How to Become an Electrician

Quick Answer: Becoming a licensed electrician takes 4-5 years through an apprenticeship or 1-2 years of trade school plus supervised work experience. Training costs range from $0 (paid apprenticeship) to $3,000-$15,000 (trade school). Electricians earn $36,024-$90,060 annually depending on experience, with a median salary of $60,040. The field has 79,900 job openings each year and is growing at 6% - about as fast as average for all occupations.

What does an Electrician do?

Electricians install, maintain, and repair electrical systems in homes, businesses, factories, and public infrastructure. They wire new construction, troubleshoot electrical failures, upgrade outdated panels, and ensure that every building meets the National Electrical Code (NEC) for safety. From the lights in your kitchen to the power systems running a hospital, electricians keep the modern world running.

Daily Responsibilities

• Install wiring, outlets, switches, circuit breakers, and lighting fixtures in new and existing structures
• Read and interpret blueprints, technical diagrams, and NEC specifications
• Inspect electrical components such as transformers, circuit breakers, and switch gear for safety and code compliance
• Diagnose electrical malfunctions using testing instruments like multimeters, oscilloscopes, and clamp meters
• Run conduit, pull wire through walls and ceilings, and connect wiring to panels and equipment
• Install and maintain electrical control systems for industrial machinery
• Perform preventive maintenance on electrical systems including testing and replacing worn components
• Ensure all work complies with local, state, and national electrical codes
• Coordinate with general contractors, architects, and other trades on construction projects

Work Environments

• Residential - Wiring new homes, upgrading electrical panels, installing lighting, and troubleshooting household electrical problems
• Commercial - Installing and maintaining electrical systems in offices, retail stores, hospitals, and schools
• Industrial - Working with high-voltage equipment, motor controls, PLCs, and power distribution systems in factories and plants
• New Construction - Roughing in wiring, installing panels, and completing finish electrical work on building projects
• Maintenance - Performing ongoing electrical maintenance for facilities, campuses, or property management companies
• Utility and Power - Working on power generation, transmission lines, and substation equipment for electric utilities
• Specialty - Fire alarm systems, data and telecommunications cabling, solar panel installation, and electric vehicle charging infrastructure

Physical and Mental Demands

Electrical work is physically demanding. You will spend long hours on your feet, climb ladders and scaffolding, work in attics and crawl spaces, and carry tools and materials to job sites. The work requires bending conduit, pulling wire through tight spaces, and sometimes working overhead for extended periods. Electricians regularly lift materials weighing 50 pounds or more.

Mentally, electricians must have a strong understanding of electrical theory, circuit design, and the National Electrical Code. Troubleshooting requires methodical thinking and the ability to trace complex circuits across large systems. A single wiring error can cause a fire or electrocution, so precision and attention to detail are non-negotiable. You must also stay current with code changes, new technologies, and evolving safety standards.

Personality traits that fit

• Detail-oriented - Electrical work demands precision; incorrect wiring creates fire and shock hazards
• Analytical thinker - Diagnosing electrical faults requires systematic troubleshooting and logical reasoning
• Safety-conscious - Working with electricity is inherently dangerous and requires constant awareness
• Mechanically inclined - Understanding how electrical, mechanical, and control systems interact
• Problem solver - Every building and every wiring issue presents unique challenges
• Self-disciplined - Many electricians work independently or lead small crews on job sites
• Physically capable - Comfortable working at heights, in tight spaces, and carrying heavy materials

Electrician certification and license types

Electricians are licensed at the state or local level, with requirements varying by jurisdiction. Most states follow a tiered licensing structure based on experience and examination. Here is the typical licensing hierarchy:

Note: The National Electrical Code (NEC) sets the baseline standards for electrical work across the country, but individual states adopt and sometimes modify the NEC on their own schedules. Always verify your state’s specific licensing requirements, exam content, and experience hour thresholds before beginning your career path.

Common Exam and Credential Types

Step-by-step path to becoming an Electrician

Step 1: meet basic requirements

Before starting your electrical career, you will need:

• Age: At least 18 years old for most apprenticeship programs (some allow entry at 17)
• Education: High school diploma or GED
• Math skills: Algebra is essential; many programs require passing a math aptitude test
• Driver’s license: Required for most electrician positions
• Physical ability: Can lift 50+ pounds, work at heights, and stand for extended periods
• Clean record: Many states run background checks for licensing; some offenses may affect eligibility

Helpful high school courses include algebra, geometry, trigonometry, physics, and any shop or vocational classes. Understanding basic math is critical because electricians calculate voltage drops, wire sizes, conduit fill, and load balancing daily.

