Electrician in Delaware: Salary, License Requirements, and How to Start
Skilled trades
Delaware employs 2,260 electricians, with a statewide median of $63,700 and wide variation by city and experience. Here is the real wage data, the exact Delaware licensing picture, and where to train.
What Electricians Earn in Delaware (May 2025)
- Delaware median pay
- $63,700 (May 2025)
- Starting range (10th percentile)
- $38,280
- Experienced (75th percentile)
- $90,510
- Top earners (90th percentile)
- $105,340
- Employed in Delaware
- 2,260
- U.S. median (for comparison)
- $62,350 (May 2024)
Wages vary substantially by metro. Median annual pay for electricians in major Delaware markets:
- Philadelphia
- $74,590 (10,090 employed)
- Dover
- $60,750 (340 employed)
What That Pay Is Worth in Delaware
Prices in Delaware run right about the national average (cost-of-living index 99.8 vs a U.S. baseline of 100, 2024), so the $63,700 median holds roughly its face value.
Job Outlook in Delaware (2024–2034)
Delaware is projected to grow electricians employment +18.5%, faster than the +9.5% projected nationally. The state expects about 270 openings a year, counting both growth and workers who retire or move on.
Delaware License and Certification Requirements
Journeyperson Electrician license — regulated by the Delaware DPR — Board of Electrical Examiners.
- Be 18+ and meet the education/experience requirements (apprenticeship plus on-the-job training).
- Pass the Delaware Board of Electrical Examiners exam.
- Apply to DPR; advance to a master electrician license to run your own jobs.
Official requirements: Delaware DPR — Board of Electrical Examiners →
Training in Delaware
IBEW/IEC apprenticeships are the earn-while-you-learn route. Delaware licenses electricians statewide through DPR.
Real training providers and registered apprenticeships in Delaware include:
- Polytech Adult Education — Certificate
Is This the Right Move for You?
Best for: People who like tools, systems, problem solving, and earning while they train.
Think twice if: You need desk-only work or dislike tight spaces, heights, job sites, and physical risk.
Why it's resilient: Electrical work is site-specific, licensed, safety-critical, and often requires hands-on diagnosis in messy real buildings.
First Steps
Look for IBEW, IEC, ABC, or state apprenticeship openings near you.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do electricians make in Delaware?
The median wage for electricians in Delaware is $63,700 per year (May 2025, BLS). Entry-level pay (10th percentile) starts around $38,280, and top earners (90th percentile) make about $105,340. Pay varies by metro and years of experience.
What license or certification do you need to become an Electrician in Delaware?
Journeyperson Electrician license, overseen by the Delaware DPR — Board of Electrical Examiners. Be 18+ and meet the education/experience requirements (apprenticeship plus on-the-job training).
Is being an Electrician a good career in Delaware?
Electrical work is site-specific, licensed, safety-critical, and often requires hands-on diagnosis in messy real buildings.
Which Delaware metros pay electricians the most?
Among Delaware metro areas, Philadelphia leads at $74,590, followed by Dover ($60,750). Local pay tracks regional demand and cost of living, so the highest-paying metro isn't always the best net move.
Where can I train to become an Electrician in Delaware?
Real Delaware options include Polytech Adult Education. Most electricians start with an accredited program, then earn the credential the state or employer requires.
Is Electrician a growing career in Delaware?
Delaware projects electricians employment to change +18.5% from 2024 to 2034, with about 270 openings a year — a growing field in the state.
Sources and Verification
Wage data: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (May 2025), Delaware statewide and metro estimates for SOC 47-2111. Licensing summary compiled from the Delaware DPR — Board of Electrical Examiners (2026-06-11). Requirements change — always confirm current rules with the board and verify program costs and outcomes before enrolling.
BLS Occupational Outlook · O*NET Delaware wages · Delaware licensing/certification source
Employment projections: Projections Central / BLS Employment Projections (2024–2034); Cost of living: BEA Regional Price Parities.
Pay percentiles describe current workers, not entry-level offers; training costs and local demand vary, so verify locally before committing money or quitting a job.