Licensed Electrician Life Cycle: Journeyman-To-Master

Understanding Master Electrician Licensing in Toronto

“What is a master electrician? That is the question.”

The title of “master electrician” typically indicates advanced competency in electrical work, having achieved a master’s license granted by the authority having jurisdiction over the area where they work.
As of now, jurisdictions can vary significantly in terms of licensing requirements; for example, in Toronto, every city, town, and county may have different systems in place. Larger towns often have established licensing processes, while smaller ones might be more lenient.
To become a licensed electrician in Toronto, an individual generally needs to have a substantial amount of documented work experience, usually around 16,000 hours, plus submit letters of recommendation, personal identification, and a full resume to the licensing board.

“The unfortunate news is the master electrician licensing test has a less than 14% first-time pass rate.”

After meeting the initial requirements, candidates must interview with the licensing board and, upon approval, take a rigorous four-hour, 100-question exam that varies by jurisdiction.
The exam is an open-book test derived from a specific cycle of the ESA Electrical Code, and a passing score is typically set at 70 or above. Candidates must be aware that once licensed, they bear significant liability for the work performed under their supervision.
It’s crucial to maintain a personal license separate from any business license, particularly when changing employment, as each license holder can only be affiliated with one company per jurisdiction at a time.

“If you want to elevate that earning power, often the transition comes to a job change within the company.”

Master electricians typically take on additional responsibilities including HR roles, bookkeeping, marketing, and overall business administration, especially in smaller companies where they oversee the execution of work performed by apprentice and journeyman electricians.
Following the attainment of a master’s license, electricians can enhance their earning potential by transitioning into higher-level roles such as a Senior Operations Director or Chief Operating Officer, which involves more strategic responsibilities beyond direct technical execution.
Salaries for master electricians can vary widely based on specialization, employment sectors, and company quality, with those in specialized areas such as renewable energy often commanding higher wages.

“The earning power of a lineman is often $150,000 a year, combined with working during severe weather and lots of travel time.”

The job of a lineman carries a significant earning potential, often reaching around $150,000 annually. However, this level of income comes with considerable challenges, such as working in severe weather conditions and extensive travel time, which can add stress and complication to the role.

“One of the most interesting ways to increase your earning power once you become a master electrician is to start your own business.”

Transitioning to a master electrician offers the opportunity to start your own business, which can greatly enhance your earning potential. While this path has its benefits, it also involves taking on a heightened level of risk. Entrepreneurs in the electrical field must be prepared to manage these risks while seeking corresponding rewards, thus creating a balance between potential gains and challenges.

“We’re going to talk about that in the next article.”

The next discussion will delve deeper into the specifics of starting an electrical business, including the risks involved and strategies to maximize success. Viewers are encouraged to visit TorontoWiring.com for more valuable insights and skills that can translate into real financial gains in the electrical profession.