Step 2: choose your training path

Path A: trade school (classroom foundation)

Trade school provides a focused electrical education before or alongside hands-on work experience.

Program details:

• Duration: 10 months to 2 years (certificate or associate degree)
• Cost: $3,000-$10,000 (certificate) or $10,000-$15,000 (associate)
• Covers: Electrical theory, NEC code, residential wiring, commercial wiring, motor controls, blueprint reading

Benefits:

• Structured curriculum with hands-on lab practice
• May count toward apprenticeship hour requirements in many states
• Provides foundation before entering the field
• Some programs include job placement assistance. Individual outcomes vary.

Important: Trade school alone does not qualify you for a journeyman license in most states. You will still need to complete supervised work experience hours (typically 8,000 hours) before sitting for the licensing exam.

Path B: apprenticeship (earn while you learn)

Apprenticeships are the traditional and most comprehensive path to becoming an electrician. They combine paid on-the-job training with classroom instruction.

How to find programs:

• IBEW (International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers) / NECA Joint Apprenticeship Training Committees (JATCs)
• Non-union contractor apprenticeship programs (ABC - Associated Builders and Contractors)
• State-registered apprenticeship programs through Apprenticeship.gov
• Independent Electrical Contractors (IEC) apprenticeship programs

What to expect:

• 4-5 years (8,000-10,000 hours of on-the-job training)
• 144-200+ hours of classroom instruction annually
• Start at 40-50% of journeyman wages, increasing each year
• Cover residential, commercial, and industrial electrical work
• Prepare directly for the journeyman licensing exam

Pros: Earn while you learn, no student debt, comprehensive training across all electrical disciplines, direct path to journeyman license

Path C: career changer route

Switching to electrical work from another field? You may have advantages:

• Related experience credit: Construction, HVAC, plumbing, or military experience may count toward apprenticeship hours in some states
• Accelerated programs: Some trade schools offer intensive programs for adults with prior work experience
• Age is not a barrier: Many successful electricians start their training in their 30s or 40s
• Military veterans: Those with electrical or electronics training from military service often qualify for advanced placement in apprenticeship programs
• Transferable skills: Experience reading blueprints, using hand tools, or working on construction sites gives you a head start

Step 3: complete required training

Trade school or apprenticeship curriculum typically covers:

• Electrical theory (Ohm’s law, series and parallel circuits, AC/DC power)
• National Electrical Code (NEC) interpretation and application
• Residential wiring (service entrances, branch circuits, grounding, lighting)
• Commercial wiring (three-phase power, motor controls, transformers)
• Industrial electrical systems (PLCs, motor starters, variable frequency drives)
• Blueprint reading and electrical schematic interpretation
• Conduit bending and installation techniques
• Fire alarm and low-voltage systems
• Grounding and bonding requirements
• Safety procedures, lockout/tagout, and OSHA standards

Apprenticeship progression milestones:

• Year 1: Basic electrical theory, safety, tool use, residential rough-in and wiring
• Year 2: Commercial wiring, conduit installation, code application, panel terminations
• Year 3: Advanced commercial and light industrial, motor controls, three-phase systems
• Year 4: Industrial applications, fire alarm, specialty systems, exam preparation
• Year 5 (if applicable): Advanced diagnostics, project leadership, master preparation

Step 4: get licensed (journeyman exam)

After completing your apprenticeship or equivalent combination of education and supervised work hours, you are eligible to take the journeyman electrician exam.

Journeyman exam:

• Format: Multiple choice, typically 80-100 questions
• Content: NEC code knowledge, electrical theory, calculations, safety, grounding, and installation practices
• Time limit: Usually 4 hours (open-book NEC reference allowed in most states)
• Cost: $75-$300 depending on the state
• Pass rate: Varies by state; adequate preparation is essential
• Valid for: Typically 1-3 years before renewal required

How to prepare:

• Study the current edition of the National Electrical Code (NEC)
• Use exam prep books and practice tests (Mike Holt, Tom Henry, and Ugly’s are popular resources)
• Take an exam prep course (many trade schools and unions offer these)
• Practice NEC code lookups under timed conditions
• Focus on calculations: voltage drop, conduit fill, box fill, load calculations, and conductor sizing

Step 5: start working as a journeyman

After passing your journeyman exam:

1. Apply for your state journeyman license with proof of exam passage and experience hours
2. Seek positions with electrical contractors, construction companies, or facility maintenance departments
3. Choose a focus area (residential, commercial, industrial) or work across multiple sectors
4. Build your reputation through quality workmanship and reliability
5. Begin accumulating hours toward master electrician eligibility if desired

Step 6: advance to master electrician (optional but valuable)

Most states offer a master electrician license for those who want to supervise apprentices, pull permits, or start their own electrical contracting business.

