Nevada Electrical License: How to Become a Licensed Electrician in Nevada

August 4, 2025
9 Min Read

Key takeaways

Nevada’s electrician job is projected to grow by 14% by 2032.
The average salary of electricians in Nevada is $71,673/year.
To become licensed in Nevada, you need 8,000 hours of OTJ training & 576 hours of classroom course.
Nevada’s Electrical Contractor license requires 4 years of journeyman work, liability insurance & total fees of $1,140.
Nevada has reciprocity with Arizona, California & Utah.

Electricians in Nevada are in high demand due to the state’s booming economy and large construction sector. By 2032, Nevada is going to employ about 8,060 employees. With a projected 14% job growth from 2022 to 2032, now is a great time for you to pursue an electrical career.

Electricians in Nevada can earn an average of about $68,650 per year, which is higher than the national average. There is job security and a lot of opportunities in this field. However, to be in the industry and legally perform electrical work, you must be licensed. Nevada’s licensing system involves formal training, exams, permits, and you must be up-to-date with the current National Electrical Code (NEC) and other standards. And it might become overwhelming to choose which path to take to start your electrical career, what the licensing exams cover, and what the insurance requirements are.

In this guide, we are going to walk you through every step of getting your Nevada Electrical License, from apprenticeship and education to state and local licensing requirements. We are also going to talk about Nevada’s reciprocity agreements with other states, permit rules, costs, and mean wages.

What Are The Different Types Of Electrician Licenses in Nevada?

The main categories of Nevada Electrician License are the journeyman electrician, master electrician, and electrical contractor licenses. The Nevada State Contractors Board issues electrician licenses for contractors and is committed to ensuring the integrity of the construction industry in Nevada. Within these categories, there are other types of licenses. For example, at the journeyman or master level, there are generally Residential and General classifications. Nevada also has separate licenses for special types of electrical work. Here is a more detailed breakdown of the most common electrician licenses in Nevada:

Residential Journeyman Electrician License (RJ)

A residential journeyman electrician allows you to work on one- and two-family homes. You are required to have at least three years of experience in residential electrical wiring and pass the residential journeyman electrician test.

General Journeyman Electrician License (GJ)

A General Journeyman Electrician license allows you to work on industrial and commercial electrical systems. As a licensed journeyman electrician, you can work independently under a licensed contractor. Some local jurisdictions also allow special categories like Sign Electrician or Alarm Technician licenses in case you don’t want to work on a wide spectrum of electrical systems. You are required to accumulate at least four years of on-the-job training in the electrical trade and pass the state electrical licensing exam.

Master Electrician License

The Master Electrician License allows you to supervise electrical work and perform electrical installations. Las Vegas offers this license after you have obtained your journeyman license. However, you are required to have at least 4,000 hours of experience as a licensed journeyman and pass the exam administered by the Nebraska State Electrical Division.

Electrical Contractor License

The Electrical Contractor License is issued by the Nevada State Contractors Board. This license falls under the C-2 classification and allows you to bid and contract on any electrical work statewide. You can also hire and supervise employees for your electrical contracting business. There are other sub-classifications within C-2, like Electrical Wiring (C-2a), Integrated Ceilings (C-2b), Fire Detection (C-2c), Low Voltage (C-2d), Lines To Transmit Electricity (C-2e), Residential Wiring (C-2f), and Photovoltaics (C-2f).

Nevada also offers Limited-Energy or Low-Voltage licenses for specific work. A Limited Energy Technician, sometimes called a Specialty or Low-Voltage license, permits you to perform work on systems like telecommunications, fire alarm systems, and audio-visual installations. These are other equivalent trade examinations and experience for them.

How To Become A Licensed Electrician in Nevada?

To become a licensed electrician in Nevada, you have to attend a formal electrical training through an approved apprenticeship program or trade school, pass the journeyman exam, and finally obtain the Electrical Contractor (C-2) license through the NSCB. Here is a detailed breakdown of the key steps to becoming a licensed electrician in Nevada:

Step 1: Meet The Minimum Requirements

You need to be at least 18 years old with a high school diploma or equivalent before you step into the electrical trade. Apart from this, you also need to have a valid driver’s license as you need to travel a lot as an electrician.

