Electricians earn competitive wages across the country with regional averages ranging from $55,139 to $71,259. Explore a rewarding career with strong earning potential.
Get paid while you learn. You’ll get on-the-job training with an IEC contractor during the day and attend classroom and hands-on instruction in the evening.
The IEC Apprenticeship Curriculum is recognized as one of the best teaching tools for electrical apprentices in the nation.
Benefit from more than 70 training locations around the U.S. Training is designed to fit into your lifestyle.
IEC’s program is recognized by the U.S. Department of Labor’s Bureau of Apprenticeship & Training, making it an approved program with nationwide credentials.
Put your training to work for you. When you finish your four-year training program, you’ll qualify for 57 college credits through the American Council on Education, making a college degree more affordable and less time consuming.
The cost of your classroom education is often shared by your employer or covered by state funding.
Merit shop philosophy is about the American values of hard work, opportunity, and fair competition. It ensures success is earned—not given—so skilled professionals can build lasting careers based on talent and dedication. If you’re ready to take control of your future, see how the merit shop can open doors for you.
Electricians are responsible for installing, maintaining, and repairing electrical systems across residential, commercial, and industrial settings. Their duties include reading blueprints, installing wiring and lighting systems, inspecting components for safety, identifying problems using testing devices, and following state and local regulations based on the National Electrical Code®. They play a critical role in ensuring electrical systems run safely and efficiently. Learn more
IEC Workforce Development Institute research reported in 2024 that the job outlook for electricians was projected to grow at 6 percent over the next 10 years, double the average growth rate across all occupations. Updated U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics data released in early 2025 projects an 11 percent increase in electrician employment from 2023 to 2033, compared to 4 percent for all occupations. The BLS also states that approximately 80,200 electrician openings are expected each year, on average, throughout the decade. Many of these openings will stem from the need to replace workers who change careers or retire.
The IEC apprenticeship program trains individuals in the electrical trade through a combination of classroom instruction and hands-on experience in a Department of Labor (DOL) certified program. This multi-year program covers topics such as electrical theory, safety practices, code compliance, and more. It equips apprentices with the skills needed for a successful career in electrical work, emphasizing both practical experience and theoretical knowledge. Career paths can lead to becoming a business owner if desired.
While specific requirements vary by each chapter training program, applicants for apprentice positions generally must be at least 18 years old. Additional requirements are listed below.
• You must have a high school diploma or GED and have good employability skills.
• You must have a reliable source of transportation to school and to the job site.
• You must be able to work independently and as a member of a team.
Regardless of the specific career track selected, previous education and training is helpful. High school courses in mathematics, physics, electricity, mechanical drawing, and shop provide a good background. Special training offered in the U.S. Armed Forces or postsecondary technical schools is also beneficial. Successful applicants must be able to meet certain physical requirements and demonstrate mechanical aptitude.
The nature of the job demands that an electrician be in good physical condition and tolerant of working in varied conditions such as heat, cold, rain, and snow. Other environmental factors include exposure to heights using ladders and scaffolds, risk of electrical shock, and lifting and moving heavy objects.
An electrical apprenticeship typically takes about four years to complete and includes a minimum of 8,000 hours of on-the-job training (OJT) and 576 hours of classroom instruction.
Completing an apprenticeship opens up various career paths, including roles as a Journeyman Electrician, Master Electrician, Foreman, Safety Manager, Project Manager, Estimator, or Business Owner. Each position offers unique responsibilities and opportunities for advancement.
To apply for an electrical apprenticeship, fill out the interest form here. Once submitted, a representative from your local IEC chapter will contact you directly to guide you through the next steps.
No. After you fill out the form, you’ll automatically be connected to the appropriate local chapter. If you prefer, you can also contact chapters directly through the IEC Chapter Locator. If there isn’t a chapter near you, IEC National will follow up with next steps.
After submitting your information, a representative from your local IEC chapter or IEC National will contact you directly to guide you through the next steps.
The traditional apprentice route is the most effective pathway to becoming a qualified electrician. It allows you to earn while you learn, provides hands-on experience, and equips you with the necessary skills and knowledge to excel in the electrical field. Learn more
IEC research released early in 2025 showed that merit shop electrical contractors account for over $165 billion in electrical construction put in place annually, out of a total market value of $260.4 billion. This means 63% of all electrical construction is completed by companies like IEC members.
There is no upper age limit for starting an electrical apprenticeship. While the minimum age is typically 18, individuals of any age can embark on this career path provided they meet the necessary qualifications and are physically capable of performing the required tasks. Learn more
Yes, apprentices earn while they learn. Starting wages are typically 50% of a journeyman’s rate, with increases as experience and skills grow. For example, if the average journeyman earns $32 per hour, a starting apprentice might earn around $16 per hour. Learn more
Yes, however, a student may receive tuition assistance from his or her contractor (employer). Books are often covered by the student.
No prior electrical experience is necessary to begin an apprenticeship. The program is designed to teach you everything you need to know by combining hands-on training with classroom instruction.
Yes, upon successful completion of the apprenticeship program, you will receive a certification recognizing your skills and qualifications as a professional electrician.
Yes, to become a licensed electrician, you must pass a licensing exam. The specifics of this exam— including the number of questions, passing score, and time limit—vary by state. For instance, in Texas, the exam consists of 80 questions with a 4-hour time limit and requires a minimum score of 75% to pass. Generally, these exams assess your knowledge of electrical theory, codes, and practical applications. Learn more
Salaries and job opportunities for electricians depend on factors like industry growth, cost of living, and regional demand. Some states offer higher wages, while others have a greater need for skilled electricians. For insights into salary trends, click here. For insights into job demand by state, click here.
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