- Delaware electricians earn an average annual salary of $64,340.
- To get licensed, complete 4,000–12,000 hours of verified work & pass NEC-based exams.
- License costs depend on the type you want to pursue & can range from $79 to $303.
- Delaware license reciprocity exists with Maryland & New Jersey.
- Starting with a 4 to 5-year apprenticeship can fast-track your career.
Becoming a licensed electrician in Delaware unlocks a rewarding and high-demand career path as the First State’s electrical industry is growing. Delaware currently employs over 2,400 electricians with a mean annual wage of around $64,340, which is on par with the state’s average across all occupations. Meanwhile, national forecasts project strong demand for about 11-13% growth in electrician jobs through the early 2030s. With robust construction activity, infrastructure upgrades, and renewable energy projects in Delaware, skilled electricians and contractors are needed now more than ever.
But you can’t perform electrical work without a proper electrician’s license in Delaware. The state’s Division of Professional Regulation (DPR) offers multiple license types, from apprentice to journeyperson to master electrician. There are also residential and specialty licenses tailored to specific kinds of electrical work. To obtain a proper license, you will need to meet clear experience requirements, pass exams, and register through DELPROS. Fortunately, with a growing number of trade schools, apprenticeship programs, and exam preparation programs throughout Delaware, the path to becoming a licensed electrician has never been more approachable.
If you are an aspiring electrician or want to become an independent electrical contractor, this guide breaks down everything you need to know about getting your Delaware electrical license in 2025, from license types and training requirements to the exam, fees, salaries, reciprocity, and local schools. We will cover practical steps, up-to-date regulations, and tips on navigating both the Division of Professional Regulation’s DPR licensing portal and Delaware’s business licensing. By the end, you will have a clear roadmap to power up your career as a licensed Delaware electrician.
Table of Contents
What Are The Types Of Delaware Electrician Licenses
Delaware offers multiple license categories depending on scope and experience. The Delaware Board of Electrical Examiners issues licenses for Apprentice Electricians, Residential Electricians, Journeyperson Electricians, Limited Electricians, Master Electricians, and Specialty (Master Electrician Special License and other limited special) licenses. Here is a brief overview of these state licenses:
Apprentice Electrician License
An apprentice electrician license is an entry-level registration while you are enrolled in an approved apprenticeship. It allows you to work under supervision as you earn on-the-job and classroom training.
Residential Electrician License
A residential electrician license allows you to provide electrical services to one- and two-family dwellings only. You need to have at least 4,000 hours of supervised residential work or completion of a Board-approved residential apprenticeship. You must also pass the residential license examination.
Journeyperson Electrician License
A journeyperson license is the standard electrician license. To qualify for the license, you typically need 8,000 hours of on-the-job training under a licensed electrician. If you complete a state-approved apprenticeship, you may skip the exam and get licensed by certification. Otherwise, you must pass the journeyperson exam.
Limited Electrician License
A limited electrician license is similar to a Master Electrician license, but restricted to specific types of projects like smaller commercial work, renovations, etc. The license requires journeyperson status plus additional experience and passing the limited exam.
Master Electrician License
The master electrician is the highest electrician licensure. It requires 12,000 hours of verified electrical experience or 4 years of experience plus a two-year degree in electrical engineering to qualify for this license. You can supervise others, pull permits, and bid on large projects.
Specialty Licenses
Master Special or Limited Special licenses for narrowly defined work, such as elevators, primary distribution centers, electric signs and lighting, or certain machinery. They have similar requirements but are limited to one specialty area.
Additionally, Delaware has a Homeowner Permit category for owner-occupants to do limited electrical work on their own dwelling, but there are strict rules. You must follow all code, get plans approved by an inspection agency, and you cannot do work for sale properties or commercial buildings. However, it is illegal for professionals to do electrical business without the appropriate license, and anyone maintaining, repairing, or installing electrical systems must hold the right Delaware license.
How To Become A Licensed Electrician In Delaware
Step 1: Meet The Eligibility Requirements
You must be at least 18 years old and have a high school diploma or GED. You will need to either enter an approved apprenticeship program or gain on-the-job hours under a licensed electrician. You also need to give proof of legal work status, like U.S. citizenship.
