Licensing Guides
New York Electrical License: How to Become an Electrician in New York
Electrical, NY
May 18th, 2026
Joanne Bratton
Table of Contents
Licensing Requirements for Electrical Contractors in New York
What Is the Mean Wage for an Electrical Technician in New York
How Much Does It Cost to Get an Electrician License in New York?
How Long Does It Take to Get an Electrician Contractors License in New York?
How Can I Prepare for the Electrician License Exam in New York?
Does My New York Electrician License Work in Any Other State?
What Are the Reciprocity Requirements for an Electrician License in New York?
What Are the Penalties for Unlicensed Electrical Work in New York?
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 New York.
Everyone needs an electrician at some point. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics reports that there are 818,700 electricians nationwide and 40,130 in New York.
The national number is predicted to grow 10% from 2024 to 2034. adding more than 80,000 to the ranks of this important workforce. In New York, that growth rate is expected to be at 5%, according to CareerOneStop, the U.S. Department of Labor’s job search website.
Contractors struggle to find skilled tradesmen like plumbers, electricians, and HVAC or mechanical professionals, while the demand for them continues to grow. According to the Associated General Contractors of America, construction employment in New York in July 2025 totaled 382,800, a decrease of 6,300 (-1.6%) from July 2024 and a decrease of 26,800 (-7%) from February 2020. If you get the training you need, you should have a variety of jobs to choose from.
Licensing Requirements for Electrical Contractors in New York
Is a license required for electricians in New York? Yes. However, licensing requirements vary based on the locality. We’ll cover the requirements of the two most populous cities, New York City and Buffalo.
In New York City, the Department of Buildings (NYC DOB) issues licenses for master electricians and special electricians. In the City of Buffalo, the Electrical Department within the Department of Permit and Inspections issues journeyman electrician and master electrician licenses.
Steps to Get an Electrical License in New York
In New York, the licensing process for electricians varies based on the local jurisdiction. To obtain an electrical license in New York City, follow these steps:
Be at least 21 years old.
Have at least seven and a half years of experience with a minimum of 10,500 hours of electrical work experience.
Pass a written and practical electrical exam.
Meet all business requirements.
Pay all applicable fees.
How to Become an Electrician in New York
To recap, many local jurisdictions in New York require a master or journeyman electrician license. To become an electrician in New York City you must:
Be at least 21 years old.
Meet the experience and/or educational requirements.
Pass a written and practical electrical exam.
Apply for the license.
Pay all applicable fees.
Below are the specifics for each license.
New York City
MASTER ELECTRICIAN OR SPECIAL ELECTRICIAN LICENSE
Work experience: Have at least seven and a half years of experience as a Journeyman Electrician, with a minimum of 10,500 hours of experience in the installation, alteration, and repair of wiring and appliances for electric light, heat, and power in or on buildings. The DOB provides credit for some educational courses or degrees, listed in full on the electrician license page.
Other work experience may include:
A graduate of a vocational, industrial, trade school, or apprenticeship program registered with the New York State Department of Labor, with five and a half years of experience with a minimum of 7,700 hours of electrical work experience.
A Bachelor of Science in electrical engineering, three and a half years of experience, with a minimum of 4,900 hours of electrical work experience.
A Master of Science in electrical engineering, two and a half years of experience, with a minimum of 3,500 hours of electrical work experience.
Apply for exam: Submit an application to the DOB for a written exam and a practical exam. Pay the $525 written exam fee and the $350 practical exam fee.
Pass exam: Schedule, take, and pass exams.
Apply for license: Applicants apply through the DOB Now online portal. The DOB lists the process step by step and lists all of the required forms on its electrician license page. This includes but is not limited to:
Exam scores
Notarized background investigation questionnaire
Experience verification and job verification forms
Proof of passing a physical fitness exam
Proof of identification and residence
Most recent pay stub or W-2
Pay fees: Pay the $500 background fee and the $360 license fee for the three-year license.
Business requirements: Electrical business owners must submit additional documentation, listed on the DOB electrician license page. The DOB provides detailed information about insurance on the city’s licensing insurance guideline page.
Electrician business requirements include:
Business registration, which varies based on business structure
Business address verification and proof of location
Proof of general liability insurance coverage of $1 million per occurrence
Proof of workers’ compensation insurance coverage
Proof of disability insurance
Increased authority: A master electrician’s license allows the licensee to own an electrical business.
Buffalo
JOURNEYMAN ELECTRICIAN LICENSE
Work experience: Have five years of experience working under a licensed Master Electrician.
Pass exam: Pass an International Code Council Journeyman Electrician exam. Alternatively, applicants may pass an exam administered by the City of Buffalo. The city’s exam fee is $21.
Apply for license: Submit a journeyman electrician license application to the electrical department within the City of Buffalo Department of Permits and Inspections.
Pay fees: Pay the $126 license fee for the two-year license.
