How to Become an Electrician
Becoming an electrician typically takes 4 to 5 years through a registered apprenticeship combining paid on the job training with classroom instruction. Electricians earn $55,000 to $105,000 per year, with demand growing 9% and no college degree required.
Electrician Pay and Outlook
Apprenticeship Starting Pay
Electrician apprentices are paid while they train, typically $18 to $35 per hour depending on region and program, with scheduled raises tied to hours completed and progress toward journeyman status. Unlike trade school, you earn income from day one instead of paying tuition.
Union vs Non-Union Path
Many electricians train through IBEW (International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers) or NECA registered apprenticeship programs, which tend to offer structured pay scales and strong benefits. Non-union apprenticeships and merit shops are also widely available and can offer faster entry in some markets. Both paths lead to the same journeyman license.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does it take to become an electrician?
Most electricians complete a registered apprenticeship in 4 to 5 years, combining paid on the job hours with classroom instruction, then sit for a journeyman licensing exam. Some states allow you to test sooner with enough documented hours.
How much do electricians make?
Electrician pay typically ranges from $55,000 to $105,000 per year depending on state, union status, and experience level. Apprentices start lower and receive scheduled raises as they progress toward journeyman status, and specialized work like data center or industrial electrical can pay well above the standard range.
Do you need a college degree to become an electrician?
No. Electricians train through a registered apprenticeship that combines paid on the job work with classroom instruction, not a college degree. Apprenticeships are typically free or low cost since you're paid while you train, rather than paying tuition.
Union or non-union: which path should electricians take?
Many electricians train through IBEW (International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers) or NECA registered apprenticeship programs. Union paths often provide more structured training and benefits, while non-union paths can offer more flexibility and faster entry in some markets. The right choice depends on what's available in your state and your priorities around pay, benefits, and schedule.