California requires a state-level electrician license. The licensing authority is California Contractors State License Board. The median salary is $76,400 per year.
Last updated 2026-05-08
California requires an electrician to hold a state license. Perform and supervise electrical installations under the scope allowed by the jurisdiction. Licensing is administered by the California Contractors State License Board.
| Minimum Age | 18 years old |
| Education | High school diploma or GED |
| Work Experience | 8,000 hours (48 months) |
California requires passing the California Journeyman Electrician Exam with a minimum score of 70%. The exam is open book. The application fee is $100.
| Exam Name | California Journeyman Electrician Exam |
| Format | 80 multiple choice questions |
| Time Limit | 4 hours |
| Passing Score | 70% |
| Code Edition | 2023 NEC |
| Open Book? | Yes — codebook permitted |
| Application Fee | $100 |
Practice with real exam-style questions based on the 2023 NEC.
Start Practice Exam — $2.99 →Getting licensed as an electrician in California takes 48 months on the typical path. Here are the steps.
The total cost includes an exam application fee of $100 and renewal fees of $450 every 2 years. Continuing education of 32 hours is required per renewal cycle.
| Fee | Amount |
|---|---|
| Exam Application | $100 |
| License Renewal | $450 every 2 years |
| Continuing Education | 32 hours (16 hrs code + 16 hrs elective) |
| Contractor License | |
| Surety Bond | $15,000 |
| Insurance | Required — general liability + workers' comp |
Electricians in California earn a median salary of $76,400, which is less than the national average. Data from BLS OEWS May 2024. Once licensed, electricians in California handle projects with real cost variation by region — see what electrical work costs in California.
| Mean (average) | — / year |
| Entry level (10th pct) | — |
| Top earners (90th pct) | — |
| Total employed | 68,940 in California |
| National average | $65,280 |
Yes — California requires a state-level electrician license. Perform and supervise electrical installations under the scope allowed by the jurisdiction.
The required exam is the California Journeyman Electrician Exam. You need a score of 70% to pass. The exam fee is $100.
The median annual salary for electricians in California is $76,400. The national median is $65,280.
California requires 32 hours of continuing education for license renewal every 2 years.
The fastest path takes approximately 36 months. The typical path takes 48 months including experience requirements.