Electrician Salary in Vermont: Pay Rates, Licensing, and Career Outlook

Key Takeaways

• According to the BLS, the national median annual wage for electricians is about $61,590, and Vermont tracks close to this figure.
• Vermont electricians benefit from strong new construction demand, particularly in Chittenden County and the Burlington metro area.
• The Vermont Department of Labor regulates electrician licensing, requiring apprenticeship completion and written exams.
• Solar and renewable energy projects are a significant and growing source of electrician work in Vermont.
• Union electricians through IBEW Local 300 receive negotiated wages, benefits, and structured training.
• Master electricians in Vermont who start their own contracting businesses frequently earn six-figure incomes.

Electrician Salary in Vermont: Pay Rates, Licensing, and Career Opportunities

Vermont may be one of the smallest states by population, but its demand for skilled electricians is anything but small. The Green Mountain State's ambitious renewable energy goals, aging building stock, and steady construction activity in and around Burlington create consistent work for licensed electricians. This guide breaks down exactly what electricians earn in Vermont, how pay varies by experience and license level, how to get licensed, and where the trade is headed.

Vermont Electrician Salary Overview

The Bureau of Labor Statistics reports that electricians nationally earn a median annual wage of approximately $61,590. Vermont falls within a similar range, with working electricians typically earning between $54,000 and $75,000 per year. The spread is significant because wages vary considerably based on license tier, specialty, union status, and whether you are working in the Burlington metro area or a more rural part of the state.

Vermont's electrical market is smaller in absolute terms than neighboring Massachusetts or New York, but the skilled labor shortage affects Vermont as acutely as larger markets. Contractors frequently report difficulty finding enough licensed journeypersons, which exerts upward pressure on wages. For those willing to live in Vermont and work in the trade, the combination of competitive pay and a high quality of life is genuinely attractive.

Electrician Pay by Experience Level in Vermont

• Apprentice (Year 1): $18 to $22 per hour. Working under supervision while enrolled in a formal apprenticeship program.
• Apprentice (Years 2-4): $22 to $30 per hour. Increasing pay with each year as skills and responsibilities grow.
• Journeyperson Electrician: $30 to $43 per hour. Licensed to work independently on most electrical installations and repairs.
• Master Electrician: $40 to $56+ per hour. The highest license tier; required to pull permits and supervise work.
• Electrical Contractor / Business Owner: Variable; commonly $85,000 to $150,000+ in annual revenue, minus overhead.

Annual Salary Estimates for Vermont Electricians

Drawing on BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics and Vermont labor market data:

• Entry Level (10th Percentile): approximately $37,000 to $43,000 per year.
• Early Career (25th Percentile): approximately $46,000 to $53,000 per year.
• Median (50th Percentile): approximately $57,000 to $64,000 per year.
• Experienced (75th Percentile): approximately $70,000 to $78,000 per year.
• Top Earners (90th Percentile): approximately $83,000 to $94,000 per year.

Key Factors Influencing Electrician Pay in Vermont

License Tier

Vermont uses a four-tier licensing structure: apprentice, journeyperson, master, and electrical contractor. Each tier represents an increase in legal authority to perform and supervise electrical work, and each comes with an increase in earning potential. The jump from apprentice to journeyperson is significant, and the jump to master electrician is even more impactful for those who want to run their own business.

Renewable Energy Specialization

Vermont has set ambitious clean energy targets and has been a national leader in solar energy adoption per capita. The result is strong and growing demand for electricians who can design and install solar photovoltaic systems, battery storage systems, and electric vehicle charging infrastructure. Electricians with NABCEP (North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners) credentials or manufacturer-specific solar certifications can command premium rates in Vermont's robust renewable energy market.

Burlington Metro vs. Rural Vermont

The Burlington metropolitan area, including South Burlington, Williston, and Shelburne, is Vermont's primary commercial center and offers the highest concentration of construction projects. Wages in this area tend to be somewhat higher than in rural areas. That said, rural Vermont is not without demand, and electricians who serve small towns and agricultural communities can build a loyal customer base with limited competition. Travel pay and service call premiums help offset lower base rates in remote areas.

Union vs. Non-Union Employment

IBEW Local 300, based in Burlington, represents a significant portion of commercial and industrial electricians in Vermont. Union membership provides access to negotiated wage scales, health and retirement benefits, and a structured apprenticeship program through the IBEW/NECA JATC. Non-union shops are also common, particularly in residential and rural markets, and can offer competitive pay for experienced workers, though benefits and job security vary.

Industry Sector

Commercial and industrial electricians typically earn more than residential wiremen. Vermont's industrial base includes food processing, precision manufacturing, and medical device companies, all of which generate industrial maintenance and installation work for electricians. Healthcare facilities and higher education institutions, including the University of Vermont Health Network and several colleges, also provide steady commercial electrical work.

