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How to Become a Journeyman Electrician in Massachusetts
The full path in Massachusetts: 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
$330 / $431
journeyman / master fees
19 IBEW locals
Union apprenticeship paths
$40.82/hr
State median, all tiers (from 1 postings)
1. Massachusetts journeyman licensing requirements
Massachusetts requires 8,000 documented hours of electrical experience for the journeyman path, administered by the Massachusetts Board of State Examiners of Electricians (Division of Professional Licensure). Typical timeline from application: 8–16 weeks.
- Exam: may be waived for reciprocal applicants — Reciprocity (NH only) may waive trade exam. Applicants typically still need to provide proof of equivalent education and may face a Massachusetts business/law exam component.
- journeyman fee: $330 ($226 initial application/exam + $104 license fee ($78 renewal every 3 years))
- master fee: $431 ($276 initial application/exam + $155 license fee ($117 renewal every 3 years))
2. Apprenticeship paths: IBEW union + registered programs
19 IBEW locals serve Massachusetts (Locals 7, 96, 99, 103, 223 and 14 more). Union apprentices train through the local JATC while earning a scaled wage. Browse Massachusetts 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 Massachusetts. Across 1 disclosed postings, the state median across all tiers is $40.82/hr; apprentices typically earn 40–60% of this. See live ranges on our pay page for Massachusetts →
4. Going further: the master electrician tier
The master license application runs $431. Master-level reciprocity extends to NH. Masters can pull permits, supervise journeymen, and run contracting businesses.
5. Take your license on the road: reciprocity
Massachusetts holds reciprocal agreements with 1 state. Full partner list and transfer steps: Massachusetts reciprocity guide →
Frequently asked questions
How many hours does it take to become a journeyman electrician in Massachusetts?
The standard path documents 8,000 hours of electrical experience.
What does an electrical apprentice earn in Massachusetts?
Based on 1 disclosed postings, the state median across all tiers is $40.82/hr; apprentices typically earn 40–60% of this.
Can I apprentice through the union in Massachusetts?
Yes — 19 IBEW locals serve Massachusetts with registered apprenticeship programs.
Keep exploring
Journeyman pay in Massachusetts
Market rates from live postings vs BLS vs IBEW scale.
IBEW locals in Massachusetts
Union halls, apprenticeship programs, and scales.
Massachusetts prevailing wage
Davis-Bacon rates by county and classification.
Where the work is
Data center builds on the live construction map.
Massachusetts reciprocity guide
Partner states, fees, timelines, and transfer steps.
All state pathways
Compare the journeyman path across all 51 jurisdictions.