How to Become an Electrician

Want to become an electrician? It usually takes 4-5 years through an apprenticeship or trade school program. This guide breaks down every step-from training and licensing to job types and salary expectations.

If you're the type of person who likes solving problems, working with your hands, and building a secure future-you're in the right place.

Electricians don't just flip switches. They power entire cities, homes, hospitals, and data centers. And with the rise of electric vehicles and renewable energy, skilled electricians are more in demand than ever.

This guide will walk you through everything you need to know-from job types and pay to how to get licensed and start working.

What Do Electricians Actually Do?

You might picture someone wiring a house-and sure, that's part of it. But electricians also:

• Set up massive industrial control systems
• Install solar panels and EV chargers
• Run low-voltage data cables and fiber optics
• Design backup power systems for hospitals and airports

The trade is full of opportunity, and no two days are the same.

What does that mean for you? More job security. More options. Higher pay.

How to Become an Electrician (6 Steps)

Becoming an electrician isn't instant-but the path is clear. Here are the six main steps:

1. Finish high school or earn a GED
   Most programs require a diploma or equivalent to get started.

2. Choose your training path
   You can start with an apprenticeship or a trade school program.

Online Electrician Programs

3. Complete on-the-job training (4,000-8,000 hours)
   You'll work under a licensed electrician while learning.

4. Pass your state licensing exam
   Includes electrical code and hands-on knowledge.

5. Get your journeyman license
   Allows you to work independently and take on bigger jobs.

6. Advance to master electrician (optional)
   Open your own shop, supervise teams, and pull permits.

Real talk: most people start as apprentices and earn while they learn. Some go the school route first to fast-track things.

Where to Get Licensed

Every state has different rules. We've written state-by-state guides that walk you through exactly what's required.

Explore more: All State Licensing Pages »

How to Get Trained (Without Going Broke)

You've got options:

• Union Apprenticeships (IBEW/NECA) - Best for benefits and wage increases
• Non-Union Apprenticeships (IEC, ABC) - Flexible training schedules
• Trade School - Faster classroom-based programs with built-in job placement

Many programs are paid, and some even supply tools. No debt, no degree-just skills and a paycheck.

Trade Schools for Electricians

Trade schools can be a faster way into the electrical field, especially if you want structured classroom learning before stepping onto a job site. Programs typically last 6 months to 2 years and combine electrical theory, code instruction, and hands-on lab work.

Benefits of choosing a trade school:

• Accelerated timeline – Finish faster than a traditional apprenticeship start
• Smaller class sizes – More instructor attention and guided learning
• Job placement assistance – Many schools partner with local contractors

Potential drawbacks:

• Tuition costs (though often far less than a 4-year degree)
• You may still need an apprenticeship for full licensing hours

Many electricians start with trade school to build confidence, then transition into an apprenticeship with advanced standing—shortening the time to licensure.

What You Need to Get Licensed

Here's what most states require:

• Be at least 18 with a high school diploma or GED
• Complete 4-5 years of documented work experience
• Pass a licensing exam (usually includes NEC code)
• Renew your license every 1-2 years with continuing ed

Some states offer reciprocity, meaning you can transfer your license. Others don't. Know the rules where you plan to work.

Skills That Make Great Electricians

• Detail-oriented mindset (because safety matters)
• Problem-solving under pressure
• Physical endurance and steady hands
• Solid math and mechanical reasoning
• Willingness to stay up-to-date with code changes

If you like building things, fixing problems, and seeing your work power something real-you'll thrive here.

Pros & Cons of the Electrical Trade

Pros:

• You can earn $60K+ without college
• Always in demand-residential, commercial, industrial
• Tons of room for specialization (solar, EV, automation)
• Eventually, you can run your own shop

Cons:

• Can be physically demanding
• Requires ongoing licensing & CEUs
• Working with live power = serious responsibility

Start Your Electrical Journey

Whether you want to wire homes, help build schools, or design smart buildings-electricians are in the driver's seat of today's infrastructure.

You've got the spark. Let's wire your future.

Electrician Salary by State