Step 2: Gain The Required Hours Through Training

Register yourself as an apprentice, enter into a state-registered apprenticeship program, and obtain on-the-job training and related instruction. You don’t necessarily need to have a college degree to start your electrical career. Many people typically take the apprenticeship path. As mentioned earlier, you are required to gain 8,000 hours of full-time work experience as an electrical apprentice. Simultaneously, you must also complete 576 hours of classroom instruction. You can attend programs at places like the Electrical Joint Apprenticeship Training Centers in Las Vegas, Northern Nevada Electrical JATCs, NV Energy’s electrical apprenticeship, or college trade programs.

Step 3: Pass The Journeyman Electrician Exam

Once you have successfully completed the required hours, apply for the journeyman exam. Nevada itself does not issue a single statewide electrician license. Instead, individual cities and counties license electricians. For journeyman licensing, you will have to apply through the local jurisdictions like Clark County, Washoe County, etc, and pay the exam fee.

The journeyman exam is a 100-question electrician exam with a passing score of at least 75%. There are two portions: the trade part and the law and business management part. Once you pass, you are going to get your journeyman electrician license.

Step 4: Work As A Journeyman And Gain Experience

After you have obtained your journeyman license, you can work independently under a licensed contractor. You are required to accumulate another 4 years of experience to qualify for the electrical contractor license. However, if you are in Clark County, you can apply for the master electrician license after 1 year of journeyman exam and then move forward to the contractor level.

Step 5: Become A Licensed Contractor

After your journeyman experience is complete, apply to the Nevada State Contractors Board for the Certified Electrical (C-2) license. You have to submit an application form, pay a non-refundable application fee of $300, provide proof of four years’ experience, letters of reference, financial statements, and proof of liability insurance and bonding ability.

After that, you have to take the 100-question business and law examination and score at least 70% to pass it. Before the license application, you must file a contractor’s bond and proof of general liability insurance and workers’ compensation insurance to help cover accident-related expenses like property damage and medical bills of your employees. When your application is approved, pay the $600 biennial contractor license fee. Your C-2 Electrical Contractor license will then be issued, allowing you to legally bid and contract electrical work statewide.

Throughout this entire licensing process, you must keep documentation of your training hours, exam results, and experience records. The NV Board and local jurisdictions may audit your application, so always maintain transcripts and supervisor sign-offs. Once licensed, Nevada does not require you to go through additional continuing education.

Nevada Training Programs and Electrician Schools

There are several paths in Nevada that you can take to learn the electrical trade. Here are the typical paths that people usually follow:

Union or Non-Union Apprenticeship Programs

The most common route is through union or employer apprenticeships. For example, the Southern Nevada JATC, based in Las Vegas, and the Northern Nevada JATC in the Reno area run 5-year programs. These programs provide “earn while you learn” training and are sponsored by the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers (IBEW) and the National Electrical Contractors Association (NECA). The course combines about 144 hours of classroom instruction per year and roughly 8,000 total on-the-job hours over 5 years. Likewise, NV Energy and other utilities sponsor apprenticeship classes that combine paid work with evening or weekend study.

Community College

If you prefer a college setting, several community colleges offer electrical technology or apprenticeship courses. The College of Southern Nevada (CSN) in Las Vegas has an Electrical Apprenticeship program; Great Basin College (Elko) and Truckee Meadows Community College (Reno) also offer electrician training. However, these college programs typically charge tuition. For example, CSN quotes roughly $20,000 per semester for full-time apprenticeship students, while Great Basin and TMCC estimate about $10,000 per year. These fees include tuition, books, and supplies. These costs can be largely offset if you join an employer-sponsored program, since many pay for school costs.

Private Vocational Schools

Private vocational schools and electrical training companies operate in Nevada as well. For example, Lincoln Tech and other trade schools offer accelerated certificate programs, though apprenticeships are usually preferred by contractors. You can also find non-union contractor apprenticeship programs and test-preparation classes.

You can practice wiring and testing skills in hands-on programs. NV apprenticeship committees require at least 144 hours of related instruction per year and about 2,000 on-the-job training hours per year. These on-the-job experiences, combined with classroom study, prepare you for the journeyman and master exams. Some Nevada apprenticeship programs even allow you to earn college credit.

