Electrician License in Washington
Quick Answer
To become a certified electrician in Washington, you need 24 hours of basic classroom instruction, 8,000 hours as an electrical trainee under supervision (or military equivalent), and must pass the state exam. CE is required for renewal. The Department of Labor and Industries oversees licensing. Estimated costs are approximately $275.
- Education Required
- 24 hours
- Exam
- Washington Electrician Exam
- Total Cost
- $275 (est.)
- Timeline
- 4-5 years
- Background Check
- Required
- Renewal
- Every 3 years
Requirements
Electrician license in Washington
Estimated Costs Est.
- Application Fee
- $50
- Exam Fee
- $75
- Renewal Fee
- $50
- Total Estimated Cost
- $275
Cost Breakdown
Estimated costs for getting your Electrician license in Washington. Values marked "Est." are extracted from official descriptions.
Enter the cost of your pre-licensing education program
Fees marked "Est." are extracted from official descriptions and may not reflect current pricing. Verify with the Washington licensing board.
Electrician Salary in Washington
Entry Level
$54,800
Median
$96,530
Experienced
$133,310
Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics. Salary data is for informational purposes only.
How to Get Licensed
Step-by-step roadmap to becoming a licensed Electrician in Washington.
- 1
Complete Education Requirements
Specific course required
- 2
Submit Background Check
No criminal record prohibitions
- 3
Pass the Required Exam
State exam required — Washington Electrician Exam
- 4
Submit Your Application
File your application with the licensing agency. Application fee: ~$50.
- 5
Receive Your License
Processing typically takes 4-5 years.
Electrician Licensing in Washington: What to Know
Washington provides detailed requirements. For general journey-level certification: 24 hours of basic classroom instruction, 8,000 documented hours working as an electrical trainee under a certified electrician's supervision (or equivalent military experience), plus passing the exam. Specialty certifications may require additional 24-48 hours of classroom instruction and 2,000-4,000 hours of experience. CE is required for renewal. The Department of Labor and Industries oversees licensing. Washington's strong tech industry in the Seattle area and growing population drive high demand for electricians.
Frequently Asked Questions
- How much does a Electrician license cost in Washington?
- The estimated total cost is $275, including application fees, exam fees ($75), and education costs.
- How long does it take to get a Electrician license in Washington?
- The process typically takes 4-5 years, depending on education completion and exam scheduling.
- What exam do I need for a Electrician license in Washington?
- You need to pass the Washington Electrician Exam. State exam required
Considering another state?
Compare Electrician requirements across states.
View all states →Data from CareerOneStop (DOLETA/DEED). Last updated: February 14, 2026.