Skilled Trades
Electrical Apprentice
Electrical apprentices are hands-on learners who enjoy working with tools and solving technical problems. This role suits reliable, safety-conscious people with good math skills and interest in electricity. No prior experience is needed. It’s an ideal path for job seekers wanting paid training and a stable, high-demand trade with strong long-term earnings.
Median wage
$30.38/hr
Physical demands
medium
Drug test
Varies by employer
National wages & job outlook
National figures for Electricians, shown as published by the source below.
Entry (10th–25th pct)
$20.5–$23.76/hr
Median
$30.38/hr
Experienced (75th–90th pct)
$40.36–$52.17/hr
Projected openings / year
81,000
+10% growth, 2024–2034
Wage data: 2025. National figures; local pay varies.
Source: CareerOneStop (careeronestop.org), sponsored by the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment & Training Administration (DOLETA), and the Minnesota Department of Employment & Economic Development (DEED).
Starting requirements
- High school diploma or GED
- Basic math and reading skills
- Good physical condition for lifting and climbing
- Valid driver’s license and clean background
- Strong safety attitude and willingness to learn
Training structure
You join a paid apprenticeship program that usually lasts 4 to 5 years. It combines on-the-job training with classroom instruction. You learn wiring, safety, codes, and electrical systems while earning a paycheck. Many programs are sponsored by unions or contractors and lead directly to certification.
Top credentials
- Journeyman Electrician License
- OSHA 30
- NCCER Electrical
- Master Electrician License
Licenses & certifications
Licenses are state-specific and certifications vary by specialty. Look up the exact ones for this path in your state.
Open the license & certification finderAdvancement path
Entry: Electrical apprentice (paid training)
Journeyman: Licensed electrician after completing apprenticeship
Advanced: Master electrician, supervisor, project manager, or business owner
This structured path offers steady raises and excellent career growth in a skilled trade.
Typical employers
Electrical contractors, IBEW programs, industrial plants, utilities
A day in the life
You work under experienced electricians, helping install wiring, fixtures, and systems in homes or buildings. Tasks include running conduit, pulling wire, troubleshooting problems, and learning safety procedures. The work mixes indoor and outdoor sites with clear learning goals. Each day builds your skills while contributing to real projects.