From Training to Licensing: Your Step-by-Step Guide to Becoming an Electrician

Whether you’re just out of high school or looking to switch careers, becoming an electrician offers steady work, competitive pay, and long-term job security. Electricians are retiring at a higher rate than new workers entering the trade, leading to a projected 80,200 new job openings each year. This makes it a great time to enter the field, start your own electrical business, or even become a contractor—all without getting a four-year degree.

In this guide, we’ll walk you through exactly how to become an electrician, from training and licensing to expected salary and long-term job outlook.

Overview of steps to become an electrician

Becoming an electrician takes time, training, and hands-on experience, but the process is straightforward once you know what to expect. 

Here’s a quick overview (we’ll dive into each step below).

• Earn a high school diploma or GED: A basic education is required to begin training.
• Choose a training path: Either enroll in a trade school or apply for an apprenticeship.
• Complete your training: This includes both classroom instruction and hands-on experience.
• Meet work hour requirements: Most states require 4,000 to 8,000 hours of supervised work.
• Pass a licensing exam: Earn your journeyman license by passing the required state or local exam.
• Advance your career: Specialize, earn a master license, or start your own business.

Electrician education requirements 

Education is the foundation of a successful electrician career, helping you to develop important technical and soft skills that prepare you for real-world work. Let’s dig a bit deeper into the education requirements to become an electrician.

Minimum education (high school diploma or GED)

You’ll need a high school diploma or GED to begin training. Though not required, certain classes can give you a leg up. Algebra and geometry help with measuring and layout work, while physics gives you better insight into how electricity behaves. 

Shop classes are useful for learning how to work with tools and read blueprints, while computer classes can help you understand high-tech electrical systems, especially as the field evolves. Strong reading comprehension and basic writing skills are important for understanding codes, permits, and work orders.

Soft skills for success 

Electricians do more than work with wires. Strong problem-solving skills are important for assessing issues and finding practical fixes quickly. Physical stamina and dexterity matter, since the job can involve crawling into tight spaces, lifting equipment, or standing for long hours. 

Good customer communication goes a long way, too, especially when explaining timelines and costs. Being dependable and organized will help you manage multiple projects and coordinate effectively with crews.

Electrician training programs: trade school vs. apprenticeship

Most electricians start with either a trade school or an apprenticeship. Each offers a different path based on how you learn best.

• Trade schools offer classroom instruction alongside hands-on labs, making them a great choice if you prefer a formal learning environment or want some foundational knowledge before jumping into the field.
• Apprenticeships allow you to get paid while working under the supervision of a licensed electrician, so they’re a good fit for those who learn best by doing.

Most trade school graduates will still need to complete an apprenticeship before getting licensed. Because apprenticeships can be competitive, having a trade school certificate can give you an edge in the application process. However, foregoing trade school will get you licensed sooner.

How to apply 

Applying for trade school or an apprenticeship is straightforward, but the process varies. If applying for an apprenticeship, you’ll need to decide whether you want to go the union or non-union route. Union programs are often more structured and come with standardized benefits such as healthcare, retirement plans, and wage protections, while non-union programs might give you more freedom to choose where you work or the type of jobs you take on.

• Union apprenticeships: Apply through a local Joint Apprenticeship and Training Committee (JATC), typically run by the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers (IBEW). These programs often require an aptitude test and interview.
• Non-union apprenticeships: Apply via local contractors, technical colleges, or trade groups like the Independent Electrical Contractors (IEC) or Associated Builders and Contractors (ABC). You may need to pass a basic skills test and provide proof of a high school diploma or GED.
• Trade school: Most have open enrollment and require a diploma or GED. Research schools, compare tuition and curriculum, and apply online or in person. Many schools offer job placement support to help graduates find apprenticeships or entry-level electrician positions.

Training time

The best electrician training path depends on your learning style, budget, and timeline. Here’s what you can expect from both routes:

• Apprenticeships take four to five years, including ~8,000 hours of on-the-job training and 500 to 1,000 classroom hours.
• Trade school programs usually take one to two years and emphasize classroom learning, often with lab-based practice. Most graduates still need to complete an apprenticeship before getting licensed.

How much does electrician school cost?

Electrician school costs vary depending on the type of program and the school you attend. Trade school programs typically range from $1,000 to $20,000, depending on factors like program length, location, and whether the school is public or private. A short certificate program at a community college might cost $1,000 to $3,000, while a longer, more comprehensive program at a private technical institute could cost $15,000 or more. 