How Long Does It Take To Be An Electrician in Nevada?

Becoming a journeyman electrician in Nevada typically takes about 4 years of full-time work and study. During those four years, you have to accumulate approximately 8,000 hours of practical electrical experience. After that, to become a licensed electrical contractor, you generally need another 4 years as a journeyman. In total, from starting an apprenticeship to earning a contractor’s license, you would need a minimum of 8 years.

How Long Is Electrician School in Nevada?

If you enter an apprenticeship, the formal schooling portion is typically around 144 hours per year, and you have to attend evening or weekend classes. Over a standard 4-year apprenticeship, that’s about 576 hours of classroom time. Some trade schools or community college programs have similar hourly requirements. In terms of calendar time, those classroom portions usually coincide with your on-the-job training, so “school” time is spread out over 4 to 5 years.

If you are not in a union program, community college certificate courses often last 1 to 2 years full-time. However, remember that true licensure requires on-the-job hours, so a 1-year college program alone does not qualify you for a journeyman license without corresponding field experience.

What Is The Shortest Time To Become a Licensed Electrician in Nevada?

The shortest realistic path to licensure is about 4 years to reach journeyman status, plus another 4 years to reach contractor level. Some states allow experience credit for related fields, but Nevada requires the full four years of documented electrical experience. So, you can attain a journeyman card in around four years if you work steadily and pass the exam on the first attempt. To get the C-2 contractor license, you can assume roughly 8 years total from start to finish. There is no way to dramatically speed up this process without some legal exemption, as the requirement is generally fixed by state law.

How Much Does It Cost In Total To Become an Electrician in Nevada?

The cost to become an electrician in Nevada is typically moderate compared to other professions. The key factors are textbooks, tools, licensing, and exam fees. Here is a more detailed breakdown of the cost involved:

Category	Cost Factors	Apprenticeship Path	Independent Schooling Path
Education and Training	Tuition	$0	$10,000 – $40,000
	Textbooks & Tools	$200 – $1,000	$200 – $1,000
	Wages Earned During Training	Yes	No
Licensing & Exams	State Application Fee	$300	$300
	Journeyman Exam Fee	$120 – $140	$120 – $140
	Contractor Exam Fee	$140	$140
	Contractor License Fee (2-year, C-2)	$600	$600
	Local Journeyman Certification	$100	$100
Optional Business Costs	Contractor Bond (varies by license limit)	$200 – $1,000 annually	$200 – $1,000 annually
	Insurance Premiums	$500 – $2,000 annually	$500 – $2,000 annually
Estimated Total (excluding bond and insurance)		$1,360 – $2,280	$11,360 – $42,280
Estimated Total (with business setup)		$2,060 – $5,280	$12,060 – $45,280

How Much Is a Nevada Electrical License?

The journeyman and master electrician licenses are issued by local jurisdictions. The fees are typically lower and often a one-time charge of around $50-$100 for the certification exam and $50-$100 for the license.

The total cost of the Nevada C-2 Electrical Contractor license (state-level) is $1040. You have to pay a $300 application fee, a $140 exam fee, and a $600 license fee for the two-year license.

How To Become An Electrician in Nevada Without Going to School?

You can always learn through apprenticeship instead of formal college. According to the state’s apprenticeship council, many electrical apprentices complete the required training through on-the-job experience with classroom instruction provided by the union or the employer. There are many experienced electricians who never took a four-year degree. They just finished high school and immediately entered a registered apprenticeship. And if you choose this route, look for programs sponsored by local unions (like the IBEW JATCs) or employer groups like Independent Electrical Contractors, NV Energy, or HVAC unions that include electrical tracks. These programs train you for licensure while paying you a wage.

Are Electricians In Demand in Nevada?

Yes. Nevada’s construction and energy projects drive strong demand for electricians. Employment of electricians in Nevada is projected to grow 14% between 2022 and 2032. That means there will be roughly 760 new electrician jobs per year on average in the decade. Thousands of new homes, casinos, resorts, and renewable energy installations are planned or underway in Nevada, all requiring licensed electricians. The state’s location quotient for electricians is 1.20, meaning NV has 20% more electricians per worker than the national average, which is another sign of strong local demand. If you complete your training and get licensed, job prospects in Nevada are very good.

