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.

In most parts of New York, individuals can qualify for an electrical contractor license by working as an employee under a licensed contractor for five years. However, licensing requirements vary by city and town, making it essential to research local regulations before pursuing training. Understanding your area’s specific licensing rules will help you choose the right electrician school and determine whether an exam is required for certification.[En Español]

The Job Outlook in Ohio

In 2020, there were 25,570 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 8 percent until 2030, which is higher than average growth across all occupations. Licensed professionals are in demand, and it is estimated that approximately 2,950 people will be hired by 2030.

It is important to note that the sub-fields of electrical and electronics repairers, powerhouse, substation and relay workers is expected to grow between 2020 and 2030 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 2020, the average annual salary in Ohio was $63,370 (BLS). This is equivalent to a wage of $30.46 per hour. For an entry-level job, expect pay of around $37,430.The top 10th percentile earned an average of $91,730. 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

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	25,570	$30.46	$63,370	$37,430	$48,290	$78,100	$91,730
Helpers--Electricians	1,170	$17.50	$36,400	$30,950	$33,360	$42,440	$55,770
Electrical and Electronics Installers and Repairers, Transportation Equipment	400	$34.62	$72,010	$62,810	$66,620	$77,070	$96,730
Electrical and Electronics Repairers, Commercial and Industrial Equipment	1,540	$28.77	$59,830	$37,530	$45,590	$73,820	$87,700
Electrical and Electronics Repairers, Powerhouse, Substation, and Relay	600	$46.66	$97,060	$60,020	$78,580	$103,740	$107,350
Electrical Power-Line Installers and Repairers	3,660	$42.39	$88,170	$50,230	$70,510	$97,310	$101,660

Electrician Salaries in Ohio 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
Cincinnati, OH-KY-IN	5,230	$30.14	$62,690	$18.03	$22.99	$37.53	$43.34
Huntington-Ashland, WV-KY-OH	780	$29.32	$60,990	$17.33	$22.40	$36.95	$39.48
Weirton-Steubenville, WV-OH	290	$29.11	$60,540	$17.35	$20.53	$38.51	$42.14
Wheeling, WV-OH	490	$31.18	$64,850	$18.05	$26.81	$38.60	$43.03
Youngstown-Warren-Boardman, OH-PA	990	$27.49	$57,180	$16.63	$21.55	$35.09	$43.28
Akron, OH	1,420	$30.89	$64,250	$18.08	$23.54	$39.97	$55.29
Canton-Massillon, OH	810	$35.43	$73,690	$20.50	$28.43	$41.45	$41.45
Cleveland-Elyria, OH	3,940	$30.55	$63,550	$18.09	$23.51	$38.27	$43.96
Columbus, OH	5,610	$30.27	$62,960	$18.00	$23.14	$38.37	$46.58
Dayton, OH	1,460	$30.48	$63,390	$17.84	$22.84	$35.63	$37.81
Lima, OH	280	$30.67	$63,790	$17.58	$24.29	$37.95	$37.95
Mansfield, OH	150	$28.04	$58,310	$17.62	$22.60	$32.32	$35.74
Springfield, OH	90	$29.66	$61,690	$21.21	$24.32	$34.15	$34.93
Toledo, OH	1,530	$34.64	$72,060	$18.17	$24.78	$38.52	$46.55

Electrician Training Programs & Apprenticeship Programs in Ohio

In Ohio, training to become an electrician combines hands-on apprenticeships with classroom learning, offered through both union and non-union programs. In the classroom, students learn electricity fundamentals, electrical wiring systems, workplace safety, the National Electrical Code (NEC), state codes, and regulations. The program also includes math, such as algebra.

While working alongside a licensed electrician, apprentices gain practical skills, experience, and familiarity with tools. In most parts of Ohio, individuals can also work as electrician employees under a licensed contractor for five years to qualify for their own electrician license.

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 Electrical Training Alliance (ETA) ensures that education programs meet national standards for electrician training. For those who already have some training, there are eight non-union programs available as alternative options.

