- Becoming a licensed electrician in Massachusetts takes around 5 years.
- Massachusetts requires 8,000 hours of work & 750 hours of education to get licensed.
- Costs to become licensed range from $1,500 to $38,000.
- Licensed electricians in Massachusetts earn an average of $81,840 annually.
- Massachusetts only offers electrical license reciprocity with New Hampshire.
In 2025, electricians are in strong demand nationally and in Massachusetts. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) projects 11% growth in electrician jobs from 2023 to 2033. Massachusetts is also expected to mirror the same growth. The factors that will be driving this growth will be due to ongoing construction, energy upgrades, and retirements in the electrical trade. The state projections show that there will be hundreds of openings each year, often about 700 per year, just to replace the retirees.
Salaries in Massachusetts are relatively high compared to many other states. The average salary of licensed electricians is around $81,840 per year. If you are a master electrician who has become an electrical contractor and is running your own business, then you can earn well above $1,00,000 per year. In short, electricians in Massachusetts enjoy above-average pay and strong job security.
However, you need to be licensed to legally perform electrical work like installing circuits, outlets, panels, or low-voltage electrical systems. To get an electrician license in Massachusetts, you need dedication, training, and to understand the state laws. The Massachusetts Board of State Examiners of Electricians administers all license applications, exams, and renewals. You have to start as an electrician apprentice, get practical experience, and move forward to become a journeyman electrician, and then a master electrician.
In this guide, we will break down everything you need to know in 2025 to get your Massachusetts Electrician License, from apprenticeship programs and trade schools to licensing exams, permit regulations, salaries, and reciprocity agreements with other states.
Table of Contents
What Are The Different Types of Electrician Licenses In Massachusetts?
Massachusetts issues four basic types of electrician licenses under Chapter 141 of the General Laws. Here is an overview of the state license types:
Master Electrician License (Certificate A)
The Class A license or the master license allows you to operate as a contractor in electrical construction. To fulfill the master electrician requirement, you need to have a journeyman license first and at least one additional year of experience. You must have also passed the Master Electrician Exam. By law, as a master, you can also employ journeymen and apprentices. However, when you are acting as the business entity, you must have a Master’s certificate on file to pull permits.
Journeyman Electrician License (Certificate B)
The Class B license is for a skilled electrician who has completed an apprenticeship and passed the journeyman exam. As a licensed journeyman, you may work independently on electrical wiring and install systems with a limit of one apprentice under supervision. The journeyman certificate B formally authorizes you to engage in the electrician trade.
Systems Contractor (Certificate C)
The Class C license is for someone who installs fire alarms, security systems, or other specialty electrical systems. However, you are required to have held a systems technician license (Certificate D) for at least a year before taking the systems contractor exam.
Systems Technician (Certificate D)
The Class D license allows you to work on low-voltage systems like fire alarm systems, signals, etc., in Massachusetts.
How Do I Get My Electrical License in Massachusetts?
Becoming a Massachusetts electrician starts with education and an apprenticeship. You have to accumulate at least 8,000 hours of hands-on electrical work under the supervision of licensed electricians and 600 hours of classroom education to sit for the journeyman electrician license. Getting an electrical license is a journey of 4 years or more. Here is a more detailed breakdown of the typical steps involved in getting your electrician license:
Step 1: Meet The Basic Qualifications
You must be at least 18 and have at least a high school diploma or GED to start your electrical career. Your apprenticeship or schooling provider will verify that you meet these prerequisites when you apply for exams.
Step 2: Complete An Apprenticeship Program
After you have met the basic qualifications, enroll in a 4-year apprenticeship like the Union IBEW or a similar program, or a contractor-sponsored program. You have to work full-time under a licensed electrician and complete at least 8,000 hours of on-the-job training. Concurrently, you also have to finish at least 600 hours of approved coursework. The typical course topics are electrical theory, wiring methods, National Electrical Code (NEC), electrical schematics reading, motor controls, safety, circuit calculations, etc. Many community colleges and vocational schools partner with apprenticeship programs for this schooling.
