How to Become an Electrician

Video 504 Electricians

Want to become an electrician? It’s one of the highest-paying trades with endless opportunities — and you don’t need a college degree to get started.

Begin with a high school diploma or GED. Then apply for an apprenticeship through a union (like the IBEW) or non-union programs. Apprenticeships usually last 4–5 years and combine classroom learning with paid, hands-on work. After that, you’ll take a licensing exam to become a journeyman electrician. Later, you can become a master electrician and even open your own business.

Entry-level electricians make around $45,000–$55,000 per year. With a few years of experience, that jumps to $70,000–$90,000. But specializing takes your income even higher.

High-paying electrical specializations:
• Industrial electricians: $90,000–$120,000+
• Electrical linemen: $100,000+ (especially with overtime)
• Solar and renewable energy techs: $80,000–$110,000
• Electrical contractors/business owners: $150,000+ depending on location

Electricians are always in demand — homes, businesses, hospitals, and factories can’t run without power. If you’re detail-oriented, good with your hands, and willing to keep learning, this is a career with serious growth potential.

Electricians literally power the world — and they get paid well for it.

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