How to Get Your Electrician License in Vermont

Vermont regulates electricians through the Vermont Department of Labor, Division of Licensing and Registration. The licensing path is:

• Electrical Apprentice: Register with the state and begin working under a licensed journeyperson or master electrician. Complete a state-approved apprenticeship program that includes 8,000 hours of on-the-job training and the required classroom hours.
• Journeyperson Electrician: After completing the apprenticeship requirements, pass the Vermont journeyperson electrician exam. The exam is typically based on the National Electrical Code (NEC) and Vermont-specific electrical statutes.
• Master Electrician: After accumulating sufficient experience as a licensed journeyperson (typically 2,000 additional hours or one year), pass the master electrician exam.
• Electrical Contractor: To operate an electrical contracting business in Vermont, you must obtain a contractor license, which generally requires holding a master electrician license and meeting insurance and financial responsibility requirements.

Apprenticeship and Training Programs in Vermont

Vermont offers several pathways to enter the electrical trade:

• IBEW/NECA Joint Apprenticeship Training Committee: The union-affiliated apprenticeship in Vermont provides a rigorous five-year program. Apprentices work on real commercial and industrial projects while attending classes. Graduates earn full journeyperson wages and are highly competitive in the market.
• Community College of Vermont / Vermont Technical College: VTC offers electrical technology programs at the associate degree level that can complement apprenticeship training or help prepare students for licensing exams. CCV offers pre-apprenticeship and workforce development programs.
• Independent Electrical Contractors (IEC): IEC programs are available for those who prefer training in the non-union sector. The curriculum matches JATC standards in technical rigor.
• Employer-Sponsored Apprenticeships: Some larger Vermont electrical contractors run their own state-approved apprenticeship programs. Quality and structure vary, so research the sponsor before committing.

Vermont Electrician Job Outlook

The BLS projects that electrician employment will grow faster than average over the next decade nationally. Vermont mirrors and in some ways exceeds these national trends:

• Vermont's Renewable Energy Standard calls for 90 percent renewable energy by 2050, requiring massive electrical infrastructure investment.
• EV adoption is accelerating, driving demand for Level 2 and DC fast charging installation.
• The state's aging housing stock, with a median home age well above the national average, creates steady panel upgrade and rewiring work.
• Healthcare and higher education facility construction adds commercial electrical projects.
• Workforce retirements are creating openings at the journeyperson and master level that new apprentices will not fully fill for years.

Vermont Electrician Salaries Compared to Nearby States

Vermont's electrician wages are competitive within the region, especially when adjusted for the state's relatively modest cost of living compared to southern New England:

• Massachusetts: Median wages are 15 to 25 percent higher, particularly in the Boston metro, but housing costs are also dramatically higher.
• New Hampshire: Similar wages statewide; the southern tier near Nashua and Manchester earns somewhat more.
• Maine: Very comparable wages; both states share similar market size and labor dynamics.
• New York (upstate): Upstate New York wages are similar to Vermont, though the New York City metro is dramatically higher.
• Connecticut: Higher wages than Vermont, offset by significantly higher living costs.

How to Maximize Your Electrician Income in Vermont

Get Your Solar PV Certification

With Vermont's strong solar market, obtaining a NABCEP PV Installation Professional or Associate credential is one of the best investments a Vermont electrician can make. Solar-focused contractors in the state are regularly turning away work due to workforce constraints, and NABCEP-certified electricians are first in line for these projects.

Earn Your Master License

The master electrician license is the single credential that most dramatically increases income potential in Vermont. It allows you to pull permits, supervise apprentices, and operate your own contracting business. The exam is challenging but completable for any electrician who studies diligently and understands the NEC.

Build Expertise in Smart Home and EV Infrastructure

Vermont homeowners are among the most environmentally conscious in the country. Electricians who can install EV chargers, battery backup systems, smart panels, and home automation wiring are in growing demand. These projects typically carry higher margins than standard residential work.

Consider Geographic Flexibility

Vermont is a small state, and electricians who are willing to work across county lines can keep their schedule full year-round. During slow periods in one area, another may be in the middle of a construction boom. A service van and geographic flexibility are powerful tools for sustaining a high annual income.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the average electrician salary in Vermont? Vermont electricians typically earn between $57,000 and $64,000 per year at the median, consistent with BLS national data for electricians. Top earners with master licenses and commercial or solar specialties can earn $80,000 to $95,000 or more.

How do I become a licensed electrician in Vermont? Complete a state-approved apprenticeship program (8,000 hours of on-the-job training plus classroom instruction), then pass the Vermont journeyperson electrician exam through the Vermont Department of Labor. A master license requires additional experience and a second exam.

Is the electrician trade growing in Vermont? Yes. Vermont's renewable energy commitments, EV adoption, aging housing stock, and commercial construction all support growing demand. The BLS projects above-average job growth for electricians nationally, and Vermont-specific clean energy investments amplify that trend locally.

Conclusion

Electricians in Vermont occupy an enviable position: steady work, competitive wages, and a clear career ladder from apprentice to master. The state's commitment to clean energy is transforming the trade from one focused primarily on residential and commercial wiring to one that includes solar, storage, and EV infrastructure as core competencies. Those who invest in these emerging skills alongside traditional electrical training will find Vermont one of the most rewarding places in New England to build an electrical career.

For national salary benchmarks, visit the BLS Electricians page. The Vermont Department of Labor, Division of Licensing and Registration, is the authoritative source for current licensing requirements and fees.