Step 3: Document Your Training
During the apprenticeship, keep records of your hours and classes. Most programs will provide sign-off sheets or forms that will certify your 8,000 hours and 600 hours of education. You have to submit these documents to the Board while applying for the journeyman exam.
Step 4: Apply For The Journeyman Exam
Once you have completed the 8,000 hours and 600 classroom hours, submit the Board’s journeyman exam application via the Mass DPL’s ePLACE portal. Submit your verified hour documentation, criminal offender record information, $31 application fee, and pay the PSI exam fees. It is $80 for Part I and $55 for Part II of the exam.
The exam is open-book, so you can bring the NEC code, the Massachusetts Electrical Code, etc. After applying, you have to schedule a date at a PSI testing center. You must pass both parts with 70% in each part to earn your Certificate B journeyman license.
After passing, you have to pay the Board’s license issuance fee of $104 and complete any remaining paperwork.
Step 5: Gain Experience And Meet Education Requirements To Apply For The Master Exam
To qualify for the master exam, you have to work at least 1 year as a journeyman and complete 150 more hours of board-approved education. The Master coursework typically covers advanced NEC topics, three-phase systems, transformers, fault current, plus business law, and Massachusetts-specific code changes.
After you have fulfilled the basic requirements, submit the Board’s Master Electrician application with proof of your MA journeyman license, one year’s experience, and 150 education hours, and pay the Master’s exam fee of $276. The master exam is open-book and has two parts. And you need to score at least 70% in each part to get a Certificate A Master Electrician License.
Step 6: Run Your Own Electrical Business
With a Master license, you may obtain an electrical contractor business license (Certificate A). You can then hire technicians.
How Much Does An Electrician School Cost in Massachusetts?
If you attend a public community college or vocational program, the tuition will usually cost a few hundred dollars per credit if you are an in-state student. For example, Bunker Hill CC charges about $282 per credit for Massachusetts residents, meaning roughly $6,700 for 24 credits. Some courses also have extra fees for labs and books. So, a 2-year electrical tech degree might cost $12,000 to $14,000 in tuition plus books at a community college.
However, if you are attending private technical institutes, they can be much pricier. Boston-area tech schools average $17,500 per year plus $1,000 for materials. Community college programs are far cheaper for in-state students. However, the best financial route is through an apprenticeship, where employers or unions pay for the required classes, and you earn a wage while training.
How Long Does It Take To Become a Licensed Electrician in Massachusetts?
You need at least 4 years of apprenticeship to become a licensed electrician in Massachusetts. And if you want to advance to the Master’s level, it will take one additional year plus 150 hours of schooling. So, it will take a total of 5 years to become a licensed Master electrician.
Do Electricians Need a License in Massachusetts?
Yes. Any electrical wiring work requires a licensed electrician. Massachusetts explicitly prohibits unlicensed individuals from performing electrical installations for hire.
How Much Does It Cost to Become An Electrician In Massachusetts?
If you take the apprenticeship route, it will typically cost you a total of $1,500-$15,000 to become fully licensed in Massachusetts. However, if you are attending trade school or college, it can cost you between $14,000-$40,000 to reach the Master’s level.
Here is a more detailed breakdown of the key factors involved in becoming an electrician:
Cost Category | Details | Estimated Cost (USD) |
Community College Education | Tuition: $282 per credit for in-state students | $12,000 – $14,000 (2 years) |
Trade School Education | Tuition: $17,500 per year at Boston-area private institutes | $36,000 – $38,000 (2 years) |
Apprenticeship Education | Classroom instruction is often included or subsidized | $0 – $3,000 |
Journeyman Exam & License Fee | Application Fee: $31 | $470 – $770 |
Master Exam & License Fee | Exam Fee (Part I + II): $276 | $630 – $930 |
Continuing Education | Required: 21 hours every 3 years | $150 – $300 (per cycle) |
License Renewal Fees | Journeyman Renewal (every 3 years): $78 | $78 – $117 (every 3 years) |
Additional Costs | Tools, PPE, travel to job sites and classes, etc. | $500 – $2,000 (variable) |
Total Estimated Cost | Based on the education path and licensing type | $1,500 – $15,000+ (apprenticeship route) |
Can A Journeyman Electrician Pull a Permit in Massachusetts?
