How to Become a Journeyman Electrician in New Jersey
The full path in New Jersey: 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
$0
contractor fees
19 IBEW locals
Union apprenticeship paths
$52.35/hr
State median, all tiers (from 1 postings)
1. New Jersey journeyman licensing requirements
Hour requirements change periodically — verify current hours with the NJ Board of Examiners of Electrical Contractors (Division of Consumer Affairs) before planning your apprenticeship. The remaining requirements below are current as documented.
- Exam: required — No reciprocity — New Jersey requires all applicants to pass the board exam. No formal electrical reciprocity with any state.
- contractor fee: $0 (Electrical Contractor application and license fees per Division of Consumer Affairs schedule — see board for current amounts.)
2. Apprenticeship paths: IBEW union + registered programs
19 IBEW locals serve New Jersey (Locals 30, 33, 94, 102, 164 and 14 more). Union apprentices train through the local JATC while earning a scaled wage. Browse New Jersey 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 New Jersey. Across 1 disclosed postings, the state median across all tiers is $52.35/hr; apprentices typically earn 40–60% of this. See live ranges on our pay page for New Jersey →
4. Take your license on the road: reciprocity
New Jersey offers no formal journeyman reciprocity — out-of-state electricians apply through the standard path. Details and alternatives: New Jersey reciprocity guide →
Frequently asked questions
How many hours does it take to become a journeyman electrician in New Jersey?
Hour requirements vary — verify current hours with the NJ Board of Examiners of Electrical Contractors (Division of Consumer Affairs).
What does an electrical apprentice earn in New Jersey?
Based on 1 disclosed postings, the state median across all tiers is $52.35/hr; apprentices typically earn 40–60% of this.
Can I apprentice through the union in New Jersey?
Yes — 19 IBEW locals serve New Jersey with registered apprenticeship programs.
Keep exploring
Journeyman pay in New Jersey
Market rates from live postings vs BLS vs IBEW scale.
IBEW locals in New Jersey
Union halls, apprenticeship programs, and scales.
New Jersey prevailing wage
Davis-Bacon rates by county and classification.
Where the work is
Data center builds on the live construction map.
New Jersey reciprocity guide
Partner states, fees, timelines, and transfer steps.
All state pathways
Compare the journeyman path across all 51 jurisdictions.