Charted.

Trades

How to become an Electrician

Becoming an Electrician isn't one leap — it's a ladder. You can start as an Electrical Helper and climb from there, with each rung showing the real time it takes and what it pays. Here's the honest path, and what a trades route actually costs along the way.

The path, rung by rung

Each step is a real role you can hold. The time is how long to reach it; the pay is a national figure for that rung.

  1. Electrical Helper
    High school diploma
    $35,000
    Start immediately
  2. Electrical Apprentice
    Apprenticeship program
    $40,000
    6 months - 1 year
  3. Journeyman Electrician
    Complete apprenticeship, license
    $60,000
    4-5 years
  4. Master Electrician
    Master's license, experience
    $80,000
    7-10 years
  5. Electrical Contractor
    Business license, capital
    $100,000
    10+ years

Start this week

You don't need to commit to the whole climb today. Here's one small, real thing you can do this week.

Watch one 'day in the life' video on YouTube for any hands-on trade that catches your eye — welder, electrician, mechanic, whatever. Just one. No notes.

You're not deciding anything. You're checking whether watching it pulls you in or bores you. Both answers are useful.

YouTube →

The paid apprenticeship path

For this trade, the standard way in is a registered apprenticeship — you're paid from day one while you learn.

Typical length: 4-5 years

Getting in usually asks for:

  • High school diploma or GED
  • 18+ years old
  • Aptitude test (algebra + reading) for union programs
  • Valid driver's license (most programs)

Where the programs are:

  • Union: IBEW local JATC (Electrical Training Alliance)
  • Non-union: IEC or ABC chapter programs

Apprentices typically start around half the journeyman wage with raises every 6-12 months. Programs are competitive — applying is itself a first rung.

Search apprenticeships near you →

The honest reality

What this path actually asks of you — in time, money, and effort.

  • The first rung, Electrical Helper, typically asks for high school diploma and pays around $35,000.
  • Reaching Electrical Contractor usually takes 10+ years and pays around $100,000 — and getting there means business license, capital.
  • You don't need a college degree to take the first step.
  • Expect physical, on-your-feet work, especially in the early roles.
  • These are national figures. What you'll actually earn and what training costs shift with your city and the current market.

Common questions

How long does it take to become an Electrician?

Charted lays it out as a 5-step path. You can start as an Electrical Helper right away; reaching Electrical Contractor typically takes 10+ years. You don't have to climb every rung — many people stop at a step that already fits their life.

What does it cost to get started as an Electrician?

Getting started costs less than the destination. The entry role, Electrical Helper, asks for high school diploma — not an expensive degree. The bigger costs come with the later rungs.

Can you become an Electrician without a degree?

You can start without one. The first rung, Electrical Helper, needs high school diploma — no college degree to begin. Degrees and licenses come later, as you climb toward Electrical Contractor.

Is there a paid apprenticeship to become an Electrician?

Yes — the standard way in is a paid registered apprenticeship: you earn a wage from day one while you train. Typical length: 4-5 years. Apprentices typically start around half the journeyman wage with raises every 6-12 months. Programs are competitive, and you can search openings near you at apprenticeship.gov.

Not sure this is your path?

Take the assessment. Fifteen minutes, and it points you to the fit.

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