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Electrician

The trade that powers everything.

Median Salary

$61,590

Apprenticeship

4–5 years

Union Presence

Strong

Physical Demand

Moderate

Job Demand

Very High

Electricians install, maintain, and repair electrical systems in homes, businesses, and industrial facilities. With EV charging infrastructure, solar installations, and smart buildings exploding in demand, electricians are among the most sought-after tradespeople in the country.

License RequiredVery High DemandEV & Solar BoomStrong Union (IBEW)

What Electricians Earn

National data — Bureau of Labor Statistics OEWS

25th Percentile

$45,520

Entry level

Median

$61,590

Mid-career

75th Percentile

$82,380

Experienced

90th Percentile

$101,000

Top earners

Salary by State

Teal bars = above national median · Blue bars = below national median · Source: BLS OEWS

Career Path

From day one to running your own operation

Apprentice Electrician

$35,000–$52,000

Years 0–5

Enrolled in a 4–5 year IBEW union or non-union apprenticeship. Work alongside journeypersons on real job sites while attending classroom instruction in electrical theory, codes, and safety.

Journeyperson Electrician

$55,000–$80,000

Years 5–10

Pass your journeyperson exam and work independently. Most journeypersons specialize in residential, commercial, or industrial work. This is where the career really pays off.

Master Electrician

$70,000–$100,000

Years 8–12

After 2+ years as a journeyperson, pass the master exam. Required in most states to pull permits and supervise other electricians. Opens the door to contractor work.

Electrical Contractor

$90,000–$250,000+

Years 10+

Use your master license to start your own contracting business. Electricians who go independent and build a crew routinely earn $150,000–$250,000+.

Pros & Cons

Advantages

✓Highest demand trade — shortage projected for decades
✓EV, solar, and smart-home work is growing fast
✓Clear licensing ladder with pay raises at every step
✓Strong IBEW union presence with excellent benefits
✓Low barrier to entry — start earning day one of apprenticeship

Challenges

✕Apprenticeship is 4–5 years before journeyperson wages
✕Some work in tight spaces, on ladders, or outdoors in all weather
✕On-call emergency work is common in maintenance and service roles
✕Licensing requirements vary by state and locality

How to Get Started

Step-by-step path into the electrician trade

1
Join an IBEW union apprenticeship (ibew.org) — the gold standard path for electricians. Applications open in spring; competition is real but manageable.
Browse apprenticeship programs →
2
Prefer non-union? Find an electrical contractor willing to sponsor your apprenticeship. You earn while you learn either way.
Find hiring contractors →
3
Some states require a pre-apprenticeship course before you can apply. These are often free and make your application stronger.
Find pre-apprenticeship programs →
4
Once you've logged your apprenticeship hours, you'll sit for your journeyperson licensing exam — required in most states before working independently.
Start exam prep →