Typical master electrician requirements:

• Hold a valid journeyman license for 2-4 additional years (varies by state)
• Accumulate additional supervised work hours (varies by state)
• Pass the master electrician exam (more advanced than journeyman)
• Some states require proof of insurance or bonding

Step 7: maintain your credentials

License maintenance:

• Renewal period: Annual, biennial, or triennial (varies by state)
• Continuing education: 8-24 hours per renewal period (varies by state; typically focused on NEC updates)
• Renewal fee: $50-$250
• Code updates: The NEC is updated every three years; electricians must stay current with each new edition
• Specialty endorsements: Some states require separate renewal for specialty licenses (fire alarm, low-voltage, etc.)

Training Programs

Trade school programs

Electrical technology certificate and degree programs are available at community colleges and technical schools nationwide. Programs typically include:

• Hands-on lab work with wiring, conduit bending, and panel installation (50-70% of program)
• Classroom instruction in electrical theory, NEC code, and blueprint reading
• OSHA safety training (10-hour or 30-hour certification)
• Preparation for entry-level employment or apprenticeship placement
• Some programs align with state apprenticeship hour requirements

Apprenticeship Programs

Union and non-union apprenticeships are available nationwide. Contact your local IBEW/NECA Joint Apprenticeship and Training Committee (JATC) for union programs, or reach out to the Associated Builders and Contractors (ABC) or Independent Electrical Contractors (IEC) for non-union options. Many electrical contractors also sponsor their own apprenticeship programs registered through state apprenticeship agencies.

Cost Breakdown

How to pay for training

• Apprenticeship earnings: Start at 40-50% of journeyman wages (roughly $17-$24/hour depending on location)
• Financial aid: Federal grants and loans available for accredited trade school programs
• Veterans benefits: GI Bill covers many electrical training programs, and veterans may receive credit for military electrical experience
• Employer sponsorship: Many electrical contractors pay for training and education in exchange for a work commitment
• State programs: Workforce development grants and scholarships for skilled trades are available in many states
• Union training funds: IBEW/NECA JATCs fund apprentice training through negotiated contributions

Salary and Job Outlook

Salary by Experience Level

According to BLS data, electricians earn:

The mean (average) annual wage is $66,044. Electricians specializing in industrial controls, power distribution, or renewable energy systems often earn significantly more.

Highest-paying specializations

• Industrial Electrician: $65,000-$100,000 (factories, power plants, and heavy manufacturing)
• Lineman/Power Line Technician: $70,000-$110,000 (utility power transmission and distribution)
• Electrical Instrumentation Technician: $65,000-$95,000 (process control and instrumentation)
• Fire Alarm/Life Safety Technician: $55,000-$85,000 (fire alarm system installation and maintenance)
• Renewable Energy Electrician: $60,000-$95,000 (solar, wind, and battery storage systems)
• Electrical Estimator/Project Manager: $70,000-$110,000+ (project planning and cost estimation)
• Electrical Business Owner: $80,000-$200,000+ (running your own contracting company)

Additional earnings opportunities

• Overtime: Construction deadlines and emergency repairs often pay 1.5x-2x regular rates
• Per diem and travel pay: Traveling electricians working away from home earn daily allowances plus wages
• On-call premiums: Extra pay for being available for emergency electrical service
• Side work: Licensed electricians can take on additional residential or small commercial projects
• Prevailing wage jobs: Government and public works projects often pay above-market rates

Job Outlook (2022-2032)

• Growth rate: 6% (about as fast as average)
• Current employment: 739,200 nationwide
• Projected employment: 783,552 by 2032
• Annual job openings: 79,900

Strong and steady demand continues due to:

• New residential and commercial construction requiring complete electrical systems
• Aging electrical infrastructure needing upgrades and code-compliant rewiring
• Growing adoption of solar panels, battery storage, and electric vehicle charging stations
• Smart home technology and building automation creating new installation demand
• Data center construction boom driving need for specialized power distribution
• Retirements creating openings in an experienced workforce
• Energy efficiency retrofits and LED lighting upgrades in existing buildings

