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Electricians play a vital role in maintaining and advancing our built environment, from installing wiring systems to integrating renewable energy solutions. In Washington, NC, this trade is gaining momentum, with over 126 electrical job openings and 37 specific electrician positions currently available 12. As of 2025, the trade is expected to see 11% national growth, driven by construction activity, infrastructure upgrades, and clean energy initiatives—for more detailed job projections, refer to the BLS Electricians page 34. For aspiring professionals, this means strong job prospects and a clear career path involving structured apprenticeships, state licensing, and opportunities for specialization. With a median annual wage of $61,590 4, the electrical field provides a high-demand, livable wage career that typically does not require a four-year college degree; explore current openings via Indeed job listings.
Electricians are skilled tradespeople responsible for installing, maintaining, and repairing electrical systems in residential, commercial, and industrial settings. This includes working with power systems, lighting, communication networks, and control systems 3. In Washington, NC specifically, electricians might support local manufacturing facilities, maintain energy infrastructure, or install renewable energy systems such as solar panels—for additional insights on electrician roles, check the 2025 job outlook report.
The role requires a strong understanding of the National Electrical Code (NEC), adherence to safety protocols, and problem-solving abilities. Electricians often work full-time with potential overtime, and may respond to 24/7 emergency calls for repairs. Compared to roles in industries with more standard hours, electricians in this region may experience more variable schedules, with job environments ranging from indoor light industrial settings to outdoor construction projects 5.
Yes, licensing is required for electricians working in North Carolina, including Washington, NC 24. While Washington is a city, licensing for electricians in North Carolina is administered at the state level through the NC State Board of Examiners of Electrical Contractors (NCBEEC) 5; for complete licensing details, visit the state licensing requirements guide. Licensure types include:
Most aspiring electricians start by obtaining an apprentice license, which allows them to work under supervision while gaining the experience needed to pursue their full journeyman or contract license. A valid driver’s license, criminal background check, and a passing score on the licensing exam are also requirements for state certification 2.
Like in other states, becoming a licensed electrician in North Carolina typically begins with a formal apprenticeship. According to the NC Department of Commerce, an apprenticeship lays the foundation for eligibility for journeyman licensing and helps electricians gain the hands-on experience needed for independent work 24; for program options, explore electrician schools in NC.
To qualify for an apprenticeship:
While not always mandatory, completing an introductory electrical course provides a valuable knowledge base. Beaufort County Community College (BCCC) offers foundational electrical courses covering:
Coursework includes hands-on training and theory-based education aligned with NC licensing requirements 14; learn more about training programs via ServiceTitan's electrician resources.
To find programs and open roles, consider the following resources:
Most apprenticeships involve:
| Apprenticeship Electrician Role | Required Training Hours | On-the-Job Experience |
|---|---|---|
| Residential Electrician | 3,000 | 2 Years (approx.) |
| Commercial Electrician | 4,000 | 2.5 Years (approx.) |
| Industrial Electrician | 4,500 | 3-4 Years (approx.) |
Upon completing an apprenticeship and meeting experience requirements, candidates are eligible to sit for the journeyman electrician license exam. This is a prerequisite for most full-time, unsupervised electrician roles.
Begin with a formal apprenticeship, either through a union, community college, or electrical contractor. Ensure the program meets NCBEEC requirements for journeyman licensing. During the apprenticeship (typically lasting between 2–4 years), you receive both classroom instruction and supervised growing and related field development and will learn skills such as conduit bending, circuit installation, and blueprint reading 2; additional guidance on salaries and growth can be found on ZipRecruiter's electrician jobs.
After completing required apprenticeship hours, apply to take the Journeyman Electrician Exam, which tests:
Prepare using manuals and study guides that align with the NCBEEC exam format, and consider prep courses offered by local trade schools such as Coastal Carolina Community College.
Submit a formal licensing application through the NCBEEC, including:
Beyond journeyman electrician qualifications, many professionals pursue advanced certifications in:
Additionally, experienced electricians may aim to become Master Electricians, which requires a separate licensing exam and additional oversight and business credentials 4; for industry statistics, see Consumer Affairs electrical stats.
The job outlook for electricians in Washington, NC, mirrors statewide and national trends. With North Carolina projecting an average of 2,630 electrician job openings per year through 2032, and the U.S. projecting 80,200 annual electrician openings from 2023-33 68, job seekers can expect a growing market and stable wage growth; delve deeper into BLS data on electricians for projections.
While Washington, NC, may not be one of the state’s largest metro job hubs, its energy needs and local businesses create solid demand. Aggregated data from job portals such as Indeed.com confirms 37 current electrician job postings, suggesting consistent, though modest, local demand for trade professionals 1.
At the same time, broader trends like renewable energy expansion, the adoption of smart building technologies, and increased infrastructure investment contribute to growing opportunities across North Carolina and indirectly in smaller cities like Washington 45; check ServiceTitan's salary insights for wage details.
Electrician wages in the area range from $20 to $43 per hour depending on experience and specialization 7. Additionally, national electrician wage data shows median earnings increased from $54,000 in 2015 to $61,590 in 2023, a 14% growth 4.
Beyond wages, electricians see added benefits, such as:
Several forces influence the electrician job market in Washington, NC, and the industry’s growing demand for skilled workers. These include:
These growth drivers provide an encouraging backdrop for new electricians entering the profession in Washington, NC.
While career opportunities continue to grow, new trade professionals may face common challenges:
Washington, NC provides several accessible education and training options for those aiming to join the electrical trade. Key options include:
Several nearby community colleges offer full certificate and diploma programs:
Starting a career as an electrician in Washington, NC, provides a roadmap to well-paying, stable employment with excellent growth potential in energy, construction, and technology sectors. Completing an apprenticeship, obtaining a journeyman license, and advancing into certifications or management roles can lead to significant long-term opportunity. With faster-than-average job growth, a median wage exceeding $61,000, and careers supported by apprenticeship programs and local universities like BCC and Coastal Carolina 17, now is the ideal time to take action; start your search with Gild and Indeed for immediate opportunities.
To begin:
Whether you’re considering a career transition or are a high school graduate ready to begin your career journey, now is the perfect opportunity to get started in the electrical field in Washington, NC.
https://www.indeed.com/q-electrical-l-washington,-nc-jobs.html ↩ ↩2 ↩3 ↩4 ↩5 ↩6
https://www.indeed.com/jobs?l=Washington--NC&q=electrician ↩ ↩2 ↩3 ↩4 ↩5 ↩6 ↩7
https://www.onetonline.org/link/localtrends/47-2111.00?st=WA ↩ ↩2
https://www.prairielectric.com/electrician-careers/electrician-job-outlook/ ↩ ↩2 ↩3 ↩4 ↩5 ↩6 ↩7 ↩8 ↩9 ↩10 ↩11 ↩12
https://www.onetonline.org/link/localtrends/47-2111.00?st=NC ↩ ↩2
