How to Become an Electrician
Electricians are skilled tradespersons who install, maintain, and repair electrical components in homes, businesses, and other structures. They read blueprints and other technical drawings and diagrams, install and inspect electrical systems, identify problems, and make repairs. In addition to being relatively physically fit and understanding electrical circuitry, wiring, automation, and control systems, electricians must be efficient problem-solvers and effective communicators.
An electrician career has its benefits. The latest numbers from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) show nearly 800,000 available jobs and a median annual pay of $61,590 (2023), with top earners garnering $120,000 or more. The BLS projects growth to be six percent in the next decade. There is no barrier to entry. Electricians begin as apprentices with on-the-job training and ample opportunity for advancement.
So, whether you work for yourself as an independent electrical contractor or work for someone else as a journeyman or master electrician, becoming an electrician is an excellent career move.
What Does an Electrician Do?
Your day-to-day tasks vary significantly depending on your specialty and whether you work from the ground up or with existing buildings. As a general guide, you will run wires, test and inspect electrical equipment, diagnose and repair electrical problems, and connect new systems to power.
Electricity runs almost everything inside a structure, including hard-wired smoke and carbon monoxide detectors, appliances, networks, lighting, security systems, and air and heating systems. One of the key responsibilities will be reading and adhering to blueprints and technical drawings, especially with new construction.
There are four types of electricians:
- Outside linemen work on distribution from electrical facilities to end users.
- Inside wiremen connect individual structures to the power source.
- Installation technicians install electrical networks within buildings.
- Residential wiremen maintain electrical systems inside the home.
Within these four basic types are areas for specialization. Residential electricians are the most popular specialization in this industry. Here’s a list of specialties and a little about each:
- Residential electricians troubleshoot, maintain, and upgrade existing electrical systems in the home.
- Commercial electricians work in commercial buildings, such as offices, large-scale apartment buildings, and small warehouses.
- Industrial electricians work on large-scale projects, including factories, manufacturing facilities, and power plants.
- Maintenance electricians focus on maintaining and monitoring electrical systems, usually at power plants or other facilities.
- Installation electricians install electrical systems in new buildings. Their focus is wiring for lighting, heating and cooling, security, and networking systems.
- Construction electricians work in new buildings and structures. They are thoroughly knowledgeable of federal, state, and local building codes.
The Steps to Becoming an Electrician
In addition to the practical skills needed to be an electrician, there are educational, apprenticeship, and experience requirements.
Step 1: Obtain a High School Diploma or GED (Needed in Most, But Not All States)
In most states, you must at least graduate from high school or obtain your GED. There are exceptions – notably in Florida, where it is not required. Math, physics, communication, and shop courses serve as a foundation for your training as an electrician. You will use the skills learned from these subjects in your day-to-day work, such as determining wire length, the force of electrical current, circuit angles, and system design.
Step 2: Consider Pre-Apprenticeship Programs
A pre-apprentice program is not a requirement, but it can prepare you to enter an apprentice program. Pre-apprentice programs teach you how to use basic hand tools and equipment, industry-specific math, and site safety.
The more you know before beginning your apprenticeship, the more successful you will be.
Step 3: Enroll in a Technical School or Vocational Program
Similar to pre-apprentice programs, technical or vocational programs are not a requirement in most states. However, attending a trade school counts toward the experience required for journeyman licensing. Students who choose an apprenticeship during the day and vocational school at night can complete the requisite training and experience more quickly than working solely as an apprentice.
Trade schools also give candidates a leg up when it comes time to find an apprenticeship.
A quality trade school will include education on National Electrical Code (NEC) requirements, wiring basics, essential math, safety training, and other essential training to perform work as an electrician. You will learn from licensed electricians with real-world experience.
Step 4: Complete an Apprenticeship
Most states require an 8,000-hour or 48-month apprenticeship under a licensed electrician. Some states require classroom hours and an apprenticeship. Your classroom hours count toward the total time needed to get your license. During your apprenticeship, you will learn to read technical drawings and diagrams, construction blueprints, and electrical plans, as well as install, maintain, and repair electrical wiring, among other tasks.
You can find apprenticeships through trade schools, unions, and private contractors. Trade schools offer job placement programs. Some offer combined programs that include classroom training and electrician apprenticeships.
The Joint Apprenticeship and Training Committees (JATC) provide on-the-job training through the union. To participate, you are required to join the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers (IBEW) union.
The Independent Electrical Contractors (IEC) or the Associated Builders and Contractors, Inc. (ABC) organizations place apprentices in non-union jobs.
Some states require you to register as an electrician apprentice before being allowed to work.
