Electrician in District of Columbia
Requirements, salary data, licensing costs, and career ROI for DC
How to Become an Electrician in District of Columbia
To become a licensed electrician in the District of Columbia, individuals must apply through the Department of Licensing and Consumer Protection (DLCP), Board of Industrial Trades. Applicants typically need to complete a registered apprenticeship program or gain substantial work experience under a licensed master electrician, totaling at least 8,000 hours for a journeyman license. A class on the National Electrical Code must also be completed within two years prior to applying, and applicants must pass the relevant DC Journeyman or Master Electrician Exam administered by PSI. Reciprocity is available for Journeyman and Master Electricians licensed by examination in Virginia, and for Master Electricians licensed by examination in Maryland.
Electrician Requirements in District of Columbia
| Detail | District of Columbia |
|---|---|
| Licensing Body | Department of Licensing and Consumer Protection (DLCP), Board of Industrial Trades |
| State License Required | Yes |
| Education | Completion of a registered apprenticeship program OR a 4-year electrical engineering degree and 1-2 years practical experience OR 4 years (8,000 hours) of work experience under a licensed master electrician. Additionally, completion of a class on the National Electrical Code within two years prior to application is required. |
| Experience Required | 8,000.0 hours |
| Exam | DC Journeyman Electrician Exam (PSI) or DC Master Electrician Exam (PSI) ($52) |
| Application Fee | $65 |
| Renewal | Every 2.0 years |
| Notes | Minimum age for apprenticeship is 18. Initial license fees vary by license type: Apprentice and Journeyman licenses are $110, Master Electrician licenses are $120. All licenses expire November 30 on odd-numbered years. Master Electricians are required to obtain a surety bond ($1,000 for low voltage, $2,000 for regular voltage). |
Source: Department of Licensing and Consumer Protection (DLCP), Board of Industrial Trades
License Tiers
District of Columbia offers multiple tiers of electrician licensing:
| Tier | Hours Required |
|---|---|
| Apprentice | N/A |
| Journeyman | 8,000 |
| Master | 16,000 |
Electrician Salary in District of Columbia
The median electrician salary in District of Columbia is $81,950 per year, which is 31.4% above the national median of $62,350.
| Percentile | Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 10th (entry level) | $51,480 |
| 25th | $68,840 |
| 50th (median) | $81,950 |
| 75th | $119,800 |
| 90th (experienced) | $124,490 |
District of Columbia employs approximately 2,130 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 District of Columbia Worth It?
Factors to consider: District of Columbia's cost of living, the state licensing requirement, strong job growth, low AI disruption risk, and your personal career goals.