Licensing Guides
Washington Electrical License: How to Become an Electrician in Washington
Electrical, WA
Table of Contents
Licensing Requirements for Electrical Contractors in Washington
What Is the Mean Wage for an Electrical Technician in Washington?
How Much Does It Cost to Get an Electrician License in Washington?
How Long Does It Take to Get an Electrician Contractors License in Washington?
How Can I Prepare for the Electrician License Exam in Washington?
Does My Washington Electrician License Work in Any Other State?
What Are the Reciprocity Requirements for an Electrician License in Washington?
How Can Someone Verify My Electrician License in Washington?
What Are the Penalties for Unlicensed Electrical Work in Washington?
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 Washington.
Everyone needs an electrician at some point. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics reports that there are 818,700 electricians nationwide, and 19,380 work in Washington.
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 is the same in Washington, 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 Washington in July 2025 totaled 214,700, a decrease of 9,600 (-4%) from July 2024 and a decrease of 8,800 or -4% 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 Washington
Is a state license required to be an electrician in Washington? Yes.
To legally perform electrical work in the state of Washington, you must be certified by the Washington State Department of Labor & Industries. The DLI certifies Trainees, Journeymen, Specialty Electricians, Master Electricians, and Electrical Contractors.
Steps to Get an Electrical License in Washington
There are different requirements for each level of licensing in the electrical field in Washington. However, at every level, a license is required by law. For each you must:
Be at least 18 years old. Trainees can start at 16.
Have a high school diploma or GED equivalent.
Complete classroom training.
Acquire work experience (progressively more for journeyman, master, and contractor status).
Pass the required examination.
Pay all applicable fees.
Apply for your license.
How to Become an Electrician in Washington
According to the state website, to become a licensed electrician in Washington, you must:
Be at least 18 years of age. Trainees can start at 16.
Meet the educational/experience requirements.
Pass the required exams.
Pay all application fees.
Obtain insurance coverage.
Below are the specifics for each license.
ELECTRICAL TRAINEE
Work experience: Begin working in a registered apprenticeship.
Apply for license: Apply online for a training certificate.
Pay fee: $56.40.
Limitations: Must work under supervision. Certificates must be renewed every two years. Renewal requires classroom instruction to continue accruing qualifying hours.
SPECIALTY ELECTRICIAN
Work experience: Must document required electrical training hours in specific specialty areas under supervision (generally 4,000 hours for most specialties; 2,000 hours for some restricted specialties).
Specialties requiring 4,000 hours include:
Residential
Pump and Irrigation
Signs
Limited Energy System
HVAC Refrigeration System
Nonresidential Maintenance
Those working in these specialties must complete 48 hours of basic classroom instruction before they can renew.
Specialties requiring 2,000 hours include:
Domestic Well
HVAC/Refrigeration - Restricted
Nonresidential Lighting Maintenance and Lighting Retrofit
Residential Maintenance
Restricted Nonresidential Maintenance
Appliance Repair
Equipment Repair
Door, Gate, and Similar Systems
Pass licensing exam: Administered through PSI.
Apply for license: Send application with experience affidavits.
Pay fee: $107.60.
Limitations: Certified only to work within the scope of that specialty classification.
JOURNEYMAN ELECTRICIAN
Work experience: 8,000 hours of documented electrical construction experience under supervision (with minimum classroom instruction hours: 96 for general).
Pass licensing exam: Administered through PSI.
Apply for license: Send application with experience affidavits.
Pay fee: $107.60.
Limitations: Licensed to perform general electrical work under supervision.
MASTER ELECTRICIAN
Work experience: To qualify for the general Master Electrician exam, you must be certified as a general Journey Level Electrician by DLI for at least four years. To qualify for the specialty master electrician exam, you must be certified as a specialty electrician by DLI for at least two years.
Pass licensing exam: Administered through PSI.
Apply for license: Apply online.
Pay fee: $192.10.
Limitations: Can work as an installer and act as an administrator for an Electrical Contractor to ensure work is in compliance with the electrical laws and rules.
ELECTRICAL CONTRACTOR
Work experience: Must have a designated Master Electrician or administrator assigned to the business.
Pass licensing exam: No required exam.
Apply for license: Submit application via mail or in person.
Pay fee: $382.10.
Limitations: General electrical contractors are licensed to perform all types of electrical and telecommunications installations.
