Important: New York Has No Statewide Electrician License
All electrical licensing in New York is handled at the local level. New York City has the most comprehensive requirements through the NYC Department of Buildings. Other cities (Buffalo, Rochester, Syracuse) have their own distinct licensing boards.
10,500
NYC OJT Hours
7.5 Years
NYC Experience Req
$50+/hr
NYC Journeyman Scale
Local
Licensing Level
5 Steps to Become an Electrician in New York
Follow this roadmap to earn your New York electrician license.
Apply to Apprenticeship
Apply to IBEW Local 3's Joint Industry Board or an approved apprenticeship program. Competition is high in NYC.
Complete Training
Work under a licensed electrician while completing classroom instruction. NYC requires extensive training.
Complete OJT Hours
Log 10,500 hours (7.5 years) for Master Electrician, or 3.5 years with BS in Electrical Engineering.
Track Your Hours
Document all work hours with SparkShift. GPS-verified tracking for your NYC DOB license application.
Pass NYC DOB Exams
Take and pass written and practical exams administered by the NYC Department of Buildings.
New York Electrical License Requirements
NYC Department of Buildings Licenses
New York City has the most comprehensive electrician licensing in the state. All electrical work in NYC requires a DOB license.
Master Electrician
7.5 years (10,500 hours)
Can supervise electrical work and pull permits in NYC
Special Electrician
5 years minimum
Limited scope license for specific work categories
Low Voltage Installer
3 years
Fire alarm, data, and communication systems only
NYC Master Electrician Requirements
- 7.5 years (10,500 hours) of experience under a licensed electrician
- OR 3.5 years with a BS in Electrical Engineering
- Pass written exam (NEC + NYC Electrical Code)
- Pass practical/hands-on exam
- Exams administered by NYC DOB
Upstate New York Licensing
Cities outside NYC have their own licensing requirements:
- Buffalo: City licensing board, separate from NYC
- Rochester: City licensing with its own requirements
- Syracuse: Local licensing board
- Albany: Capital district regulations
Contact the specific city's licensing board for requirements.
Apprenticeship Programs in New York
New York offers competitive union programs, especially the highly sought-after IBEW Local 3 in NYC.
Joint Industry Board of the Electrical Industry
New York City
Long Island Electrical JATC
Long Island
Syracuse JATC
Syracuse
Rochester JATC
Rochester
Empire State JATC
Upstate NY
ABC Empire State Chapter
Statewide
SUNY Delhi - Electrical Construction
Delhi, NY
Alfred State College
Alfred, NY
IBEW Local 3 - Joint Industry Board
IBEW Local 3's Joint Industry Board (JIB) is one of the largest and most competitive electrical apprenticeship programs in the country. It covers New York City and surrounding areas.
- 5-year apprenticeship with classroom and OJT training
- Highest wages in the country for electricians
- Comprehensive benefits package
- Highly competitive application process
IBEW Locals in New York
The International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers has strong presence across New York State.
New York City
NYC Metro - The largest and most powerful local in the region
Long Island
Nassau & Suffolk Counties
Syracuse
Central New York
Rochester
Greater Rochester Area
Buffalo
Western New York
Albany
Capital District
New York City
NYC (Utility Workers)
Long Island
PSEG Long Island (Utility)
Track Your New York OJT Hours with SparkShift
NYC DOB requires extensive documentation of your 10,500 hours. SparkShift provides GPS-verified tracking that helps you build the documentation needed for your Master or Special Electrician license.
GPS-Verified Clock-In
Prove your NYC jobsite presence
Long-Term Tracking
Track your 7.5-year journey to Master license
DOB-Ready Reports
Export documentation for NYC DOB applications
Licensed Electrician Sign-Off
Digital approvals from your supervising electrician
New York Electrical Board Contact Info
NYC Department of Buildings
Licensing Unit
Note: This is the NYC Department of Buildings. For upstate New York cities (Buffalo, Rochester, Syracuse, Albany), contact the specific city's licensing board.
FAQ for New York Electricians
Common questions about becoming an electrician in New York.
Does New York have a statewide electrician license?
No, New York does NOT have a statewide electrical license for journeymen or contractors. All licensing is handled at the local level. New York City has the most comprehensive requirements through the NYC Department of Buildings (DOB). Other cities like Buffalo, Rochester, and Syracuse have their own distinct licensing boards.
How many hours do I need for an NYC Master Electrician license?
NYC requires 7.5 years (approximately 10,500 hours) of experience working under a licensed electrician to become a Master Electrician. If you have a Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering, the requirement is reduced to 3.5 years.
What is the IBEW Local 3 Joint Industry Board?
The Joint Industry Board (JIB) is Local 3's apprenticeship and training program. It's one of the largest and most competitive electrical apprenticeship programs in the country. Apprentices complete 5 years of classroom and on-the-job training. The program is highly sought after due to excellent wages and benefits.
How much do electrician apprentices make in New York?
NYC area electrician apprentices (especially in Local 3) earn some of the highest wages in the country. First-year apprentices can earn $20-$30+ per hour, with wages increasing each year. Journeyman scale in NYC is among the highest in the nation, often exceeding $50/hour plus benefits.
What exams do I need to pass for an NYC electrician license?
NYC requires both a written exam and a practical exam administered by the Department of Buildings. The written exam covers NEC, NYC Electrical Code, and local regulations. The practical exam tests hands-on electrical skills. Both exams must be passed to receive your license.
Can I transfer my electrician license to New York from another state?
New York (and specifically NYC) does not have direct reciprocity with other states for electrician licenses. You will need to meet NYC DOB requirements, document your experience, and pass NYC exams. Some experience may transfer, but you'll likely need additional documentation.