IBEW Local 177 – Jacksonville Electrician Union (2025 Guide)

Updated April 18, 2025 | Brad Fishbein

If you're in North Florida and looking to become an electrician, IBEW Local 177 in Jacksonville is your gateway to a high-paying, stable career. Covering Duval County and much of the surrounding region, Local 177 connects apprentices and journeymen with steady work, industry-best training, and strong benefits.

TL;DR – Want to join IBEW Local 177?
This guide walks you through their jurisdiction, training program, wages, and how to apply.

Overview of Local 177

Local Union	IBEW Local 177
Location	Jacksonville, FL
Jurisdiction	Duval County + surrounding counties
Specialties	Inside Wireman, Commercial & Industrial Projects
Phone	(904) 355-4569
Website	ibew177.org
Address	966 N Liberty St, Jacksonville, FL 32206

What Does Local 177 Do?

IBEW Local 177 represents inside electricians working across Jacksonville and North Florida. The union connects its members to jobs with reputable contractors who uphold safety, training, and compensation standards defined by the local's collective bargaining agreement.

Members benefit from:

Union-scale wages with regular raises and job security
Employer-paid health and retirement plans
Access to the North Florida JATC apprenticeship program
Ongoing education and OSHA safety training

Recent Projects & Regional Focus

IBEW Local 177 members have helped power major projects in Northeast Florida, including:

The Jacksonville VA Outpatient Clinic
Naval Station Mayport upgrades
Downtown Jacksonville school and hospital renovations
Amazon fulfillment centers and warehouse development

The union also supports ongoing public works projects in Clay, Nassau, and St. Johns counties.

Apprenticeship Program (North Florida JATC)

IBEW Local 177 operates in partnership with the North Florida Electrical JATC to deliver a full 5-year apprenticeship that combines jobsite learning with weekly classroom sessions.

Key Features:

Earn While You Learn: Start around $17/hr and receive yearly raises
40+ hours/week paid work plus night classes
No tuition beyond books and application/testing fees
Train with licensed journeymen on real commercial and industrial projects

⚡ How to Join IBEW Local 177 – At a Glance

✅ Be at least 18 years old with a high school diploma or GED
📝 Submit your application online or in person at the Electrical Training Alliance of Jacksonville (ETAJAX)
- 📍 4951 Richard Street, Jacksonville, FL 32207
- ☎️ (904) 737-7533
📚 Take the NJATC Aptitude Test (Algebra + Reading)
💬 Attend an interview with the Apprenticeship Committee
(Meets the second Tuesday of each month at 2:00 PM)
🛠 If selected, begin your paid apprenticeship and classroom training

Applications are accepted year-round. For the most up-to-date info, visit etajax.org or contact the training center directly.

Wages & Benefits

While exact wage rates may fluctuate, the following are conservative estimates based on current industry standards in North Florida.

Position	Estimated Hourly Wage
Apprentice (Year 1)	$17–$19/hr
Apprentice (Year 5)	$27–$29/hr
Journeyman	$36–$39/hr
Foreman	$42–$47/hr

Wages are governed by the collective bargaining agreement and may change with contract renewals. Contact Local 177 for the latest pay scale.

Member Benefits:

Health Insurance: Full family coverage for medical, dental, and vision care
Retirement: Defined-benefit pension and employer-funded annuity plans
Vacation Fund: Paid time off and holiday pay
Training Access: Industry certifications, OSHA safety, NEC code updates
Fair Hiring: Union-backed job referral and dispatch system

For up-to-date benefits, visit ibew177.org or call (904) 355-4569.

Union vs. Non-Union Electrician Training

Feature	Union (IBEW 177)	Non-Union Path
Tuition Cost	$0 (except books/tools)	$5K–$20K trade school
Pay During Training	✅ Yes	❌ Usually unpaid
Job Placement	✅ Guaranteed	❌ Self-managed
Benefits While Learning	✅ Health + Pension	❌ Rare
Network & Mentorship	✅ Union Hall & Journeymen	❌ Often solo

Electrician Demand in North Florida

According to the Florida Department of Economic Opportunity, electrician jobs in the Jacksonville metro area are projected to grow by 11% through 2030.

Growth drivers include:

Aging infrastructure upgrades
School and hospital modernization
Data centers and e-commerce facility expansion
Population growth in suburban counties

Jurisdiction Map

IBEW Local 177 covers a large portion of Northeast Florida, including:

Cities & Areas Covered
Jacksonville
Orange Park
St. Augustine
Fernandina Beach
Green Cove Springs
Nassau & Clay Counties

If you live or work in this area, Local 177 is likely your union.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the starting pay for apprentices?
Apprentices usually start at $17–$19/hr and receive yearly raises.

Can I apply with no experience?
Yes. A high school diploma or GED is the only requirement.

Is Local 177 the right union if I live in St. Augustine or Nassau County?
Yes — Local 177 covers Duval, Clay, St. Johns, Nassau, and other nearby counties.

Final Thoughts

IBEW Local 177 is one of the most established electrical unions in North Florida, offering structured training, competitive wages, and career-long support. Whether you're just getting started or ready to make the jump to union work, Local 177 can help you build a reliable future.

To learn more, visit ibew177.org or call (904) 355-4569 to speak with someone at the hall.

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Meet the author: Brad Fishbein is a Florida Licensed Mold Assessor and council-certified Microbial Investigator. He’s the founder of TradeCareerPath.com and has completed over 5,000 mold inspections since 2009. Brad now helps homeowners and tradespeople make smart decisions about mold, licensing, and skilled career paths.