No. A licensed journeyman electrician can certainly work on jobs, but when it comes to pulling permits for a contracting business, most jurisdictions expect a Master Electrician or electrical contractor to be the licensed individual on record. In practice, a self-employed journeyman must often register as a contractor to officially pull permits.
Who Is Responsible For Pulling Permits in Massachusetts?
Legally, any licensed electrician is permitted to work on wiring. However, to pull permits, you must hold a contractor’s permit, and you must register as a business. Some jurisdictions may allow a sole-proprietor journeyman who has met insurance requirements (general liability insurance and workers’ compensation insurance) to pull a permit, but most commercial or municipal jobs need a Master Electrician on record.
Do You Need A Permit For Electrical Work in Massachusetts?
Yes. Any wiring work, like new branch circuits, panel upgrades, lighting installations, etc, requires a permit from the local building or inspection department. Massachusetts requires a licensed electrician to apply for and obtain the permit before work starts. If you fail to pull a permit, it can double inspection fees or lead to code violations.
How Much Is An Electrical Permit in Massachusetts?
Once you have obtained a permit, it remains open until the final inspection is approved. Massachusetts law does not set an expiration for electrical permits as it does for building permits. An electrical permit stays active until the job is finished and the final sign-off is done. However, if work halts or inspections fail, the permit may remain active or be revoked by the inspector, but there’s no automatic expiration clock ticking on it.
How Long Is An Electrical Permit Good For in Massachusetts?
Once you have obtained a permit, it remains open until the final inspection is approved. Massachusetts law does not set an expiration for electrical permits as it does for building permits. An electrical permit stays active until the job is finished and the final sign-off is done. However, if work halts or inspections fail, the permit may remain active or be revoked by the inspector, but there’s no automatic expiration clock ticking on it.
Can A Homeowner Pull Their Own Electrical Permit in Massachusetts?
The homeowner is generally not allowed to pull the permit for any electrical work. However, minor tasks like plugging in appliances, changing light bulbs, or swapping a fixture on an existing circuit do not require a license. But if it’s new wiring, outlet, or panel work, one needs to hire a licensed electrician.
Are Electricians In Demand In Massachusetts?
Yes. As mentioned earlier, electricians are in strong demand in Massachusetts. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) projects 11% growth in electrician jobs from 2023 to 2033, which is much faster than the national average. This means hundreds of openings each year.
What Is The Average Salary For An Electrician in Massachusetts?
The annual mean wage for electricians in Massachusetts is $75,990 per year, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.
How Much Do Licensed Electricians Make in Massachusetts?
How much you make as a licensed electrician depends on the location and the skills you have. The Massachusetts mean hourly wage is around $39.35, which is higher than the U.S. median wage. In Massachusetts, union journeymen in greater Boston often make even more with hourly wages of $50–$60 through IBEW agreements. Here is a more detailed breakdown of the salary based on the experience level:
Apprentice Electrician: As an apprentice, your average hourly wage will be about $24.94 with an additional $6,000 per year for overtime. It also depends on the year of apprenticeship. If you are in the fourth year of apprenticeship, you are gonna earn more than you did in the first year.
Journeyman: The average hourly wage of a journeyman is around $39.13. But as mentioned earlier, if you are paid by the union, you can earn more than this.
Master Electrician: Master electricians earn an average of $52.41 per hour in Massachusetts. However, if you become a contractor or business owner, you can earn well over $100,000, especially if you run a company with multiple crews.
What States Reciprocate With Massachusetts' Electrical License?
Massachusetts has a reciprocity agreement only with New Hampshire for both journeyman and master electrician licenses. However, even NH reciprocity is limited. You must have obtained your NH license by examination. There is no blanket interstate reciprocity. If you move to another state, you usually must meet that state’s requirements. For example, Massachusetts does not reciprocate with Connecticut, New York, or others. Conversely, MA will issue a license to NH journeymen or masters by reciprocity if they apply with the Board, with fees. It is $208 for a Journeyman and $310 for a Master.
