Serving Queenstown, MD and surrounding areas
Approved
In business since 1961
Free estimates
Customers say: Quality work
"John was the ultimate professional, providing expert service. I will ask for Gunther's for the next project at our home."
+48
Serving Queenstown, MD and surrounding areas
Approved
In business since 2014
Emergency services offered
Warranties offered
"Very smooth, easy scheduling with Ryan. He explained what materials I should order beforehand and the team supplied LED dimmers. 2-man team arrived on time, were courteous, efficient, and did excellent work. I will be calling Ryan for any other electrical jobs we have in the future!"
+5
Serving Queenstown, MD and surrounding areas
Approved
Super Service Award Winner
In business since 2019
Emergency services offered
Customers say: True professional
"Great work. Crest Electric was professional and courteous. Would highly recommend."
Serving Queenstown, MD and surrounding areas
Approved
In business since 2001
Free estimates
Emergency services offered
"Mark from Duke's Electrical Services was recommended by a friend in the home improvement business whose referrals have always been A+, and Mark certainly lived up to that reputation. Mark and his son were professional, punctual, and communicative. They texted before arriving and showed up exactly on time. Mark performed a thorough electrical inspection, took photos, and reviewed everything with me so I understood the condition of our system. I also asked about a few smaller projects, including a dock light switch and a deck remote-control switch that weren't working. Mark followed through on his promise to return, contacted me within a week, and scheduled the repairs. During that visit, I added two more switch replacements, and they completed all three jobs in under an hour. What impressed me most was their attention to detail. After finishing, they vacuumed the work area. As someone who appreciates cleanliness, that meant a lot. Professional, efficient, cleanliness, very rare find."
Serving Queenstown, MD and surrounding areas
Approved
Super Service Award Winner
Free estimates
Warranties offered
Credit card accepted
"Home Inspection revealed a red alert on the home grounding. Mike’s Electrical came out to my house within the hour and inspected all electrical components involved. The house is in fact grounded and there is no longer a problem with this electrical issue. Thank you for Mike’s quick response and expertise in resolving the situation. Highly recommend them for your electrical needs!"
+63
Serving Queenstown, MD and surrounding areas
Approved
Super Service Award Winner
In business since 2015
Free estimates
Emergency services offered
"Excellent, JA Electric arrived at the schedule time, kept me informed of progress during the project, cleaned up area, personally walked me through the finish job, and tested each outlet and GFI. I am very satisfied with the job and with JA Electric services"
+25
Serving Queenstown, MD and surrounding areas
Approved
In business since 2021
Free estimates
Emergency services offered
"Mike is efficient and does a top-notch job. I am happy everyday when I look at my new recessed light in the kitchen and stairwell. The new outlet over the washing machine is perfect and looks fine. The replaced outlets work and look modern. I highly recommend Mike to do your electrical projects."
+3
Serving Queenstown, MD and surrounding areas
Approved
In business since 2013
Free estimates
Offers commercial services
"The job was done quickly and effectively. I will call them for any future electrical needs."
Serving Queenstown, MD and surrounding areas
Approved
In business since 2001
Free estimates
Warranties offered
"WB Lightning is focused on customer service. The company provided good communication and responded very quickly to my inquiry for a quote. WB Lightning is a respected company, I had another electrical service provider tell me I made a good choice when I hired WB Lightning Rods."
+79
Serving Queenstown, MD and surrounding areas
Approved
In business since 2009
Free estimates
Emergency services offered
"Lazer Electric was awesome! Glen delivered excellent customer service!!! He was extremely helpful with any questions or changes! I look forward to using Lazer Electric in the future."
There is often some confusion about the type of work these professionals do. They only work on electrical systems such as outlets, lighting fixtures and electrical panels – they aren’t appliance repairmen.
There are three types of electricians: Master, Journeyman and Apprentice. Electrical licensing varies quite a bit by state. Some have licenses for apprentices and some do not. Some have a master’s rank while others stop at journeyman. Despite the differences, they all require a minimum amount of experience and usually classroom time.
Apprentice electricians aren’t usually licensed and spend 4 years learning the trade. Throughout that time, they work on a wide range of projects to learn to become a Journeyman. They’ll do basic work like installing fixtures and replacing outlets all the way to assisting in wiring a home. Regardless of the type of project, they must always be supervised by a Journeyman or Master electrician.
Journeymen work without supervision. In a few states, this is the highest level available and they can do all levels of work from wiring a new home to installing a light. In some states, they need a separate electrical contractor license to run a business. In places with a master’s level, a journeyman can do all work besides design new electrical systems.
Master electricians usually manage a shop, design new electrical systems in new construction and oversee both Journeyman and Apprentices. They typically bid new projects. Though they focus on larger projects, it’s not unheard of for a homeowner to request a Master Electrician for a house call. If you do, expect to spend up to 25% more for the visit.
Generally, you don’t tip electricians, but that’s not to say they don’t appreciate it if you do. You can offer them something to drink or eat, like coffee and donuts. Most will appreciate it if you do.
The education and certifications required to become an electrician vary by state, though they generally follow this list:
Apprentice
Does not always require a license depending on the state.
Learns on the job under Journeyman and Master Electricians.
Usually needs 4 years on-the-job training before they can test for a Journeyman license. Many states also require a technical degree to advance.
Always require supervision.
Journeyman
Needs between 8,000 to 10,000 hours of on-the-job training and usually 500 to 1,000 hours of classroom experience.
Can usually supervise apprentices.
They can diagnose and repair electrical problems.
Master
Achieved after an additional two years (4,000 hours) working as a Journeyman and taking the Master Electrician Exam.
Besides diagnosing and repairing electrical systems, they also design them. In most places they run shops and inspect Journeyman and Apprentice work.
Not a recognized rank in all states.
Electrical Contractor License is an optional license in some states for a Master Electrician to run a business. Some states have this instead of the Master license.
Electricians make an average of $26 per hour but it ranges with experience and licensing. An apprentice may make about half that while a Master Electrician may hit closer to $40 per hour. This figure represents how much they make; not how much they bill. Their salary is only one component of their costs. They must also figure in overhead, taxes, equipment, insurance and several other expenses.
Leave electrical work to the professionals. Electrical systems are complex and potentially hazardous when not handled and installed correctly. If it were easy, it wouldn’t take 4 years to become a journeyman or 6 years for a master’s license. If you are determined to forge ahead yourself, understand home electrical safety before beginning any project.Even for simple common electrical projects, a licensed pro is best. Not only is it safer, but contractors guarantee and insure their work. Hire a professional to keep your home’s electrical systems functioning properly and safely.
Use our comprehensive electrician directory page to find local, licensed contractors. You can browse ratings, reviews and pricing of top professionals in your area. Sign up to receive quotes or let us match you to an electrician near you.
From average costs to expert advice, get all the answers you need to get your job done.
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