How to Become a Journeyman Electrician in Louisiana
The full path in Louisiana: licensing requirements, the state exam, fees, IBEW and registered apprenticeship options, realistic apprentice pay, the master tier, and reciprocity with other states.
0 hrs
Required documented experience
$305 / $60 / $125
contractor / journeyman / master fees
12 IBEW locals
Union apprenticeship paths
$36.5/hr
State median, all tiers (from 6 postings)
1. Louisiana journeyman licensing requirements
Hour requirements change periodically — verify current hours with the Louisiana State Licensing Board for Contractors (LSLBC) before planning your apprenticeship. The remaining requirements below are current as documented.
- Exam: required — LSLBC reciprocity applies to TRADE EXAM only — you still must submit application, financial affidavit, and Business & Law exam. Not a full license transfer.
- contractor fee: $305 (LSLBC: $125 application + $120 trade exam + $60 background financial investigation)
- journeyman fee: $60 (Journeyman (New Orleans parish example): $60 license fee ($140 statewide exam separately))
- master fee: $125 (Master (New Orleans parish example): $125 license fee)
2. Apprenticeship paths: IBEW union + registered programs
12 IBEW locals serve Louisiana (Locals 130, 194, 329, 446, 576 and 7 more). Union apprentices train through the local JATC while earning a scaled wage. Browse Louisiana 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
Apprentice-specific postings are still thin for Louisiana. Across 6 disclosed postings, the state median across all tiers is $36.5/hr; apprentices typically earn 40–60% of this. See live ranges on our pay page for Louisiana →
4. Going further: the master electrician tier
The master license application runs $125. Masters can pull permits, supervise journeymen, and run contracting businesses.
5. Take your license on the road: reciprocity
Louisiana holds reciprocal agreements with 13 states. Full partner list and transfer steps: Louisiana reciprocity guide →
Frequently asked questions
How many hours does it take to become a journeyman electrician in Louisiana?
Hour requirements vary — verify current hours with the Louisiana State Licensing Board for Contractors (LSLBC).
What does an electrical apprentice earn in Louisiana?
Based on 6 disclosed postings, the state median across all tiers is $36.5/hr; apprentices typically earn 40–60% of this.
Can I apprentice through the union in Louisiana?
Yes — 12 IBEW locals serve Louisiana with registered apprenticeship programs.
Keep exploring
Journeyman pay in Louisiana
Market rates from live postings vs BLS vs IBEW scale.
IBEW locals in Louisiana
Union halls, apprenticeship programs, and scales.
Louisiana prevailing wage
Davis-Bacon rates by county and classification.
Where the work is
Data center builds on the live construction map.
Louisiana reciprocity guide
Partner states, fees, timelines, and transfer steps.
All state pathways
Compare the journeyman path across all 51 jurisdictions.