Massachusetts Electrical Licensing Exams
All electrician licenses in Massachusetts require passing specific exams administered by the Board of State Examiners of Electricians.
If you are a Journeyman applicant, you need to take a two-part open-book exam on the National Electrical Code and related subjects. Master applicants also take a two-part test. Part one of the exam is on advanced technical topics and state code, and Part two of the exam is focused on business and Massachusetts law. Here is a more comprehensive breakdown of the main electrician exams:
Journeyman Electrician Exam: Part I has 70 questions, and you will have 3 hours (180 minutes) to complete. Part II has 30 questions, and you will have 1 hour (60 minutes). Each part is open book. The passing grade is 70% on each part. The exam covers general theory like grounding, wiring methods, motors, overcurrent protection, special occupancies, etc., in Part I, and applied math/code like circuit calculations, troubleshooting, Massachusetts amendments, licensing laws, etc., in Part II.
Master Electrician Exam: Part I has 80 questions, and you will have 4 hours (240 minutes) to complete. Part II (Business & Law) has 50 questions, and you will have 2 hours (120 minutes). Both parts are open book. Part I includes advanced technical topics like heavier load calculations, power systems, complex code articles, etc., and Part II covers Massachusetts-specific rules, estimating, bidding, contracts, labor laws, taxes, safety, and other business subjects. Again, 70% is required to pass each part.
Massachusetts requires electricians to complete 21 hours of continuing education every three years. These are typically 15 hours of code updates plus 6 hours of professional development. You can apply online for the course or attend in person from approved providers. The Board will not renew your license until all required hours are documented.
Massachusetts Training Programs and Schools
In Massachusetts, you have various training pathways you can choose from before starting your electrical career. Here are some of the common paths that aspiring electricians take:
Union Apprenticeships (IBEW/JATC)
Many tradespeople join the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers (IBEW) or similar union programs. Union apprenticeships are typically 5-year programs that often result in journeyman status. Local JATCs (Joint Apprenticeship and Training Committees) advertise openings each year. For example, IBEW Local 96 and Boston JATC have intake requirements like passing an aptitude test and having a valid driver’s license.
Non-union/Employer Apprenticeships
There are some contractors who sponsor their own apprentices. However, you usually still require attending an approved school. Massachusetts law mandates that all apprentices get those 150 hours/year of schooling, regardless of union status.
Vocational-Technical High Schools (Chapter 74)
If you are a high school student, you can get a head start by attending a vocational technical high school. Tech-vocational schools that are approved under Chapter 74 offer electrical programs. If you are a graduate from these programs, you can get up to 300 hours of credit toward the 600-hour Journeyman requirement.. These programs include wiring labs and sometimes work-based learning.
Community Colleges
Many community colleges offer associate degrees or certificates in electrical technology or electrical engineering technology. Some examples in Boston include Bunker Hill Community College and Benjamin Franklin Institute of Technology, both of which have electrical programs. These programs cover the academic side of becoming an electrician, and you can even combine them with apprenticeship hours.
Private Trade Schools
Schools like Southeast Tech or vocational institutes also offer electrician courses. However, you must always ensure the program is approved for Board education credit. You can view the Board’s “Approved Initial Education Providers” list to verify this.
Conclusion
Getting licensed in Massachusetts can be both challenging and overwhelming. However, it is a rewarding journey. Once you have an electrical license, be it Journeyman or Master, it shows a sign of professional achievement, signifying that you have met the strict state standards. You are also going to have a lot of responsibilities as an electrician, ensuring the safety of electrical installations, pulling permits for all wiring work, and remaining up-to-date through continuing education.
With dedication to the training process, adherence to the electrical code, and continuous learning, you can build a successful career as a Massachusetts-licensed electrician. The key is successfully completing 4 years of apprenticeship, 600 hours of schooling, passing the exams, and following permit laws. This will guide you through the process and onto the path of becoming a trusted professional in the Bay State.
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