Step 2: Enroll in Apprenticeship or Training
Most people start their career with a Registered Apprenticeship. Delaware’s apprenticeship is typically 5 years (8,000 hours) of paid on-the-job training, plus classroom instruction. For example, the IBEW/NECA Joint Apprenticeship (Local 313) has a 5-year program with 8,000 OJT hours and 900 classroom hours. You can also take technical instruction through evening or vocational programs like NCCVT Adult Education’s 4-year electrical program, or Polytech Adult Education’s 4-year electrical construction program. Even a shorter pre-apprentice course like Delaware Skills Center’s 12-week program can jump-start your training. As you train, you must also register your apprenticeship with DPR by applying for the Apprentice Electrician license online. The application fee is $79.
Step 3: Accumulate The Required Experience
If you follow the apprenticeship path, your on-the-job hours are verified (Verification of Employment form) by your employer. After completing 8,000 hours and the related classroom instruction, you are eligible for a Journeyperson license without exam if you hold a certificate from the Department of Labor. If you have not been in a formal program, you can still qualify by documenting 8,000 hours under a licensed electrician. For Residential electrician licensure, you will only need 4,000 hours or a completed residential program.
Step 4: Apply For The License Via DELPROS
When you’re ready to apply for the license, use Delaware’s online portal (DELPROS), create an account, fill in the application for the license type, like Journeyman or Master, provide proof of experience (like W-2s or apprenticeship certificates) and education, and pay the fee. The journeyperson application fee is $105, and the Master’s application is $203. However, if you are applying by reciprocity (you hold a license in another state), you can apply for licensure by reciprocity in DELPROS. Delaware recognizes Maryland and New Jersey licenses as “substantially similar,” so MD/NJ electricians need to pay only the fee.
Step 5: Take The Licensing Exam
If you did not complete a state-approved apprenticeship, you must pass the exam for your license category. Upon approval of your application, DPR will notify you of how to register with Prov, Inc. All license exam types are open-book and computer-based. You must score at least 75% to pass. The Delaware exams are based on the latest National Electrical Code (NEC) adopted in the state. The exam fee is typically $100 per attempt, and you must understand complex panels and codes. Delaware’s licensing exams are focused on the National Electrical Code and state rules for installations like panel wiring, circuit protection, load calculations, etc.
Step 6: Obtain And Maintain Your License
After you pass the exam, DPR will issue your license. You may print it directly from DELPROS. Journeyperson, master, and limited licenses are valid statewide for 2 years, and you must renew them after that. To renew, you have to log in to DELPROS, pay the renewal fee, and complete any continuing education requirements. You must carry liability insurance (minimum $300,000 general liability insurance and workers’ compensation if you want to hire employees) before you pull permits as a master or business contractor.
Step 7: Get A Contractor Business License If You Want To Run Your Own Electrical Business
If you plan to run your own electrical contracting business, Delaware requires a business license from the Division of Revenue on top of the DPR license. Fortunately, Delaware’s business license is $75 for the first location and can be obtained online via the Delaware One Stop portal. Once you have both your DPR license and a business license, you’re authorized to advertise as an electrical contractor and pull building permits for jobs.
Overall, the typical minimum timeline is about four years of apprenticeship to reach journeyman level. Becoming a Master requires at least two more years if you take a 2-year tech degree.
Delaware Electrician Licensing Requirements and Fees
All Delaware electrician licenses have statutory requirements. Generally, you must be at least 18 years old, hold a high school diploma or GED, and submit to a background check. Here are the specific training and experience needed based on the license:
Apprentice: You must provide proof of enrollment in an approved apprenticeship or schooling to apply for an apprentice license.
Journeyperson: You either have to complete a 4-year apprenticeship or have a documented 8,000 hours of supervised work with an electrical certificate. If you have an approved apprenticeship certificate, you can skip the exam. Otherwise, you need to pass the exam with at least a 75% score.
Residential Electrician: You must have 4,000 hours of residential work or have completed a residential program.
Limited: You must hold a Journeyperson license plus have additional experience and pass the Limited Electrician exam with at least a 75% score.
Master: A master electrician license requires a current Journeyman license plus either 2 years as a journeyman with additional experience, or six total years of experience. You also must pass the exam with 75%.
Specialty: The specialty license is similar to a master electrician license, but is scoped to one system. It typically requires a Master status plus 3 years of specialized experience (for Master Special) and passing a specialty exam.
