Electricians install, maintain, and repair electrical systems in homes, commercial buildings, factories, and infrastructure. As the backbone of the modern electrical grid — and the key tradespeople behind EV charging networks, solar installations, and smart-building systems — electricians are among the most essential and highest-demand workers in the country.
Starting at ~$22–$28/hour. Assisting journeypeople, learning safety protocols, pulling wire, and running conduit.
Increasing responsibility for installations. Wage scale rises automatically. Beginning to read plans independently.
After passing state licensing exam. $35–$50/hour in most markets. Can work without direct supervision.
Additional exam and experience required. Can pull permits, supervise others, and run a crew or business. $60–$75+/hour in many markets.
Your skills and interests may align with more than one trade. Compare before committing.
Our Salary Compare tool shows Electrician wages at every experience level — and compares them against other trades and a 4-year degree path.
Compare Electrician Salaries →Registered apprenticeships pay you from day one, and electrical training runs on two tracks that both lead to the same license. The union path goes through the electrical training ALLIANCE (IBEW/NECA) centers, which list local programs by state, with contact details and how to apply.
Union path: find a center → DOL program directoryThe non-union (merit shop) path leads to the same license. The Independent Electrical Contractors (IEC) and Associated Builders and Contractors (ABC) run registered electrical apprenticeships through local chapters. Find yours here.
IEC: find a chapter → ABC: find a program →The DOL directory lists registered programs to contact, not job openings. Search Electrician and your state, then call and ask when they accept applications. You can also browse trade schools here.
The Parent's Guide lays out the pay, job security, steps to get in, and how to start the conversation, in one place.