Ohio electricians benefit from a diverse and growing job market that spans automotive and semiconductor manufacturing, one of the most active commercial construction markets in the Midwest, and strong union presence in Cleveland, Columbus, Cincinnati, and Dayton. Intel's $20 billion semiconductor campus in New Albany near Columbus is creating electrical demand on a scale Ohio has not seen in decades. IBEW locals in all four major Ohio cities run strong apprenticeship programs.
Ohio Electrician Licensing
- Ohio Electrical Contractor License: Required to operate an electrical contracting business and pull permits in Ohio.
- Ohio Journeyman Electrician: Ohio does not have a mandatory statewide individual journeyman license for most commercial work, though some Ohio municipalities have local licensing requirements.
- IBEW Union Journeyman Card: The primary practical credential for commercial and industrial electrical work throughout Ohio.
- Electrical Apprentice: Entry level. Work under a licensed contractor.
Top Electrician Schools in Ohio
- IBEW Local 683 JATC (Columbus): Free 5-year apprenticeship near the Intel semiconductor campus.
- IBEW Local 38 JATC (Cleveland): Free 5-year apprenticeship for Northeast Ohio.
- IBEW Local 212 JATC (Cincinnati): Free 5-year apprenticeship for Southwest Ohio.
- IBEW Local 175 JATC (Dayton): Free 5-year apprenticeship for the Dayton area.
- Columbus State Community College: Electrical technology programs with strong Central Ohio employer connections.
- Cuyahoga Community College (Tri-C): Electrical programs for the Cleveland market.
Electrician Salary in Ohio
- Apprentice electrician: $16-$22/hr
- Journeyman (Columbus, IBEW Local 683): $36-$50/hr with full benefits
- Journeyman (Cleveland, IBEW Local 38): $38-$52/hr with full benefits
- Journeyman (Cincinnati, IBEW Local 212): $34-$48/hr with full benefits
- Intel semiconductor construction rate: $40-$54/hr for qualified electricians
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do electricians make in Columbus Ohio?
IBEW Local 683 journeyman electricians in Columbus earn $36-$50/hr with full benefits. Intel semiconductor campus construction near New Albany is paying $40-$54/hr for qualified electricians. This is driving rapid growth in both electrician wages and IBEW Local 683 membership in Central Ohio.
What is the Intel semiconductor campus near Columbus?
Intel is building a $20B+ semiconductor manufacturing campus in New Albany, Ohio. It is one of the largest construction projects in US history. Construction requires thousands of electricians over multiple build phases. IBEW Local 683 is a primary labor source for the project. Permanent facility maintenance will require hundreds of electrical maintenance technicians.
How do I become an electrician in Ohio?
The most common path is through an IBEW apprenticeship program in your area. All four major Ohio cities have active IBEW locals with free 5-year apprenticeship programs. Ohio community colleges like Columbus State and Tri-C offer pre-apprenticeship electrical programs. Ohio does not have a mandatory statewide journeyman license for most work but having your IBEW card is the practical equivalent.
Is there an electrician shortage in Ohio?
Yes. Intel semiconductor campus construction, Ohio manufacturing sector, and active construction markets have created significant electrician shortages. Ohio Means Jobs consistently lists electricians as high-demand shortage occupations statewide. Contractors are recruiting from out of state to staff Intel and other large Ohio projects.
Which Ohio city is best for electrician careers?
Columbus is currently the most active market due to Intel semiconductor campus construction. Cleveland has the highest union wages historically. Cincinnati and Dayton have stable commercial and industrial markets. For maximum current earnings, Columbus is the top choice. For long-term stability, all four markets are strong.
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