How Much Do Electricians in Nevada Make?

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the mean annual wage for Nevada electricians is about $71,673. This is notably higher than the national average salary for electricians. However, how much you earn depends on the region and experience you have. In the Las Vegas area, electricians might start around $25-$30 per hour, while experienced commercial or industrial electricians can earn above $40 per hour. If you are a member of a union, then you can earn even more. Here is a more detailed breakdown of the mean wages based on the license type:

Apprentice Electrician: The average pay of an apprentice electrician is $21.99 per hour with overtime of $6,000 annually.
Journeyman Electrician: The average pay of a journeyman electrician is $33.71 per hour with overtime of $9,438 per year.
Master Electrician: The average pay of a master electrician is $56.76 per hour
Electrical Contractors: The pay of an electrical contractor depends on the profit of your electrical business. However, on average, the pay of someone owning a Nevada business in the electrical trade is roughly $29.11 per hour.

What States Reciprocate With Nevada's Electrical License?

Nevada’s Contractor Licensing Board has reciprocity agreements with a few neighbouring states. The NSCB recognizes active licenses from Arizona, California, and Utah for the electrical classifications. This means if you hold an equivalent electrical contractor license in AZ, CA, or UT, you may qualify for a Nevada license without taking the trade exam again. Additionally, these states also list Nevada in their reciprocity agreements. For example, Arizona and California explicitly include Nevada when granting reciprocal licenses. Utah and Washington each allow licensed NV electricians to apply for their credentials. This means a Nevada license can help you work in those jurisdictions more easily, but you should always check each endorsing state’s current rules and application steps.

How Can I Apply For Reciprocity in Nevada?

If you are already licensed out of state and want a Nevada license, you have to apply under Nevada’s Licensure by Endorsement program. The Nevada Contractors Board outlines this process on its website.

Generally, you must submit an endorsement application to the NSCB, along with proof of your current out-of-state license and evidence of at least four years of journey-level electrical experience. You should also provide letters of recommendation or wage verifications to document that experience. If your other state’s standards match Nevada’s, the trade exam requirement may be waived. However, you will still need to pass Nevada’s contractor exam and meet bonding and insurance rules.

Does Nevada Require A Contractor License?

Yes. In Nevada, if you are performing electrical contracting work worth $1,000 or more, including labor and materials, you must have a contractor’s license. In fact, Nevada’s handyman exemption explicitly states that minor repairs below $1,000 do not require a license, only if no building permit is needed. This applies even to home repairs. If your project costs $1,000 or more, or if you pull a permit for electrical work, you are legally required to be a licensed contractor or hire one. For most electricians, this means you will need the C-2 Electrical Contractor license issued by the state Board in order to bid jobs in Nevada, unless you stay below that threshold on very minor work.

Can I Do My Own Electrical Work in Nevada?

Yes, but with restrictions. As an owner-builder, you are allowed to do some electrical work on your own home, but you must follow the rules. Nevada defines an owner-builder as someone who owns a property, intends to live in it, and acts as their own general contractor. If you qualify as an owner-builder and you intend to occupy the home, you can obtain permits and perform construction work yourself without holding a contractor’s license. However, you still must comply with all permit and building code requirements. You can hire licensed subcontractors or do your own work, but the work must be permitted and inspected. Also, you cannot sell or lease the home within one year, or you lose the exemption.

So yes, you can do electrical work on your own house under the owner-builder exemption, but no unlicensed subcontractors may be involved, and you must pull the appropriate permits just as a licensed contractor would.

Can You Do Electrical Work in Nevada Without a License?

Generally, no. Nevada law allows very limited DIY work. The only electrical work you can do without a contractor’s license is minor tasks under $1,000 that do not require a permit. For example, changing a light fixture or outlet by yourself might not trigger licensing rules if it’s under the value threshold. But as soon as the project costs $1,000 or requires any building permit, a licensed contractor must be involved. Moreover, certain specialized work, like major panel changes or new circuits, typically triggers a permit regardless of cost, meaning a license is needed.

Do You Need A Permit For Electrical Work in Nevada?

