Electrician in Tennessee
Requirements, salary data, licensing costs, and career ROI for TN
How to Become an Electrician in Tennessee
To become a Limited Licensed Electrician (LLE) in Tennessee, individuals must pass the LLE trade exam and submit a completed application with a $50 fee to the Department of Commerce & Insurance, Board for Licensing Contractors. This license covers electrical work under $25,000 per project and is accepted in municipalities that utilize the Division of Fire Prevention for inspections. For projects $25,000 or more, a state Electrical Contractor (CE) license is required, which involves passing both an electrical contractor exam and a business law exam, and meeting financial and insurance requirements. Reciprocity agreements exist for the Contractor's license trade exam with several states, and Tennessee also accepts the NASCLA National Commercial and Electrical exam.
Electrician Requirements in Tennessee
| Detail | Tennessee |
|---|---|
| Licensing Body | Department of Commerce & Insurance, Board for Licensing Contractors |
| State License Required | Yes |
| Application Fee | $50 |
| Renewal | Every 2.0 years |
| Notes | Tennessee issues a Limited Licensed Electrician (LLE) license for projects under $25,000 and an Electrical Contractor (CE) license for projects $25,000 or more. Local licensing requirements may also apply, so it's essential to check with the local government where the work will be performed. The LLE license is issued to individuals who pass the LLE trade exam. A felony conviction does not automatically disqualify an applicant, but it requires Board approval and a review of criminal background documents. LLE licensees cannot advertise as a "contractor" and cannot split contracts to circumvent the $25,000 threshold. For the CE license, applicants must pass both an Electrical Contractor Exam and a Business Law Exam. Financial statements and general liability insurance are also required for CE licenses. |
Source: Department of Commerce & Insurance, Board for Licensing Contractors
Electrician Salary in Tennessee
The median electrician salary in Tennessee is $59,190 per year, which is 5.1% below the national median of $62,350.
| Percentile | Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 10th (entry level) | $38,360 |
| 25th | $47,220 |
| 50th (median) | $59,190 |
| 75th | $68,240 |
| 90th (experienced) | $80,800 |
Tennessee employs approximately 19,500 electricians.
Electrician Job Outlook
AI Impact on Electricians
Low AI Exposure (Score: -0.78/1.00)
This career has low exposure to AI automation. Most tasks require physical presence, human judgment, or hands-on skills that AI cannot easily replicate.
Is Becoming an Electrician in Tennessee Worth It?
Factors to consider: Tennessee's cost of living, the state licensing requirement, strong job growth, low AI disruption risk, and your personal career goals.