Step 5: Obtain a License
In most states, you must have a license to work independently without supervision. To be eligible for a journeyman’s license, you need to:
- Complete high school or take your GED.
- Complete your apprenticeship and education as required by your state.
- Pass an exam
- Pay a fee
The exam is designed to test your knowledge of the NEC and general electrical theory. The NEC is the national standard for safety regulations related to electrical work. The code is updated regularly, so it’s vital that you prepare using an updated version. You will also be expected to answer questions applicable to your region.
Studying for the exam is one of the most important aspects of becoming a journeyman electrician. Fortunately, there are resources and test preparation centers to help you pass your exam on the first try!
Step 6: Work Experience, Continuing Education, and Training
Typically, an additional 4,000 hours of work experience is required to become a master electrician. A master electrician is the highest license available in this industry. Master electricians often own their own residential electrician businesses and supervise or train apprentices or journeymen.
To get your master electrician license, you also need to pass an exam. The exam covers the NEC and other general electrical questions applicable to the master electrician level. Depending on the state, there are 50 to 100 multiple-choice questions. You will have four hours to complete the exam with a passing of 70%. Enrolling in a test preparation course is your best bet for learning the correct and up-to-date material to pass the exam.
Most states also require 4 to 32 hours of continuing education (CE) before your license renews. CE must include updated versions of the NEC. CE courses are available through approved online and in-person providers.
For those who want to specialize, there are ample opportunities for online and in-person training.
What Education is Required to Be an Electrician?
Most states require a high school diploma, or its equivalent – but not all. Some states also require vocational or trade school along with your apprenticeship program. Your high school education provides essential learning in math and communication. Other courses that better prepare you for a successful apprenticeship and career as an electrician include:
- Algebra and trigonometry. You will use advanced math to calculate electrical loads, measure voltage, current, and resistance, and determine the wire and conduit sizes necessary for building code compliance.
- Physics. Physics provides basic scientific knowledge to assist electricians in identifying and solving electrical problems related to power loss, voltage drops, currents, etc.
- Communication. Skilled communication is essential for relaying information and understanding verbal and written instructions.
- Shop or mechanical drawing. These courses help you when it comes time to design and understand electrical systems.
Electrician Training Requirements
In all 50 states, you must work under a licensed electrician, have a journeyman or master electrician license, or work under a general contractor after completing an apprenticeship.
Apprenticeship programs take four to five years to complete the required 8,000 to 10,000 hours of training. Apprenticeships are hands-on paid positions working one-on-one with a licensed electrician.
Vocational training programs work in conjunction with apprenticeships. In some states, both are required. Education from an accredited vocational school can count for 1,000 to 2,000 hours toward your apprenticeship and enable you to take the journeyman licensing test after 36 months. Trade schools cost between $5,000 and $10,000. They focus on the theoretical and practical components of electrician training. Some vocational programs include an apprenticeship or apprenticeship placement.
You will receive a certification of completion following your apprenticeship that allows you to sit for the journeyman licensing exam. The exam covers NECs and basic work responsibilities as an electrician. There are between 80 and 100 multiple-choice and true-false questions, and you typically have four hours and 30 minutes to complete the exam. You must get at least 70% to pass the exam in all states.
Sample exam topics include:
- General electrical concepts
- Wiring methods, materials, and protection
- Equipment
- Special occupancy and conditions
- Applied electrical theory
Skills Needed to Be an Electrician
Technical and soft skills are essential for a successful career. Technical skills include:
- Safety
- Electrical code
- Mathematics
- Hand and power tools operation
- Electronic system components
- Equipment installation, maintenance, and repair
Soft skills include things like:
- Problem-solving
- Communication
- Customer service
- Time management
- Teamwork
- Analytical skills
How to Get Started as an Electrician
If you’re interested in becoming an electrician, the first step is to get some experience. This gives you on-the-job training and an excellent opportunity to determine if you will like the work.
You will also need essential construction tools like pliers, drills, and screwdrivers. Over time, you’ll build an arsenal of specialized tools, including:
- Wire strippers
- Insulated screwdrivers
- Long-nose pliers
- Linesman pliers
- Diagonal pliers
- Cable cutters
- Conduit bender
- Fish tape
- Electrical tape
- Voltage tester
- Multimeter
- Digital circuit breaker finder/tester
- Clamp meter
Your direct supervisor can help you determine what you need first.
Electrician Career Path
Electricians can choose several different career paths or specialties regardless of whether they work as journeyman, master electricians, or electrical contractors. Here is a look at each different career path:
Journeyman Electrician
This article focuses on becoming a journeyman electrician and the education and experience requirements. Often the most challenging aspect of getting your journeyman license is passing the exam. Most states report a passing rate of just over 50%. That’s where a contractor training center can make all the difference. Exam preparation courses are designed to help you pass your state-specific test. Many schools have guaranteed passing clauses.