Career Advancement

Typical progression:

Apprentice –> Journeyman Electrician –> Foreman/Lead Electrician –> Master Electrician –> Electrical Contractor/Business Owner

Valuable Specializations

• Industrial controls and automation - PLCs, variable frequency drives, and programmable controls in manufacturing
• Renewable energy - Solar panel installation, wind turbine electrical systems, and battery storage
• High-voltage systems - Utility-scale power distribution, substations, and switchgear
• Data and communications - Structured cabling, fiber optics, and data center power infrastructure
• Building automation - Smart building systems, energy management, and integrated controls
• Marine or aviation electrical - Specialized electrical systems for ships, aircraft, or military applications

Certifications that increase pay

• Journeyman License - Required baseline credential to work independently in most states
• Master Electrician License - Enables supervisory roles, permit-pulling, and business ownership
• OSHA 30-Hour Construction - Safety leadership credential valued by employers and required on many job sites
• NFPA 70E (Arc Flash Safety) - Certification for working on or near energized electrical equipment
• Manufacturer certifications - Schneider Electric, Siemens, Allen-Bradley, and others offer specialized credentials
• Renewable Energy Certifications - NABCEP (North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners) for solar installation
• Project Management Professional (PMP) - For electricians moving into project management and estimating roles

Pros and Challenges

Advantages

• Strong earning potential - Median salary above $60,000 with a clear path to $90,000+
• High demand - 6% job growth and 79,900 annual openings provide excellent job security
• Earn while you learn - Paid apprenticeships mean little to no student debt
• Career variety - Residential, commercial, industrial, and specialty work offer different day-to-day experiences
• Path to business ownership - Many electricians start their own contracting companies
• Essential and recession-resistant - Every building needs electricity; the work cannot be outsourced
• Growing fields - Solar energy, EV charging, and smart home technology are expanding the scope of electrical work
• Portability - Licensed electricians can find work virtually anywhere in the country
• Union representation - IBEW offers strong wages, benefits, and pension programs in many markets

Challenges

• Long training period - Apprenticeships take 4-5 years before you can work independently
• Physical demands - Climbing, crawling, standing for long hours, and working at heights
• Safety risks - Electrical shock, arc flash, and falls are serious occupational hazards
• Variable hours - Construction schedules and emergency calls can mean early mornings, late nights, and weekends
• Licensing complexity - Requirements differ significantly between states, making relocation more complicated
• Weather exposure - Outdoor work continues in heat, cold, rain, and wind
• Code changes - The NEC is updated every three years, requiring ongoing study and adaptation
• Physical wear - Years of kneeling, overhead work, and repetitive motions can take a toll on joints and muscles

Frequently asked questions

How long does it take to become an electrician?

The most common path is a 4-5 year apprenticeship that combines on-the-job training with classroom instruction. Trade school certificate programs take 10 months to 2 years, but you will still need to accumulate supervised work hours (typically 8,000 hours total) before you can sit for the journeyman exam. From start to journeyman license, expect a total of 4-5 years regardless of which path you choose.

How much does it cost to become an electrician?

Apprenticeships cost little to nothing out of pocket since you earn wages while training. Trade school tuition ranges from $3,000 to $15,000. Total costs including tools, exam fees, and licensing range from about $225 (apprenticeship) to $18,450 (trade school with full tool investment). Many electricians complete their training with zero student debt through the apprenticeship path.

What is the fastest way to become an electrician?

Enroll in an accelerated trade school program (10-12 months) while simultaneously starting work as an electrical helper or trainee. This allows you to accumulate classroom education and on-the-job hours concurrently. However, there is no shortcut to the required experience hours for licensure. The fastest realistic path to a journeyman license is about 4 years.

Can I become an electrician without going to trade school?

Yes. The apprenticeship path does not require trade school. You enter the program, receive classroom instruction as part of the apprenticeship, and learn on the job. In fact, apprenticeships are the most traditional and widely respected path into the electrical trade. Trade school can be helpful as a starting point but is not required in most states.

Do electricians make good money?

Yes. The median electrician salary is $60,040 per year, with experienced electricians earning $72,000 to $90,000. Specialists in industrial electrical work, renewable energy, or project management can earn over $100,000. Electrical contractors who run their own businesses often earn $100,000-$200,000 or more. Overtime and side work can significantly increase total annual earnings.

