A career in electrical work is steady, well-paid, and always in demand. The best route into the trade is through an electrical apprenticeship—a combination of classroom instruction with hands-on work that can lead directly to journeyman licensure. Some of the top training options include the IBEW/NECA Electrical Training Alliance, NCCER-affiliated programs, and state-licensed trade schools that partner with major contractors. With an aging workforce and increasing infrastructure investment, demand for trained electricians continues to rise. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics projects that employment of electricians will grow by 6% from 2022 to 2032, faster than the average growth rate for all occupations. In this guide, we’ll break down what an electrician apprenticeship is, how long it takes to complete, pay expectations, and the best school for getting into the trade.
Quick look
- Electrician apprenticeships offer a combination of classroom training with on-the-job experience under the guidance of licensed professionals.
- Most programs last 4 to 5 years and include approximately 8,000 hours of paid fieldwork.
- Union and non-union programs differ in structure, pay scale, and benefits, but both lead to journeyman credentials.
- Apprentices start with basic wiring and safety and progress to advanced installation, troubleshooting, and blueprint reading.
- Top programs include IBEW/NECA, ABC, and state-level training centers across the U.S.
What is an electrical (electrician) apprenticeship?
An electrical apprenticeship combines hands-on training with formal classroom education. Apprentices work under the supervision of licensed electricians while also attending classes covering theory, safety codes, and electrical systems. This blend of training prepares them for every part of the trade—wiring new buildings, maintaining power systems, and troubleshooting industrial controls on the job site.
Over time, apprentices progress from basic tasks, such as bending conduit and running wire, to more complex projects involving blueprints, control systems, and service panels. By the end of the program, they’re capable of performing the same work as a journeyman electrician and can take the state licensing exam.
How long is an electrician apprenticeship?
Most electrician apprenticeship programs last between four and five years. They typically include 8,000 hours of on-the-job training (OJT) and 600–900 hours of classroom instruction. The exact length varies by program and specialization.
For example, the IBEW/NECA Electrical Training Alliance runs a five-year program that includes step increases in pay as apprentices progress. A first-year apprentice might start at 40% of a journeyman’s wage and rise to 85% by the final year. This structure rewards progress and keeps apprentices motivated to complete their coursework and certifications.
Some non-union programs, such as those offered through the Associated Builders and Contractors (ABC) network, may take less time and offer more flexible scheduling, especially for working adults.
Top 10 electrical apprenticeship programs across the U.S.
- Electrical Training Alliance (IBEW/NECA)
- Locations: Nationwide
- Length: 5 years (8,000 OJT hours + 900 classroom hours)
- Apply here
- Associated Builders and Contractors (ABC) Electrical Apprenticeship
- Locations: 68 U.S. chapters
- Length: 4–5 years
- Apply here
- Independent Electrical Contractors (IEC) Apprenticeship Program
- Locations: 50+ training centers nationwide
- Length: 4 years
- Apply here
- National Center for Construction Education and Research (NCCER)
- Locations: Partner training sites across the U.S.
- Length: Varies by sponsor (typically 4 years)
- Apply here
- Los Angeles Joint Electrical Apprenticeship Training Trust (JATC)
- Location: Los Angeles, CA
- Length: 5 years
- Apply here
- Florida Electrical Apprenticeship & Training (FEAT)
- Location: Orlando, FL
- Length: 4 years
- Apply here
- Georgia Electrical Training Alliance (IBEW Local 613)
- Location: Atlanta, GA
- Length: 5 years
- Apply here
- Houston Electrical JATC (IBEW Local 716)
- Location: Houston, TX
- Length: 5 years
- Apply here
- Chicago Area Electrical Training (IBEW Local 134)
- Location: Chicago, IL
- Length: 5 years
- Apply here
- Northwest Washington Electrical Industry JATC
- Location: Mount Vernon, WA
- Length: 5 years
- Apply here
General entry requirements for electrical apprenticeships
To qualify for most electrical apprenticeship programs, applicants must:
- Be at least 18 years old.
- Hold a high school diploma or GED.
- Possess a valid driver’s license (some programs may require a CDL).
- Pass a drug screening and aptitude test.
- Be able to perform physical work safely, including climbing ladders, lifting materials, and working in confined spaces.
- Many programs also conduct background checks and require completion of basic math or reading assessments as a prerequisite for acceptance.
Types of electrical apprenticeships
There are a few different paths you can take as an apprentice.
Union vs. non-union: Union programs, such as those run by IBEW/NECA, offer structured pay increases, benefits, and access to dedicated training centers. You’ll get healthcare, retirement, and a clear path toward journeyman status. Non-union programs, run by ABC or independent contractors, are more flexible and may let you start faster, but benefits and pay progression vary.
Public utility or large employer programs vs. private contractors: Utilities and big infrastructure firms often run their own apprenticeship programs. These programs focus on transmission, substations, and industrial systems. Smaller contractors may move faster, giving you exposure to commercial and residential work, though the perks may be fewer.
Subspecialties: Inside wiring focuses on homes and businesses, while telecom and low-voltage electricians handle networks, fiber, and communication systems. Outside linemen work on power lines and substations, which is physically demanding but pays well. Each specialty has its own skills and certification requirements.
What daily life looks like during an electrical apprenticeship
In your first year, expect mornings in the classroom learning safety, wiring basics, and electrical code. Afternoons are spent on the job, assisting a journeyman, pulling wire, or bending conduit. By years three or four, you could be installing control panels, managing small crews, and reading blueprints independently.
Travel and on-call work are common. You may rotate between residential, commercial, and industrial projects, or respond to urgent service calls. Over the years, your responsibilities grow alongside your experience, and you’ll gain the confidence to tackle complex installations and troubleshoot problems on your own.
The learning curve is steady. The sense of progress—and the accompanying pay raises—keep most apprentices motivated throughout the program.
Average electrician salary in the U.S.
Apprentice pay starts modestly but rises quickly. Early-stage apprentices typically receive a salary between $14 and $22 per hour, depending on the region and whether the program is unionized. Each year brings a structured raise as skills advance.
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the median annual wage for electricians was $69,630 in May 2023, with the top 10% earning more than $100,210. Union journeymen in high-cost regions can exceed that range with overtime, while smaller non-union shops may pay slightly less but offer faster advancement. Many employers also provide paid training, healthcare, and retirement benefits, which increase total compensation beyond hourly wages.
The field’s earning potential, combined with steady demand, makes it one of the most secure trades in construction today.
Is an electrical apprenticeship right for you?
If you enjoy physical work, problem-solving, and the satisfaction of building something tangible, an electrical apprenticeship could be a great fit. The trade offers financial stability, a defined career ladder, and skills that stay relevant across industries—from residential wiring to renewable energy.
Being an apprentice takes dedication. You’ll be up early, often working outdoors, and constantly paying attention to safety. The job challenges you to solve problems on the spot, work closely with your crew, and handle tools and equipment carefully. In return, you earn a respected credential, see your pay rise as you gain experience, and gain skills that let you work anywhere in the country.
If that sounds like something you’re ready for, start by looking at union and non-union programs in your area, checking each program’s requirements, and talking to current apprentices or training centers. That first application is the first step toward becoming a licensed electrician.
Learn more about trade apprenticeships
Interested in other trades or construction training paths? Visit some of our apprenticeship resources here:
- Top roofing apprenticeship programs
- Carpenter apprenticeship programs
- Top HVAC apprenticeship programs
- The best welding apprenticeship programs in the U.S.
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