Careers · Electrician Guide
How to Become an Electrician: Apprenticeship, Pay and Licensing (2026)
An electrical apprenticeship is one of the few career paths where you earn a paycheck from the first week of training. Here is how the path works, what the job pays according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, and how to protect your budget while you climb the pay scale.
Is Becoming an Electrician a Good Way to Pay Off Debt?
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For many people it is, because you are paid while you learn instead of borrowing for school first. BLS counted about 821,000 electrician jobs in 2025 and projects employment to grow 9 percent from 2025 to 2035, much faster than average, with about 72,700 openings a year. The median electrician earned $63,190 a year ($30.38 an hour) in 2025.
The trade-offs: the job is physical, overtime and evening or weekend work are common, and BLS notes injuries such as electrical shocks, falls and burns. Apprentice pay usually starts below the median and rises as you gain hours. For other short-training options, see our guide to careers you can train for.
Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics — Electricians
How to Become an Electrician: 5 Steps
- Finish high school or a GED. BLS lists a high school diploma or equivalent as the typical entry-level education. Algebra and basic physics help on apprenticeship aptitude tests.
- Apply to an apprenticeship. Programs are run by unions, contractor associations and individual employers. Search Registered Apprenticeship openings on Apprenticeship.gov, or ask your local American Job Center.
- Complete 4 to 5 years of paid training. Apprentices typically log about 2,000 hours of paid on-the-job training each year plus technical instruction in electrical theory, code and safety.
- Pass your state or local license exam. Most states require electricians to pass a test and be licensed. Requirements and titles (such as journeyman) vary by state, so check your state licensing board.
- Keep your license current. Some states require continuing education to renew a license, often covering updates to electrical code.
Source: BLS — Electricians: How to become one; Apprenticeship.gov — Career seekers
Apprenticeship vs. Trade School
| Path | How you pay for it | What to check |
|---|---|---|
| Registered Apprenticeship | You earn wages while training; classroom costs are often covered or low | Whether it is registered with the Department of Labor or a state agency, the wage schedule, and how many hours count toward licensing |
| Technical school first | Tuition, sometimes with financial aid | Total cost, whether hours count toward an apprenticeship or license in your state, and job-placement results |
Source: Apprenticeship.gov; DOL — WIOA Adult program; CareerOneStop — Find an American Job Center
Protect Your Debt Plan While You Train
- Plan for the gap. If training means fewer work hours for a while, list your must-pay bills first with our guide to which bills to pay first.
- Call creditors early. Ask about hardship programs, or look into a nonprofit debt management plan.
- Once the paychecks grow, put the raise to work with the avalanche or snowball method before lifestyle costs catch up.
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Frequently Asked Questions
How long does it take to become an electrician?
Most electricians learn the trade in a 4- or 5-year apprenticeship, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics. Apprentices typically receive about 2,000 hours of paid on-the-job training each year plus technical instruction.
How much do electricians make?
Electricians earned a median of $63,190 a year ($30.38 an hour) in 2025, according to BLS. Half earned more and half earned less; apprentices usually start lower and earn raises as they progress.
Do electricians need a license?
Most states require electricians to pass a test and be licensed, and some require continuing education to renew. Rules vary by state, so check your state licensing board.
Can you get paid while training to be an electrician?
Yes. In an apprenticeship you are paid for your on-the-job training hours while you learn, which is why it can be a strong option if you are trying to avoid new debt.
Sources (verified Oct 2, 2026)
Pay and outlook figures are from the BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook (2025 median pay; 2025–35 projections). Licensing rules vary by state; check your state licensing agency. This guide is educational, not career, legal or financial advice.