If you’re considering a career as an electrician, one of your first questions is probably: “How long will this take?” It’s a practical question with an answer that depends on several factors, including the path you choose, your location, and your career goals. The good news? Becoming an electrician can be faster than earning a traditional four-year degree, and it leads to a stable, well-paying career in the skilled trades.
Whether you’re just starting out or looking to switch careers, this guide will walk you through the timeline, requirements, and steps to become a licensed electrician.
The Short Answer
Most people become fully licensed electricians in 4 to 5 years. This includes completing an apprenticeship program, gaining hands-on experience, and passing licensing exams. However, your journey could be shorter or longer depending on the specific requirements in your state and the type of electrician you want to become.
Here’s a quick breakdown:
- Helper/Apprentice: 0-6 months (entry-level, limited work)
- Apprentice Electrician: 4-5 years (working under supervision)
- Journeyman Electrician: After completing apprenticeship (fully licensed, independent work)
- Master Electrician: Additional 2-4 years beyond journeyman (highest level)
Understanding the Different Levels
Before diving into timelines, it’s important to understand the typical career progression for electricians:
Apprentice Electrician
An apprentice is learning the trade under the supervision of licensed electricians. You’ll earn while you learn, gaining practical experience on real job sites while completing classroom education.
Journeyman Electrician
A journeyman is a fully licensed electrician who can work independently on most electrical projects. You’ve completed your apprenticeship, passed the required exams, and accumulated the necessary work hours.
Master Electrician
A master electrician has advanced knowledge and experience. They can design electrical systems, pull permits, supervise other electricians, and often run their own electrical contracting business.
The Typical Path: Timeline Breakdown
Step 1: Meet Basic Requirements (Immediate)
Before you start, you’ll need to meet some basic qualifications:
- Age: Must be at least 18 years old (some programs accept 16-17 with restrictions)
- Education: High school diploma or GED
- Physical fitness: Ability to perform physically demanding work
- Clean record: Some programs require background checks
- Valid driver’s license: Often required for apprenticeships
Most people already meet these requirements, so you can move forward right away.
Step 2: Consider Trade School or Pre-Apprenticeship (Optional: 6 months to 2 years)
While not required, many aspiring electricians attend trade school or a technical college before applying to apprenticeships. This can give you:
- Basic electrical theory knowledge
- Hands-on training in a controlled environment
- A competitive edge when applying for apprenticeships
- Potentially shorter apprenticeship duration
Timeline:
- Certificate programs: 6-12 months
- Associate degree programs: 2 years
Is it worth it? Trade school can help you stand out in competitive apprenticeship programs and may reduce your apprenticeship time in some states. However, many successful electricians skip this step and jump straight into apprenticeships.
Step 3: Complete an Apprenticeship (4-5 years)
This is the core of your electrician training. Apprenticeships combine on-the-job training with classroom instruction.
What to expect:
- Duration: Typically 4-5 years (8,000-10,000 hours of on-the-job training)
- Work hours: Around 2,000 hours per year (full-time work)
- Classroom hours: 144-200 hours per year of technical instruction
- Pay: Starting at 30-50% of journeyman wages, increasing as you progress
- Supervision: Work under licensed journeyman or master electricians
Apprenticeship options:
- Union apprenticeships: Through organizations like the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers (IBEW)
- Non-union apprenticeships: Through independent contractors or trade associations
- Employer-sponsored programs: Some large companies run their own programs
What you’ll learn:
- National Electrical Code (NEC) and local codes
- Electrical theory and mathematics
- Blueprint reading and technical drawings
- Residential, commercial, and industrial wiring
- Safety protocols and OSHA standards
- Troubleshooting and repair techniques
- Installation of lighting, motors, and control systems
Step 4: Pass the Journeyman Exam (After apprenticeship completion)
Once you’ve completed your apprenticeship hours and education, you’ll need to pass a licensing exam to become a journeyman electrician.
Exam details:
- Covers electrical theory, NEC, local codes, and safety
- Usually 4-5 hours long with multiple-choice questions
- Passing score typically 70% or higher
- May include practical/hands-on component in some jurisdictions
Preparation time: 2-4 months of study while completing your apprenticeship
Step 5: Work as a Journeyman (2-4 years before master license)
As a journeyman, you’re fully licensed to work independently on most electrical projects. Many electricians stay at this level throughout their careers, but if you want to become a master electrician, you’ll need additional experience.
