How much does it cost to get an electrician license?

State fees as of October 2026

In Texas, the $78 retake fee applies whether you fail one part or both. California’s certification renews every 3 years for $100, after 32 hours of continuing education. A Texas journeyman license is renewed every year.

Washington’s exam company, PSI, charges $45 for a 1-hour exam, rising $10 an hour up to $105 for 7 hours. The general journeyman exam is 4 hours in total, which is $75 on that table. L&I’s own application fees aren’t in the PSI bulletin, so check them with L&I.

Training is the big cost

Apprentices are paid. The Independent Electrical Contractors (IEC) say starting pay is usually about half a journeyman’s rate and rises with experience. You may pay some tuition and buy your own books, though employers or state funding often cover part of the classroom cost.

Trade schools and community colleges charge tuition, and prices vary a lot from school to school. Some schools give you credit toward an apprenticeship. Ask any school how its hours count toward your state’s license before you sign up.

Other things to budget for

• The NEC itself. In Texas you must bring your own soft-bound copy of the 2026 edition.
• A silent, non-programmable calculator, if your state lets you bring one
• An exam prep course, if you want one. Most sell online access by the month or by subscription.
• The money you lose if you miss your appointment or arrive late, since your fee is usually forfeited

What electricians earn

People often look this up before deciding the training is worth it. The US Bureau of Labor Statistics puts the median pay for electricians at $63,190 a year, or $30.38 an hour, as of May 2025. Pay varies a lot by state, city and union contract.

BLS also expects jobs for electricians to grow 9% from 2025 to 2035, much faster than average.