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Maryland has thousands of electricians, and yet even more are needed to keep the Free State running — journeyman electricians, master electricians, electrical engineers. Fortunately, Maryland has everything you need to learn how to become a member of this essential and skilled workforce.
The growing demand for electricians in Maryland means you can feel confident that the time you put into training will pay off. In fact, the U.S. Department of Labor’s (DOL) job search website, CareerOneStop, projects a 15% growth rate for electricians in Maryland as compared with a 7% expected growth rate nationwide from 2021 to 2031.
There’s definitely evidence to support this on job boards. There are thousands of electrician jobs in Maryland posted on Indeed.com and Zip Recruiter.
We’ve got all the information you need to find your place in this expanding workforce.
Accredited Maryland Electrician Training Programs
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), “Most electricians learn their trade in a 4- or 5-year apprenticeship program. For each year of the program, apprentices typically receive 2,000 hours of paid on-the-job training as well as some technical instruction. Workers who gained electrical experience in the military or in the construction industry may qualify for a shortened apprenticeship based on their experience and testing. Some electricians start out by attending a technical school. Many technical schools offer programs related to circuitry, safety practices, and basic electrical information. Graduates of these programs usually receive credit toward their apprenticeship.”
Most people entering the electrical industry in Maryland learn on-the-job as apprentice electricians. Formal education is not required by law in Maryland, although it can be applied toward the experience requirement for licensing. Technical education can also help you land that first entry-level job or the apprenticeship you want. In general, there’s a direct correlation between formal training and higher long-term earnings. So, though it’s not required to get started in electrical work, an apprenticeship with classroom instruction or a college certificate could pay off in the long run.
According to the BLS some electricians enter apprenticeship programs after working as an electrician helper. The Home Builders Institute offers a pre-apprenticeship certificate training (PACT) program for eight construction trades, including electricians, and there are pre-apprenticeships offered at community colleges and through other trade organizations.
The three most common ways to get electrician certification are to complete a union apprenticeship through your local Joint Apprenticeship Training Committee (JATC), successfully complete a nonunion apprenticeship, or attend a technical college and work for a licensed electrician.
Maryland Joint Apprenticeship and Training Committees (JATC) are alliances between the local International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers (IBEW) chapters and the Maryland chapters for the National Electrical Contractors Alliance (NECA).
IBEW has four jurisdictions in Maryland, and there are three Joint Apprentice Training Committees (JATC) that offer electrical apprenticeships.
Baltimore Electrical JATC associated with Local Union 24 in Baltimore
Western Maryland JATC associated with Local Union 307 in Cumberland
JATC Electrical Local 26 in Lanham
The local Associated Builders and Contractors Chapters (ABC) and the Independent Electrical Contractors (IEC) chapter in and around Maryland each have nonunion electrical apprenticeship programs that are four years long and meet US Department of Labor standards.
Associated Builders & Contractors — Baltimore Metro Chapter, Chesapeake Shores, and Metropolitan Washington
IEC Chesapeake in Laurel
If you choose to start your journey with some kind of electrician education rather than an apprenticeship, several Maryland community colleges offer certificate, diploma, or associate degree programs:
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Electrician Degrees & Certificates
As you weigh the benefits of formal training at a trade school or technical college, you may want to speak with people in the field in the state where you plan to work. The licensing requirements vary from state to state, and some insist on a minimum amount of education. Other states have no educational requirements to get started, and it may make more sense to simply get an entry-level position and get on-the-job-training rather than attending one of the electrician schools.
If you plan to work in Maryland, there is no classroom instruction required for licensing, only an experience requirement. However, sometimes getting a little technical education before you find work can help you compete for apprenticeship opportunities or make you a more attractive hire. There are also pre-apprenticeship programs offered through community colleges such as Anne Arundel Community College that can prepare you for apprenticeship.