Master electrician requirements:
- Additional 2-4 years of work experience as a journeyman
- Advanced coursework (varies by state)
- Pass master electrician exam
- Business and code knowledge
What Can You Earn While Learning?
One of the biggest advantages of becoming an electrician is earning while you learn.
Apprentice wages (typically):
- Year 1: $15-$20/hour (40-50% of journeyman wage)
- Year 2: $18-$25/hour (50-60% of journeyman wage)
- Year 3: $22-$30/hour (60-70% of journeyman wage)
- Year 4: $25-$35/hour (70-85% of journeyman wage)
Journeyman wages:
- Average: $25-$40/hour ($52,000-$83,000/year)
- Top earners: $50+/hour in high-demand areas
Master electrician wages:
- Average: $35-$55/hour ($73,000-$115,000/year)
- Business owners can earn significantly more
Wages vary by location, specialization, and whether you work union or non-union.
Tips to Speed Up Your Journey
Start Early
Don’t wait—begin researching apprenticeship programs and applying as soon as you meet the basic requirements.
Network in the Industry
Connect with electricians, join trade associations, and attend industry events. Personal connections can help you find apprenticeship opportunities faster.
Stay Committed
Complete your classroom hours on time, show up reliably for work, and demonstrate professionalism. Employers notice dedicated apprentices.
Study Consistently
Don’t cram for exams. Regular study throughout your apprenticeship makes licensing exams much easier.
Get Diverse Experience
Seek opportunities to work on different types of projects during your apprenticeship. Broader experience makes you more valuable and better prepared for licensing exams.
Consider Your Location
Some areas have shorter apprenticeship requirements or faster-moving programs. Research multiple jurisdictions if you’re willing to relocate.
Is It Worth the Time Investment?
Absolutely. Here’s why becoming an electrician is worth the 4-5 year commitment:
Job Security: Electrical work is always in demand. From new construction to maintenance and repairs, electricians are essential.
Good Pay: Competitive wages that increase with experience, plus overtime opportunities.
No Student Debt: Unlike traditional college, you earn while you learn. Many apprentices graduate with savings rather than debt.
Career Growth: Clear path from apprentice to journeyman to master, with opportunities to specialize or start your own business.
Physical and Mental Work: The job combines hands-on work with problem-solving and technical knowledge.
Flexibility: Once licensed, you can work for companies, go freelance, or use platforms like TealPot to find on-demand projects.
Getting Started on TealPot
While you’re working toward your electrician’s license, platforms like TealPot can help you build experience and earn income. Many businesses post work orders for electrical tasks that apprentices and journeymen can complete:
- Basic electrical repairs
- Lighting installation
- Outlet and switch replacement
- Electrical troubleshooting
- Panel upgrades (for licensed electricians)
As you gain credentials and complete jobs successfully, you’ll build your TealPot profile with ratings and reviews that help you stand out to potential clients. This can be especially valuable when you’re starting your journey as a journeyman or considering freelance work.
The Bottom Line
Becoming an electrician takes 4-5 years on average to reach journeyman status, with the option to advance to master electrician after additional experience. While this might seem like a long time, remember that you’re earning a living wage throughout your training, avoiding student debt, and gaining skills that will serve you for a lifetime.
The electrical trade offers stability, good pay, and the satisfaction of working with your hands while solving complex problems. If you’re willing to put in the time and effort, a career as an electrician can be incredibly rewarding.
Ready to start your journey? Research apprenticeship programs in your area, connect with local electricians, and take the first step toward a skilled trade career. And once you’re licensed, join TealPot to access on-demand electrical work orders and build your reputation in the trades.
Have questions about becoming an electrician? Share them in the comments below, and our community of experienced tradespeople will be happy to help!
TealPot connects skilled electricians with businesses looking for reliable on-demand electrical services. Whether you’re an apprentice building experience or a master electrician running your own business, TealPot helps you find consistent work and grow your career. Sign up today and start browsing electrical work orders in your area!
