How to Become an Electrician
Electricians complete one of the most structured and well-compensated apprenticeship programs in the skilled trades. No college debt, earn while you learn, and graduate into a median salary of $61,590 (BLS OES May 2024).
The 5-Step Path
High School Foundation
Now or before applyingAlgebra, physics, and shop/vocational classes matter. Many apprenticeship aptitude tests include math and reading comprehension. A GED or diploma is the minimum. Strong math scores improve your ranking on competitive application lists.
Pre-Apprenticeship (Optional but Recommended)
3-6 monthsCommunity colleges and non-profit workforce programs offer pre-apprenticeship certificates that teach basic wiring, NEC fundamentals, and conduit bending. Completing one before applying gives you a measurable edge on IBEW and IEC aptitude tests and can improve your starting wage percentage.
Apply to a Registered Apprenticeship
Ongoing intake cyclesIBEW locals run joint apprenticeship committees (JACs) with NECA contractors. IEC chapters run independent programs. Both are DOL-registered 4-5 year programs with 8,000+ OJT hours and 600+ classroom hours. Find your local program at apprenticeship.gov or ibew.org.
Complete the Apprenticeship
4-5 yearsApprentices rotate through employers and job types: rough-in, trim, service, commercial panels, industrial controls. Wage starts at 40-50% of journeyman scale and advances every 6 months. By Year 4 you are at 80-90% scale doing complex work independently.
Pass the Journeyman License Exam
After completing hoursMost states require a written exam on the National Electrical Code (NEC), state amendments, and safety practices. Pass it and you are a licensed journeyman electrician -- free to work for any contractor or, with additional experience, pursue a master license to run your own shop.
IBEW vs IEC: Which Program?
Both are legitimate DOL-registered apprenticeships with comparable technical content. The main differences are union affiliation and wage structure.
| Factor | IBEW / NECA | IEC (Non-Union) |
|---|---|---|
| Duration | 4-5 years | 4 years (many programs) |
| OJT Hours | 8,000+ | 8,000+ |
| Classroom Hours | 900 minimum | 600-900 |
| Starting Wage | 40-50% of journeyman scale | Varies by employer |
| Benefits (H&W + Pension) | Employer-funded via JAC | Varies by employer |
| Portability | IBEW card travels nationally | License portability by state |
| Job Placement | Dispatched through hall | Work for sponsoring contractor |
| Urban wage premium | Stronger in major metros | Closer to market rate |
What You Study in Apprenticeship
National Electrical Code (NEC)
The foundation of all residential, commercial, and industrial wiring. Updated every 3 years. You'll reference it throughout your career.
Electrical Theory
Ohm's Law, Kirchhoff's Laws, AC/DC fundamentals, power factor, three-phase systems. Essential for troubleshooting and design.
Conduit Bending & Layout
EMT, rigid, and PVC conduit bending geometry. A core hands-on skill that distinguishes clean from sloppy work.
Motor Controls
Starters, contactors, VFDs, PLCs. Industrial and commercial electricians use these daily; earning NEMA and NFPA 70E credentials adds pay.
Low-Voltage & Data
Cat6, fiber, access control, security systems. Increasingly in demand as buildings get smarter.
OSHA Safety & First Aid
Lockout/tagout, arc flash PPE, CPR/AED. IBEW apprentices receive OSHA 10 in Year 1 and OSHA 30 before graduation.
Apprentice Wage Progression
Example based on a local with a $40.00/hr journeyman base rate. Actual rates vary widely by local and region -- see the IBEW Local you are applying to.
| Period | % of JW Scale | Hourly Rate | Annual Est. |
|---|---|---|---|
| Year 1 (Periods 1-2) | 40-45% | $16.00-$18.00 | $33,280-$37,440 |
| Year 2 (Periods 3-4) | 50-55% | $20.00-$22.00 | $41,600-$45,760 |
| Year 3 (Periods 5-6) | 60-65% | $24.00-$26.00 | $49,920-$54,080 |
| Year 4 (Periods 7-8) | 70-75% | $28.00-$30.00 | $58,240-$62,400 |
| Year 5 (Periods 9-10) | 80-90% | $32.00-$36.00 | $66,560-$74,880 |
| Journeyman (after exam) | 100% | $40.00 | $83,200 |
Benefits (H&W, pension, annuity) are on top of the hourly wage for IBEW apprentices.
Career Paths After Journeyman
Master Electrician
$78,140 avgTypically requires 2+ years as journeyman plus a master exam. Opens the door to pulling permits, supervising projects, and running your own shop.
Lineman (Outside Construction)
$85,420 avgSeparate BLS occupation (47-2212). Higher physical demands, storm-work premiums, and a distinct apprenticeship through IBEW Outside Construction locals.
Self-Employed Contractor
$70k-$300k+Solo electricians net $65-90k after overhead. Those who build a crew and systemise estimating can clear $200k+ net.
Electrical Inspector
$55k-$75kLocal authority having jurisdiction (AHJ) roles. Often require master license plus ICC electrical inspector certification. Stable public-sector pay with government benefits.