Skilled Trades
How to Become an Electrician
To become an electrician, you need a high school diploma or GED, a 4–5 year paid apprenticeship (about 8,000 hours on the job plus classroom training), and in most states a journeyman license exam. Union apprenticeships are often tuition-free, so your main costs are tools, books and fees, usually a few hundred to a few thousand dollars. The median electrician earns $63,190 a year (BLS, May 2025).
- Time to start
- 4–5 years (apprenticeship to journeyman)
- Typical cost
- $500–$5,000 (more if you choose trade school first)
- Median pay
- $63,190 per year
- Education
- High school diploma or GED, with at least one year of algebra
- License / certification
- Journeyman license in most states; rules vary by state and city
- Job outlook
- +9% (2025–35), faster than average
Steps to become an electrician
Finish high school or get your GED
Almost every apprenticeship requires a diploma or GED. Most also want at least one passed year of algebra, and some ask for your transcript. If you are weak in math, take an algebra refresher now, because the entrance test checks it.
Choose your route: union, merit shop or trade school
Union apprenticeships run through local IBEW-NECA training centers (JATCs). Non-union (merit shop) apprenticeships run through IEC or ABC chapters and their member contractors. A trade school pre-apprenticeship program is optional, but it can help you get hired if you have no experience.
Apply and pass the aptitude test and interview
Watch for application windows at your local JATC or IEC/ABC chapter, since many accept applications only on set dates. Union programs use an aptitude test covering algebra and reading comprehension, followed by an interview. Expect a small application fee and bring your ID, diploma and transcripts.
Work as an apprentice and complete classroom hours
You work full time under a licensed electrician and get paid from day one, with raises as you progress. Most programs require about 2,000 hours of on-the-job work per year plus several hundred classroom hours. Log your hours carefully, because your state will ask for proof.
Get basic safety credentials
Get an OSHA 10-Hour Construction card early; many employers require it. Learn lockout/tagout and NFPA 70E arc-flash basics, which your program or employer usually provides. A valid driver's license is also required for many jobs.
Pass your state's journeyman electrician exam
Once you have the required hours (commonly around 8,000), apply to your state or local licensing board to sit for the journeyman exam. The test focuses on the National Electrical Code edition your state has adopted, plus electrical theory and local rules. A few states license only at the city or county level, so check where you will work.
Keep your license current and plan your next level
Most states require continuing education to renew your license, often tied to new NEC editions. After a few years as a journeyman (often 2 or more), you can test for a master electrician or electrical contractor license. Specialties like industrial controls, solar or low voltage can raise your pay.
Find an electrician apprenticeship or training program
A paid apprenticeship is the standard path and is often cheaper than school; trade school helps most if you need basic skills or a foot in the door with employers.
- Union apprenticeship (IBEW-NECA JATC)
- Merit shop apprenticeship (IEC or ABC)
- Electrical trade school certificate
- Pre-apprenticeship program
- Associate degree in electrical technology
- Online exam prep and continuing education
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How much it costs and how long it takes
| Expense | Low | High | Note |
|---|---|---|---|
| Apprenticeship tuition | $0 | $2,000 | Union JATC programs are often tuition-free; some merit shop programs charge yearly tuition, sometimes paid by the employer. |
| Books and code book | $150 | $800 | Includes your NEC code book and course materials. |
| Hand tools and tool bag | $300 | $1,500 | Most apprentices start with a basic set and build up over time. |
| Application and aptitude test fees | $0 | $100 | |
| OSHA 10-Hour Construction card | $50 | $100 | |
| Journeyman exam and license fees | $100 | $400 | Varies by state and testing provider. |
| Optional trade school program | $1,000 | $20,000 | Not required. Cost varies widely by school and program length. |
| Total | $1,600 | $24,900 | Timeline: 4–5 years (apprenticeship to journeyman) |
Exams and how to prepare
Apprenticeship aptitude test
Entry test for union (IBEW-NECA) apprenticeships covering algebra and reading comprehension. Merit shop programs use their own assessments.
How to prepare: Review Algebra 1 (equations, functions, ratios) and practice timed reading passages. Free algebra courses are enough for most people.
Journeyman electrician exam
State or local licensing exam, usually given by providers like PSI or Pearson VUE, or through the NASCLA accredited exam in participating states. It covers the adopted NEC edition, electrical theory, calculations and local rules.
How to prepare: Practice looking up answers quickly in your tabbed NEC book, since most exams are open-book and timed. Work through practice tests and focus on load calculations, conductor sizing and grounding.
Master electrician exam
Advanced license exam for experienced journeymen. It covers more complex code, design and calculations, and often business and law.
How to prepare: Take it after several years of journeyman work. Use an exam prep course for the business and law portion if your state includes one.
Prepare for the electrician exams
Use practice tests based on the NEC edition your state uses, since code questions change between editions.
- Apprenticeship aptitude test (algebra and reading)
- Journeyman electrician exam
- Master electrician exam
Electrician salary and job outlook
Employment is projected to grow 9% from 2025 to 2035, faster than the average for all occupations, with about 72,700 openings per year.
Source: BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook, Electricians, May 2025 data
Printable PDF
Electrician Career Kit: 90-Day Action Plan
- 90-day action plan with checkboxes
- Documents checklist
- 12 interview questions with tips
- Resume lines, common mistakes, 13-week tracker
Frequently asked questions
How long does it take to become an electrician?
Most people need 4 to 5 years. That covers an apprenticeship of about 8,000 on-the-job hours plus classroom training, followed by the journeyman exam. Trade school first does not always shorten the apprenticeship, though some programs give credit for it.
How much does it cost to become an electrician?
Through a union apprenticeship, you may pay little more than tools, books and fees, often under $2,000 total. Merit shop programs may charge yearly tuition, sometimes covered by your employer. Trade school is optional and can cost from about $1,000 to $20,000 depending on the program.
Can you become an electrician without going to trade school?
Yes. Most electricians learn through a paid apprenticeship, not trade school. You apply directly to a union JATC, an IEC or ABC chapter, or an electrical contractor that sponsors apprentices.
Is there an age limit to become an electrician?
Most programs require you to be at least 18, and there is no upper age limit. Many people start in their 30s or 40s. The work is physical, so be honest with yourself about climbing, kneeling and lifting.
How much do electricians make?
The median pay is $63,190 a year, according to BLS May 2025 data. The lowest 10% earn under $42,640 and the top 10% earn over $108,510. Apprentices start lower and get raises as they complete each year.
What is the difference between a journeyman and a master electrician?
A journeyman has finished an apprenticeship and passed the state exam, so they can work without direct supervision. A master electrician has extra years of experience and a harder exam, and can usually pull permits, design systems and supervise others. Exact rules vary by state.
Is the journeyman electrician exam hard?
Many people find it hard because it is timed and requires quick navigation of the NEC code book. Pass rates depend on the state and on how much you practiced with the code book. Taking several timed practice tests is the best preparation.
Do you get paid during an electrician apprenticeship?
Yes. Apprentices are paid employees from the first day. Pay usually starts at a percentage of journeyman wages and rises each year as you complete hours and classes.
Sources
- BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook: Electricians
- Electrical Training Alliance (IBEW-NECA) Apprenticeship Training
- Independent Electrical Contractors (IEC)
- NFPA 70, National Electrical Code
- CareerOneStop License Finder
- Apprenticeship.gov Job Finder
Requirements vary by state and employer and can change. Confirm details with the official sources above before you spend money on training.