How to become an electrician

1. 1Finish high school with algebra

   Time: 4 years (high school)Sources 2, 3, 1

   A high school diploma or GED is the entry requirement for nearly every apprenticeship. Algebra matters most: the IBEW-NECA Electrical Training Alliance lists one year of high school algebra and a qualifying aptitude test score among its basic requirements. Physics, shop and drafting classes help with the electrical theory and blueprint reading you will meet later. Both the Electrical Training Alliance and IEC set a minimum age of 18, and BLS notes that electricians may need a driver's license to reach job sites.

2. 2Choose a route: apprenticeship directly, or trade school first

   Time: 0-2 yearsCost: $4,277/yr median public tuition (certificate)Sources 1, 8

   Most electricians go straight into an apprenticeship. Some first take a certificate or associate program in electrical technology at a community or technical college, which teaches circuits, code basics and safety, and graduates often get credit toward an apprenticeship. That can help if apprenticeship slots in your area are competitive, but it costs tuition while an apprenticeship pays you. Others start as an electrical helper and move into an apprenticeship later.

3. 3Get accepted into an apprenticeship

   Time: A few monthsCost: Small application or testing fees, if anySources 2, 3, 4

   Union programs are run by local joint apprenticeship training committees (JATCs) of the IBEW and NECA; find one through the Electrical Training Alliance. Merit-shop programs come from Independent Electrical Contractors chapters and other contractor groups, and Apprenticeship.gov lists registered programs by location. Expect an application, an aptitude test and a drug screen, and check your local program for any added requirements. Openings are limited in many areas, so apply early and to more than one program.

4. 4Complete the apprenticeship

   Time: 4-5 yearsCost: Paid; you may cover books and some tuitionSources 1, 3

   You work full time for a contractor under licensed electricians, logging about 2,000 paid hours a year, and attend classes at night or on scheduled days. IEC requires at least 8,000 on-the-job hours and 576 classroom hours over about four years. Coursework covers electrical theory, code, blueprints, motors and controls, and safety. Your wage rises in steps as you pass hour and class milestones. Keep careful records, because states ask for documented hours when you apply to test.

5. 5Pass the journeyman license exam

   Time: Near the end of the apprenticeshipCost: State exam and license fees varySources 5, 7, 1

   Most states require a license exam based on the National Electrical Code plus state and local code rules. Requirements are set by each state and sometimes by cities. In Texas, for example, the journeyman license requires 8,000 hours of on-the-job training, but you may take the exam early once you submit 7,000 hours worked under a master electrician licensed in Texas; the application fee is $30 and the license must be renewed every year. Use the CareerOneStop License Finder for your state's rules.

6. 6Advance to master electrician or a specialty

   Time: Several more yearsCost: Exam and license feesSources 1, 10, 6

   After more documented years as a journeyman, many states let you test for a master electrician license, which is usually needed to pull permits, supervise jobs or run an electrical contracting business. Others branch into industrial controls, solar and battery systems, fire alarms or low-voltage work. Specialty credentials such as the NABCEP PV Associate show solar knowledge. Supervisor, estimator and project management roles are the other common next steps.

Programs, tuition and graduates’ earnings

U.S. Department of Education, College Scorecard (most recent cohorts, released 2026-10-15). Scorecard groups programs by 4-digit field, so a row can include related programs. Tuition is the median published undergraduate tuition and fees of the colleges offering the program (shown only for undergraduate credentials); debt is the median of programs’ median federal loan debt at completion; earnings are the national median for the field and credential four years after completion.

Requirements differ by state. Check your state’s rules in the CareerOneStop License Finder (U.S. Department of Labor) before you enroll.

Math and electrical theory

Sizing conductors, calculating loads and voltage drop, and bending conduit to exact angles all come down to arithmetic and algebra done correctly on the job.

Code knowledge

Every installation must pass inspection against the National Electrical Code and local amendments, and license exams are built around finding answers in the code book.

Troubleshooting

Service and maintenance calls mean working out from meter readings and symptoms which breaker, splice, control or motor has failed.

Color vision

Conductors are identified by insulation color, and misreading one can create a shock or fire hazard.

Physical stamina

Days involve climbing ladders, kneeling, working overhead and carrying heavy reels, fixtures and components around a job site.

Safety discipline

Locking out circuits and testing before touching them is the habit that prevents electrocution and arc-flash burns.

O*NET 31.0 rates these skills as most important for the occupation: active listening, speaking, critical thinking, active learning, reading comprehension.

Training cost

$0–$8.6K

Before financial aid

Time

4-5 years

Typical path

Median pay

$63,190

All US jobs: $50,980

Payback once qualified

Under 1 year

Pay above the all-jobs median vs. cost

Low: a registered apprenticeship is a paid job, and IEC notes that apprentices may receive tuition assistance from their employer, so tuition can be $0, leaving books, tools and state exam and license fees (Texas, for example, charges a $30 journeyman application fee). High: 2 years of an associate degree in the electrical and power transmission installers program family x College Scorecard median public in-state tuition of $4,324/yr = $8,648 before starting an apprenticeship. A 1-year certificate at $4,277/yr falls in between. Not included: tools, books, exam fees and living costs.

Rough guide only: ignores taxes, aid, interest and earnings given up during training. How we calculate it.

• Construction manager$114,990 median

  Experienced electricians move into foreman, estimator and project manager roles; a bachelor's degree in construction management helps for larger firms.

• Electrical engineer$120,630 median

  Requires a bachelor's degree in electrical engineering; field experience helps with power systems and building design work.

• Lineman$95,320 median

  A separate outside-lineman apprenticeship trains workers to build and repair power lines for utilities.

• Elevator mechanic$109,910 median

  Elevator installers have their own apprenticeship, and electrical knowledge is a strong base for its control and wiring work.