Joint Apprenticeship and Training Committees (JATCs) are run through a partnership between the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers (IBEW) and the National Electrical Contractors Association (NECA). These programs are typically affiliated with local IBEW and NECA chapters, providing structured apprenticeship training for aspiring electricians.

• Dayton Ohio Area Electrical JATC. This program boasts that individuals can earn money while receiving free college credits. Located in Dayton, OH, this JATC is also a member of the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers (IBEW) Local 82. Training is available to become an inside wireman as well as an installer. Apprentices in this union must promise to work at least four years as a journeyman once they complete the program. This JATC also has a Building Industry Consulting Service International (BICSI) training center that certifies individuals to become cable installers and designers. This can be appealing to students as this is the sub-field with the best outlook in Ohio.
• The Electrical Trades Center (Trade School). Located in Columbus, OH, the Electrical Trades Center (ETC) offers a few program options: construction wireman, inside wireman and an installer-technician. For the construction wireman program an individual can work 1,000 hours before applying for the inside apprenticeship. To complete the inside wireman course, you must have 8,000 hours of on-the-job training (the 1,000 hours of construction wireman training counts), as well as 1,028 hours of curriculum. Once that is completed apprentices move into the journeyman inside wireman status. The installer-technician program is a three-year program that focuses on “low voltage limited energy systems.” This program requires one to complete 4,500 hours of on-the-job training as well as about 540 hours of curriculum.
• Akron Area Electrical JATC. This union, located in Akron, OH, has a commercial as well as a residential program. Their commercial program is five years with 8,000 hours of on-the-job training along with 180 hours in the classroom. The residential program takes three years to complete, with 4,800 hours of on-the-job training with a minimum of 160 classroom hours. Each program has a probation period and application process.
• Butler Co Electrical JATC in Hamilton (IBEW Local 648)
• Canton Electrical JATC in Massillon (IBEW Local 540)
• Cincinnati Electrical Training Center (IBEW Local 212)
• Cleveland Electrical JATC in Valley View (IBEW Local 38)
• Lake, Ashtabula, and Geauga Electrical JATC in Mentor (IBEW Local 673)
• Lima Area Electrical JATC in Lima (IBEW Local 32)
• Lorain County Electrical JATC in Lorain (IBEW Local 129)
• Marietta Electrical JATC in Reno (IBEW Local 972)
• Newark Joint Apprenticeship Training Committee in Nashport (IBEW Local 1105)
• Portsmouth Electric JATC in Lucasville (IBEW Local 575)
• Steubenville JATC (IBEW Local 246)
• Toledo Electrical JATC in Rossford (IBEW Local 8)
• Warren JATC (IBEW Local 573)
• Youngstown Elec. JATC in Boardman (IBEW Local 64)

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.

• IEC Central Ohio (Columbus, OH).
• Dayton Ohio Chapter IEC -Master Electrical Contractors Association Training School (Dayton, OH)
• IEC of Greater Cincinnati (Cincinnati, OH)
• IEC Western Reserve Chapter (Youngstown, OH)
• ABC-Northern Ohio Chapter (Broadview Heights, OH)
• ABC-Central Ohio Chapter (Columbus, OH)
• ABC-Ohio Valley Chapter (Springboro, OH)

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.

Where to Find Work in Ohio

Electrical careers in Ohio are expected to see steady growth over the next decade, making it a smart career choice with job security and strong earning potential. Most electricians start by working under licensed independent contractors until they qualify for licensing themselves. Once licensed, they can start their own businesses or continue working for established electrical contractors.

For those who prefer not to run a business, career opportunities are available with major electrical contractors in the state, such as Studebaker Electric Company and ESI Electrical.

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

• Cleveland-Elyria-Mentor, OH
• Columbus, OH
• Dayton, OH
• Eastern Ohio Nonmetropolitan Area
• Mansfield, OH
• Other Ohio Nonmetropolitan Area
• Southern Ohio Nonmetropolitan Area
• Steubenville-Weirton, OH-WV
• Toledo, OH

Cincinnati-Middletown, OH-KY-IN Area

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

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.

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.

Columbus, OH Area

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

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

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

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

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

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

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.

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

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

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.