Is being an electrician a good career?

The electrical trade offers strong pay, excellent job security (6% growth, 79,900 annual openings), and multiple specialization paths. It is a good fit if you enjoy hands-on problem-solving, have strong attention to detail, and want a skilled trade with clear advancement opportunities. The growing demand for renewable energy, EV infrastructure, and smart technology makes the long-term outlook particularly promising.

Is it hard to become an electrician?

The training is rigorous. Electrical theory, NEC code knowledge, and math skills (algebra, trigonometry) are required. The apprenticeship is a 4-5 year commitment, and the journeyman exam is challenging. The physical demands are also significant. However, the training is very learnable for anyone willing to put in consistent effort, and the payoff in terms of earning potential and career stability is substantial.

How much do electrical apprentices make?

Electrical apprentices typically start at 40-50% of journeyman wages, which translates to roughly $17-$24 per hour depending on location. Wages increase at regular intervals (usually every 6-12 months or every 1,000 hours) throughout the apprenticeship. By the final year, apprentices typically earn 85-95% of full journeyman wages.

What is the difference between a journeyman and master electrician?

A journeyman electrician is licensed to perform electrical work independently. A master electrician has additional experience and has passed a more advanced exam, which authorizes them to pull electrical permits, design electrical systems, supervise apprentices and journeymen, and in most states, operate an electrical contracting business. The master license typically requires 2-4 years of experience beyond the journeyman level.

Can I become an electrician with a criminal record?

In most cases, yes, though it depends on your state and the nature of the offense. Licensing boards generally evaluate criminal records on a case-by-case basis, focusing on offenses that may relate to the profession. Since electricians often work in homes and businesses, some employers conduct background checks. Contact your state electrical licensing board to understand how your specific situation may affect licensure.

Am I too old to become an electrician?

No. Many people begin electrical training in their 30s, 40s, and beyond. Prior experience in construction, the military, or other mechanical trades can provide a valuable foundation and may even reduce training time in some programs. The primary consideration is physical ability to handle the demands of the work over a long career.

What is the difference between a residential and commercial electrician?

Residential electricians focus on wiring homes, including service panels, branch circuits, lighting, and outlets. Commercial electricians work on larger-scale systems in office buildings, hospitals, schools, and retail spaces, dealing with three-phase power, motor controls, fire alarm systems, and more complex distribution. Commercial work generally pays more but requires broader technical knowledge. Many electricians start in residential work and transition to commercial or industrial as they gain experience.

How to get started today

1. Research local training programs - Search for electrical technology programs at community colleges and trade schools in your area
2. Contact your local IBEW - Reach out to your nearest IBEW/NECA Joint Apprenticeship Training Committee about apprenticeship openings
3. Explore non-union options - Check with ABC (Associated Builders and Contractors) and IEC (Independent Electrical Contractors) for additional apprenticeship programs
4. Get your NEC codebook - Purchase the current edition of the National Electrical Code and begin familiarizing yourself with its structure
5. Apply to multiple programs - Submit applications to several schools and apprenticeships to maximize your chances of acceptance

Electrician Salary by State

Top electricians specialize in industrial systems, renewable energy, and power distribution, earning some of the highest wages in the skilled trades.

Certification and training resources

National resources:

• National Electrical Code (NEC): nfpa.org/nec - The foundation for all electrical work and licensing exams
• Bureau of Labor Statistics: bls.gov/ooh/construction-and-extraction/electricians.htm
• Apprenticeship.gov: apprenticeship.gov - Find registered apprenticeship programs
• OSHA Electrical Safety: osha.gov/electrical - Workplace electrical safety standards and training
• NABCEP (Solar Certification): nabcep.org - Renewable energy installer certification

Trade unions and associations with electrical training:

• IBEW (International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers): ibew.org - Largest electrical workers union; sponsors JATC apprenticeship programs nationwide
• NECA (National Electrical Contractors Association): necanet.org - Electrical contractor association partnering with IBEW on training
• ABC (Associated Builders and Contractors): abc.org - Non-union apprenticeship and training programs
• IEC (Independent Electrical Contractors): ieci.org - Non-union electrical contractor training and apprenticeships

Start your electrician training today

Ready to begin your electrical career? Apprenticeships and trade school programs are available in every state. Explore accredited electrical training programs in your area: