Electrical

In order to become an electrician, you must have a high school diploma or equivalent, be able to pass an aptitude test, hold a valid driver's license and have a passing grade in one high school level algebra course. 

Massachusetts requires electrical trainees to file an apprenticeship agreement with the Massachusetts Division of Apprenticeship Standards. The average rate for an apprentice non union is $24/hour.

Once this is completed you can start logging work hours and apply to a technical school to take the required classes for an electrician journeyman's license.  To become a licensed electrician, you need 8,000 hours of employment as an apprentice under the direct supervision of a MA Class B Journeyman license and 600 hours of classroom instruction in electrical code and theory from an approved school based on the current National Electrical Code.  This typically takes about four years to complete. The average pay for a nonunion journeyman’s electrician is $34/hour, while some experienced journeyman electricians make over $50/hour.

 After holding this license for one year or more you qualify to take additional courses in order to take an exam for a master electrician license. Most people tend to stick with a Journeyman license, but for those wanting to start their own business or to make more money, you can take the 150-hour class at McCann Technical School that will qualify you to sit for the master exam. Average pay for nonunion master electricians is $44/hour with experienced master electricians making $65+/hour.

According to the Bureau of Labor statistics, the average electrician must learn to do the following: 

• Read blueprints or technical diagrams

• Install and maintain wiring, control, and lighting systems

• Inspect electrical components, such as transformers and circuit breakers

• Identify electrical problems using a variety of testing devices

• Repair or replace wiring, equipment, or fixtures using handtools and power tools

• Follow state and local building regulations based on the National Electrical Code

• Direct and train workers to install, maintain, or repair electrical wiring or equipment