Licensing Guides
Massachusetts Electrical License: How to Become an Electrician in Massachusetts
Electrical, MA
Table of Contents
Licensing Requirements for Electrical Contractors in Massachusetts
Benefits of Becoming a Certified Electrician in Massachusetts
What Is the Mean Wage for an Electrical Technician in Massachusetts?
How Much Does It Cost to Get an Electrician License in Massachusetts?
How Long Does It Take to Get an Electrician Contractors License in Massachusetts?
How Can I Prepare for the Electrician License Exam in Massachusetts?
Does My Massachusetts Electrician License Work in Any Other State?
What Are the Reciprocity Requirements for an Electrician License in Massachusetts?
How Can Someone Verify My Electrician License in Massachusetts?
When Can an Electrician License Be Suspended in Massachusetts?
What Are the Penalties for Unlicensed Electrical Work in Massachusetts?
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 Massachusetts.
Everyone needs an electrician at some point. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics reports that there are 818,700 electricians nationwide and 16,570 in Massachusetts.
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 Massachusetts is projected at 11%, 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 Massachusetts in July 2025 totaled 170,500, an increase of 400 (0.2%) from July 2024 and an increase of 4,200 or 3% 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 Massachusetts
Is a state license required to be an electrician in Massachusetts? Yes.
Electrical licenses are issued by the Massachusetts Board of State Examiners of Electricians.
Massachusetts requires electrical trainees to file an apprenticeship agreement with the Massachusetts Division of Apprenticeship Standards. Applicants must pay a $35 fee and submit a passport-sized photo to complete the process. The registration card must be carried with you whenever you're on a job site.
Steps to Get an Electrical License in Massachusetts
There are different requirements for each level of licensure in the electrical field in Massachusetts. However, at every level, a license is required by law. For each you must:
Be at least 18 years old.
Have a high school diploma or GED.
Acquire work experience.
Pass a state-administered examination.
Pay all applicable fees.
All applications require a Criminal Offender Record Information (CORI) check
Apply for your license through the Massachusetts Board of State Examiners of Electricians.
How to Become an Electrician in Massachusetts
To become a licensed electrician in Massachusetts, you must:
Be at least 18 years of age.
Meet the experience and education requirements.
Pass the required exam.
Pay all applicable fees.
Below are the specifics for each license.
JOURNEYMAN ELECTRICIAN
Work experience: Must complete 8,000 hours of electrical trade work experience, plus 600 hours of approved coursework.
Pass Licensing Exam: Administered through PSI Exams.
Apply for license: License application includes questions about work experience, educational record, and criminal history.
Pay Fee: $226 (includes application fee and exam fee).
Limitations: May perform electrical work under the supervision of a master electrician. Cannot pull permits or work independently.
MASTER ELECTRICIAN
Work experience: Must have a Massachusetts Journeyman license, at least one year of work experience, and 150 hours of Board-approved education.
Pass Licensing Exam: Administered through PSI Exams.
Apply for license: License application includes questions about work experience, educational record, and criminal history.
Pay Fee: $276 (includes application fee and exam fee).
Limitations: Can work independently, supervise other electricians, and pull permits. Licensed to perform all types of electrical work.
SYSTEMS TECHNICIAN
Work experience: Must have 4,000 hours of on-the-job training over at least two years under a licensed Massachusetts Systems Technician or Journeyman Electrician and 300 hours of Board-approved education.
Pass Licensing Exam: Administered through PSI Exams.
Apply for license: License application includes questions about work experience, educational record, and criminal history.
Pay Fee: $226 (includes license fee and exam fee).
Limitations: May install, maintain, and repair low-voltage systems under the supervision of a licensed Systems Contractor. Cannot work independently or pull permits.
SYSTEMS CONTRACTOR
Work experience: Must have a Massachusetts Systems Technician license, at least one year of work experience, and 75 hours of Board-approved education.
Pass Licensing Exam: Administered through PSI Exams.
Apply for license: License application includes questions about work experience, educational record, and criminal history.
Pay Fee: $276 (includes application fee and exam fee).
Limitations: Licensed to contract for and supervise the installation of low-voltage systems including fire alarms, security systems, and data/communications systems. Cannot perform standard electrical work outside of systems work.
Types of Electrical Licenses in Massachusetts
What are the different types of electrician licenses in Massachusetts?
There are four electrical licenses available in Massachusetts.
Journeyman Electrician
Authorized to install, maintain, or repair wires, conduits, and other electrical items commonly utilized for heat, security systems, fire warnings, or as light sources. A Journeyman Electrician license is also known as a Class B license.
Master Electrician
Authorized to work independently or own a business and hire other licensed electricians to install, maintain, or repair wires, conduits, and other electrical items commonly utilized for heat, security systems, fire warnings, or as light sources. A Master Electrician license is also known as a Class A license.
Systems Technician
Installs and maintains electrical systems in homes and businesses, such as security alarm systems and fire warning devices. A Systems Technician license is also known as a Class D license.
Systems Contractor
Designs and supervises the installation of electrical systems in homes and businesses, such as security alarms and fire alarms. A Systems Contractor license is also known as a Class C license.
Benefits of Becoming a Certified Electrician in Massachusetts
There are many benefits to getting your electrical license in Massachusetts.
First and most important, it is required by law in Massachusetts 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 Massachusetts?
