Electrician Responsibilties:
Install, maintain, and repair electrical wiring, equipment, and fixtures. Ensure that work is in accordance with relevant codes. May install or service street lights, intercom systems, or electrical control systems.
Electrician Benefits:
Electricians enjoy stable careers with competitive salaries, overtime, and benefits in a growing industry. The field offers clear paths for advancement, from apprentice to master electrician, with corresponding pay increases.
Oregon electricians must be licensed to perform electrician work on residential and commercial properties.
Oregon electrical license categories include:
General supervising electricians are authorized to plan, design, and sign permits. Licensees have the authority to supervise other electricians. Licensing fee is $100. Qualifications include:
General journeyman electricians are authorized to perform electrical installations under the direction and control of a licensed general supervising technician. Licensing fee is $100. Qualifications include:
Limited supervising electricians are authorized to plan, design, sign permits, and lay out electrical work. Licensees have the authority to direct, control, or supervise electrical work in a hospital, plant, or commercial building. Licensing fee is $100. Qualifications include:
Limited maintenance electricians are authorized to maintain and repair existing electrical installations in a commercial building, institution, or plant. License fee is $100. Qualifications include:
Limited residential electricians are authorized to perform electrical installations in multi-family units, single family units, and multi-family units. Work is limited to residential properties with a maximum of three floors. All work must be supervised by a general supervising electrician. Licensing fee is $100. Qualifications include:
Licenses are issued by the Oregon Department of Consumer and Business Services. The average hourly pay for Oregon electricians is $33.08.
The first step is to enroll in an approved Oregon apprenticeship program. During the program, you will receive on-the-job and classroom training. Unions and companies sponsor Oregon apprenticeship programs.
Oregon electrician apprenticeship programs:
Oregon electrician apprenticeship program information:
Oregon apprenticeship application fees are between $50 and $100. Expect to pay up to $10,000 for electrician courses from a trade school or community college. Accredited trade schools generally offer financial aid options for apprentices. Some apprenticeships are paid for by sponsors. Electrician courses must be taken in a classroom.
Apprenticeship prerequisites:
On-the-Job Experience:
Oregon license examination information:
Applicants must score at least a 75% on exams. Fees are between $100 and $200 per exam. Exams are administered by the Oregon electrical licensing division.
Oregon electrical examination content includes:
Test Preparation Resources:
Union members are more likely to receive a higher salary. Many union members earn 20% more than other electricians. You’re also entitled to vacation pay, a pension, representation, and sick pay. Union members are required to pay union dues.
The Oregon job industry is competitive. However, your Oregon electrical license shows hiring managers that you have the skills to perform your job. Search the following career websites for current electrician job listings:
Oregon electricians face all types of job hazards, including risks of electrical fires and electrical shock. Electricians in Oregon must have liability insurance coverage to perform professional electrical work for residential and commercial properties.
Innovative technology has contributed to the rapid changes in the electrical industry. Electricians must keep up with the latest trends to remain competitive.
New homes are constructed with smart technology. Electricians must learn how to wire these homes. Electrician companies are providing their customers with automated billing and scheduling options. This trend enhances the customer experience. You can attend trade shows to learn the recent developments in the electrical industry.
Oregon has electrician license reciprocity agreements with Utah, Montana, Wyoming, Maine, Idaho, and Arkansas.
I already have a license but:
Renew your electrician license every two years. Fees are between $100 and $200.
See all jobs, apprenticeships, and trade schools
Want to get into this trade?
Find jobs near you