To become an electrician, earn a high school diploma or equivalent, join an apprenticeship or technical school program, complete your paid training, pass your state’s licensing exam and keep your license current.
Most electricians learn through an apprenticeship that lasts 4 or 5 years.
AdvertisementBelow are the 6 steps, a requirements table, U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) pay and job facts, resume tips and a checklist.
These are national facts, so confirm the rules with your state’s licensing board.
How to Become an Electrician in 6 Steps
Quick jump: RequirementsYour pathApprenticeshipLicenseRenewalCertifications
Step 1. Meet the Basic Requirements
A high school diploma or equivalent is required. The BLS lists no work experience for entry, and a driver’s license may be required. Strong color vision matters, because electricians identify wires by color.
Step 2. Choose Your Path: Apprenticeship or Technical School
Most electricians learn through an apprenticeship, but some start at a technical school. Technical school programs are optional and usually earn credit toward an apprenticeship. Apply to several programs, because spots are limited.
Step 3. Complete Your Apprenticeship
Apprenticeships last 4 or 5 years. Each year typically includes 2,000 hours of paid on-the-job training plus technical instruction. Log your hours, and ask whether your military or construction electrical experience can shorten the program.
Step 4. Pass Your State Licensing Exam
Most states require a test and a license, and requirements vary by state. The test covers the National Electrical Code and state and local codes. Study the code book, and confirm the rules with your state’s licensing board.
Step 5. Keep Your License Current
Continuing education is often required to keep a license. Note your renewal date, and complete your courses early.
Step 6. Add Certifications and Grow
Additional certifications, such as solar photovoltaic, are available. The BLS says electricians install, maintain and repair power, communications, lighting and control systems in homes, businesses and factories, so extra skills open more kinds of work.
Typical Requirements
| Requirement (BLS) | Detail |
|---|---|
| Education | High school diploma or equivalent |
| Work experience | None required for entry |
| Training | Apprenticeship of 4 or 5 years; about 2,000 paid on-the-job hours a year plus technical instruction |
| Technical school | Optional; usually earns credit toward an apprenticeship |
| License | Most states require a test and a license; rules vary by state |
| Other | A driver’s license may be required |
Electrician Job Facts From the BLS
The BLS says electricians install, maintain and repair electrical power, communications, lighting and control systems in homes, businesses and factories. These are national figures, and pay varies by state, employer and experience. This page makes no promise of income.
| Fact (BLS, electricians) | Detail |
|---|---|
| Median pay (May 2025) | $63,190 a year ($30.38 an hour) |
| Lowest 10% earned | Less than $42,640 |
| Highest 10% earned | More than $108,510 |
| Jobs, 2025 | About 821,000 |
| Job outlook, 2025 to 2035 | 9% (much faster than average, about 75,900 jobs) |
| Openings each year, on average | About 72,700, many from workers who retire or change occupations |
| Work schedule | Almost all work full time; evenings, weekends and overtime are common |
| Important qualities | Color vision, troubleshooting, customer service, stamina and strength |
Skills Electricians Need
The BLS lists color vision to identify wires by color, critical-thinking and troubleshooting skills to find and fix problems, customer-service skills, physical stamina for long days and physical strength to move components weighing up to 50 pounds. Show these on your resume with real examples.
How to Show Your Training on a Resume
Turn each duty into a resume bullet with a number. Use only numbers you can back up.
| What electricians do (BLS) | Resume bullet to show it |
|---|---|
| Read blueprints | Read blueprints for 12 residential and commercial jobs and planned each wiring layout |
| Install and maintain wiring and lighting | Installed wiring and lighting in 25 homes and 8 small offices to code |
| Diagnose faults with testing devices | Found and fixed 40 electrical faults with testing devices in one year |
| Follow building regulations | Passed 100% of inspections on 20 jobs by following code |
| Direct and train workers | Trained 4 new apprentices on safe wiring and tool use |
| Resume section | What to add |
|---|---|
| Summary | Your trade, your training path and one result with a number |
| Certifications | License or apprenticeship program, state and year; safety and solar certifications |
| Experience | Paid apprenticeship hours, jobs completed and inspections passed, with numbers |
| Skills | Troubleshooting, blueprint reading, code knowledge, safety and customer service |
Electrician Apprentice, Brightline Electric, Columbus, OH
Logged 2,000 paid on-the-job hours in one year, installed wiring in 25 homes to code and passed 100% of inspections on 20 jobs. Trained 4 new helpers on safe tool use and reported zero safety incidents.
Mistakes to Avoid
- Skipping your state’s rules. Licensing and exam rules vary by state.
- Not logging your hours. Keep a record of every on-the-job hour.
- Cutting corners on safety. Follow code and safety rules on every job.
- Letting your license lapse. Note your renewal and continuing education dates.
- Typos on your resume. Proofread twice.
Electrician Checklist
Tick each item as you finish. You are on track when the counter reaches 10.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a college degree to become an electrician?
No. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) says a high school diploma or equivalent is required. Technical school programs are optional and usually earn credit toward an apprenticeship.
How long does it take to become an electrician?
The BLS says most electricians learn through an apprenticeship, and apprenticeships last 4 or 5 years. Shortened apprenticeships may be available to workers with military or construction electrical experience.
Do apprentices get paid?
Yes. The BLS says each year of an apprenticeship typically includes 2,000 hours of paid on-the-job training plus technical instruction.
Do I need work experience first?
No. The BLS lists no work experience required for entry. Most people start as apprentices and learn on the job.
Do I need a license?
Most states require a test and a license, and requirements vary by state. The BLS says tests cover the National Electrical Code and state and local codes. Check your state’s licensing board for its exact rules.
Is continuing education required?
Often, yes. The BLS says continuing education is often required to keep a license, so track your renewal dates.
Can I go to technical school instead of an apprenticeship?
Some people start at a technical school. The BLS says these programs usually earn credit toward an apprenticeship, so you still complete paid on-the-job training.
What skills do electricians need?
The BLS lists color vision, critical-thinking and troubleshooting skills, customer-service skills, physical stamina and physical strength to move components weighing up to 50 pounds.
How much do electricians earn?
The BLS reports a May 2025 median of $63,190 a year ($30.38 an hour). The lowest 10% earned less than $42,640 and the highest 10% earned more than $108,510. Pay varies by state, employer and experience, and nothing here promises income.
What is the job outlook for electricians?
The BLS projects 9% growth from 2025 to 2035, much faster than average, about 75,900 jobs. It expects about 72,700 openings a year, many from workers who retire or change occupations.
Conclusion
Becoming an electrician takes clear steps: meet the requirements, choose your path, complete your paid apprenticeship, pass your state exam and keep your license current. Start by contacting your state’s licensing board and a few apprenticeship programs, then use the checklist above to stay on track.
Related Reading
- Journeyman electrician resume example
- Electrician helper resume example
- Electrician resume summary examples
- Master electrician resume sample
Sources: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Outlook Handbook: Electricians (May 2025 pay, 2025 jobs, 2025 to 2035 projections, education, training and licensing). Licensing rules differ by state, so confirm them with your state’s licensing board. This page does not promise a job or any income.