Does Pennsylvania require an electrician license?
Edited by John Voll. Last verified .
Pennsylvania does not license electrical contractors at the state level. Cities and counties set their own rules. The main local licensing offices are listed below.
Who licenses electrical work in Pennsylvania
| Credential | No state license: cities and counties |
|---|---|
| Board | City or county official statement |
| Official lookup | No state lookup: check with the city or county. |
Where licensing happens locally
These local offices license trades in Pennsylvania. Check the credential list for electrical work, and ask the building department where the work is done if your city is not listed.
| Jurisdiction | Agency | Credentials | Lookup |
|---|---|---|---|
| Philadelphia | City of Philadelphia Department of Licenses and Inspections (L&I) source | Contractor License, Electrical Contractor License, Master Plumber License, Journeyman Plumber License, Plumber Apprentice License, Sheet Metal Technician License, Fire Suppression Systems Contractor License, Demolition Contractor License | Search Philadelphia licenses |
| Pittsburgh | City of Pittsburgh Department of Permits, Licenses, and Inspections (PLI) source | General Contractor License, Sign Contractor License, Electrical Trade License, Mechanical Trade License, Fire Suppression Trade License | Search Pittsburgh licenses |
| Allegheny County | Allegheny County Health Department, Plumbing Program source | Apprentice Plumber, Journeyman Plumber, Master Plumber | No online lookup found |
Hiring an electrical contractor?
See every official lookup in Pennsylvania, which board covers which trade, and what to check before you hire.
Questions
- Do you need an electrician license in Pennsylvania?
- Pennsylvania does not license electrical contractors at the state level. Cities and counties set their own rules.
Other trades in Pennsylvania
- General contractor license in Pennsylvania
- Plumbing license in Pennsylvania
- HVAC license in Pennsylvania
- Roofing license in Pennsylvania
- All Pennsylvania trades
Electrical license in other states
- Alabama
- Alaska
- Arizona
- Arkansas
- California
- Colorado
- Connecticut
- Delaware
- Florida
- Georgia
- Hawaii
- Idaho
- Illinois
- Indiana
- Iowa
- Kansas
- Kentucky
- Louisiana
- Maine
- Maryland
- Massachusetts
- Michigan
- Minnesota
- Mississippi
- Missouri
- Montana
- Nebraska
- Nevada
- New Hampshire
- New Jersey
- New Mexico
- New York
- North Carolina
- North Dakota
- Ohio
- Oklahoma
- Oregon
- Rhode Island
- South Carolina
- South Dakota
- Tennessee
- Texas
- Utah
- Vermont
- Virginia
- Washington
- West Virginia
- Wisconsin
- Wyoming
Sources
- https://www.pa.gov/agencies/dli/programs-services/labor-management-relations/bureau-of-occupational-and-industrial-safety/uniform-construction-code-home/contractor-licensing
- https://www.phila.gov/services/permits-violations-licenses/find-a-licensed-contractor-and-contractor-information/
- https://li.phila.gov/Contractor-Lookup/
- https://www.pittsburghpa.gov/Business-Development/Permits-Licenses-and-Inspections/Licensing/Contractor-Licenses
- https://onestoppgh.pittsburghpa.gov/pghprod/pub/lmswebui/
- https://www.alleghenycounty.us/Services/Health-Department/Plumbing-Program
This is not a government site. The licensing board's own record governs; always confirm on the official lookup. Information as of October 6, 2026.