Electrician FAQ

Most apprenticeships take four to five years, combining about 8,000 hours of paid on-the-job training with classroom instruction, followed by a journeyman licensing exam.

Most states require a license to work as an electrician. Requirements and reciprocity vary, so check your state’s licensing board.

It involves real hazards such as shock, arc flash and falls, but proper training, lockout/tagout and PPE greatly reduce risk.

The median annual wage for electricians was $63,190 ($30.38 per hour) in May 2025, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. The lowest 10% earned less than $42,640 and the highest 10% earned more than $108,510.

Most people need about 4–5 years (paid apprenticeship) of training. A high school diploma or GED is required for most apprenticeships. Apprentices complete roughly 8,000 hours of paid on-the-job training plus classroom instruction over four to five years, then take a licensing exam. Some start with a pre-apprenticeship or technical school program.

No four-year degree is typically required. BLS lists “high school diploma or equivalent” as the typical entry-level education, plus apprenticeship.

It can be, depending on your goals. Employment is projected to change +9.2% from 2025–35 (much faster than average), with about 72,700 openings each year. Upsides include earn while you learn through paid apprenticeships; a common challenge is that serious hazards: shock, arc flash and falls.

Key technical skills include reading blueprints and schematics, nec code knowledge, conduit bending, and wiring and terminations. Employers also value problem-solving, attention to detail, and teamwork with other trades.

Common credentials include Journeyman electrician license, Master electrician license, OSHA 10 / OSHA 30, and NFPA 70E training. Most states require electricians to be licensed, typically at apprentice, journeyworker and master levels. Requirements and reciprocity vary by state and sometimes by city.