Apprenticeships usually have little to no upfront cost since you earn money while learning on the job. However, there may be small fees for textbooks, tools, or union dues. Keep in mind that the rate you earn as an apprentice will be lower than a licensed electrician, but your wages will gradually increase as you gain more experience.

Additional expenses

Licensing exam fees range from $30 to $300, with the exam itself typically costing between $30 and $75. Books and study materials may add a few hundred dollars more.

You’ll also want to budget for transportation, uniforms, insurance (if self-employed), and any future continuing education courses. These costs vary but are part of maintaining your license and growing your skills.

Ways to pay for electrician training 

Though less expensive than a four-year college program, electrician training is still an investment. If you don’t have the money upfront, there are several ways to help cover costs.

• Scholarships: These can be merit-based or need-based and do not need to be repaid. Some are specific to the trades or electrical training.
• Federal Pell Grants: These are available to students who demonstrate financial need. These do not require repayment and can be used at many accredited programs.
• Federal student loans: These must be repaid but typically come with low interest rates and flexible repayment plans.
• Employer sponsorships: Some companies will pay for your electrician training courses or tuition at a trade school in exchange for a commitment to work for them after graduation.

How long does it take to become an electrician?

How long it takes to become an electrician depends on the path you choose. Trade school programs take as little as 12 to 24 months, but you’ll still need to complete an apprenticeship to qualify for licensing. Apprenticeships usually take four to five years, but you’ll get paid while you learn. If you want to start earning sooner and build skills over time, an apprenticeship is often the more direct and affordable option.

Time to become a journeyman electrician

A journeyman electrician is someone who has completed the required training and passed the licensing exam to work independently. This is often the first major milestone in the electrician career path. To qualify, you’ll typically need:

• 4,000 to 8,000 hours of supervised work experience
• Required classroom hours
• To pass a licensing exam

The exact timeline varies by state. In Minnesota, for example, you must have a minimum of 48 months of work experience, while Maine requires 8,000 hours.

Time to become a master electrician

A master electrician can oversee projects, manage other electricians, and design electrical systems. This license can open doors to higher-paying jobs, business ownership, and leadership roles in the field. Requirements include:

• 1,000 to 4,000 additional work hours
• Passing advanced exams on systems, code, and blueprint reading

Most electricians reach this level after working in the field for seven to 10 years.

Electrician license requirements

You’ll need to meet your state’s electrician licensing requirements to perform electrical work legally. Requirements vary by state and city, so it’s important to know what’s expected in your area.

Local vs. state licensing regulations

Some states have statewide licensing rules, while others leave it up to local governments. For example, New York City has its own licensing requirements separate from other jurisdictions in the state, such as Buffalo, Syracuse, and Rochester. If you have an electrical license in New York City and want to perform work in Albany, you’ll need to apply for a separate license or register locally. Alternatively, Texas follows a statewide licensing system, so you can perform electrical work anywhere in Texas once licensed.

Always check with your local or state board to confirm what applies to your location.

Transferring your electrician license to a new state

Licenses don’t always transfer between states. Some states offer reciprocity agreements, while others require you to reapply and retake exams. If you’re planning to move, check with the new state’s licensing board early so you know whether you’ll need additional paperwork or training.

Types of electricians

Depending on your interests, you can specialize in a variety of electrical roles. Below is a broad overview of your options. Check out our types of electricians guide for more detail.

Residential vs. commercial electricians

Residential electricians work in homes, handling wiring, lighting, circuit panels, and troubleshooting. Commercial electricians focus on larger-scale buildings like offices, schools, or retail spaces. The systems in commercial settings are often more complex and require knowledge of higher voltage equipment and larger-scale wiring.

Industrial and maintenance electricians

Industrial electricians work in factories, plants, or warehouses installing and repairing heavy-duty equipment. Maintenance electricians may work in similar environments but focus on routine inspections and system upkeep. Both need to understand programmable logic controllers (PLCs) and industrial safety standards.

Linemen vs. wiremen

Linemen work on outdoor power lines and utility poles, often at heights and in varying weather. Wiremen handle interior electrical systems within buildings. The biggest difference is where the work takes place. Linemen work outside, while wiremen focus on indoor wiring and equipment.

Specialized roles

Some electricians focus on solar power systems, marine vessels, or integrating HVAC and automation technology. These roles are growing quickly and often require additional certifications. Specialized electricians stay current with emerging tech and evolving codes in their niche field.

Electrician salary

The median electrician salary is $62,350 per year, or $29.98 per hour, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. As with any career, your salary will vary depending on your location, experience, and job responsibilities. 

