How to Become an Electrician in Washington State (2026 Guide)

WA median pay

$95,220 a year

Seattle-area median

$101,780

Journey level path

Apprenticeship required

Electricians in WA

About 19,380

Washington is one of the best-paying states in the country for electricians. It’s also one of the most regulated. Every electrician needs a certificate from the Department of Labor & Industries (L&I), and since 2023 the main route to a general journey level certificate runs through a registered apprenticeship. Here’s how the system works and how to give yourself the best shot at getting in.

What electricians earn in Washington

Electricians in Washington earned a median of $95,220 in May 2025, compared with $63,190 nationally.

Region	Median pay (May 2025)	Electricians employed
Seattle–Tacoma–Bellevue	$101,780	9,750
Kennewick–Richland	$99,850	1,050
Bellingham	$97,590	560
Olympia–Lacey–Tumwater	$96,600	530
Bremerton–Silverdale–Port Orchard	$80,990	1,100
Spokane–Spokane Valley	$79,830	1,290
Yakima	$78,630	390
Washington overall	$95,220	19,380

Where the work is: Washington by region

From the dean’s desk

Go where the work is, and where you can finish your apprenticeship.

— Lester Burkes, Dean of Automotive & Trades

The table above shows a big spread. Electricians in the Seattle–Tacoma area earned a median of $101,780, while Spokane came in at $79,830. Mount Vernon–Anacortes ($104,510) and Kennewick–Richland ($99,850) also pay at the top of the state. The bigger question for a new apprentice is where you can get in and stay working long enough to finish your 8,000 hours.

Each region has its own electrical apprenticeship sponsor. These IBEW-affiliated committees run registered programs and recruit on their own schedules:

Seattle, King and Snohomish counties: IBEW 46 / Puget Sound Electrical JATC (Renton). Seattle City Light also runs utility electrical apprenticeships.
Tacoma, Olympia and Southwest Washington: IBEW 76 / Southwest Washington Electrical Workers apprenticeship (Tacoma). Tacoma Power runs utility apprenticeships too.
Spokane and Eastern Washington: IBEW 73 / Inland Empire Electrical Training Trust (Spokane).
Tri-Cities: IBEW 112 / LU112-NECA Electrical JATC (Kennewick).
Northwest Washington (Bellingham, Mount Vernon, Everett area): IBEW 191 / Northwest Washington Electrical Industry JATC (Mount Vernon).

Non-union contractor groups and individual employers also sponsor registered apprenticeships. L&I’s apprenticeship directory lists every program in the state, so apply to more than one if you can.

Apprenticeship or trade school first?

Since July 1, 2023, Washington uses an apprenticeship-only model for general journey level (01) electricians. Trainees doing 01 work must be registered apprentices. A temporary exception for trainees who already had 3,000 hours ended July 1, 2026. That makes getting into an apprenticeship the key step, and the competition for spots is real.

From the dean’s desk

If you can get into an apprenticeship, you definitely should. But it’s really competitive, so if you’re looking for a competitive advantage, going to a trade school is a great option.

— Lester Burkes, Dean of Automotive & Trades

A pre-apprenticeship or a technical college electrical program can teach you the basics, help you prepare for an apprenticeship’s aptitude test and interview, and show employers you’re serious. See Best Electrician Training Programs in Washington for options.

How to become an electrician in Washington

Get an electrical training certificate

You must be at least 16 and hold an L&I training certificate to work in the trade. Trainee certificates renew every two years.

Choose journey level or a specialty

A general journey level (01) electrician can do all types of electrical work. Washington also has 14 specialty certifications with their own hour requirements, many at 4,000 hours.

Join a registered apprenticeship for 01 work

To do work limited to 01 electricians, you need to be a registered apprentice working for a training agent or program sponsor. Apply to programs in your area and be ready when they open.

Work under supervision and report your hours

Trainees must work on the same job site as their supervising electrician. For journey level work, the ratio is one trainee to one journey level electrician. Report your hours on time; late affidavits can cost you credit.

Pass the state exam

Once you meet the experience and education requirements, apply for the L&I exam for your certification type.

Who does well as an electrician

People who are comfortable with math and like solving problems
Those who can stay focused on details when safety is on the line
Workers who are reliable and show up on time, every time
Anyone who wants options: Washington and Oregon have reciprocity for qualifying journey level electricians

Frequently asked questions

Do I need an apprenticeship to become an electrician in Washington?

For a general journey level (01) certificate, yes. Since July 1, 2023, trainees doing 01 work must be registered apprentices. Some specialty certifications can be earned without an apprenticeship.

How much do electricians make in Washington?

The median was $95,220 in May 2025. In the Seattle–Tacoma–Bellevue area, the median was $101,780.

Where in Washington do electricians earn the most?

In May 2025, the highest medians were in Mount Vernon–Anacortes ($104,510), Seattle–Tacoma–Bellevue ($101,780) and Kennewick–Richland ($99,850). Spokane’s median was $79,830.

How old do you have to be to start?

You must be at least 16 to get an electrical training certificate in Washington.

Should I go to trade school before an apprenticeship?

If you can get into an apprenticeship, go. If not, a trade school or pre-apprenticeship program can make you more competitive for the next opening.