How to Become a Journeyman Electrician in Colorado
The full path in Colorado: licensing requirements (8,000 documented hours), the state exam, fees, IBEW and registered apprenticeship options, realistic apprentice pay, the master tier, and reciprocity with other states.
8,000 hrs
Required documented experience
$0 / $0
journeyman / master fees
6 IBEW locals
Union apprenticeship paths
$28.55/hr
Median apprentice pay (from 6 postings)
1. Colorado journeyman licensing requirements
Colorado requires 8,000 documented hours of electrical experience for the journeyman path, administered by the Colorado DORA State Electrical Board (Division of Professions and Occupations). Typical timeline from application: 4–8 weeks.
- Exam: may be waived for reciprocal applicants — Reciprocal (Colorado calls it "endorsement") applicants exempt from CO exam only if original license was obtained by state examination based on current National Electrical Code — grandfathered licenses do NOT qualify.
- journeyman fee: $0 (DORA does not publish a static fee schedule — fees vary by credential and are shown on the DPO application portal. Contact DORA at (303) 894-7800 or dora_dpo_licensing@state.co.us for current fees.)
- master fee: $0 (Master fees not publicly published — contact DORA.)
2. Apprenticeship paths: IBEW union + registered programs
6 IBEW locals serve Colorado (Locals 12, 68, 111, 113, 667 and 1 more). Union apprentices train through the local JATC while earning a scaled wage. Browse Colorado IBEW locals →
Independent Electrical Contractors (IEC) and Associated Builders and Contractors (ABC) chapters also run accredited programs — chapter directories are being added to this guide.
3. Timeline and cost: what apprentices earn
Based on 6 apprentice postings, median apprentice pay in Colorado is $28.55/hr. A standard 4-year apprenticeship runs roughly 8,000 hours before journeyman eligibility.
4. Going further: the master electrician tier
The master license application runs $0. Masters can pull permits, supervise journeymen, and run contracting businesses.
5. Take your license on the road: reciprocity
Colorado holds reciprocal agreements with 14 states. Full partner list and transfer steps: Colorado reciprocity guide →
Frequently asked questions
How many hours does it take to become a journeyman electrician in Colorado?
The standard path documents 8,000 hours of electrical experience.
What does an electrical apprentice earn in Colorado?
Based on 6 apprentice postings, median apprentice pay is $28.55/hr.
Can I apprentice through the union in Colorado?
Yes — 6 IBEW locals serve Colorado with registered apprenticeship programs.
Keep exploring
Journeyman pay in Colorado
Market rates from live postings vs BLS vs IBEW scale.
IBEW locals in Colorado
Union halls, apprenticeship programs, and scales.
Colorado prevailing wage
Davis-Bacon rates by county and classification.
Where the work is
Data center builds on the live construction map.
Colorado reciprocity guide
Partner states, fees, timelines, and transfer steps.
All state pathways
Compare the journeyman path across all 51 jurisdictions.