Updated 2024 · Electrical
How to Become a Electrician
Electricians install, maintain, and repair electrical wiring, equipment, and fixtures in residential, commercial, and industrial buildings. They read blueprints, test circuits, and ensure all work meets the National Electrical Code.
Steps to Become a Electrician
- Meet basic requirements, You must be at least 18 years old with a high school diploma or GED. A strong foundation in math, physics, and shop classes helps.
- Apply to an apprenticeship program, Electrician apprenticeships last 4 years and combine on-the-job training with classroom instruction. Apply through your local union (IBEW, UA, etc.) or a non-union contractor program. You earn while you learn from day one.
- Complete required training, Complete 8000 hours of on-the-job training and related classroom instruction.
- Earn certifications, Required certifications include: State journeyman electrician license (required in most states), Master electrician license (optional, required for independent work), OSHA 10/30-Hour Construction Safety.
- Pass the journeyman exam, After completing your apprenticeship, pass the journeyman licensing exam in your state to earn full journeyman status and pay.
What Does a Electrician Do?
Electricians install, maintain, and repair electrical wiring, equipment, and fixtures in residential, commercial, and industrial buildings. They read blueprints, test circuits, and ensure all work meets the National Electrical Code.
Daily Duties
- Install and maintain wiring, control, and lighting systems
- Read blueprints and technical diagrams
- Inspect electrical components (transformers, circuit breakers)
- Test electrical systems with ohmmeters, voltmeters, and oscilloscopes
- Troubleshoot malfunctions and repair or replace wiring and equipment
Skills Needed
- Blueprint reading
- NEC code knowledge
- Circuit analysis
- Motor controls
- PLC programming basics
Required Certifications
- State journeyman electrician license (required in most states)
- Master electrician license (optional, required for independent work)
- OSHA 10/30-Hour Construction Safety
Electrician Salary (2024)
The national median electrician salary is $70,935 per year. Pay ranges from $52,650 in the lowest-paying metro to $102,070 in the highest-paying metro. See the full electrician salary breakdown by city.
Apprentice Pay Progression
Electrician apprentices earn while they learn, starting at approximately 40% of journeyman pay:
| Year | % of Journeyman | Estimated Annual |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 40% | $28,374 |
| Year 2 | 57% | $40,433 |
| Year 3 | 73% | $51,783 |
| Year 4 | 90% | $63,842 |
| Journeyman | 100% | $70,935 |
Union vs Non-Union Electrician Pay
Union electricians earn 28% more than non-union workers, $38.42/hour union vs $30.02/hour non-union. Approximately 26.3% of electricians are union members. See the full union vs non-union comparison.
Work Environment
Electricians work indoors and outdoors at construction sites, homes, businesses, and factories. The work involves standing, climbing, bending, and kneeling. Risk of electrical shock, burns, and falls from ladders.
Career Outlook
Employment of electricians is projected to grow 6% from 2022-2032, about as fast as average. Demand driven by new construction, renewable energy installations, and EV charging infrastructure.
Frequently Asked Questions
The national median salary for a electrician is $70,935 per year (2024 BLS data). Pay ranges from $52,650 to $102,070 depending on location, with top earners in the 90th percentile making significantly more.
It takes 4 years to complete a electrician apprenticeship. During this time, you earn while you learn, starting at approximately 40-50% of journeyman wages and receiving annual raises.
No college degree is required to become a electrician. The primary path is through an apprenticeship program or trade school. You will need to earn specific certifications: State journeyman electrician license (required in most states) and Master electrician license (optional, required for independent work).
Electrician earns a Trade Pay Score grade of B, meaning it rates well on pay relative to cost of living, wage growth, and demand. Employment of electricians is projected to grow 6% from 2022-2032, about as fast as average. Demand driven by new construction, renewable energy installations, and EV charging infrastructure.
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