How Long Does It Take To Become An Electrician?

There will be a great need for electricians over the next decade. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, there will be around 80,000 new electrician job openings each year on average. If you're thinking about becoming an electrician, now is a great time. When you choose to become an electrician, you can begin your career without any previous work experience. You can start immediately and earn money from day one through an apprenticeship program (4-5 years to full licensing) or complete trade school first (adds 6 months to 2 years upfront).

Most people choose the apprenticeship route because you get paid while learning the trade.

Quick Timeline to Your First Electrician Job

Direct apprenticeship route:

• Apply and get accepted: 1-6 months
• Start earning immediately as an apprentice
• Complete training: 4-5 years total
• First licensed job: Ready to work independently

Trade school's first route:

• Trade school: 6 months to 2 years
• Apply for apprenticeship: 1-6 months
• Complete apprenticeship: 4-5 years
• Total time: 5-8 years

The key difference is that apprenticeships let you earn money from the start, while trade school requires paying tuition before you begin earning.

What You Need to Get Started As An Electrician

You don't need any electrical experience to begin either path. Here's what apprenticeship programs require:

• High school diploma or GED
• Be 18 years old (some accept 17)
• Have reliable transportation
• Pass basic math and reading tests
• Basic hand tools (around $150 investment)

Trade schools have similar requirements but focus more on classroom learning before you start working.

Tools and Equipment

Most apprentices need to provide their basic hand tools. Some programs provide tools, but many require you to bring your own. You'll need around $150 worth of essential tools, including screwdrivers, pliers, wire strippers, and measuring tape.

The good news is you start with basics. Electrical contractor businesses ususally provide specialized equipment like power tools, meters, and safety gear. As you progress, you'll build your tool collection gradually.

Two Paths to Your First Job

Direct Apprenticeship Route (Faster to Income)

Apply directly to apprenticeship programs through IBEW unions or Independent Electrical Contractors. This is competitive - you'll take an aptitude test and interview. If accepted, you start working and earning immediately.

Timeline: 1-6 months to land position, then 4-5 years of paid training

Trade School First Route (Better Preparation)

Complete 6-24 months of trade school before applying to apprenticeships. This costs money upfront but makes you more competitive for the best apprenticeship spots.

Timeline: 6 months-2 years of school, plus 4-5 years of apprenticeship

What Your First Electrician Job Actually Looks Like

Your first few months involve basic tasks like organizing tools and observing experienced electricians. You'll learn safety procedures and start with simple installations.

You work about 40 hours per week and attend evening classes for 144 hours per year. The classroom covers electrical theory, safety codes, and National Electrical Code requirements.

As you progress, you handle more complex work and earn more money. By year four, you're doing advanced installations and supervising newer apprentices.

Union vs Non-Union First Electrician Jobs

Union jobs through IBEW offer structured training, good benefits, and clear wage progression. These are harder to get but provide excellent long-term career paths.

Non-union jobs through electrical contractors offer more flexibility and may be easier to land if you have some trade school background.

Both paths lead to the same licensing and career opportunities.

Electrician Earning Timeline

Year 1 apprentice $35,000-$40,000

Year 4 apprentice $45,000-$55,000

Licensed journeyman $55,000-$75,000

Experienced electrician $65,000-$85,000+

You're earning competitive wages throughout your training, not waiting years to make money like other career paths.

Getting to That First Electrician Job Faster

Prepare for entrance exams by brushing up on basic math and reading. You don't want to fail these tests and have to wait months to reapply.

Apply early and widely to multiple programs. Quality apprenticeships fill up quickly and may only accept applications once or twice per year.

Consider trade school if you want to stand out. It costs money but can improve your chances of landing top apprenticeship spots.

Network with electricians in your area. Many apprenticeship openings come through referrals and word-of-mouth.

What Happens After Electrician Apprenticeship Training

Once you complete your apprenticeship, you take the journeyman licensing exam. Pass this test, and you can work independently as a fully licensed electrician.

This opens doors to better jobs, starting your own business, or specializing in areas like solar installation, industrial maintenance, or commercial construction.

Ready to Start?

The electrical trade offers one of the clearest paths from zero experience to a well-paying career. If you want to start earning immediately, apply directly for apprenticeships. If you want better preparation and higher acceptance chances, consider trade school first.

Contact your local IBEW hall or Independent Electrical Contractors chapter to learn about upcoming apprenticeship openings. Don't wait - these programs fill up quickly, and the sooner you start, the sooner you're earning good money in a stable career.

The next step is actually landing that first apprenticeship position, which requires knowing exactly how to apply, what to expect in interviews, and how to stand out from other candidates.