How to Become an Electrician
Electricians install, maintain, and repair electrical power, communications, lighting, and control systems in homes, businesses, and factories. Median pay is $63,190 per year ($30.38/hour), according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, May 2025.
| 2025 median pay | $63,190/year ($30.38/hour) |
|---|---|
| Entry education | High school diploma or equivalent |
| Training path | Apprenticeship (typically 4 years) |
| Job outlook | 9% growth 2025-35, much faster than average; about 75,900 openings projected |
| Jobs in the US | 821,000 |
The path in, step by step
- Finish high school with algebra; many programs test basic math.
- Apply to an apprenticeship: union programs run through the IBEW and NECA (Joint Apprenticeship and Training Committees), non-union through ABC or IEC chapters, or directly with contractors.
- Complete about 4 years combining paid on-the-job training (typically 8,000 hours) with classroom instruction (around 900 hours). Apprentices earn while they learn, starting near half of journeyman pay with scheduled raises.
- Pass the journeyman licensing exam in your state to work independently.
How long it takes
About 4 years from apprentice to licensed journeyman.
What it costs
Registered apprenticeships usually cost the apprentice little or nothing beyond books and tools; trade school programs can run $5,000 to $20,000+.
What working tradespeople say
- Apply to multiple JATCs and non-union programs at once; waitlists are normal and reapplying is expected.
- Start as a material handler or helper if you cannot get an apprenticeship slot immediately; contractors hire from within.
- Brush up on algebra before aptitude tests; the math section washes out more applicants than anything else.
- Union apprenticeships generally pay more during training and offer better benefits, but non-union paths can license you faster in some states.
Run your own numbers
See what the hourly rate means per paycheck with our salary to hourly calculator, and compare lifetime earnings against a college path with the compound interest calculator (four years of earning vs four years of tuition changes the math dramatically). When you are job hunting, our resume templates and cover letter examples are free.
More trade guides
- Plumber$63,800/yr median
- HVAC Technician$61,010/yr median
- Welder$53,750/yr median
- Carpenter$60,580/yr median
- Auto Mechanic$50,620/yr median
- Ironworker$62,780/yr median
- Solar Installer$53,140/yr median
- Truck Driver (CDL)$58,640/yr median
- Boilermaker$76,410/yr median
- Elevator Installer$109,910/yr median
- Sheet Metal Worker$61,800/yr median
Frequently asked questions
How much does electrician pay?
The national median is $63,190 per year ($30.38/hour) as of May 2025, per the Bureau of Labor Statistics. Half earn more, half earn less; apprentices start lower and experienced specialists earn much more.
Do I need college to get into the trades?
No. Every trade on this page lists a high school diploma or a short certificate as the entry credential. The training happens through paid apprenticeships or trade school, not four-year degrees.
How long does it take to become a electrician?
About 4 years from apprentice to licensed journeyman.
Union or non-union: which is better?
Union apprenticeships generally pay more during training and offer stronger benefits and pensions, but can have waitlists. Non-union paths through contractor associations or direct hire can start faster. Many successful tradespeople do both over a career.
Will AI replace trade jobs?
Physical trades that work in unpredictable real-world environments (wiring buildings, fixing pipes, driving trucks) are among the hardest jobs to automate. The BLS projects continued openings driven mostly by retirements.