• Apprentice electrician: Around $22-$26 per hour, or $45,000–$54,000 annually
• Journeyman electrician: $60,000 to $95,000 per year, depending on location and union rates
• Master electrician: $80,000 to $110,000+, with the highest earnings in supervisory or self-employed roles

As you move from apprentice to journeyman and master licenses, your hourly rate increases significantly. Taking leadership roles, obtaining specialty certifications, or starting your own electrical contracting business can further increase income, especially in high-demand niches or underserved areas. Top-paying states include Washington, Hawaii, Illinois, Oregon, California, and New York.

*Note: The BLS does not break down earnings by career level. These figures are based on a combination of industry sources, including union wage tables (e.g., IBEW locals), trade school disclosures, job boards (Indeed, Glassdoor, ZipRecruiter), and apprenticeship program data.

Electrician job outlook and demand

Electrician jobs are in high demand. According to the BLS, employment in the trade is projected to grow 11% from 2023 to 2033—much faster than the average for all occupations. This growth is driven by factors like an aging workforce, increased construction, and rising demand for green energy and smart technologies.

As technology evolves, look for opportunities to specialize in smart building systems for high-growth opportunities. These include things like automated lighting, security, and energy management, especially in commercial and industrial settings.

Continuing education and certifications for electricians

Even after you’ve started working in the field, continuing education (CE) is important to stay up to date with safety standards, code changes, and evolving technology. In many states, completing CE hours is required to renew your license. Beyond that, gaining new certifications can expand your skills, open doors to higher-paying roles, and help you stand out in specialized markets.

Common continuing education topics and certifications include:

• State-required CE hours: Covers topics like electrical code updates, workplace safety, and ethics.
• OSHA 10/30-Hour Certification: Safety-focused training required for many job sites.
• NFPA 70E: Focuses on electrical safety in the workplace and preventing arc flash incidents.
• Manufacturer-specific equipment training: Offered by brands to train electricians on the safe use of their products.
• Specialized credentials: Includes certifications in LEED (green building), BICSI (data and communications cabling), and EV charger installation.

Always check with your state licensing board to confirm CE requirements and make sure your training provider is approved.

Starting your own electrical business

Owning a business is a long-term goal for many electricians, offering more control over your schedule and income. Here are some things to keep in mind.

Becoming an electrical contractor

An electrical contractor is a licensed professional who operates independently or manages a team of electricians on commercial or residential projects. To qualify, you’ll need to:

• Hold a journeyman or master electrician license (depending on your state)
• Meet experience requirements
• Secure proper business registration and insurance

You don’t necessarily need to be an electrical contractor to own an electrical business, but in most states, a licensed contractor must be listed as the qualifier on the license. That means if you’re not personally licensed as a journeyman or master electrician, you’ll need to hire someone who is. Many electricians pursue contractor status to maintain full control of their business, avoid relying on others for licensing, and take on more complex, higher-paying jobs.

Licensing, bonding, and insurance 

To start your own electrical business, you’ll need to be licensed, bonded, and insured. Licensing proves you’ve met your state’s requirements for safety and training, while a surety bond guarantees that you’ll complete jobs according to code and contract. General liability insurance protects you financially if you cause property damage or injury on the job.

Costs vary by state, but you can generally expect to pay:

• $30 to $300 for licensing
• $48 to $72 per month for liability insurance
• $100–$300 upfront for a surety bond

How Housecall Pro can support your electrician career

Housecall Pro provides home service software to help you start and run your business with less stress. Through Trade Academy, we offer educational scholarships plus helpful guides, career tips, and training resources to learn the ropes of the trade.

Once you’re ready to take on jobs, Housecall Pro’s electrician software helps simplify daily tasks so you can focus on the work that matters. Tools include easy scheduling, quick estimating, and customizable invoice templates to keep your paperwork in order. The platform also makes it easy to manage appointments, send reminders, and collect payments all from one app.

Ready to take the next step? Visit Housecall Pro to learn how to grow your electrician career.

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Ann

CEO and Content Writer

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Last Posted July, 2025

Company Copywriting For You

About the Author Ann has been a marketer and content writer for over 25 years. While she got her start in financial services marketing, her writing interests are far broader. Now, as the CEO of Copywriting For You, she spends her time as a full-time freelancer blogger, writing on various topics, including personal finance, marketing and business, health and wellness, home improvement and cleanliness, parenting and family, and more. Check out her website, https://copywritingforyou.net/, to learn more.

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