Licensing Guides
Louisiana Electrical License: How to Become an Electrician in Louisiana
Electrical, LA
Table of Contents
Licensing Requirements for Electrical Contractors in Louisiana
What Is the Mean Wage for an Electrical Technician in Louisiana?
How Much Does It Cost to Get an Electrician License in Louisiana?
How Long Does It Take to Get an Electrician Contractors License in Louisiana?
How Can I Prepare for the Electrician License Exam in Louisiana?
Does My Louisiana Electrician License Work in Any Other State?
What Are the Reciprocity Requirements for an Electrician License in Louisiana?
What Are the Penalties for Unlicensed Electrical Work in Louisiana?
Working with electricity is a dangerous and demanding job, but with the right education and training you can learn how to do it right and become an electrical professional in Louisiana.
Everyone needs an electrician at some point. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics reports that there are 818,700 electricians nationwide and 10,810 in Louisiana.
The national number is predicted to grow 10% from 2024 to 2034, adding more than 80,000 to the ranks of this important workforce. That growth rate in Louisiana is projected at 12%, according to CareerOneStop, the U.S. Department of Labor’s job search website.
Contractors struggle to find skilled tradesmen like plumbers, electricians, and HVACR or mechanical professionals, while the demand for them continues to grow. According to the Associated General Contractors of America, “Construction employment in Louisiana in July 2025 totaled 137,400, a decrease of 3,400 (-2.4%) from July 2024 and an increase of 100 or 0.1% from February 2020.” So, if you get the training you need, you should have a variety of jobs to choose from.
Licensing Requirements for Electrical Contractors in Louisiana
Is a license required for electricians in Louisiana? Yes.
Electrician licenses for Journeyman and Master Electricians are issued by local municipalities or parishes. An Electrical Contractor's license is issued at a statewide level through the Louisiana State Licensing Board for Contractors (LSLBC), located in Baton Rouge.
Steps to Get an Electrical License in Louisiana
Licensing requirements vary by parish. In most cases, they include:
Be at least 18 years old.
Have a high school diploma or GED.
Become an electrical trainee and gain hands-on work experience.
Pass the Statewide Electrician exam.
Gain additional work experience.
Earn a Master Electrician license.
Become a licensed Electrical Contractor.
Pass the Business and Law exam (for contractors only)
Contractors also need to obtain general liability insurance and provide a financial statement.
How to Become an Electrician in Louisiana
According to the state website, to become a licensed electrician in Louisiana, you must:
Be at least 18 years of age.
Meet the educational/experience requirements
Pass the licensing exam for your specific license type.
Pay all applicable fees.
Obtain insurance coverage.
Below are the specifics for each license in New Orleans.
Work Experience: In New Orleans, you must gain experience through a union-based apprenticeship program, enrollment at a technical school, or as a direct-hire trainee.
Apply for license: All trainees must register as a trainee with the City of New Orleans.
Pay Fee: $30 registration fee.
Limitations: Must work under the supervision of a licensed contractor.
JOURNEYMAN ELECTRICIAN LICENSE/MAINTENANCE ELECTRICIAN LICENSE
Work experience: Must obtain five years of experience as an electrician trainee.
Pass Licensing Exam: Must pass the Statewide Electrician exam administered by the PSI.
Apply for license: License application includes questions about work experience and educational record.
Pay Fee: $60 license fee.
Limitations: Both license holders must work under the supervision of an Electrical Contractor. Journeymen can work on more complex projects, including new installations. Maintenance Electricians can only work on existing systems. While the requirements are the same, Journeymen can move on to the Master or Contractor level, while Maintenance Electricians cannot.
Work experience: Must obtain five years of experience as a Journeyman electrician.
Pass Licensing Must pass the Statewide Electrician exam administered by the PSI.
Apply for license: License application includes questions about work experience and educational record.
Pay Fee: $125 license fee.
Limitations: A Master Electrician license also serves as an electrical contractor license, and makes you eligible to become an independent electrical contractor. You must maintain a physical business location for inspection purposes, hold general liability insurance up to $500,000, maintain workers' compensation insurance, and carry a valid driver’s license.
