How to Become an Electrician in Delaware

Complete requirements, licensing steps, and career outlook for electricians in Delaware

Quick Facts

Median Salary: $61,280/year
Job Outlook: 7% growth (2024-2034)
Licensing Required: Yes
Continuing Ed: 12 hours/biennial (2 years)

✓ Information verified from official sources (Last updated: 2025-01-27)

⚠️ Important Note for Delaware

Delaware requires statewide licensing for all electrical work

Electrician License Requirements in Delaware

Licensing Authority

Delaware Division of Professional Regulation

Phone: (302) 744-4500

Website: https://dpr.delaware.gov/boards/electricians/

Official Source: https://dpr.delaware.gov/boards/electricians/

License Types & Requirements

Apprentice Electrician

  • Exam Required: No
  • Application Fee: $40
  • Requirements: Must register and work under licensed electrician

Journeyman Electrician

  • Required Hours: 8,000 hours of supervised work experience
  • Exam Required: Yes - PSI
  • Application Fee: $86
  • Requirements: 8,000 hours experience or approved apprenticeship, pass journeyman exam

Master Electrician

  • Required Hours: 10,000 hours of supervised work experience
  • Exam Required: Yes - PSI
  • Application Fee: $117
  • Requirements: 2,000 hours as journeyman, pass master exam

Electrical Contractor

  • Exam Required: Yes - PSI
  • Application Fee: $185
  • Requirements: Must hold master license, pass business exam

Path to Becoming an Electrician in Delaware

Step 1: Complete High School Education

Earn a high school diploma or GED. Focus on math (especially algebra and trigonometry), physics, and shop classes if available.

Step 2: Enter an Apprenticeship Program

Apply to an apprenticeship program through a union (IBEW) or independent electrical contractor. In Delaware, you'll typically need 8000 hours of on-the-job training.

Step 3: Complete Required Hours

Work under supervision while logging your hours. Most apprenticeships in Delaware take 4-5 years to complete.

Step 4: Pass Licensing Exam

Study for and pass the PSI journeyman electrician exam.

Step 5: Apply for Your License

Submit your application to Delaware Division of Professional Regulation with proof of hours, exam scores, and fees.

Electrician Salary in Delaware

Entry Level: $42,340/year
Median Salary: $61,280/year
Experienced: $80,160/year

Source: BLS May 2024

License Reciprocity

Delaware has reciprocity agreements with the following states:

  • Maryland
  • Pennsylvania

This means if you're licensed in one of these states, you may be able to obtain a Delaware license with reduced requirements.

Major Cities Hiring Electricians in Delaware

  • Wilmington
  • Dover
  • Newark
  • Middletown
  • Bear

Continuing Education Requirements

To maintain your electrician license in Delaware, you must complete 12 hours of continuing education every biennial (2 years).

Start Your Electrician Career in Delaware

Contact the Delaware Division of Professional Regulation for application details and approved training programs.

Visit Licensing Board

Recommended Resources

📘
NFPA 70: NEC 2026 Required for most exams
📗
Ugly's Electrical References Quick reference guide
🔧
Klein Tools Apprentice Tool Set Essential hand tools

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