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The skilled trades field is a respectable, growing option for many adults entering the workforce or looking for a new career. There are many different trades jobs that could be a good fit for you, but for many, becoming an electrician offers the potential to earn a decent living from the start and even gives you skills that you can use in your own home. If you want to learn how to become an electrician, this guide is for you!
The requirements to become an electrician vary by state or even locally, but chances are you’ll need work experience from an apprenticeship as well as a license in many areas. Before you can get started on those items, however, you’ll need a high school diploma or equivalent. Employers may also prefer someone who has some education in the field under their belt, like a trade school or training program.
There are three main types of electrician licenses: apprentice, journeyman electrician, and master electrician.
Apprentices install, repair, and maintain electrical systems. They work in both commercial and residential properties. With an apprentice license, you’ll work under the supervision of journeyman electricians and master electricians.
Journeyman electricians alter, repair, and install equipment that uses electrical energy. As a journeyman electrician you’ll likely supervise apprentice electricians as they work.
Master electricians work on both commercial and industrial projects and can even train journeyman electricians. They are the highest level of electrician.
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Requirements vary by state, and each level has its own requirements. For example, you may not be able to get your journeyman or master license without working as an apprentice first. You may also be required to complete a number of hours of experience before you can work in the field, as well as a training program and electrical exam.
One requirement you’ll need across the board is a high school diploma or equivalent. It’s important to check your state requirements as well as the licensing board to ensure you are prepared. The National Electrical Contractors Association is a great resource for all the info you need on working as an electrician.
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There are multiple types of electricians! Generally, these types vary based on the level of experience you have and, as you gain more experience, you’ll move up.
The apprentice electrician is the most entry-level electrician position. You must complete an apprenticeship in order to become a fully-fledged licensed electrician. As an apprentice, you’ll be supervised by a journeyman or master electrician to ensure you are learning and growing in the field.
Once you’ve completed your apprenticeship you can apply for your journeyman license and take the certification exam! As a journeyman electrician, you can work independently or for a company and can do residential or commercial work.
The highest level you can go in the electrician field is the master electrician level. There’s more experience required to become a master electrician, but you’ll develop additional capabilities, such as designing electrical systems, pulling permits, and supervising journeymen and apprentices. As an added bonus, you’ll likely earn more as a master electrician than at any other level.
Since the journeyman level and up require an apprenticeship, as well as any state or local requirements, it is not necessarily easy to become an electrician. Finding an apprenticeship may prove difficult as well if you’re not enrolled in a trade school. The good news, however, is that this field is on the rise with a projected 6% growth!
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The salary of an electrician varies by level and state, but on average an electrician earns $61,590.
| State | Average Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| Alabama | $50,000 |
| Alaska | $77,000 |
| Arizona | $51,000 |
| Arkansas | $44,000 |
| California | $69,000 |
| Colorado | $55,000 |
| Connecticut | $61,000 |
| Delaware | $57,000 |
| Florida | $47,000 |
| Georgia | $49,000 |
| Hawaii | $77,000 |
| Idaho | $47,000 |
| Illinois | $57,000 |
| Indiana | $50,000 |
| Iowa | $52,000 |
| Kansas | $48,000 |
| Kentucky | $49,000 |
| Louisiana | $50,000 |
| Maine | $51,000 |
| Maryland | $57,000 |
| Massachusetts | $70,000 |
| Michigan | $54,000 |
| Minnesota | $58,000 |
| Mississippi | $45,000 |
| Missouri | $51,000 |
| Montana | $53,000 |
| Nebraska | $49,000 |
| Nevada | $59,000 |
| New Hampshire | $55,000 |
| New Jersey | $64,000 |
| New Mexico | $49,000 |
| New York | $68,000 |
| North Carolina | $49,000 |
| North Dakota | $52,000 |
| Ohio | $53,000 |
| Oklahoma | $47,000 |
| Oregon | $59,000 |
| Pennsylvania | $54,000 |
| Rhode Island | $58,000 |
| South Carolina | $47,000 |
| South Dakota | $46,000 |
| Tennessee | $49,000 |
| Texas | $50,000 |
| Utah | $51,000 |
| Vermont | $51,000 |
| Virginia | $51,000 |
| Washington | $63,000 |
| West Virginia | $47,000 |
| Wisconsin | $53,000 |
| Wyoming | $51,000 |
Due to varying requirements by state, the timeframe can vary, but for any that require an apprenticeship you’re looking at 3-5 years before you can become a journeyman electrician. If there’s an education requirement, a trade program or degree program can add between four months and 2 years onto that timeline.
If the electrician field interests you, consider a career as a residential electrician! A trusted online electrician course can help you take the first steps toward a great apprenticeship and long career! When completing your training online, you have the flexibility you may need to excel in multiple parts of your life. Learn about Ashworth College’s Residential Technician online electrician course and see if it’s right for you!
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