Electrical contractors in
Cambridge, Massachusetts.
A public directory of licensed electrical contractors serving greater Cambridge. Market data, licensing requirements, and cost benchmarks — updated continuously from public sources.
Common Job Costs
Licensing Requirements
Licensing Requirements
Massachusetts requires Journeyman Electrician license (minimum 4 years apprenticeship plus exam) or Master Electrician license (2 years as journeyman plus exam). Written and practical exams administered by Department of Public Safety. License renewal every 2 years with 15 hours continuing education.
Permit Requirements
Electrical permits required through Cambridge Building Department for most work. Permit fees range $50-500 depending on scope. Homeowner permits allowed for basic work, but professional permits required for panel upgrades, new circuits, and commercial work.
Inspection Schedule
Rough-in inspection before closing walls, final inspection before energizing. Must call Cambridge Building Department 24 hours in advance. Additional inspections required for service upgrades and commercial work.
Insurance Minimums
General liability minimum $1M per occurrence, workers compensation required for employees, professional liability recommended. Some municipalities require $2M aggregate coverage.
How to Get Licensed
Complete high school education
Obtain high school diploma or GED equivalent as prerequisite for apprenticeship programs.
Enter apprenticeship program
Enroll in 4-year electrical apprenticeship through IBEW, ABC, or employer-sponsored program. Must complete 8,000 hours on-the-job training plus 600 hours classroom instruction.
Apply for journeyman license
Submit application to MA Department of Public Safety with proof of completed apprenticeship, work experience documentation, and $75 fee.
Pass journeyman examinations
Take and pass written examination covering electrical code and theory, plus practical examination demonstrating hands-on skills. Exam fees approximately $150.
Obtain master electrician license
After 2 years as journeyman, apply for master license with additional $100 fee and pass master electrician examination covering advanced code and business practices.
Maintain continuing education
Complete 15 hours continuing education every 2 years for license renewal. Pay renewal fees of $75-100 depending on license type.
About This Market
Cambridge electrical market runs hot with steady demand from old housing stock needing upgrades, Harvard/MIT campus work, and biotech buildouts. Competition is fierce with 2541 licensed establishments statewide, but skilled electricians command premium rates due to complex retrofit work in century-old buildings. Panel upgrades and EV charging installations drive the residential market, while commercial work centers around lab spaces and tech offices. Costs run 15-20% above state average due to Cambridge's affluent market and challenging working conditions in historic properties. Getting licensed in Massachusetts means serious commitment - 4-year apprenticeship, state exams, and ongoing education requirements weed out the uncommitted. Cambridge Building Department runs tight inspections and expects clean work. Peak season stretches March through October when homeowners renovate and commercial projects ramp up. Smart contractors build relationships with general contractors working the biotech corridor and stay current on EV charging regulations. The money's good if you can handle complex troubleshooting and don't mind working in cramped basements of 1900s triple-deckers.
- Median hourly wageU.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics
- Licensed establishments countU.S. Census Bureau
- License fees and requirementsMA Department of Public Safety
- Permit requirementsCambridge Building Department
- Insurance requirementsMA Division of Professional Licensure
Frequently Asked Questions
What does an electrician license cost in Massachusetts?
Initial journeyman license costs $75 plus exam fees of approximately $150. Master license costs $100 plus exam fees. Renewal every 2 years costs $75-100 depending on license type. Source: MA Department of Public Safety.
How much do electricians make in Cambridge, MA?
Median hourly wage for electricians in Massachusetts is $39.49/hour or $82,139 annually according to Bureau of Labor Statistics. Cambridge rates typically run 10-15% higher due to local market conditions.
Do I need a permit for electrical work in Cambridge?
Yes, most electrical work requires permits through Cambridge Building Department. Basic outlet replacement may not require permits, but new circuits, panel work, and service upgrades always do. Permit fees range $50-500.
How long does it take to become a licensed electrician in Massachusetts?
Minimum 4 years apprenticeship plus passing state examinations for journeyman license. Additional 2 years experience required for master electrician license. Source: MA Division of Professional Licensure.
What insurance do electricians need in Massachusetts?
General liability insurance minimum $1M per occurrence, workers compensation for employees, and professional liability recommended. Some municipalities require $2M aggregate coverage for commercial work.
Electrical contractors in Cambridge
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