How To Become An Electrician Straight Out Of High School

Key Takeaways

• You can start at 18 with just a high school diploma—no college degree required
• Apprenticeships pay you $35,000-$40,000 in year one while you learn
• The electrical field will add 80,000 new jobs annually over the next decade
• Two paths available: direct apprenticeship (faster income) or trade school first (better preparation)

Anyone can become an electrician straight out of high school. Once you turn 18 and have your high school diploma or GED, you can apply for apprenticeship programs and start earning money while learning.

The electrical trade offers unique advantages for recent graduates. You avoid college debt entirely, while apprenticeships pay you to learn. Job security is strong—the Bureau of Labor Statistics projects 80,000 new electrician openings each year over the next decade. Electricians stay in demand because their work requires problem-solving and hands-on skills that technology can't replace. You progress from apprentice to journeyman to master electrician based on experience and testing, with clear paths to starting your own business or specializing in high-demand areas.

The path is straightforward, but there are a few routes you can take. In this guide we'll show you how to pursue a career as an electrician without a college degree, previous electrical experience, or paying tens of thousands of dollars in tuition.

What You Need to Become an Electrician After Graduating High School

The basic requirements are simple. You do need to be 18 years old. Some programs accept applications at 17, but you must turn 18 by the time you start working. You need a high school diploma or GED certificate. Trade schools and apprenticeship programs require proof of high school completion.

Most programs also ask for reliable transportation to job sites and training classes. Physical capability also matters since electrical work involves standing, climbing, and lifting heavy equipment. Some apprenticeships require drug screening and background checks as well.

Your high school education prepared you more than you might realize.

• Math classes gave you the algebra needed for electrical calculations. You use these skills daily when sizing conductors, calculating voltage drop, and determining circuit loads. Physics classes introduced concepts of electricity, circuits, and energy transfer.
• English and technical reading skills help you understand blueprints, electrical codes, and instruction manuals.
• Shop classes or technical courses provided hands-on experience with tools and safety practices. Even if you didn't take these specific classes, apprenticeship training builds these skills from the ground up.

The ability to follow instructions, work as part of a team, and solve problems matters more at first than specific technical knowledge. It's the "soft skills" and professional habits that separate good electricians from great ones. Apprenticeships teach you everything else you need to know.

Two Electrician Paths Available Right After Graduation

You have two main options when starting your electrician career.

Direct Apprenticeship Route

Apply directly to apprenticeship programs through either union or non-union options. This includes IBEW unions, Independent Electrical Contractors, or Associated Builders and Contractors. These apprenticeships are the fastest route to earning income. You start working immediately and get paid while learning.

• Union programs (IBEW): Structured training, strong benefits, harder to get into, work on large commercial projects
• Non-union programs (IEC, ABC): More flexibility, easier to land, variety of project types

The application process includes aptitude tests covering math and reading comprehension. Programs may only accept applications once or twice per year, so timing matters. If accepted, you begin working under licensed electricians and attend evening classes. The direct apprenticeship route takes about 4-5 years total to reach full journeyman licensing.

Trade School First Route

Some high school graduates choose 6 months to 2 years of trade school before applying to apprenticeships. This costs money upfront but can improve your chances of landing competitive apprenticeship spots. Trade school costs $3,500-$15,000 depending on whether you choose community college or a private program.

Experienced electricians have mixed opinions about trade school value. Some say the theory foundation helped them understand troubleshooting and advanced electrical systems faster. Others say they learned more in their first month on a job site than in two years of classroom work. Trade school doesn't replace apprenticeship—it supplements it. States require 8,000 hours of supervised work experience regardless of your education level.

On the plus side, trade school graduates may be able to start apprenticeships at higher pay rates. Some programs allow you to count trade school hours toward your required training time, potentially shortening your apprenticeship. So overall the investment can pay off and they can help you to stand out in the application process.

What an Electrician Apprenticeship Actually Involves

Electrical apprenticeships combine hands-on work with classroom learning.

You work about 40 hours per week at job sites under the supervision of licensed electricians. This provides 8,000 hours of on-the-job experience over 4-5 years. You learn by doing actual electrical installations, repairs, and maintenance work.

Classroom instruction happens in the evenings or on weekends. You complete 144 hours per year covering electrical theory, National Electrical Code requirements, and safety procedures. The classroom portion teaches you why electrical systems work the way they do.

The path follows a clear progression:

• Months 1-6: Apply to apprenticeship programs, take aptitude tests, and complete interviews. Some graduates land positions within weeks. Others spend several months applying to multiple programs before acceptance.
• Year 1: Learn basic electrical tasks, safety procedures, and tool usage. Attend evening classes covering electrical theory fundamentals. Start building your tool collection with essential tools every electrician needs.
• Years 2-4: Progress to more complex electrical installations, troubleshooting, and system maintenance. Take on increasing responsibility at job sites. Continue classroom instruction covering advanced topics and National Electrical Code updates.
• Year 4-5: Complete your required 8,000 work hours and classroom training. Apply to take the journeyman licensing exam. Pass the test and work independently as a fully licensed electrician.

Earning Money as an Electrician From Day One

One major advantage of starting right after high school is earning income immediately.

First-year apprentice electricians typically earn $35,000-$40,000 annually. This beats taking on student debt for a four-year degree. You get paid for both your work hours and your training time.

Wages increase each year as you gain skills. Fourth-year apprentices earn $45,000-$55,000. Once you pass your journeyman licensing exam, you can earn $55,000-$75,000 per year. Experienced electricians with specializations earn $65,000-$85,000 or more.

Many apprenticeship programs also provide benefits packages, including health insurance, retirement plans, and paid time off. Union programs through IBEW offer particularly strong benefits and clear wage progression schedules.

Getting Started Before You Graduate

Take action during your senior year of high school.

Research apprenticeship programs in your area. Contact local IBEW halls and Independent Electrical Contractors chapters to learn about application deadlines and requirements. Many programs only accept applications during specific windows.

Prepare for aptitude tests by reviewing algebra and reading comprehension. Practice tests are often available online or through the apprenticeship programs themselves. You don't want to fail these tests and have to wait months to reapply.

Consider volunteering or shadowing electricians to confirm your interest in the trade. This gives you realistic expectations about the physical demands and work environment. Some apprenticeship interviews ask about your exposure to the trade, and firsthand experience strengthens your application.

Apply early and widely. Don't wait until after graduation. Submit applications to multiple programs to maximize your chances of acceptance. Quality apprenticeships fill up quickly.

What Comes After Your Electrician Apprenticeship

Completing your apprenticeship opens doors to numerous opportunities.

You take the journeyman licensing exam after finishing your required hours and training. Pass this test and you can work independently without supervision. This qualifies you for better jobs and higher pay across the country.

Journeyman electricians can specialize in residential, commercial, or industrial electrical work. Each specialty offers different projects, work environments, and earning potential. You can also pursue areas like solar installation, data center electrical systems, or automation controls.

Master electrician licensing requires additional experience and testing in most states. Master electricians can design electrical systems, pull permits, and supervise other electricians. This level often leads to running your own electrical contracting business.

If you want to pursue being an electrician after high school, start by contacting apprenticeship programs in your area before graduation. Prepare for entrance exams by reviewing basic math and reading skills. Don't wait for the "perfect" time. Apply to multiple programs—apprenticeship spots are competitive and many only accept applications once or twice per year.

The electrical trade offers one of the clearest paths from zero experience to a well-paying career for high school graduates ready to work hard and learn a skilled trade. No college debt and immediate income are big pluses. And something money can't capture: the pride of using your hands and mind to build things that add value to other people’s lives.