Types of Electrical Licenses in Washington
What are the different types of electrician licenses in Washington? They include:
Electrical Trainee
Electrical trainees are individuals beginning their careers in the electrical trade. Trainees must register with L&I and work under the supervision of a certified electrician while gaining the required on-the-job experience and classroom instruction. Trainees cannot perform electrical work independently and must renew their trainee certificate regularly to continue accruing hours toward higher certification.
Specialty Electrician
Specialty electricians are certified to work in a specific area of the electrical trade, such as residential (02), HVAC/refrigeration (06), limited energy systems (EL01), or other defined specialties. Applicants must complete a required number of supervised work hours within their specialty and pass a Washington State specialty electrician exam. Specialty electricians are limited to the scope of work defined by their specialty classification.
Journeyman Electrician
Journeyman Electricians—referred to in Washington as General Electricians—are qualified to perform a wide range of electrical work. To earn this certification, applicants must complete extensive on-the-job training (typically 8,000 hours), required classroom instruction, and pass the Washington State journeyman electrician exam. Journeyman electricians can work independently but may still be employed by a licensed electrical contractor.
Master Electrician
Master Electricians represent an advanced level of certification. There are General and Specialty Master Electricians. Applicants must hold an active Washington journeyman or specialty electrician certificate for a required period before qualifying. Master electricians must pass a master electrician examination and demonstrate advanced knowledge of electrical systems, code compliance, and supervision. Master electricians are often responsible for overseeing electrical work and ensuring compliance with state regulations.
Electrical Contractor
An Electrical Contractor (general or specialty) license is required for any business that offers or performs electrical work in Washington. The contractor must designate a certified master electrician or electrical administrator to oversee electrical operations. While no separate contractor exam is required, contractors must obtain a surety bond and insurance. All electrical work performed by the business must be completed by properly certified electricians.
Benefits of Becoming a Certified Electrician in Washington
There are many benefits to getting your electrical license in Washington.
First and most important, it is required by law in Washington 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 Washington?
The annual mean wage for electricians in Washington is $94,470 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 Washington, those salary projections are:
Entry (<2 years): $64,900
Intermediate (2-4 years): $76,200
Senior (4-7 years): $82,100
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 Washington?
The cost depends on the level:
Trainee: $56.40.
Specialty Electrician: $107.60. | $55 to $65 exam fees, depending on the specialty
Journey Level Electrician: $107.60. | $75 exam fee
Master Electrician: $192.10. | $105 exam fee
Electrical Contractor: $382.10.
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How Long Does it Take to Get an Electrician Contractors License in Washington?
It takes two to four years to become a Specialty Electrician, and four years to become a Journeyman Electrician. It takes another four years to become a Master Electrician.
Washington Electrician Training Programs and Schools
There are many programs to get the training you need to become an electrician in Washington.
You can complete an apprenticeship program recognized by the Bureau of Apprenticeship and Training of the U.S. Department of Labor.
You can seek 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.
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:
Spokane Community College
Bellingham Technical College
Big Bend Community College
Tuition: According to Community College Review, the average tuition is approximately $4,105 per year for in-state students and $7,359 for out-of-state students in Washington.
Program Prerequisites: You must be at least 18 years old and have a high school diploma or a GED (General Educational Development) degree.
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 Iowa, check out our post — Electrician Schools in Washington: The Ultimate Guide.
Washington Electrician Licensing Exam Details
Washington requires an examination for each level of licensing. There are state of Washington testing sponsorship requirements to apply to sit for each exam.
Journeyman Electrician exam candidates must:
Have completed 8,000 hours of documented electrical construction experience under supervision, including required classroom instruction,
Have completed a U.S. Department of Labor (DOL)-registered apprenticeship program that meets Washington State requirements, OR
Meet Washington L&I–approved equivalent training and experience standards with proper affidavits and documentation.
Applicants must submit proof of experience and education to L&I and receive exam approval before scheduling the journeyman electrician exam.
Master Electrician exam candidates must:
Hold a current Washington Journeyman Electrician certificate and have at least four years of experience as a certified journeyman, OR
Hold a current Specialty Electrician certificate and meet the required experience threshold for a Specialty Master Electrician classification.
Applicants must be approved by L&I before sitting for the Master Electrician examination.
Specialty Electrician exam candidates must:
Complete the required number of documented work hours in a specific specialty, generally:
4,000 hours for most specialty classifications, or
2,000 hours for certain limited or restricted specialties.
Work must be performed under appropriate supervision and within the specialty scope. Submit affidavits and documentation to L&I for exam approval.
Each specialty has its own exam and certification scope, and electricians are limited to performing work within that specialty.