There’s typically a range of choices of degree and certificate programs, but again most electricians enter an apprenticeship rather than a college program. Some electrical contractors may allow you to get hands-on training with them while also attending a college program at night or on the weekend. If you choose to start at a technical college, the time it takes to complete each program and the cost are the most significant differences. The most common programs are:
Certificate Program – three to six months
Associate’s Degree – two years
Bachelor’s Degree – four years
Obviously, the longer the program, the more it costs. If you wish to be an electrical engineer, you’ll need a four-year bachelor’s degree. If this is a path that interests you, you may want to explore the Electrical Engineering Bachelor of Science degree at one of the four-year universities in Maryland, such as:
While formal education can pay off in the form of higher wages, if your interest lies in being a journeyman or master electrician, a college degree is not necessary. However, for many of the approved programs above, you will have the option of completing not only your apprenticeship but a college long-term certificate or associate degree.
Typical Courses in Technical College Programs
Electrical programs at technical colleges are intended to prepare students for careers in commercial, industrial, or residential electrical applications. All combine theory and practical skills. Most encourage students to work in their field of interest while attending school. Some are intended to give students a base of knowledge to prepare them to be helpers and get that first job with a licensed electrician. Typically, they include coursework in the fundamentals of the electrical trade. Classroom and laboratory experiences allow students to become proficient in the installation and maintenance of electrical wiring, transformers, A/C and D/C motor control circuit, instrumentation, and programmable logic controllers used in residential, commercial, and industrial settings. They all cover safety and the national electric code. Among the most common classes offered in these degree programs are:
Foundations of Mathematics
Industrial Safety Procedures
Direct Current
Alternating Current
Electrical Prints, Schematics, and Symbols
Commercial Wiring
Residential Wiring
Industrial Wiring
Electrical Controls
Diagnostic Troubleshooting
School Selection Criteria
There are a lot of things to consider when picking the right school and program.
Cost
Cost is, of course, typically at the top of the list. According to Community College Review, tuition at Maryland community colleges on average is $7,307 per year for in-state students and $9,316 for out-of-state students. However, many of the electrician programs listed here cost less, and apprenticeships are often covered by the employing member contractor. There will be some variations in fees at each school, so be sure to review all the costs involved.
There are also always costs for books and tools, but those tools are yours to keep as you enter your field. All students who are interested in receiving federal (Pell Grant) and any state grants apply by completing the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) form online.
Program Length
As noted above, you can choose from a certificate or an associate’s degree. The certificates require as few as 5,000 clock hours or as many as 1,700 credit hours. Associate’s degree programs typically take two years and require 60 credits or more. Most apprenticeships are four to five years long.
Benefits
There are benefits to formal education if you want to be an electrician. The National Electrical Code (NEC)and the state electrical code can be complex, and classroom instruction can help apprentice electricians to comprehend the nuances of each. Also, oftentimes that formal education can be applied toward a college degree, such as an Associate of Applied Science in Electrical Construction Technology. Technical training is also usually rewarded with higher starting pay and lifelong earnings.
Online vs in-person
You may choose to get electrician training through an online certificate program. Only you know if this type of independent curriculum will work for you. Both Penn Foster and Ashworth College offer online electrician classes.
Online programs are ideal for people looking for entry-level jobs or for entry-level workers who are looking to increase their salaries. If you know your learning style relies on personal instruction, more traditional in-person classes are accessible throughout the state.
Level of difficulty
Electrician training programs are designed to prepare graduates for entry-level positions in commercial, industrial, or residential sectors as an electrical technician. The BLS says technical instruction for apprentices includes electrical theory, blueprint reading, mathematics, electrical code requirements, and safety and first-aid practices. Students may also receive specialized training related to soldering, communications, fire alarm systems, and elevators.
School Comparison: At a Glance
As mentioned above, NCCER has accredited Career and Technical Education electrical curriculum in Maryland high schools. CTE curriculum provides college and career-ready programs for high school students to develop workplace skills. If you know early on that you want to be an electrical professional, you should absolutely take advantage of this pathway, which is typically free to high school students in the school district where they live. Check with your high school for more information.
