NEW JERSEY CAREER DATA PROFILE

Electrician Career Guide in New Jersey

Explore electrician salary, licensing requirements, training pathways, apprenticeships, job outlook, and career opportunities in New Jersey.

Last reviewed Reviewed by Career In Trades Editorial Team

Electrician in New Jersey Snapshot
Median Salary $77,250
Hourly Wage $37.14
Job Growth +13% (2024–2034)
License Required

How to Become an Electrician in New Jersey

Electricians commonly enter through a registered apprenticeship providing paid supervised work and classroom instruction. Journeyperson experience supports eventual electrical-contractor eligibility.

Note: Training pathways vary by employer, program sponsor, and licensing category. Classroom education may provide useful technical preparation, but it does not automatically replace supervised work experience unless the applicable licensing authority specifically allows that credit.

Electrician Salary in New Jersey

The salary figure shown on this page represents the New Jersey median wage for electrician workers, based on U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics occupational wage data. A median wage is the point at which half of workers earn more and half earn less. It is not a guaranteed starting salary.

Actual earnings may vary by experience, license level, metropolitan area, employer, industry, overtime, and union agreement.

New Jersey Median $77,250
Hourly Wage $37.14
National Median $62,350

Compared with the national median of $62,350, the median wage in New Jersey is approximately $14,900 higher. This comparison does not account for differences in cost of living.

OFFICIAL REGULATORY SOURCE

Licensing Authority for Electricians in New Jersey

New Jersey Division of Consumer Affairs — Board of Examiners of Electrical Contractors

Official Website: https://www.njconsumeraffairs.gov/elec/

License Types:

  • Registered Electrical Apprentice
  • Journeyperson Electrician Registration
  • Electrical Contractor License
  • Business Permit
  • Limited Telecommunications Wiring Exemption

Authority Notes:

The statewide professional license is principally an electrical contractor credential. Electricians working as employees operate under the responsible licensed contractor. Municipal permits, inspections, and local contractor registration may also apply.

Note: Licensing rules, fees, examinations, exemptions, and renewal requirements may change. Applicants should verify current requirements directly with the authority listed above before beginning work, applying for an examination, or enrolling in a training program.

CAREER PREPARATION

Electrician Training Requirements in New Jersey

1Registered Apprenticeship
2Trade or Technical School
3Employer Training

New Jersey electricians generally train through a registered apprenticeship and perform regulated work under a licensed electrical contractor.

  • Enroll in a registered apprenticeship or obtain equivalent supervised education and experience.
  • Complete classroom instruction in electrical theory, code, wiring, safety, motors, controls, and blueprint reading.
  • Accumulate the practical experience required for journeyperson registration or contractor-license eligibility.
  • Electrical contractor applicants must satisfy the Board of Examiners’ experience and examination requirements.
  • Maintain required registrations, business permits, insurance, and continuing-education compliance.
EDUCATION DIRECTORY

Electrician Training Providers in New Jersey

Provider City Program Website
Lincoln Technical Institute Union View Program
Eastwick College Paterson View Program
Hudson County Schools of Technology — Adult Education North Bergen View Program
Ocean County Vocational Technical School Toms River View Program

Note: Program availability, admission requirements, tuition, and credit toward licensing requirements may change. Verify current details directly with the provider and the applicable state licensing authority before enrolling. Listings are informational and do not constitute rankings or endorsements.

PAID TRAINING OPPORTUNITIES

Electrician Apprenticeship Programs in New Jersey

Northern New Jersey Electrical Apprenticeship

Organization: IBEW Local 164 / NECA

Program Website

Central New Jersey Electrical Apprenticeship

Organization: IBEW Local 102 / NECA

Program Website

Southern New Jersey Electrical Apprenticeship

Organization: IBEW Local 351 / NECA

Program Website

Electrical Apprenticeship

Organization: Associated Builders and Contractors New Jersey

Program Website

STATE AND LOCAL RULES

Electrician Licensing Requirements in New Jersey

New Jersey licenses electrical contractors and requires qualifying persons to hold an electrical contractor license. Employee electricians generally work under a licensed contractor, while apprentice and journeyperson registration rules may apply.

EMPLOYMENT PROJECTIONS

Electrician Job Outlook in New Jersey

+13% (2024–2034) Projected Employment Growth
2024 - 2034 Projection Period
1,710 Annual Openings

New Jersey projects electrician employment to grow 13% from 2024 to 2034, from approximately 16,470 to 18,570 jobs, with about 1,710 openings annually.

Note: State employment projections may use a different base period from national BLS projections. Projected growth is an estimate rather than a guarantee of employment, and local demand may vary by metropolitan area, industry, construction activity, and employer investment.

CAREER QUESTIONS

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the electrician salary in New Jersey?

The statewide median wage for electricians in New Jersey is approximately $77,250 per year, or $37.14 per hour, based on May 2024 occupational wage data. Actual earnings vary by experience, license level, location, employer, overtime, and industry.

Does New Jersey require electrician licensing?

Yes. New Jersey requires individuals performing regulated, non-exempt electrician work to hold the appropriate license or credential. Applicants should verify the current license category, experience, examination, and renewal requirements with New Jersey Division of Consumer Affairs — Board of Examiners of Electrical Contractors.

How long does it take to become an electrician in New Jersey?

The time required depends on the license pathway and training program. A typical training pathway takes approximately 4–5 Years Apprenticeship, although licensing, apprenticeship, and employer requirements may differ.

Are electricians in demand in New Jersey?

New Jersey projects electrician employment to grow by approximately 13% from 2024 to 2034, with about 1,710 openings per year. Projections include both new positions and openings created when workers leave the occupation.

DATA TRANSPARENCY

Career Data Sources

State wage, employment outlook, and licensing information is reviewed using government and official regulatory sources. Data and requirements may change after publication.

  1. May 2024 State Occupational Employment and Wage Estimates — U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. May 2024 State OEWS
  2. New Jersey Wages for Electrician (SOC 47-2111) — O*NET OnLine, U.S. Department of Labor. New Jersey Electrician Wages
  3. New Jersey Electrician Employment Trends — O*NET OnLine, U.S. Department of Labor. New Jersey Electrician Employment Trends
  4. New Jersey Division of Consumer Affairs — Board of Examiners of Electrical Contractors — Licensing authority. New Jersey Division of Consumer Affairs — Board of Examiners of Electrical Contractors
CAREER DISCOVERY

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STATE CAREER GUIDES

Explore Electrician Careers by State