In short
A master electrician usually has several more years of experience after the journeyman license, often around two, plus a harder exam on the National Electrical Code, load calculations, design and business rules. In many states the master can pull permits and supervise other electricians, and electrical contractors often need a master on the license. Requirements are set by each state or city.
What masters do
- Pull permits and sign off on jobs
- Design circuits and service sizes, and do load calculations
- Supervise journeymen and apprentices
- Serve as the qualifying license holder for a contracting company
Is it worth it?
If you want to run jobs, start a company or move into estimating and design, yes. Masters are usually paid toward the top of the range: the top 10 percent of electricians earned more than $108,510 in May 2025.
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Straight answers
How long does it take to become a master electrician?
Often six or more years in total: about four as an apprentice and a couple more as a journeyman. It varies by state.
Is the master electrician exam harder than journeyman?
Usually yes. It adds design, load calculations and business and law topics.
Can a master electrician start their own business?
In many states, a master license plus a contractor registration and insurance lets you open a contracting business.