Electrician in Virginia
Requirements, salary data, licensing costs, and career ROI for VA
How to Become an Electrician in Virginia
To become a licensed Journeyman Electrician in Virginia, individuals must meet specific education and experience requirements set by the Department of Professional and Occupational Regulation (DPOR), Board for Contractors. This typically involves a combination of formal vocational training and practical experience, with several pathways available, including an associate's or bachelor's degree with fewer experience hours, or 10 years of practical experience. After meeting the prerequisites, applicants must pass the Virginia Journeyman Electrician Exam administered by PSI and pay the associated application and exam fees. Virginia offers reciprocity with several states for journeyman and master electricians, including Alabama, District of Columbia, Kentucky, Maryland, West Virginia, North Carolina, and Ohio.
Electrician Requirements in Virginia
| Detail | Virginia |
|---|---|
| Licensing Body | Department of Professional and Occupational Regulation (DPOR), Board for Contractors |
| State License Required | Yes |
| Education | Completion of a formal vocational training program (240 hours with 4 years experience, 160 hours with 5 years experience, 80 hours with 6 years experience, or 40 hours with 7+ years experience), OR an associate's degree in a tradesman-related field and 2 years experience, OR a bachelor's degree in an engineering curriculum related to the trade and 1 year experience, OR 10 years of practical experience. |
| Exam | Virginia Journeyman Electrician Exam (PSI) ($100) |
| Application Fee | $130 |
| Renewal | Every 3.0 years |
| Continuing Education | 3.0 hours per cycle |
| Notes | Minimum age of 18. Applicants must disclose any felony or non-marijuana misdemeanor convictions. Alternative paths to licensure exist, such as an associate's degree and fewer experience hours. The exam consists of 70 questions and requires a 70% passing score. The exam fee is $100, and the application fee is $130. All fees are non-refundable. Military spouses may be eligible for expedited processing or a temporary license. Honorably discharged veterans may receive credit for substantially equivalent military training, education, or experience. |
Source: Department of Professional and Occupational Regulation (DPOR), Board for Contractors
License Tiers
Virginia offers multiple tiers of electrician licensing:
| Tier | Hours Required |
|---|---|
| Journeyman | 8,000 |
| Master | 10,000 |
Electrician Salary in Virginia
The median electrician salary in Virginia is $61,610 per year, which is 1.2% below the national median of $62,350.
| Percentile | Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 10th (entry level) | $38,380 |
| 25th | $48,890 |
| 50th (median) | $61,610 |
| 75th | $76,550 |
| 90th (experienced) | $110,720 |
Virginia employs approximately 24,300 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 Virginia Worth It?
Factors to consider: Virginia's cost of living, the state licensing requirement, strong job growth, low AI disruption risk, and your personal career goals.