Maryland’s 16 community colleges offer the classroom instruction required for a MATP approved apprenticeship in electrical in Maryland. They all satisfy the requirements for a USDOL apprenticeship as well. That means your credentials will be acceptable in any state in the country if you happen to move during your career, giving you more job opportunities. This four-year curriculum gives credit for on-the-job and classroom training. Students can choose to take additional classes to complete an associate’s degree.
The Maryland Community College system offers students financial aid in the form of grants and loans and has a 100% acceptance rate. Each Maryland Community College has slightly different tuition and fees, but they average about $4,500 per year. Employers may also pay for your schooling or reimburse you if you earn a minimum grade.
Prince George’s Community College (NCCER curriculum)
Community College of Baltimore County
Electrical apprenticeships coursework for:
Associated Builders & Contractors (ABC), Greater Baltimore
Baltimore Electricians, JATC Local Union #24
Independent Electrical Contractors (IEC)
Construction Pre-Apprenticeship Core Curriculum & Specialties Training
Core 2 months of part-time day training
Specialty 8 months of part-time evening training
Building Trades Technology Electrical Wiring Area of Concentration AAS
Building Trades Technology Certificate
Prince George’s Community College
Electrical and Residential Wiring (NCCER)
Building Trades Associate of Applied Science 2 years
AAS (Associate of Applied Science) in combination with JATC Electrical 26
Electrical Helper, Technician, and Master Electrician
Workforce Training Certificate
Joint Apprenticeship Training Committee (JATC) programs in and around Maryland.
Baltimore Electrical JATC associated with Local Union 24 in Baltimore
Western Maryland JATC associated with Local Union 307 in Cumberland
JATC Electrical Local 26 in Lanham
The Independent Electrical Contractors (IEC) chapter in Maryland is in Laurel.
IEC Chesapeake offers a four-year nonunion electrical apprenticeship with the classroom instruction provided by Howard Community College. It is approved by the Maryland Apprenticeship and Training Program and the Apprenticeship and Training Program Councils in Virginia; Washington, D.C.; West Virginia; and the U.S. Department of Labor. Students who complete this program are eligible to earn between 24–27 college credits toward an Associate of Applied Science degree in Skilled Building Trades.
Associated Builders & Contractors also offer a four-year nonunion apprenticeship that meets all state and federal standards through the three area chapters:
More apprentice options are listed in the apprenticeship section below.
Steps for Enrollment in Maryland
Every college has its own way of doing things, but in general the process begins with applying on the school’s website. Some require an application fee and completion of several documents. Some apprenticeships require that you interview, and you may be placed on a waiting list. In general, the application process has the following steps:
Complete your application.
Pay the application fee (if applicable).
Provide proof of residency to qualify for in-state tuition.
Have sealed official high school transcript or GED scores sent.
Submit placement test scores.
Interview if necessary for apprentice opening.
Obtain an apprentice license through the state.
If you choose to start with an apprenticeship, you will want to contact the JATC, Local Union, or IEC or ABC chapter closest to you. Each organization has a slightly different application process, but the application requirements in general are:
Must be at least 18 years of age.
Must be a high school graduate, senior scheduled to graduate or have earned a GED certificate. Applicants will be required to provide a copy of their diploma or GED certificate and send an official transcript of their grades following submission of the application.
Must have a valid driver’s license.
Have passed high school algebra or an equivalent post-high school algebra class with a “C” or better or pass an aptitude test.
Pass a drug screen and criminal background checks.
Electrician Career Requirements in Maryland
The licensing requirements in Maryland changed effective July 1, 2021. Prior to that date, the state only licensed master electricians, and local jurisdictions licensed apprentices and journeymen. Now the state licenses apprentices, journeymen, and master electricians. Cities and counties can still issue a limited license for low-voltage electricians.
