working as a journeyman (2024)

That depends entirely on where you live.

In my area a Jman can run a business and pull permits, in other areas only masters can do either of those.

So roughly where do you live?

Matt_hndrx said:

Ok just wondering if I could do electrical work as a business with just a journeyman's

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No, that would be contracting. To be legal & legit, you need a master & contractor's license.

iwire said:

That depends entirely on where you live.

In my area a Jman can run a business and pull permits, in other areas only masters can do either of those.

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In Massachusetts a Jman can have a business, pull permits and have only 1 apprentice - he can't have any jman working for him. A Master license allows him to hire unlimited amount of jman and a proportionate amount of apprentices. You also need a masters to incorporate your business.

In RI, you need a masters to pull a permit

NH will give you a reciprocal license if you fill out the paperwork and give them a check - no test needed.

I also have heard that in Maine you don't even need an electrical permit which means you probably don't need a license - not sure if that is true though.

Every State is different and possibly within a state each county could be different.

In Oklahoma there are only two levels. Journeyman and Contractor. To work on your own, you must hold the State Contractors license, be bonded, have the required amount of liability insurance, and pay the annual registration fee for each municipality.

A business owner can bring in a EC as a qualifier, but the EC must become an officer in the corporation. I've done that and it did not work out.

Currently, I have my EC license held as "inactive" and work as a journeyman for another EC. I could reactivate my license and do side work, but as the PM, I choose not to compete with my employer.

buddhakii said:

I could be wrong, but say for instance your buddy wants some work done that takes a permit. He can pull a homeowners permit himself and you can work on the house just as his buddy and not as an electrician. You can take money for the work, however the owner of the house has to be onsite while work is performed. The homeowner in essence is the master electrician.

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Part correct..If you take money for work, you are being paid for services...ie sub contracting....not allowed unless a licensed contractor which in turn requires a Master licensed in the company.