Yes. In Nevada, virtually all significant electrical work requires a building permit and inspection. The contractor must obtain the permit from the local building department. So, any installation of new circuits, panel upgrades, or rewiring will need a permit. Even some repairs may need permits, depending on local rules. If you hire a licensed electrician, they or the contracting firm will pull the permit. If you do the work yourself as an owner-builder, you must apply for the permit.

How Much Is An Electrical Permit in Nevada?

The permit fees can vary by jurisdiction and job size. For small jobs, there is usually a base issuance fee plus charges for each device. For example, in Sparks, Nevada, the issuance fee for a basic electrical permit is $22 plus a $6.50 supplemental fee. Clark County (Las Vegas area) uses a valuation table. For a low-cost job of up to $500, the permit fee is about $54. In Reno or Washoe County, the base electrical permit fee is around $23 to $60 for the first $500 of project cost. In general, you can expect to pay around $20 to $50 for the initial permit and then additional fees based on factors like the number of circuits, fixtures, or panel capacity. You should always check the building department fee schedule for the exact charges.

How Long Is An Electrical Permit Good For in Nevada?

Typically, an electrical permit in Nevada expires 180 days after issuance if no inspections are approved. Most jurisdictions follow a standard. Once you pull a permit, you must begin work and get an inspection within 180 days. If an inspection is approved, the permit validity often resets for another 180 days from that inspection date. For example, in Clark County, permits expire 180 days after issuance if no passed inspections have been performed. This means you have up to six months to start the work and pass the first inspection. If you cannot finish in that time frame, you may need to renew or reapply for the permit.

Can A Homeowner Pull Their Own Electrical Permit in Nevada?

Yes. As mentioned earlier, if you are an owner-builder, you are allowed to obtain your own permits. When you apply for a permit on your primary residence that you will occupy and not sell within a year, you simply file the Owner-Builder affidavit with the building department. The permit is then issued to you as the owner. However, once the permit is issued, you must either do the work yourself or hire licensed subcontractors. No licensed contractor is pulling the permit in that case; only you are. For commercial or rental property, owners cannot act as their own contractors; only single-family owner-occupied homes qualify. So, in summary, yes, a homeowner who meets the owner-builder criteria can pull an electrical permit themselves.

Who Is Responsible For Pulling Permits in Nevada?

In general, the contractor or individual performing the work is responsible for obtaining the necessary permits. By law, the licensed contractor must apply for all required permits before starting a job. For example, Nevada statute (NRS 624.875) explicitly requires electrical contractors to apply for and obtain all applicable permits for a project. When you hire a licensed electrical contractor, the company will handle the permit application. If you are doing work under the owner-builder exception, then you are responsible for securing the permit. In any case, work performed without the proper permit is a violation. You should always make sure the permit is pulled by the contractor on record or by you, if you qualify as an owner-builder, before any electrical work begins.

Nevada Licensing Exam Details

Nevada requires passing one or more licensing exams to demonstrate your knowledge. The Journeyman and Master Electrician Exam is typically a 100-question, multiple-choice test covering electrical theory, National Electrical Code (NEC) regulations, wiring methods, and safety. You are required to score at least 75% to pass. Most jurisdictions use the ICC (International Code Council) or ES examination programs. For example, Clark County uses ICC G17/G18 exams for journey-level electricians.

To obtain the state C-2 contractor license, you must also pass a contractor’s exam, administered by PSI. This covers business management, contracts, and Nevada construction law. It is also typically 100 questions, with a 70% passing score.

Conclusion

Becoming a licensed electrician in Nevada is a commitment of several years of training, but it pays off. After about 4 years of apprenticeship, you can earn your journeyman certificate, and with another 4 years of experience, you can qualify for the C-2 Electrical Contractor license. Each step requires passing an exam and meeting Nevada’s bond and insurance rules. In 2025, the demand for electricians in Nevada is very strong, with about 14% growth by 2032.

You should plan on an apprenticeship or equivalent experience program, accumulate the required hours, obtain jurisdictional journeyman certification, and then apply for the contractor license. Along the way, you will also learn to handle permits properly. With careful planning, following the Nevada Contractors Board rules and local regulations, you can achieve full licensure in no time.

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How To Get Nevada Electrical License In 2025