Apprentices must be licensed to begin working for a licensed master electrician and accruing the years of experience required to test for a journeyman license or to complete an apprenticeship. Apprenticeships all require classroom instruction. If you complete a registered apprenticeship, you can apply for a journeyman license without sitting for the statewide examination. If you do not complete a registered apprenticeship, you can apply to take the journeyman exam for licensure after getting four years of experience.
Once you’ve worked for seven years providing electrical services, you will be eligible to test for a master electrician license. You’ll also need continuing education to renew your license. For a detailed explanation of Maryland’s Electrician licensing requirements and how to fulfill them, check out our essential guide to getting your Maryland Electrical License.
Salaries for Electricians in Maryland
Before paying for technical education as an electrician apprentice, you’ll want some idea of the potential return on your investment of time, effort, energy, and money. In other words, what can you expect to make as an electrical professional in Maryland? Payscale.com data provides an answer based on your experience. The median electrician salary in Maryland for 2023 is:
Entry level <2 years: $53,100
Intermediate 2-4 years: $62,900
Senior 4-6 years: $69,600
Supervisor > 7 years: $99,500
For more information about electrician salaries, visit this state-by-state guide.
Industry Apprenticeships
As we said earlier, most electricians get their training through a formal apprenticeship. Most apprenticeships are four- to five-year programs and combine hands-on training with classroom instruction. To meet U.S. Department of Labor standards, you must accumulate 8,000 hours of on-the-job training and 576 hours of classroom instruction over four years. Most also require you to be at least 18 years of age, have a high school diploma or a GED, a valid driver’s license, and have passed high school algebra or an equivalent post-high school algebra class with a “C” or better.
There are many electrical union apprenticeship programs in Maryland, which are offered by local chapters of the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers (IBEW) in coordination with the National Electrical Contractors Association (NECA). Together they make up the Electrical Training Alliance.
Nonunion apprenticeships like those offered by the Associated Builders and Contractors and the Independent Electrical Contractors are similar to the union programs.
These nonunion and union programs culminate in journeyman status as directed by national standards. Apprentices work for member contractors with an opportunity for increased wages each year until reaching journeyman status.
Some companies will hire applicants who have had no previous training and provide the training themselves — creating an in-house apprenticeship. A typical model of that is pairing a new employee with an experienced, licensed electrician for hands-on training and sometimes requiring new hires to attend classes at night at a community college or sometimes taught through the company itself. You can find these opportunities on job boards, and all will typically prepare you for the license exam.
The Maryland Department of Labor Lists the following electrician apprenticeships on its website:
Associated Builders and Contractors
Baltimore Metro Chapter Towson
Counties: Anne Arundel, Baltimore City, Baltimore County, Carroll, Harford, Howard
Program length 8,000 hours Starting wage $15
Metro Washington Chapter Beltsville
Counties: Montgomery, Prince George’s
Program length 8,000 hours Starting wage $13
Cumberland Valley Chapter Hagerstown
Counties: Allegany, Carroll, Frederick, Garrett, Washington
Program length 8,000 hours Starting wage $11.90
Chesapeake Shores Chapter Annapolis
Counties: Calvert, Caroline, Cecil, Charles, Dorchester, Kent, Queen Anne’s, Somerset, Talbot, Wicomico, Worcester
Program length 8,000 hours Starting wage $12.43
County: Cecil
Program length 8,000 hours Starting wage $10
Baltimore Electrical JATC Local Union #24
County: Anne Arundel, Baltimore City, Baltimore County, Caroline, Cecil, Dorchester, Frederick, Harford, Howard, Kent, Queen Anne’s, Somerset, Talbot, Wicomico, Worcester
Program length 8,000 hours Starting wage $14.80
County: Anne Arundel, Baltimore City, Baltimore County, Calvert, Caroline, Carroll, Cecil, Charles, Dorchester, Frederick, Garrett, Harford, Howard, Kent, Montgomery, Prince George’s, Queen Anne’s, Somerset, St. Mary’s, Talbot, Washington, Wicomico, Worcester
Program length 8,000 hours Starting wage $11.38
Cooper Electrical Services
County: Baltimore County, Cecil, Harford, Howard, Kent
Program length 8,000 hours Starting wage $12.50
Electrical of Carroll County
County: Anne Arundel, Baltimore City, Baltimore County, Frederick, Harford, Howard, Montgomery
Program length 8,000 hours Starting wage $11.45
Harford County Electrical Contractors Association
County: Allegany, Anne Arundel, Baltimore City, Baltimore County, Calvert, Caroline, Carroll, Cecil, Charles, Dorchester, Frederick, Garrett, Harford, Howard, Kent, Montgomery, Prince George’s, Queen Anne’s, Somerset, St. Mary’s, Talbot, Washington, Wicomico, Worcester
Program length 8,000 hours Starting wage $11.75
IEC Chesapeake Apprenticeship and Training Inc.