Note: City law states electrical apprentices should register with the city within 60 days of beginning an apprenticeship.
MASTER ELECTRICIAN LICENSE
Work experience: Have completed a four-year (8,000 hour) electrical apprenticeship and worked an additional seven years (14,000 hours) as a Journeyman Electrician.
Pass exam: Pass the ICC G-16 master electrician exam.
Apply for license: Submit a Master Electrician license application to the electrical department. Pay the $100 application fee.
Proof of insurance: Provide proof of general liability insurance and workers’ compensation insurance coverage.
Pay fees: Pay the $420 license fee for the two-year license.
Increased authority: A Master Electrician license allows the licensee to own an electrical business.
Types of Electrical Licenses in New York
What are the different types of electrician licenses in New York? Electrical licenses are issued at the local level, so types of licenses vary based on the jurisdiction. New York City and the City of Buffalo each have two types of electrician licenses.
New York City
Master Electrician License
A licensed Master Electrician is a sole proprietorship, partnership, or corporation authorized by the commissioner to work as an independent contractor and perform electrical work in or on any building, premises, or lot in New York City.
Special Electrician License
A licensed Special Electrician is an employee of an individual, partnership, or corporation owning, leasing, or managing a building or part of a building who has obtained written authorization from the commissioner to perform electrical work on specific buildings or lots that are owned, leased, or managed by the individual, corporation, or partnership.
Buffalo
Journeyman Electrician License
A Journeyman Electrician has completed an apprenticeship and performs electrical work under the supervision of a firm or individual licensed as a Master Electrician.
Master Electrician License
A Master Electrician is a person, co-partnerships, association, or corporation in the business of electrical contracting or who constructs, installs, erects, alters, or repairs electric wires or conductors for the transmission of electric current.
Benefits of Becoming a Certified Electrician in New York
There are many benefits to obtaining a New York electrical license.
First and most importantly, most cities and counties in New York require electricians and electrical contractors to obtain a license to legally perform any electrical work.
A trade license is proof of your experience and skill.
You begin earning money from the start as an electrical apprentice.
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 New York?
The annual mean wage for electricians in New York is $84,860 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 New York those salary projections are:
Entry (<2 years): $63,700
Intermediate (2-4 years): $74,800
Senior (4-7 years): $80,600
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 New York?
The cost of an electrical license in New York varies depending on the type of license and the local jurisdiction. These are the costs for licenses in New York City and Buffalo.
NYC master electrician and special electrician license: $500 background fee and $360 license fee for the three-year license. Exam fees are $525 for the written exam and $350 for the practical exam.
Buffalo journeyman electrician license: $126 license fee for a two-year license
Buffalo master electrician license: $420 license fee for a two-year license
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How Long Does it Take to Get an Electrician Contractors License in New York?
The minimum amount of time it takes to get an electrical license depends on the licensing regulations of the local jurisdiction.
To become a licensed master or special electrician in New York City, it takes at least seven and a half years of experience as a journeyman electrician, with a minimum of 10,500 hours of experience in the installation, alteration, and repair of wiring and appliances. In Buffalo, it takes at least five years of experience to obtain a journeyman electrician license.
The great news is that as an apprentice, you begin earning a wage from the very beginning. Compensation increases each year as you acquire more training and knowledge, until you obtain a local journeyman electrician license, and again when you obtain a master electrician 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.
New York Electrician Training Programs and Schools
There are many programs to get the training you need to become an electrician in the state of New York. Since electrical licenses are issued at the local level, each city or county sets their own licensing requirements.
The New York State Department of Labor lists approved apprenticeship programs throughout the state. In addition, there are a number of programs offering an electrical apprenticeship. These include:
IBEW Local 86 in Rochester
IBEW Local 139 in Elmira
IBEW Local 236 in Albany
IBEW Local 1249 in Syracuse
A number of colleges in New York offer electrical programs, an Associate of Occupational Studies, or an Associate of Applied Science in the electrical field:
Apex Technical School in Long Island City
SUNY Delhi in Delhi
SUNY Canton in Canton
SUNY Clinton in Plattsburgh
Schools offering a Bachelor of Science in Electrical Engineering include:
New York Institute of Technology in Long Island and New York City
New York University Tandon School of Engineering in Brooklyn
Tuition: Tuition cost depends on the program you choose. Some apprenticeships are fully paid by your employer with required good grades. A New York state resident can expect to pay about $5,902 per year in tuition at a community college.
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 use good customer service skills, possess mechanical capability, pay attention to detail, and be physically fit. The job typically includes hours of walking, standing, and working in tight spaces, and includes some heavy lifting.
For more detailed information about electrical school options in New York, check out our post — Electrician Schools in New York: The Ultimate Guide.
New York Electrician Licensing Exam Details
Licensing exam requirements vary based on the city or county where you seek licensing.
In New York City, master and special electricians must pass a written exam and a practical exam. Once your exam application is accepted, the exam administrator sends applicants the information about scheduling the exam. The written exam costs $525, and the practical exam costs $350.