ELECTRICAL CONTRACTOR - STATE ISSUED
Louisiana offers two types of Electrical Contractor licenses—Residential and Commercial. Obtaining a Commercial Contractor license means you can work on commercial projects valued at more than $10,000. A Residential Contractor license means you can work on residential jobs valued at more than $7,500.
Residential Contractors in Louisiana must maintain $100,000 of general liability insurance. Residential and Commercial licenses require applicants to provide financial statements proving at least a $10,000 net worth. Contractors must also designate a qualifying party for documentation purposes and must pass the Business and Law exam.
Types of Electrical Licenses in Louisiana
The state of Louisiana issues electrician licenses at the local level, except for contractor licenses that are required for residential or commercial work valued over a specific threshold.
New Orleans issues four types of electrician licenses.
Trainee
Works under the supervision of a licensed Electrical Contractor to learn the necessary skills to become a Journeyman or Maintenance Electrician.
Journeyman
Works under the supervision of an Electrical Contractor to install, maintain, or repair electrical systems, usually within residential properties.
Maintenance Electrician
Works solely on existing electrical systems. This license is valid only in a maintenance capacity when the electrician is employed by a business.
Master Electrician
Master electricians can install, maintain, and repair electrical systems up to 49 volts. In some Louisiana parishes, Master Electricians are the equivalent of Electrical Contractors.
Electrical Contractor
Contractors can own and operate their own businesses and hire other licensed electricians to work for them. Electrical Contractors have project management experience and have passed the Louisiana Business and Law exam and Statewide Electrician exam. Residential Contractors work on commercial projects valued at more than $7,500. Commercial Contractors work on commercial projects valued at more than $10,000.
Benefits of Becoming a Certified Electrician in Louisiana
There are many benefits to getting your electrical license in Louisiana.
First and most important, it is required by law in Louisiana to be licensed through the state to legally perform any electrical work.
A trade license is proof of your experience and skill.
You begin earning money from the very first day you begin the process of becoming an electrician.
It protects your company and customers.
It gives you a competitive advantage in the job market.
As you build on your expertise your earning potential increases and you have more authority to pull building permits and bid on projects.
What Is the Mean Wage for an Electrical Technician in Louisiana?
The annual mean wage for electricians in Louisiana is $59,530 per year, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor and Statistics. That salary can increase as you acquire more experience. An electrician salary database, shared with ServiceTitan by Payscale.com, projects the median electrician salary will increase nationally in 2025 by 3.59% for entry-level workers, 3.24% for intermediate level, and 3.15% for senior level electricians. In Louisiana those salary projections are:
Entry (<2 years): $58,400
Intermediate (2-4 years): $68,600
Senior (4-7 years): $73,900
Salaries can vary widely depending on the city where you work and other factors like education, certifications, additional skills, and the number of years you have spent in your profession. If you choose to start an electrical business, this blog can give you an idea of how to improve your profit margins.
What Business Owners Need to Know
Getting the most out of an electrical technician, no matter where they are in their licensing journey, takes work. ServiceTitan’s cloud-based, all-in-one electrician software gives technicians and business owners the technology they need to do the work efficiently, and the data they need to do it smartly.
SMS communications that keep customers informed about the technician’s visit.
Location-specific service history, including recorded calls, accessible from the mobile app.
Required forms that ensure every job is done right, driving consistency.
The ability to build multi-option proposals with photos, on-site, in minutes.
Sales presentations that make conversations with customers easier and drive average tickets.
Mobile payment acceptance, eliminating lost checks and increasing cash flow.
To learn more, schedule a demo with a product expert today.
How Much Does It Cost to Get an Electrician License in Louisiana?
The cost of a license varies in Louisiana depending on the parish. The following fees apply for New Orleans:
Trainee license: $30 license fee.
Journeyman license: $60 license fee.
Maintenance license: $60 license fee.
Master license: $125 license fee
Testing fee: $140 Statewide Electrician exam fee.
The #1 newsletter for the trades.
How Long Does it Take to Get an Electrician Contractors License in Louisiana?
