No State License Required

Electrician License in New York

New York does not require a state-level electrician license. The median salary is $81,240 per year.

Last updated 2026-05-08

Experience
10,500 hrs
Exam Fee
$100
Passing Score
70%
Avg Salary
On This Page

What are the electrician license requirements in New York?

01

New York does not require an electrician to hold a state license. Perform and supervise electrical installations under the scope allowed by the jurisdiction. Licensing is administered by the New York City Dept of Buildings (NYC) / local jurisdictions.

Minimum Age18 years old
EducationHigh school diploma or GED
Work Experience10,500 hours (63 months)

What exam do you need for an electrician license in New York?

02

New York requires passing the New York Journeyman Electrician Exam with a minimum score of 70%. The exam is open book. The application fee is $100.

Exam NameNew York Journeyman Electrician Exam
Format80 multiple choice questions
Time Limit4 hours
Passing Score70%
Code Edition2020 NEC
Open Book?Yes — codebook permitted
Application Fee$100

Preparing for the New York Electrician Exam?

Practice with real exam-style questions based on the 2020 NEC.

Start Practice Exam — $2.99 →

How do you get an electrician license in New York?

03

Getting licensed as an electrician in New York takes 48 months on the typical path. Here are the steps.

1
Register with the state
Register with New York City Dept of Buildings (NYC) / local jurisdictions before beginning work.
2
Accumulate required experience
Complete 10,500 hrs of supervised work experience.
3
Apply for the exam
Submit your application and $100 fee through the state portal.
4
Pass the exam
80 questions, 70% to pass.
5
Receive your license
After passing, your license will be issued. Renew every 2 years.

How much does an electrician license cost in New York?

04

The total cost includes an exam application fee of $100 and renewal fees of — every 2 years.

FeeAmount
Exam Application$100

How much do electricians make in New York?

05

Electricians in New York earn a median salary of $81,240, which is less than the national average. Data from BLS OEWS May 2024. Once licensed, electricians in New York handle projects with real cost variation by region — see electrical project costs in New York.

25th Percentile
Median
$81,240
75th Percentile
Mean (average)— / year
Entry level (10th pct)
Top earners (90th pct)
Total employed42,670 in New York
National average$65,280

Frequently Asked Questions

07

Is a license required to work as an electrician in New York?

No — New York does not require a state-level electrician license. Perform and supervise electrical installations under the scope allowed by the jurisdiction.

What exam is required for an electrician license in New York?

The required exam is the New York Journeyman Electrician Exam. You need a score of 70% to pass. The exam fee is $100.

How much do electricians make in New York?

The median annual salary for electricians in New York is $81,240. The national median is $65,280.

How long does it take to get an electrician license in New York?

The fastest path takes approximately 36 months. The typical path takes 48 months including experience requirements.

Related

Data last verified April 2026. Requirements may change — always verify with the New York City Dept of Buildings (NYC) / local jurisdictions.