The DOB contracts with CPS HR Consulting to administer the exam. CPS HR provides a candidate information bulletin with exam information. The master and special electrician written exam consists of 80 questions and has a three-hour time limit. The exam is closed book. A passing score is 70% or higher. Topics include branch circuits, feeders, grounding and bonding, overcurrent protection, and wiring methods, materials, and equipment.
Once you pass the written exam, you may schedule the two-part practical exam. The exam is closed book. A passing score is at least 71% on the first part and 70% or higher on the second part. Topics include plan reading, wire or conduit bending, lights, starter, meter, and motors.
In Buffalo, journeyman and master electricians must pass an exam. Journeyman electrician applicants may take the ICC exam or an exam administered by the city. Master electrician applicants must pass the ICC G-16 master electrician exam.
How Can I Prepare for the Electrician License Exam in New York?
Whether you need to pass an electrician exam depends on the license and the regulations of the city or county. Those who complete an apprenticeship will receive the work experience, training, and knowledge necessary to take a licensing exam.
In New York City, the master and special electrician exams are closed book. References for the exams include the NFPA 70 National Electrical Code (NEC) 2008 by the National Fire Protection Association, the New York City Electrical Code, 2011, and the Rules of the City of New York.
Who Issues Electrician Licenses in New York?
In New York, electrical licenses are issued at the local level. Each city or county sets its licensing regulations for electricians.
In New York City, the NYC Department of Buildings issues master and special electrician licenses. The DOB has office locations in each of the five boroughs. The main phone number is (212) 566-5000, and the department provides an online help form.
In the City of Buffalo, the Electrical Department within the Department of Permit and Inspection Services issues licenses, and is located at 65 Niagara Square, Room 312, Buffalo, NY 14202. The phone number is (716) 851-4600.
Does My New York Electrician License Work in Any Other State?
No. In New York, licenses are issued at the local level, so it does not have reciprocity agreements for electrical licenses with other states.
What Are the Reciprocity Requirements for an Electrician License in New York?
New York does not issue statewide electrical licenses, so it does not have reciprocity agreements with other states. If you hold an electrical license in another state and seek an electrician license in a local jurisdiction in New York, you’ll need to complete the licensing process in the locality where you plan to work.
If you hold a license in another local jurisdiction within New York, you may be able to obtain a license without taking an exam, depending on the local licensing requirements.
National Electrical 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 New York?
Yes, there are electrical scholarships in New York. Scholarships are awarded through the state, trade schools, trade organizations, and colleges. The Higher Education Services Corp. provides grants, scholarships, and other financial aid to eligible students attending schools throughout the state.
Other scholarship opportunities for trade or technical education include:
How Can Someone Verify My Electrician License in New York?
Local jurisdictions in New York issue electrical licenses, so license verification depends on the local system. Potential clients and employees may verify your New York City electrical license on the NYC Department of Buildings license search page. Search by:
Last name
Business name
License number
License type
When Can an Electrician License Be Suspended in New York?
A suspended electrical license means the licensee is temporarily prohibited from practicing their trade legally. An electrical license may be suspended or revoked in New York City for the following reasons:
Violating New York City laws, rules, and regulations.
Violating city construction codes.
Engaging in deceptive practices in violation of city code.
Note: The information above should not be considered legal advice. For specific information about New York electrical license regulations, refer to New York City Administrative Code, or the code and regulations of the local jurisdiction.
What Are the Penalties for Unlicensed Electrician Work in New York?
The penalties for unlicensed work depend on the laws of the individual cities and counties.
In New York City, those working without a business or trade license, which includes electrical work, are performing an immediately hazardous violation, according to New York Administrative Code Title 28, Chapter 2, Article 201 and Article 203. This violation is a misdemeanor and carries a fine of up to $25,000 and/or up to one year in jail.
In Buffalo, those working as an unlicensed journeyman or master electrician face charges of an unclassified misdemeanor and a penalty of up to $1,000 and/or up to 60 days in jail, according to municipal code.
Note: The information above should not be considered legal advice. For specific information about New York electrical license regulations, refer to New York City Administrative Code, or the code and regulations of the local jurisdiction.
Continuing Education
Each city or county sets their own licensing requirements, so the local jurisdiction determines whether continuing education is required before license renewal.
In New York City, master electricians and special electricians must complete eight hours of continuing education on New York City electrical code and other requirements each year. This amounts to a total of 24 hours of continuing education during the three-year license cycle.
The DOB lists complete renewal requirements and forms on its electrician license renewal page. Electricians renew online through the DOB NOW online portal. For both master and special electrician licenses, the license renewal fee is $60, and the seal costs $30.
In Buffalo, journeyman and master electricians renew their licenses every two years. The journeyman license renewal fee is $84 and the master license renewal fee is $210.
Resources
You can stay up to date on all electrical 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.
