As an electrician in New Jersey, you will be responsible for maintaining, installing, and upgrading electrical systems for numerous individuals, households, and businesses that rely on these systems daily. In turn, you will enjoy having an occupation in a fast-growing field that is projected to continue its growth.
You will also enjoy a generous annual average salary with the potential to improve yourself and earn even more. All aspiring New Jersey electricians must attend a training program and obtain an appropriate license to start their careers. Below, we take a look at the various steps involved in doing so, making sure to highlight the most optimal route and the best training programs in the state to consider.
How to Become an Electrician in New Jersey
Technically, the first step to becoming an electrician in New Jersey is to get the necessary training from your institution of choice. However, ensuring you meet the program’s eligibility criteria is usually helpful before you move on to this step. These typically include having a high school diploma or GED and a solid foundation in physics and other related subjects.
Get Necessary Training
To become certified as an electrician in New Jersey, candidates must fulfill a training requirement involving attending a vocational school or community college program and obtaining training on the job.
Vocational Schools and College Programs
New Jersey vocational schools and colleges offer comprehensive training for aspiring electricians. These programs are notable for having highly complete coursework and a team of instructors with experience in the field. Students will learn inspection, electrical components, and installing new electrical systems.
Graduates will also receive a certificate or an associate degree, depending on their program of choice. Those wishing to revive more comprehensive training may also opt for a bachelor’s degree.
Apprenticeship Programs
Instead of attending a vocational school or community college, it is also possible for an aspiring electricians in New Jersey to obtain their training through an apprenticeship program. These programs tend to last for 4 years.
On-the-job Training
An aspiring electrician in New Jersey who has completed a training program may start working under the supervision of licensed electricians. This way, they can acquire the work experience needed to pass their license test and become professional journeyman electricians in the state.
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Licensure and Certification Requirements
To become a professional electrician in New Jersey, candidates must acquire a license from the Board of Examiners of Electrical Contractors. Following the above steps is usually an optimal place to start. From there, interested applicants may send in their official application and pass the appropriate exam.
To qualify for the exam, candidates must have had 8000 of electrical experience under the supervision of a journeyman or master electrician. Those who choose the classroom technical training route must have had 576 hours of classroom training.
Apart from the general license, those who wish to become contractors may also apply for the Licensed Electrical Contractor designation. To do so, applicants must have worked in the field for at least five years.
Top Electrician Schools in New Jersey
The following are some prominent electrician schools in New Jersey.
Lincoln Technical Institute
Lincoln Technical Institute offers an electrical electronics certificate program that can be completed in 13 months. Students who graduate will have all the skills they need to secure employment in the best establishments.
National Career Institute
National Career Institute is another destination for high-quality electrician training in New Jersey. The school offers a certificate in electrical technology. Accepted applicants will have the opportunity to learn under the supervision of qualified instructors in a serene classroom environment.
Jersey City Electrical JATC
Aspiring electricians in New Jersey looking for an apprenticeship program instead of an academic one can enroll in the extensive program offered by Jersey City Electrical JATC. The program takes five years to complete.
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Salary and Career Outlook
Electricians in New Jersey make an annual salary of $61,466, the same as the national average. Those in the top 10% can earn as much as $91,926, while those in the bottom 10% tend to make close to an annual average salary of $41,100.
Experience is essential in determining how much an electrician will earn in New Jersey. There is about a $14,000 differential between those with less than one year of experience and those with more than 10 years of experience.
Location is another essential factor to consider. For instance, Iselin is the highest paying city to be an electrician in New Jersey with an annual average salary of $85,412. Jersey City, Trenton, Linden, and Phillipsburg follow with average yearly wages of $71,361, $71,186, $69,148, and $65,491 respectively.
Electricians in Newark earn an annual average salary of $59,073.
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