Every jurisdiction in Ohio has the prerogative to create guidelines and rules for electricians. However, the general framework and the actual license for taking on electrical contracts are overseen statewide.
To help aspiring electricians in the state become familiar with what to expect on the journey right from the start, we examine all the critical aspects involved in adhering to this framework below.
First, we provide a high-level overview of the steps involved in becoming an electrician in Ohio. Then, we move into the specific licensure and certification requirements before giving a list of the most notable training programs to consider.
Lastly, we dive into the possible salary to expect as a future electrician in the state and the career projection.
How to Become an Electrician in Ohio
An aspiring electrician in Ohio may follow the steps below to kick-start their career.
Step 1: Basic Requirements
Aspiring electricians in Ohio may start training at 16, but by the time they apply to become licensed contractors, they must be at least 18. A high school diploma or GED will also make the entire step much more straightforward.
Step 2: Vocational schools
Aspiring electricians in Ohio may enroll in a college program or a vocational School for their actual electrical technology training. Here, they will become familiar with critical topics such as electrical components, residential and commercial electrical wiring, blueprint reading, shop mathematics, and safety.
Training programs for electricians in Ohio can be completed in a few months. However, they may include more advanced topics, in which program completion time may be up to four years. Those who prefer a fast-track approach should enroll in certificate programs.
Among the topics, students will learn algebra, electrical components, national electrical code, and state codes and regulations.
Step 3: Apprenticeships
Aspiring electricians in Ohio may enroll in apprenticeship programs to supplement their vocational school training. These programs focus heavily on hands-on training, which means that candidates can get a lot of real-world experience to contribute to their resume and leverage to qualify for licensure.
Of course, aspiring electricians can enroll in apprenticeship programs without even worrying about formal academic programs. Even though apprenticeship programs focus on hands-on training, they include classroom topics such as electricity, electrical wiring, and health and safety.
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Licensure & Certification Requirements
The board in charge of overseeing statewide certification and licensing for electricians in Ohio is the State of Ohio Department of Commerce, Ohio Construction Industry Licensing Board.
Currently, the board does not expect electricians to be licensed before they can secure employment. Non-licensed electricians can work under the supervision of licensed electricians. Middletown and Hamilton are the only cities that wish licensure upon graduation from a training program.
Candidates wishing to become licensed contractors in the state must have been employed for five years and be at least 18 years old when they apply for their license. They should also be prepared to pass a background check and the electrical trade examination.
Top Electrician Schools in Ohio
Aspiring electricians in Ohio may consider the following programs:
Electrical Trades Center
Electrical Trade Center offers 8000 hours of electrical technology training for aspiring journeyman electricians in Ohio. Located in Columbus, students may also opt for the inside wireman training that includes 4500 hours of instruction.
The focus topics are electrical systems, electrical components, and other aspects of residential and commercial electrical systems.
Brightwood College
Brightwood College allows aspiring electricians in Ohio to earn a certificate in electrical technology. The school’s electrical technology program takes place at the Montgomery campus.
Lorain County Community College
Lastly, aspiring electricians looking for a college program in Ohio may also enroll at Lorain County Community College. This program offers an associate degree through an extensive two-year program.
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Salary & Career Outlook
In Ohio, electricians earn an annual salary of $58,652 – the same as the national average. As one would expect, factors such as experience and location play a huge part in influencing an electrician’s salary in the state.
The highest earners make an annual average salary close to $89,478, while the lowest earners still take home a salary of $38,446 every year on average.
Findlay is the highest paying city to be an electrician in Ohio, with an annual average salary of $74,630. Bellevue, Tiffin, London, and Sugarcreek complete the top five with average yearly salaries of $65,378, $62,378, $61,918, and $61,367, respectively.
Electricians in Columbus earn an annual average salary of $56,758.
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