Homeowner Permit: It is available to owner-occupants for limited work and must be applied for with plans reviewed by a licensed inspection agency.
Here is a table demonstrating the total cost involved in each license:
License Type | License Fee | Exam Fee | Total Cost |
Apprentice | $79 | – | $79 |
Journeyperson | $105 | $100 | $205 |
Residential Electrician
| $99 | $100 | $199 |
Limited Electrician | $127 | $100 | $227 |
Master Electrician | $203 | $100 | $303 |
Specialty License | Depends on the specialty area | $100 | – |
Homeowner Permit | $42 | – | $42 |
In addition to these fees, you must demonstrate liability insurance of at least $300,000 before endorsement of Master or contractor status. Exam fees are separate and payable when you register with the testing service.
How Much Does It Cost To Get A Business License In Delaware?
In Delaware, obtaining a general business license typically costs $75 per year for your first business location. If your business operates from multiple locations, each additional location incurs an extra fee of $25 per year. There is also an optional three-year license, which is three times the annual fee.
These fees apply to the general business license issued by the Delaware Division of Revenue. However, certain professions and industries may require additional licenses or permits, which could entail higher fees.
Can I Get A Delaware Business License Online?
Yes, you can obtain a Delaware business license entirely online through the official Delaware One Stop portal.
You will need to provide your business details such as your business name, legal structure like sole proprietorship, LLC, corporation, etc, and Federal Employer Identification Number (FEIN). Once you have successfully submitted the application, you can print a temporary business license immediately. The official license will be mailed to you typically within 10 business days. This business license must be renewed annually for you to legally operate a contracting business. It also registers you for Delaware’s gross receipts tax, which applies but has an $80,000 per month exemption for small businesses.
Delaware Electrical Licensing Examination
Delaware administers multiple exams through Prov, Inc., and they cover each license category. These exams are computer-based, open-book, and use the current NEC adopted by Delaware’s Fire Prevention Commission.
The Journeyman exam focuses on general electrical theory, wiring methods, code compliance, and safe practices. The Residential exam covers similar material, but only for 1–2 family dwelling codes. Master and Limited exams are more advanced, including business and supervisory topics for contractors.
What Electrical Work Can Be Done Without A Permit In Delaware?
On the permitting side, almost all electrical work requires a permit and inspection in Delaware. For commercial or residential contracts, the licensed master electrician or electrical contractor must pull an electrical permit through the local permitting office. Homeowners doing their own project must obtain a Homeowner Permit from DPR. Under the homeowner permit rules, new circuits, renovations, or any wiring beyond a “replacement in kind” requires a permit. The homeowner must get a plan reviewed by a licensed inspection agency and meet all NEC (National Electrical Code) standards. However, you cannot self-permit on a house for sale, multi-unit, or commercial projects.
Most importantly, you cannot legally do electrical contracting work without the proper license. Even if you are employed by a company, each electrician must hold their own Delaware license. The only allowed exception is a homeowner doing work under a homeowner permit, as mentioned above; otherwise, all other electrical installations must be handled by licensed professionals.
Are Electricians Paid Well In Delaware?
Electricians in Delaware have a strong earning potential due to high demand. According to BLS data, Delaware electricians (SOC code 47-2111) earned a mean annual wage of about $64,340, which is roughly $30.93 per hour. For comparison, the mean wage for all occupations in DE is about $65,990, so electricians are right at the statewide average. However, union electricians (IBEW) often earn even higher with benefits.
But practically, an entry-level apprentice makes $30,000 annually, but after 4 to 5 years as a journeyman, you could be in the $50,000 to $70,000 range. With experience, specialization in solar or HVAC electrical, or by becoming a master contractor, you can significantly exceed $80,000.
In short, electricians in Delaware do make good money on average, and there is strong job security, given the ongoing construction and infrastructure needs.
How Much Does A Journeyman Electrician Make in Delaware?
Journeypersons can expect to start lower as apprentices earn roughly 40–60% of journey pay, but then progress into the $50,000–$70,000 range as a journeyman per year. There are national salary sites that report Delaware journeyman electricians earn around $65,000-$75,000, although the actual pay varies by experience and whether it is a union or non-union work.
What States Accept A Delaware License?