It will take a minimum of 5 years to complete a registered apprenticeship and then become licensed at the journey level in many Louisiana parishes. It usually takes an additional two years to meet the eligibility requirements to test for a license at the master level, depending on the parish. If you choose to become a contractor, the application process will take additional time.
The great news is that as an apprentice you begin earning a wage from the very beginning and that compensation goes up each year as you acquire more training and knowledge until you are fully licensed at the journeyperson level. Then it goes up again when you acquire your master license.
As a licensed contractor you can start your own electrical business, be your own boss and grow your business as much as you want. And we have a tool to help you.
Louisiana Electrician Training Programs and Schools
There are many programs to get the training you need to become an electrician in Louisiana.
You can complete an apprenticeship program recognized by the Bureau of Apprenticeship and Training of the United States Department of Labor.
You can seek out a union apprenticeship available through local Joint Apprenticeship & Training Committees. JATCs have been established through the combined efforts of the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers (IBEW) and the National Electrical Contractors Association (NECA), who have come together to form the National Training Alliance.
Or you can complete a technical school program deemed equivalent to the Department of Labor apprenticeship requirements.
There are a number of community colleges that offer approved programs that lead to an Associate of Applied Science in Electrical Technology or similar degrees. A few are:
Louisiana State University and Louisiana Technical University both offer a four-year bachelor’s degree in electrical engineering.
Tuition: The cost of tuition depends on the program you choose. According to Community College Review, the average tuition in Louisiana is approximately $2,971 per year for in-state students and $6,004 for out-of-state students.
Program Prerequisites: You must be at least 18 years old and have a high school diploma or a GED.
On-the-Job Experience: While on the job you will need to have good customer service skills, be detail-oriented, have mechanical capability, and be physically fit because the job can include some heavy lifting and hours of walking, standing and working in tight spaces.
For more detailed information about electrical school options in Louisiana, check out our post — Electrician Schools in Louisiana: The Ultimate Guide.
Louisiana Electrician Licensing Exam Details
Louisiana requires an examination for each level of licensing. Non-contracting electricians must pass a Statewide Electrician exam, administered by PSI. Until August of 2025, exams were administered by the LSLBC. Electrical contractors must also pass a Business and Law exam.
Journeyman exam candidates must:
Obtain five years of experience via an apprenticeship or by working for an electrical contractor.
Master exam candidates must:
Work for an additional five years as a licensed Journeyman Electrician.
A 70% is required to pass the state exam. The exam fee is $140. Topics on the examinations include general electrical knowledge, wiring and protection, wiring methods and materials, equipment for general use, special occupancies, special equipment, special conditions, troubleshooting, electrical theory, and communication systems. For more information, check out the PSI Candidate Bulletin.
How Can I Prepare for the Electrician License Exam in Louisiana?
The Statewide Electrician exam in Louisiana is open book and administered by PSI. The exam is required for all levels of licensure. Contractors must also pass a Business and Law exam.
Suggested reference materials for the Statewide exam include:
Code of Federal Regulations - 29 CFR Part 1926 (OSHA)
NFPA 70 - National Electrical Code, 2023 Edition
Ugly's Electrical References, 2011, 2014, or 2017 Editions
The Statewide Electrician exam includes 100 questions, and you have 240 minutes to score at least 70%. Exam topics include:
General Knowledge
GeneralElectrical Knowledge
Electrical Installation Requirements
Services, Feeders, and Branch Circuits
Overcurrent Protection
Grounding and Bonding
Conductors and Cables
Raceways and Boxes
Special Occupancies and Equipment (Including Swimming Pools)
Low Voltage, Alarms, Signaling Systems, and Communications
Lighting and Signs
Safety
Motors and Transformers
For more information on exam details, visit the official Candidate Bulletin.
The Louisiana Business and Law and Trade Exam must be completed within four hours. The open-book test allows applicants to use the NASCLA Contractor’s Guide to Business, Law and Project Management.
The test covers topics including:
Contractor’s Licensing Law
Bidding and Estimating
Contract Management
Financial Management
Jobsite Safety
Tax Basics
Who Issues Electrician Licenses in Louisiana?