County: Allegany, Anne Arundel, Baltimore City, Baltimore County, Calvert, Caroline, Carroll, Cecil, Charles, Dorchester, Frederick, Garnett, Harford, Howard, Kent, Montgomery, Prince George’s, Queen Anne’s, Somerset, St. Mary’s, Talbot, Washington, Wicomico, Worcester
Program length 8,000 hours Starting wage $12
County: Caroline, Dorchester, Kent, Queen Anne’s, Somerset, Talbot, Wicomico, Worcester
Program length 8,000 hours Starting wage $11
County: Caroline, Dorchester, Queen Anne’s, Talbot
Program length 8,000 hours Starting wage $10.10
Liberty Electric Inc.
County: Cecil
Program length 8,000 hours Starting wage $13.78
County: Anne Arundel, Baltimore County, Caroline, Carroll, Cecil, Dorchester, Frederick, Harford, Howard, Kent, Montgomery, Queen Anne’s, Somerset, Talbot, Wicomico, Worcester
Program length 8,000 hours Starting wage $12
County: Baltimore County, Caroline, Cecil, Dorchester, Harford, Kent, Queen Anne’s, Somerset, Talbot, Wicomico, Worcester
Program length 8,000 hours Starting wage $12
Prince George’s County Public Schools JAC
County: Prince George’s
Program length 8,000 hours Starting wage $15
County: Carroll
Program length 8,000 hours Starting wage $9.45
Tri-County Electrical Services
County: Caroline, Dorchester, Somerset, Talbot, Wicomico, Worcester
Program length 8,000 hours Starting wage $13.20
Washington DC Electricians JATC IBEW Local Union #26
County: Calvert, Charles, Montgomery, Prince George’s, St. Mary’s
Program length 8,000 hours Starting wage $18.29
County: Allegany, Garrett, Washington
Program length 8,000 hours Starting wage $11.04
County: Allegany, Anne Arundel, Baltimore City, Baltimore County, Calvert, Caroline, Carroll, Cecil, Charles, Dorchester, Frederick, Garrett, Harford, Howard, Kent, Montgomery, Prince George’s, Queen Anne’s, Somerset, St. Mary’s, Talbot, Washington, Wicomico, Worcester
Program length 8,000 hours Starting wage $11.25
The state has a website dedicated to registered apprenticeships for job seekers.
Other School Options
We’ve highlighted many Maryland electrician training programs so far, but there are more.
There are programs throughout the state that may be more accessible to you based on where you live. In addition to all those already mentioned, each of the schools below has an electrical technology program.
Lincoln Tech in Columbia
North American Trade School in Baltimore
Potomac Job Corp in Washington, D.C.
Woodland Job Corp in Laurel
Woodstock Job Corp in Woodstock
Maryland has campuses across the state with electrical programs. You can find the training you need to excel as an electrician in Maryland. The opportunities are all around you.
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