If you hold an electrician license from another state and want to work in Delaware, Delaware offers reciprocity with some conditions. Per DPR, you must still apply for a Delaware license, but the exam requirement may be waived if your other state has substantially similar standards. Currently, Delaware considers Maryland and New Jersey standards equivalent, so MD/NJ licensed electricians may obtain Delaware licensure without proving extra experience. Electricians from most other states will need to show the standard 8,000 hours of work and pass the Delaware exam.
Conversely, Delaware licenses are not automatically valid elsewhere. Some neighboring states, such as Maryland, have reciprocity agreements that may recognize a DE license; however, each state’s licensing board rules vary.
You should always check with the other state’s electrical board. In general, having a Delaware Journeyperson or Master license puts you in good standing to apply for licensure elsewhere, since Delaware’s requirements are on par with most other states.
Delaware Electrical Training Schools and Programs
There are many Delaware institutions that offer the training and coursework that you will need for licensing. These programs typically cover electrical theory, code, and hands-on skills:
NCCVT Adult Education (New Castle County Vocational Tech)
NCCVT Adult Education offers a 4-year NCCER-certified electrical program along with 600 hours of classroom instruction that fulfills Delaware apprenticeship-related instruction (RTI) requirements. After each year, you will earn NCCER electrical certifications. This program has evening classes and complies with the Department of Labor apprenticeship standards.
Polytech Adult Education:
The Electrical Construction program provided by Polytech Adult Education is also a four-year night school that is designed to mirror the apprenticeship curriculum.
Delaware Technical Community College (Dover)
Through Continuing Education, DTCC offers an Electrician certificate (300 hours). It is an entry-level course that covers fundamental skills, math, and also includes OSHA-10. It serves as a great foundation, but you will still need an apprenticeship and document the OJT hours to qualify for licensure.
Delaware Skills Center
Delaware Skills Center provides a vocational program that is a 12-week (420-hour) electrical trades course. Once you complete the course, you will earn NCCER Electrical Level 1 and can advance to second-year apprentice status. You can even obtain a Delaware State Electrical Apprentice license upon graduation. It is an intensive program that prepares you for immediate entry into apprenticeships.
IBEW/NECA Joint Apprenticeship (Local 313)
The union electrician apprenticeship in Delaware includes 8000 hours of OJT and 900 hours of classroom. IBEW Local 313/NECA JATC has monthly applications and provides training through the Electrical Training Alliance. You can earn full pay from day one and graduate as a journeyman.
Vocational High Schools
Delaware Tech and Sussex Technical School provide high-school-level electrical vocational training that can prepare you for entry into an apprenticeship.
What You Can and Cannot Do Without a License
Only licensed electricians may perform electrical work for hire. However, there are very limited exceptions.
You may do electrical work in your own home only if you obtain a Homeowner Permit, as we have discussed above. But even under a homeowner permit, all work must follow the NEC and be inspected.
If there are basic tasks like swapping out a receptacle, replacing a light fixture with an identical one, or changing a fuse, one does not require a permit or license. However, any modification beyond that will require a permit.
Under 1419 of Title 24, certain bona fide volunteer work for a religious or charitable organization may be done by unlicensed individuals under very specific conditions, such as no paid work on the project at all. This is a narrow exception, as most volunteer electrical work still requires licensed supervision.
If you are a registered Apprentice Electrician, you may perform electrical tasks under the direct supervision of a licensed journeyperson or master.
Offering to rewire a business, installing equipment, or performing routine maintenance on someone else’s home requires a Delaware electrical license. In summary, do not do electrical contracting without a license for it.
Conclusion
Getting a Delaware electrical license is a clear pathway to a stable, well-paying career. By following the state’s requirements, enrolling in an apprenticeship or approved program, accumulating the required hours, passing the state exam, and obtaining any necessary business licenses, you will be ready to work on projects across Delaware. Delaware electricians earn salaries comparable to professionals in other fields, with strong job security.
So, whether you plan to work for a contractor or start your own business, Delaware’s license sets you up for success. You’ll be fully qualified to pull permits, bid jobs, and supervise apprentices as you advance.
With construction on the upswing and many electricians retiring in the next few years, now is an excellent time to join the trade. Start early by contacting apprenticeship programs or technical schools, plan your classroom hours, and log those on-the-job hours. In a matter of years, you’ll earn your Delaware electrical license and be on the job solving real-world wiring challenges across the state.
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