How Can I Prepare for the Electrician License Exam in Washington?
At each level, you must complete a certain amount of training before sitting for the exam. Exam outlines are listed in the Candidate Information Bulletin.
The Washington electrical journeyman exam features 77 open-book questions that must be answered within four hours. Approved references include the National Electrical Code (NEC) and Washington Administrative Code (WAC). In Washington, you must receive at least a 70% score to pass. Practice exams are available from the WDLI.
Exam topics include:
Wiring and protection
Services
Overcurrent protection
Grounding and bonding
Wiring methods
Electrical equipment
Motors, HVAC, generators, and transformers
Equipment
Hazardous locations
Special occupancies
Special equipment
Emergency and standby
Special conditions
Communication systems
Washington laws and rules
Major load calculations
General trade knowledge and electrical theory
The Master Electrician exam covers the same material as the journeyman electrical exam and features 100 multiple-choice questions you must answer within seven hours. Tests are open book and allow you to reference the National Electrical Code (NEC) and Washington Administrative Code (WAC). You must score at least 70% to pass the exam. Practice exams are available from the WDLI.
Who Issues Electrician Licenses in Washington?
The Washington State Department of Labor and Industries (DLI) is responsible for issuing electrician licenses in the state of Washington.
Does My Washington Electrician License Work in Any Other State?
Yes. Washington has reciprocity agreements with the state of Oregon for the journey-level license.
What Are the Reciprocity Requirements for an Electrician License in Washington?
To qualify for reciprocity between Washington and Oregon, electricians generally must:
Hold an active Washington journeyman electrician certificate in good standing
Have no unresolved disciplinary actions on their license
Meet Oregon’s experience and training equivalency standards
Submit a reciprocity application to the Oregon licensing authority
Pay all required application and licensing fees
Comply with any state-specific requirements, such as Oregon electrical code or rules familiarity
Reciprocity applies to journey-level electricians only and does not extend to electrical trainees, specialty electricians, master electricians, or electrical contractor licenses.
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 Washington?
Yes, there are several electrical or trade school scholarships in Washington. Scholarship opportunities or scholarship directories include:
Washington State Fair Foundation — Fair Chance “Trade School” Scholarship and the Ren Martin Trade School/Career Training Endowment Scholarship
Washington State Opportunity Scholarship — Career & Technical Scholarship
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 Washington?
Potential clients or employees may verify your Washington tradesperson, contractor, or business license by visiting the Department of Labor and Industries’ verification page. Use the verify tool to search by:
Name
Tradesperson/contractor license number
Workers’ compensation account
Washington Unified Business Identification (UBI) number
When Can an Electrician License Be Suspended in Washington?
A suspended electrical license means that the license holder is temporarily prohibited from practicing their trade legally. Some of the common reasons that Washington 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 Washington electrician and electrical contractor license regulations, you can refer to the Revised Code of Washington.
What Are the Penalties for Unlicensed Electrician Work in Washington?
Working as an electrician or contractor in Washington without the appropriate license can incur the following fines:
First infraction: $100
Second infraction: $200
Third infraction: $500
Fourth infraction: $1,000
Fifth infraction: $2,000
Sixth infraction: $4,000
Seventh and each additional infraction: Not more than $5,000
Contractors are subject to the following fines:
First infraction: $500
Second infraction: $1,000
Third infraction: $2,000
Fourth infraction: $4,000
Fifth and each additional infraction: Not more than $5,000
For the monetary penalties, each day a person is in violation is considered a separate infraction, and each job site at which a person is in violation is considered a separate infraction.
In addition, any individual or electrical contractor who acquires three infractions within a 36-month period may have their certificate, license, endorsement, or registration suspended for a period of up to two years, according to state law.
Note: The information above should not be considered legal advice. For detailed and specific information about Washington electrician and electrical contractor license regulations, you can refer to the Revised Code of Washington.
Continuing Education
TheJourneyman Electrician license requires renewal every three years, as well as 24 hours of continuing education on topics including:
Eight hours on current National Electrical Code (NEC) changes
Four hours on the currently adopted Revised Code of Washington (RCW) and the Washington Administrative Code (WAC)
The remaining 12 hours of continuing education can cover any approved course
To renew licensure, Master Electricians in Washington must pay $137.90 every three years and complete 24 hours of continuing education on topics including:
Eight hours on current National Electrical Code (NEC) changes
Four hours on the currently adopted Revised Code of Washington (RCW) and the Washington Administrative Code (WAC)
The remaining 12 hours of continuing education can cover any approved course
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.
