Electrician
Is a career as an Electrician right for you?
Here are some things to consider before you decide:
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In most states, a person must be licensed or perform work under a licensed individual.
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To receive your license, you will be required to complete 2-5 years on on-the-job experience and pass an exam.
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Once licensed, you can expect to make $31.54 an hour or $65,603 a year plus overtime and benefits.
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There are 219,768 electrician businesses in the US as of 2023, which is an increase of 0.3% since 2022. (IBIS World)
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The right personality type to become an Electrician is someone who has:
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Excellent Customer Service & Communication
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Strong Critical Thinking
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Focus and Attention to Detail
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Time Management
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The Career Journey
Attend Trade School
- Must have a GED or HS Diploma
- You must have a license to perform work on your own, so work experience or a program at a trade show will needed to be completed prior to sitting for your first exam.
- Trade School Programs are offered Nationwide and once completed can allow you to prepare you to become Electrician apprentice.
- Average length of a program is 12 months.
- The cost of a Electrician program can range from $10,000 to $15,000. When vetting a program and its cost, determine which certifications you will receive upon graduation.
- Skills you will learn: Bath Math, Electrical Theory, Electrical Code, Blueprint Interpretation, Motor & Generators, Semi-Conductors and Residential/Commercial Wiring
Find an Apprenticeship
- You can apprentice while attending school which means you are able to earn while you learn. Some employers will even sponsor your school tuition if you commit to a multi-year employment contract post-graduation.
- An apprentice will typically earn $22.00 an hour, but your wages will increase as you earn your licenses and certifications.
Become a Journeyman
- Every state is different, but on average you will need to complete a 4 year apprenticeship to sit for the Journeyman exam.
- Once you become a Journeyman, you will likely be able to make $33.83/hour or $70,366.40 a year.
Become a Master Electrician
- Every state is very different in terms of requirements to become a Master Electrician. Check out this guide for requirements state by state.
- On average, once you have your Journeyman license, you will need an additional 1-5 years of work experience before you are able to sit for the Master Electrician exam and can earn up to $60 an hour.