Master Electrician
A master electrician is someone with 7 to 10 years of experience, extensive knowledge of electrical code, and the ability to create blueprints and design extensive electrical systems. You are required to take and pass a master electrician’s exam. Exam preparation courses are designed to help you prepare and pass for the exam. Prep courses cover updates to the NEC and state-specific laws. It is important to select an exam preparatory course specific to the state where you will take your exam.
Depending on the state, the master electrician license is valid for one to three years. CE is required to renew your license. CE courses can be found online or at your local union.
Electrical Contractor
Electrical contractor licensing requirements differ from state to state. Some states don’t require you to become a journeyman or master electrician first, but require that you hire a master electrician. All states require you to take and pass an exam, pay a fee, and carry extended insurance policies and surety bonds.
It’s important to study for the exam due to stricter passing requirements and more stringent time frames. Choose exam preparation courses that specialize in the state where you live.
Residential Electricians
Residential electricians work in single- and smaller multi-family units. You may work on new construction, where extensive knowledge of technical drawings and adherence to changing building codes is necessary, or you may work with existing homes, where troubleshooting and repairing are the primary focus.
You can specialize as a residential electrical contractor. To get your electrical contractor license, you will need to pass the NASCLA accredited examination for residential electrical contractors. You can learn more about how to become an electrical contractor in more detail.
Commercial Electricians
Someone specializing in commercial electrical work will be exposed to a much more intricate system. Commercial electricians often must complete additional training hours during their apprenticeship. Working in commercial buildings, you will focus on large-scale projects such as office buildings and high-occupancy apartment buildings. Advanced training and CE courses can help prepare you for a career as a commercial electrician.
Industrial Electricians
To become an industrial electrician, you must train under a licensed industrial electrician during your apprenticeship or as a journeyman. You will work in large facilities, such as manufacturing, power, or chemical plants. Your job is to ensure the plant runs smoothly. Your job will focus on inspecting, maintaining, and repairing existing electrical components.
Industrial electricians often pursue specialized credentials that include the Certified Control System Technician (CCST), Certified Electrical Inspector (CEI), Certified Electrical Safety Technician (CEST), and Certified Electrical Safety Compliance Professional (CESCP).
Maintenance Electricians
As a maintenance electrician, your focus is maintaining and monitoring electrical systems, usually at power plants or other facilities. Your apprenticeship should include working with an electrician at one of these facilities.
Installation Electricians
This specialty installs electrical systems in new buildings. Their focus is wiring for lighting, heating and cooling, security, and networking systems. Someone with a focus on installation must be thoroughly knowledgeable of electrical codes. Choose CE courses that focus on the up-to-date NEC and pertinent state regulations.
Construction Electricians
Someone specializing in construction works in new buildings and structures. They are thoroughly knowledgeable of federal, state, and local building codes, reading blueprints, and designing electrical systems from the ground up. Just like installation electricians, CE courses that include a robust review of the updated NEC and state laws are paramount.
FAQs
Do you have to complete an apprenticeship to work as an electrician?
Yes. All states require an apprenticeship before being eligible to take the journeyman licensing exam.
What is the difference between vocational and university programs for electricians?
Vocational programs combine hands-on theoretical learning in specific trades. Universities offer comprehensive academic degrees. Trade schools are shorter and typically less expensive to attend. They prepare students for specialized professions.
What are the pros and cons of becoming an electrician?
The pros include job stability, good pay, and ample opportunity for advancement. The cons include physically demanding long work days and inherent safety risks.
What are the starting salaries of an electrician?
The median annual income in 2023 was $61,590. As of August 2024, the average pay in the US for beginning journeymen was $54,640. Master electricians can earn as much as $120,000 or more annually, with an average of $84,690. Electrical contractor salaries can reach six figures.
What is the job market like?
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the field is expected to grow six percent over the next decade, faster than the average for all occupations.
Do you need special insurance to work as a licensed electrician?
Most states require electricians to carry general liability insurance. Electrical contractors are required to have multiple insurance policies, including a surety bond, general liability, bodily injury, and property insurance.
Conclusion
Becoming an electrician can be a rewarding and lucrative career with a lot of room for growth. It’s also easy to get started — with just a high school diploma or GED, you can secure an apprenticeship, attend a trade school, or find a combined program that offers classroom training and an apprenticeship.
There will always be a demand for electrical workers. Check out our website today if you need help studying for your exam and want high-quality resources. If you have questions, we’re happy to help. Reach out to our contractor school today to get started on your path to a successful and sustainable career.
This content was reviewed and approved by industry expert, Chris Clausing.