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If you consider becoming an electrician in South Carolina, this is the perfect guide to get you started!
You’ll first need to train for a period of time, and then obtain a license from The Municipal Association of South Carolina.
You even have the option of running your own business, if you obtain a license from the South Carolina Department of Labor, Licensing, and Regulation.
Article Table of Contents
Training
The mandatory training for an electrician is either one of the following:
- 4,000 hours documented experience supervised by a journeyman or master level electrician
- An Associate degree and 2,000 hours experience supervised by a journeyman or master level electrician
Technical Schools
Enrolling in a technical school is the way to obtain an associate’s degree in electrical technology.
Internships are usually part of these training programs, and they can transform into full-time employment after graduation.
Some of the topics you will study are:
- Electrical Theory
- National Electrical Code
- First Aid/Safety/OSHA
- Blueprint Reading
- AC/DC Currents
- Motors and Transformers
- Electrical Basics, Tools and Panels
- Conduit Work
- Grounding and Wiring
- Electrical Boxes, Receptacles, and Switches
- Installing Lighting, Ceiling Fans, and Appliances
- Commercial and Residential Wiring & Installation
- Project Layout and Planning
- Thinwall Conduit Raceway Systems
- Rigid Conduit Raceway Systems
- Motor Control Center Installation
- Installing, Splicing and Terminating Wires and Cables
- Testing and Troubleshooting Feeders, Motors, and Branch Circuits
- Installing Instrumentation and Process Control Systems
| School Name | Address |
|---|---|
| South Carolina Technical College | 1201 Chesterfield Hwy., Cheraw, SC 29520 |
| South Carolina Technical College | 738 S Pleasantburg Dr, Greenville, SC 29607 |
| South Carolina Technical College | 1260 Lexington Drive, West Columbia, SC 29170 |
| South Carolina Technical College | 2276 Jefferson Davis Highway, Graniteville, SC 29829 |
Apprenticeship Programs
Union apprenticeship programs are generally the preferred route to enter this trade.
Local JATCs, or Joint Apprenticeship &Training Committees, are the ones making these programs available, with the help of the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers (IBEW) and the National Electrical Contractors Association (NECA).
Non-union apprenticeship programs are also available through merit shops.
Being accepted in either program means meeting certain criteria, and becoming a member of the union for those applying to a union training program.
Become a Journeyman
In South Carolina, journeymen get certified by the Municipal Association of South Carolina (MASC), if they pass an exam.
Conditions:
- Complete the apprenticeship
- Fill out the exam application
The exam is organized through PROV, Inc, and candidates have 3 hours to solve 70 multiple-choice questions.
Candidates can consult the National Electric Code and the American Electrician’s Handbook are allowed during the exam.
The topics cover:
- Wiring Methods and Materials
- Communication Systems
- Equipment for General Use
- General Electrical Theory and Principles
- Motors and Controls
- Plan Reading
- Special Conditions
- Special Equipment
- Special Occupancies
- Wiring & Protection
Master Electrician Certificate
The master electrician certificate is only mandatory for those who plan on getting a license as an electrical contractor.
Requirements:
- 4 years of experience as a journeyman electrician
- Fill out the exam application
The master electrician exam lasts for 4 hours, has 100 multiple-choice questions, and is open-book.
The following books are allowed in the examination room:
- 2014 National Electric Code
- 2012 National Fire Alarm and Signaling Code
- American Electrician’s Handbook
The questions cover the following topics:
- Equipment for General Use
- General Electrical Knowledge
- Motors & Controls
- Plan Reading
- Special Conditions, Equipment, and Occupancies
- Wiring & Protection
- Wiring Methods & Materials
- Low Voltage Communication Systems
Independent Electrical Contractor
The South Carolina Department of Labor, Licensing, and Regulation (DLLR) offers 2 types of contracting licenses for electricians:
- Mechanical – can work on commercial buildings
- Residential – can work on residential properties, under 3 stores tall and less than 16 units
Mechanical Contracting License
Requirements:
- Pass a technical exam
- Pass a business and law exam
- 2 years of experience in your field, in the last 5 years
- A financial statement balance sheet
The Department of Labor has more information related to the exams, including the study materials.
Those who want to bid on jobs up to $30,000 have to fill in a financial statement balance sheet form, while those who want to bid on jobs over this value will have to consult with an accountant.
Residential Contractor License
Requirements:
- 1 year of work experience
- Fill out the application
- Pass the technical and the business and law exams
The Department of Labor has more information related to the exams, including the study materials.
Salary
The experience of a South Carolina electrician will greatly influence how much they’ll earn.
Annual Salary Range:| Location | Avg. Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| Charleston | $46,192 |
| Columbia | $45,684 |
| North Charleston | $46,192 |
| Mount Pleasant | $46,192 |
| Rock Hill | $47,878 |
| Greenville | $47,457 |
| Summerville | $45,988 |
| Goose Creek | $46,124 |
| Sumter | $43,495 |
| Hilton Head Island | $45,174 |
Regional Salary in South Carolina
| Region | Employed | Avg. Annual Salary | Avg. Hourly Pay | Top 10% Annual Salary | Bottom 10% Annual Salary |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Charleston-North Charleston, SC | 1,880 | $53,790 | $25.86 | $71,230 | $35,360 |
| Columbia, SC | 1,060 | $53,510 | $25.73 | $70,820 | $34,720 |
| Florence, SC | 240 | $50,040 | $24.06 | $65,590 | $34,320 |
| Greenville-Anderson-Mauldin, SC | 1,510 | $51,110 | $24.57 | $70,530 | $35,180 |
| Hilton Head Island-Bluffton-Beaufort, SC | 260 | $49,380 | $23.74 | $67,240 | $31,730 |
| Myrtle Beach-Conway-North Myrtle Beach, SC-NC | 530 | $48,570 | $23.35 | $64,630 | $30,570 |
| Spartanburg, SC | 390 | $54,930 | $26.41 | $76,920 | $37,310 |
| Sumter, SC | 90 | $53,450 | $25.7 | $74,790 | $36,010 |
* Employment conditions in your area may vary.
License Renewal
The journeyman license has to be renewed every year.
The master electrician certificate, mechanical contracting license, and residential contracting license have to be renewed every 2 years.
Read the full guide: How to Become an Electrician
Electrician Schools by City
Electrician Schools by State