Electrician in Vermont: Salary, License Requirements, and How to Start
Skilled trades
Vermont employs 1,270 electricians, with a statewide median of $63,430 and wide variation by city and experience. Here is the real wage data, the exact Vermont licensing picture, and where to train.
What Electricians Earn in Vermont (May 2025)
- Vermont median pay
- $63,430 (May 2025)
- Starting range (10th percentile)
- $47,470
- Experienced (75th percentile)
- $80,390
- Top earners (90th percentile)
- $132,080
- Employed in Vermont
- 1,270
- U.S. median (for comparison)
- $62,350 (May 2024)
Wages vary substantially by metro. Median annual pay for electricians in major Vermont markets:
- Burlington
- $66,860 (470 employed)
What That Pay Is Worth in Vermont
Prices in Vermont run about 2% below the national average (cost-of-living index 98.0 vs a U.S. baseline of 100, 2024), so the $63,430 median stretches to roughly $64,724 in national buying-power terms.
Job Outlook in Vermont (2024–2034)
Vermont is projected to grow electricians employment +9.9%, about in line with the +9.5% projected nationally. The state expects about 160 openings a year, counting both growth and workers who retire or move on.
Vermont License and Certification Requirements
Journeyman Electrician license — regulated by the Vermont Dept. of Public Safety — Division of Fire Safety (Electrical Licensing).
- Complete 576 hours of classroom training plus 8,000 hours of work through an approved apprenticeship (or document ~12,000 hours of relevant experience).
- Pass the journeyman electrician exam.
- Apply to the Division of Fire Safety; hold the journeyman license two years to qualify for master electrician.
Training in Vermont
IBEW/IEC apprenticeships are the earn-while-you-learn route to the 8,000 hours. Vermont licenses electricians statewide through the Division of Fire Safety.
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 Vermont?
The median wage for electricians in Vermont is $63,430 per year (May 2025, BLS). Entry-level pay (10th percentile) starts around $47,470, and top earners (90th percentile) make about $132,080. Pay varies by metro and years of experience.
What license or certification do you need to become an Electrician in Vermont?
Journeyman Electrician license, overseen by the Vermont Dept. of Public Safety — Division of Fire Safety (Electrical Licensing). Complete 576 hours of classroom training plus 8,000 hours of work through an approved apprenticeship (or document ~12,000 hours of relevant experience).
Is being an Electrician a good career in Vermont?
Electrical work is site-specific, licensed, safety-critical, and often requires hands-on diagnosis in messy real buildings.
Which Vermont metros pay electricians the most?
Among Vermont metro areas, Burlington leads at $66,860. Local pay tracks regional demand and cost of living, so the highest-paying metro isn't always the best net move.
Is Electrician a growing career in Vermont?
Vermont projects electricians employment to change +9.9% from 2024 to 2034, with about 160 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), Vermont statewide and metro estimates for SOC 47-2111. Licensing summary compiled from the Vermont Dept. of Public Safety — Division of Fire Safety (Electrical Licensing) (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 Vermont wages · Vermont 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.