The annual mean wage for electricians in Massachusetts is $82,140 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 Massachusetts those salary projections are:
Entry (<2 years): $64,300
Intermediate (2-4 years): $75,500
Senior (4-7 years): $81,300
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 Massachusetts?
The cost for application fees and exam fees are tied together in Massachusetts. It costs $276 for a Systems Contractor or Master Contractor license. A Journeyman or Systems Technician license costs $226.
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How Long Does it Take to Get an Electrician Contractors License in Massachusetts?
You can earn a Journeyman Electrician license in Massachusetts in about four years, which includes 8,000 hours of work experience, as well as 600 hours of approved classroom instruction.
Becoming a master electrician in Massachusetts requires at least one year of experience as a licensed Journeyman, as well as an additional 150 hours of specific course study.
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.
Massachusetts Electrician Training Programs and Schools
There are many programs to get the training you need to become an electrician in Massachusetts.
You can complete an apprenticeship program recognized by the Bureau of Apprenticeship and Training of the United States Department of Labor. The Massachusetts Department of Career Services maintains a list of available electrical apprenticeships.
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 approved by the Massachusetts Board of State Examiners of Electricians and deemed equivalent to the Department of Labor apprenticeship requirements.
Each option will provide the necessary 600 hours of classroom instruction. The apprenticeship programs also include 8,000 hours of required work experience.
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:
Tuition: The cost of tuition depends on the program you choose. Some apprenticeships are paid 100% by the employer with required good grades. According to Community College Review, the average tuition at community colleges is approximately $4,424 per year for in-state students and $9,401 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 Massachusetts, check out our post — Electrician Schools in Massachusetts: The Ultimate Guide.
Massachusetts Electrician Licensing Exam Details
Massachusetts requires an examination for each level of licensing. There are State of Massachusetts testing sponsorship requirements to apply to sit for each exam.
Journeyman candidates must complete 8,000 hours of electrical trade work experience, plus 600 hours of approved coursework.
Master candidates must have a Massachusetts Journeyman license, at least one year of work experience, and 150 hours of Board-approved education.
Systems Technicians must have 4,000 hours of work over at least two years under a licensed Massachusetts Systems Technician or Journeyman Electrician and 300 hours of Board-approved education.
Systems Contractors must have a Massachusetts Systems Technician license, at least one year of work experience, and 75 hours of Board-approved education.
PSI administers electrician licensing exams in Massachusetts, with candidate information bulletins and reference materials available. Testing locations include: Auburn, Boston, Fall River, Lawrence, and Springfield.
The journeyman exam contains two parts, which may be taken on the same day. Part I of the exam contains 80 questions you must answer within three hours. Part II of the journeyman exam includes 30 questions you must answer within one hour.
Part I of the master electrician exam contains 80 questions you must answer within four hours. Part II of the master electrician and Systems Contractor exam contains 50 questions you must answer within two hours.
The Systems Contractor Part I exam has 70 questions that must be finished in three hours. The Systems Technician Part I exam consists of 60 questions that must be completed in two hours, while Part II includes 30 questions that must be completed in an hour.
How Can I Prepare for the Electrician License Exam in Massachusetts?
At each level you must complete a certain amount of training before being permitted to sit for the exam.
Your apprenticeship classes will help prepare you for the examination. You will want to study the National Electrical Code (NEC) as well as Massachusetts Electrical Code. Exam topics include electrical troubleshooting, electrical theory, project management, wiring methods, overcurrent protection, circuit calculations (Ohm’s Law), and transformers.
Who Issues Electrician Licenses in Massachusetts?
The Massachusetts Board of State Examiners of Electricians issues licenses.
Does My Massachusetts Electrician License Work in Any Other State?
Yes. Massachusetts offers a reciprocity agreement with New Hampshire for both journeyman and master electrician licenses.
What Are the Reciprocity Requirements for an Electrician License in Massachusetts?
Although Massachusetts has reciprocity with New Hampshire, out-of-state applicants still have to pass the licensing exam to operate in Massachusetts.
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 Massachusetts?
Yes, there are electrical scholarships in Massachusetts.
IBEW Local 223 offers scholarships to members’ children.
Nantucket Community School, in partnership with Upper Cape Cod Tech, offers multiple scholarships.
NorthEast Electrical offers scholarships and tool grants.
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 Massachusetts?
You can verify a Massachusetts State electrician license through the online eLicensing portal. Users can search by individual name, business name, or license number.
When Can an Electrician License Be Suspended in Massachusetts?
A suspended electrical license means that the license holder is temporarily prohibited from practicing their trade legally. Some of the common reasons that Massachusetts 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 drugs
Client fraud
Code violations
Electrical permit abuse
Note: The information above should not be considered legal advice. For detailed and specific information about Massachusetts electrician license regulations, you can refer to the official Code of Massachusetts Regulations.
What Are the Penalties for Unlicensed Electrician Work in Massachusetts?
Performing electrical work in Massachusetts without a license may be punishable by fines up to $5,000 and up to two years in jail. Additionally, local municipalities may impose stop-work orders or require corrective work in the event of unlicensed work.
Note: The information above should not be considered legal advice. For detailed and specific information about Massachusetts electrician license regulations, you can refer to the official Code of Massachusetts Regulations.
Continuing Education
Journeyman and Technician license renewals require a 15 hours of continuing education on code updates and amendments by an approved education provider.
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.
