How to Become an Electrician in California

CA median pay

$76,160 a year

Hours to certify

8,000 (general)

Exam fee

$175

Electricians in CA

About 73,310

California requires electricians who work for a C-10 licensed electrical contractor to be state-certified. That means there’s a clear path in, but you have to follow it: register, train, log your hours, and pass the state exam. This guide walks through each step, what the job pays across California, and how to choose between a union and a non-union apprenticeship.

Pay for electricians in California

Electricians in California earned a median of $76,160 in May 2025, compared with $63,190 nationally. Pay is highest in the Bay Area:

Region	Median pay (May 2025)	Hourly	Electricians employed
San Francisco–Oakland–Fremont	$92,830	$44.63	9,060
San Jose–Sunnyvale–Santa Clara	$91,030	$43.77	5,480
San Diego–Chula Vista–Carlsbad	$76,160	$36.62	8,060
Sacramento–Roseville–Folsom	$74,830	$35.98	6,340
Los Angeles–Long Beach–Anaheim	$73,810	$35.49	20,610
Riverside–San Bernardino–Ontario	$72,790	$35.00	7,880
Fresno	$71,710	$34.48	1,980
California overall	$76,160	$36.62	73,310
United States	$63,190	$30.38	—

Source: O*NET OnLine, BLS OEWS May 2025.

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Union or non-union apprenticeship?

In California you can learn the trade through a union program run jointly by the IBEW and electrical contractors, or through a non-union program run by a contractor association or employer. Both can be state-approved. The biggest differences are usually pay scales, benefits, and how you get hired.

From the dean’s desk

I would say go union. But if the only job you can get is non-union, take it, start building your skills, and keep trying for a union position.

— Lester Burkes, Dean of Trades, Transportation & Apprenticeship

Union apprenticeships often have limited openings and application windows, so many people start elsewhere while they wait. The hours you log under a certified electrician still count toward your experience.

New openings are posted every week on our California apprenticeship openings tracker.

How to become a certified electrician in California

Meet the basics

You’ll typically need a high school diploma or GED, and most apprenticeships require algebra. Many also require a driver’s license.

Choose your path in

Either join a state-approved apprenticeship, or register with the state as an Electrician Trainee. Trainees must be enrolled in a state-approved school, pay a $25 registration fee, renew every year, and work only under the constant supervision of a certified electrician.

Log your hours

A General Electrician needs 8,000 hours of work for a C-10 contractor across at least two areas, such as commercial, industrial and residential wiring. A Residential Electrician needs 4,800 hours. Completing a state-approved apprenticeship also qualifies you.

Pass the state certification exam

The application and exam fee is $175. The General Electrician exam has 100 questions with four hours to finish; the Residential exam has 80 questions with three hours. The test is offered in English and Spanish.

Keep your certification current

To renew, you need 2,000 hours of work in the industry in the past three years and 32 hours of continuing education from an approved provider.

California certification types

Certification	Experience required
General Electrician	8,000 hours
Residential Electrician	4,800 hours
Fire/Life Safety Technician	4,000 hours
Voice Data Video Technician	4,000 hours
Non-residential Lighting Technician	2,000 hours

Frequently asked questions

How long does it take to become an electrician in California?

A General Electrician needs 8,000 hours of on-the-job experience, which is about four years of full-time work, before taking the state exam. Residential Electricians need 4,800 hours.

How much do electricians make in California?

The median was $76,160 in May 2025. In the San Francisco–Oakland area, the median was $92,830.

Can I work as an electrician in California without certification?

Only as a registered Electrician Trainee enrolled in a state-approved school, or as an apprentice in a state-approved program, working under a certified electrician.

Should I join a union or non-union apprenticeship?

Union programs usually offer higher pay scales and benefits, but openings are limited. If a non-union job is what you can get, take it, build your skills, and keep applying to the union.