What you need to do to become an electrician

Becoming an electrician requires completing an apprenticeship, passing licensing exams, and working under supervision before you can work independently. The path takes three to five years depending on your state and the type of electrical work you want to do. You will spend time in classroom instruction, on-the-job training, and studying for exams — all while earning wages as you learn.

The process is the same across most states: find an apprenticeship program, complete the required hours of work and classroom time, pass your journeyman exam, and then (in most states) pass a master electrician exam if you want to run your own business. Each state sets its own rules about hours required and exam content, so the timeline and cost vary by location.

Key Takeaways

  • You must complete a registered apprenticeship program that combines paid on-the-job training with classroom instruction, typically lasting three to five years.
  • Most states require 8,000 to 10,000 hours of supervised work experience before you can sit for your journeyman electrician exam.
  • You will need to pass written exams covering electrical code, safety, and technical knowledge at the journeyman level and again at the master level if you want to own a business.
  • Apprenticeships are usually found through unions, contractor associations, or individual electrical companies, and you earn wages throughout the training period.

Finding and entering an apprenticeship program

Apprenticeships are the standard entry point and are offered through three main routes: union programs, non-union contractor programs, and some community colleges. Union apprenticeships (through the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers, or IBEW, in most areas) typically offer higher wages and more structured training but are more competitive to enter. Non-union programs through electrical contractors or trade associations are often easier to enter and may move faster, though wages during training are usually lower.

To find programs in your area, start by contacting your local IBEW chapter, the Associated General Contractors of America (AGC), or the Independent Electrical Contractors (IEC). You can also search the Department of Labor's apprenticeship database at apprenticeship.gov, which lists registered programs by state and trade. When you contact a program, ask about their current intake, whether they are accepting new apprentices, and what the starting wage is.

Most programs require you to be at least 18 years old, have a high school diploma or GED, and pass a basic math test. Some ask for a driver's license and a clean background check. A few programs require you to be a union member or sponsor before you can explore, so confirm the membership rules before you invest time in the process.

What happens during the apprenticeship years

An apprenticeship combines paid work on job sites with classroom time, usually split as four to five days per week on the job and one day per week in class. You will start at the bottom — running wire, holding tools, cleaning up — and gradually take on more complex tasks as you learn. Your supervisor or a journeyman electrician will teach you hands-on skills while you work toward the required hours.

The classroom portion covers electrical theory, the National Electrical Code (NEC), safety practices, and blueprint reading. Most programs require 144 to 180 hours of classroom instruction per year. You will pay for books and materials, though many union programs cover these costs. Non-union programs vary — some employers pay for classes, others expect you to cover the cost.

By the end of your apprenticeship, you will have logged between 8,000 and 10,000 hours of supervised work (the exact number depends on your state). This is tracked on your apprenticeship record, which you will need when you sit for your licensing exam. Keep copies of your time sheets and work records as you go.

Passing the journeyman electrician exam

Once you have completed your apprenticeship hours and classroom requirements, you become may be able to access to sit for the journeyman electrician exam in your state. This is a written test covering the National Electrical Code, electrical theory, safety, and practical problem-solving. The exam is usually administered by your state's licensing board or a testing company they contract with.

To register for the exam, you will submit your apprenticeship record, proof of completed classroom hours, and a fee (usually $100 to $300). Some states require you to pass a practical exam as well, where you demonstrate hands-on skills like wiring a circuit or installing conduit. Check your state's licensing board website for the exact requirements and exam dates.

Most people study for four to eight weeks before taking the exam. Study materials include the current National Electrical Code, practice exams, and study guides sold by testing companies. Many apprenticeship programs offer exam prep classes in the final months of training. The pass rate varies by state and test difficulty, but typically 60 to 75 percent of first-time test-takers pass.

Getting your journeyman license and working independently

After you pass the journeyman exam, you receive your journeyman electrician license, which allows you to work on electrical systems under your own supervision (though some states still require oversight by a master electrician for certain work). You can now work for any electrical contractor, take on residential or commercial jobs, and earn significantly more than you did as an apprentice — journeyman wages typically range from $50,000 to $80,000 per year depending on location and specialization.

With your journeyman license, you can also move into specialized areas like solar installation, industrial electrical work, or renewable energy systems. Some electricians stop here and work as journeymen for their entire career. Others pursue the master electrician license within a few years, which requires additional work experience (usually two to five more years) and another exam.

Becoming a master electrician and starting your own business

A master electrician license allows you to own an electrical contracting business, hire and supervise other electricians, and pull permits in your own name. To reach this level, you typically need two to five additional years of experience as a journeyman (the requirement varies by state) and must pass the master electrician exam, which is more difficult than the journeyman exam and covers business law, estimating, and advanced code knowledge.

Some states also require you to pass a business and law exam before you can open a contracting company. You will need to register your business with your state, obtain a contractor's license (separate from your electrician license in some states), and carry liability insurance. The total cost to start a small electrical contracting business ranges from $5,000 to $20,000 for licensing, insurance, and basic tools and equipment.

Costs and timeline summary

The total cost of becoming a journeyman electrician is usually low because you earn wages throughout your apprenticeship. Union programs often pay for classroom tuition and books, while non-union apprentices may pay $500 to $2,000 out of pocket for classes and materials over the four-year period. Exam fees, licensing, and study materials add another $500 to $1,000.

The timeline is typically three to five years from start to journeyman license, depending on whether you work full-time, whether your program is union or non-union, and how quickly you accumulate the required hours. Some accelerated programs compress this into two and a half to three years by requiring more hours per week. Master electrician status takes an additional two to five years after that.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need a high school diploma to become an electrician?

Most apprenticeship programs require a high school diploma or GED. A few programs accept applicants without one if they pass a basic math and reading test, but this is less common. Having a diploma makes you a stronger candidate and opens more program options.

Can I start an apprenticeship part-time while working another job?

Most registered apprenticeships require full-time commitment — typically 40 hours per week on the job plus classroom time. Some community college programs offer evening or weekend classes, but these are not formal apprenticeships and do not count toward state licensing requirements. You would still need to complete a registered apprenticeship to become licensed.

What is the difference between union and non-union apprenticeships?

Union apprenticeships (IBEW) usually offer higher wages during training, better benefits, and more structured curriculum, but are harder to enter and may have longer wait lists. Non-union programs through contractors or trade associations are often easier to start and may move faster, but wages are typically lower and benefits vary. Both lead to the same journeyman license.

How much do electricians make after getting their license?

Journeyman electricians typically earn $50,000 to $80,000 per year depending on location, specialization, and whether they work for a contractor or run their own business. Master electricians and business owners often earn $80,000 to $150,000 or more annually. Wages are higher in union shops and in areas with high cost of living.

Can I move to a different state with my electrician license?

Electrician licenses are state-specific, so you cannot automatically work in another state with your current license. However, most states have reciprocity agreements that allow you to transfer your license or take a shorter exam if you have experience in another state. Contact the new state's licensing board to learn about their reciprocity rules before you move.