540 per year in 2019. Entry-level electricians earned around $30,480 and some experienced professionals earned salaries as high as $78,720.

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