Updated 2025 · Electrical
How to Become a Industrial Electrician
Industrial electricians install and maintain electrical systems in factories, plants, and industrial facilities. They work with higher voltages and more complex systems than residential electricians.
Steps to Become a Industrial 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 — Industrial 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, Industrial electrical certification, PLC programming certifications, Arc flash safety training.
- 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 Industrial Electrician Do?
Industrial electricians install and maintain electrical systems in factories, plants, and industrial facilities. They work with higher voltages and more complex systems than residential electricians.
Daily Duties
- Install and maintain industrial electrical systems
- Program and troubleshoot PLCs and motor controls
- Maintain power distribution systems
- Read industrial schematics and ladder diagrams
- Perform preventive maintenance on electrical equipment
Skills Needed
- PLC programming
- Motor controls
- Power distribution
- Industrial schematics
- VFD configuration
Required Certifications
- State journeyman electrician license
- Industrial electrical certification
- PLC programming certifications
- Arc flash safety training
Industrial Electrician Salary (2025)
The national median industrial electrician salary is $66,759 per year. Pay ranges from $54,579 in the lowest-paying metro to $85,074 in the highest-paying metro. See the full industrial electrician salary breakdown by city.
Apprentice Pay Progression
Industrial Electrician apprentices earn while they learn, starting at approximately 40% of journeyman pay:
| Year | % of Journeyman | Estimated Annual |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 40% | $26,704 |
| Year 2 | 57% | $38,053 |
| Year 3 | 73% | $48,734 |
| Year 4 | 90% | $60,083 |
| Journeyman | 100% | $66,759 |
Union vs Non-Union Industrial Electrician Pay
Union industrial electricians earn 25% more than non-union workers — $37.10/hour union vs $29.68/hour non-union. Approximately 22.4% of industrial electricians are union members. See the full union vs non-union comparison.
Work Environment
Work in factories, manufacturing plants, and industrial facilities. Exposure to higher voltages, noisy environments, and rotating machinery. Shift work common.
Career Outlook
Strong demand as manufacturing facilities modernize with automation. Industrial electricians with PLC and robotics skills command premium wages.
Frequently Asked Questions
The national median salary for a industrial electrician is $66,759 per year (2025 BLS data). Pay ranges from $54,579 to $85,074 depending on location, with top earners in the 90th percentile making significantly more.
It takes 4 years to complete a industrial 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 industrial electrician. The primary path is through an apprenticeship program or trade school. You will need to earn specific certifications: State journeyman electrician license and Industrial electrical certification.
Industrial Electrician earns a Trade Pay Score grade of B, meaning it rates well on pay relative to cost of living, wage growth, and demand. Strong demand as manufacturing facilities modernize with automation. Industrial electricians with PLC and robotics skills command premium wages.
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