State-issued electrical contracting licenses are issued by the Louisiana State Licensing Board for Contractors. Journeyman and Master licenses are issued at the local level. In New Orleans, these licenses are issued by the City of New Orleans.
Does My Louisiana Electrician License Work in Any Other State?
Yes, Louisiana has reciprocal agreements for electrical contractors with several other states. These agreements allow you to obtain licensure without taking an exam. See below for more information.
What Are the Reciprocity Requirements for an Electrician License in Louisiana?
Louisiana has reciprocity agreements with Alabama, Arkansas, Georgia, Kentucky, Mississippi, North Carolina, Ohio, South Carolina, Tennessee, Texas, Utah, and Virginia. Use the Reciprocity Request Form to apply.
National Electrician Certifications
Other certifications can help you demonstrate your proficiency to potential employers and clients. The main national electrical certifications are:
Independent Electrical Contractors certification
National Fire Protection Association certification
Professional certifications are not required but can add to your marketability as a service provider and therefore increase your opportunity to make more money.
Are There Electrician Scholarships in Louisiana?
Yes, there are electrical scholarships in Louisiana. Options include:
The Electrical Association of New Orleans offers multiple scholarships for students pursuing education in the electrical field in partnership with Delgado Community College.
The Louisiana Department of Education offers several $1,000 scholarships for students pursuing construction and electrical trades.
The M.J. Foster Promise Program offers financial assistance for students pursuing electrician certificates or associate degrees at Louisiana public colleges.
The Louisiana Office of Student Financial Assistance (LOSFA) administers multiple grants and scholarships to help cover tuition in trade programs.
There are several scholarships offered through trade organizations in Louisiana as well. The International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers (IBEW) in Louisiana offers several scholarships, including the IBEW Founders' Scholarship and other scholarships for members and their dependents via local chapters, including IBEW Local 995 in Baton Rouge and IBEW Local 446 in Monroe.
Every scholarship has slightly different requirements and application processes, but in general you will need to:
Visit the organization's website.
Fill out an application.
Include a letter or letters of recommendation.
Wait for scholarships to be awarded.
How Can Someone Verify My Electrician License in Louisiana?
The Louisiana State Licensing Board for Contractors maintains a statewide database where you can search for contractor licenses by name, business name, and license number. To verify a Journeyman or Master licensee, check the licensing agency in the parish where they work.
When Can an Electrician License Be Suspended in Louisiana?
A suspended electrical license means that the license holder is temporarily prohibited from practicing their trade legally. Some of the common reasons that Louisiana electrician licenses can be suspended are:
Fraud in obtaining a license
Professional incompetence
Misleading or deceptive practices
Unethical conduct or practice harmful to the public
Habitual intoxication or addiction to the use of drugs
Client fraud
Code violations
Electrical permit abuse
Note: The information above should not be considered legal advice. For detailed and specific information, check out the State of Louisiana Contractors Licensing Law and Rules and Regulations.
What Are the Penalties for Unlicensed Electrician Work in Louisiana?
Under Louisiana law, engaging in contracting work without an active license is a misdemeanor offense. That includes electrical contracting if the work legally requires a license.
Penalties for unlicensed work can include fines up to $500 for every day the unlicensed work continues, or up to three months in jail.
Note: The information above should not be considered legal advice. For detailed and specific information, check out the State of Louisiana Contractors Licensing Law and Rules and Regulations.
Continuing Education
In many parishes, Journeyman and Master electricians are not required to complete continuing education to renew their licenses. If you have a state-issued Contractor license, you are required to complete six hours of continuing education every renewal period.
Resources
You can stay up to date on all electrician industry news in several ways:
Check top electrician blogs, including ServiceTitan’s blog.
Read about the latest industry trends, and discover ideas on how to grow your electrical business.
Listen to top electrician podcasts like ServiceTitan’s “Toolbox for the Trades” podcast.
ServiceTitan is a comprehensive electrician business software solution built specifically to help service companies streamline their operations, boost revenue, and achieve growth. Our award-winning, cloud-based platform is trusted by more than 100,000 contractors across the country.
Ready to learn more about what ServiceTitan can do for your business? Contact our team to schedule a demo today.
