Almost everyone in the world could use the services of an electrician at some point in their lives. Although this work might appear easy, it is actually quite intensive and detail-oriented. If you want to know how to become an electrician, read on.

We’ll go over the steps you should take to learn the skills, get a license, and eventually land a well-paid job in this profession.

An electrician is in charge of installing and repairing electrical systems and appliances. Usually, an electrician will learn these skills at a trade school. However, to become a certified electrician, you also need to attend special courses to obtain a license.

Find Your Bootcamp Match

• Career Karma matches you with top tech bootcamps
• Access exclusive scholarships and prep courses

Select your interest
Software Engineering Design Data Science Data Analytics UX Design Cyber Security Digital Marketing First name

Last name

Email

Phone number

By continuing you agree to our Terms of Service and Privacy Policy, and you consent to receive offers and opportunities from Career Karma by telephone, text message, and email.

It is not necessary to attend a traditional higher education institution to become an electrician. However, you should attend a trade school or take special courses that will provide you with high-quality training and job placement services. This is important because electrical companies will take your education into account during the hiring process.

Some places you can look for training as an electrician include apprenticeship programs, trade schools, technical schools, associate degrees, and one-off online or in-person courses.

Most electricians spend four to five years practicing their skills. Each year, electricians will receive 2,000 to 4,000 hours of classroom training and hands-on lessons. Below, you will see some academic courses you can take to become an electrician.

In the US, the National Joint Apprenticeship and Training Committee prepares many prospective electricians for their professional careers. In this program, you will work 32 to 40 hours per week as an electrician’s apprentice.

You will also spend eight hours per week studying in a classroom. This course is free, and you only have to pay about $600 per year for the books and guides you will need to use as a reference.

These programs last between three and five years, depending on what area you’re specializing in. The best part of these courses is that they are nationally recognized. This means that when you graduate, you will be qualified to work at any company, or to start your own company. According to Salary.com, a journeyman electrician earns $50,000 per year on average.

Some colleges, such as Thomas Edison State University, offer an associate degree in electrical technology. This degree is meant for those who want to learn to operate electrical machinery, become general electricians, or study the technical aspects of electrical energy.

Some of the topics covered in this degree program include instrumentation, industrial electronics, motors, generators, and digital electronics. An associate degree in electrical technology will broaden the type of jobs you can apply for upon graduating, and will also lead to a higher income.

A report from Salary.com says that electricians with an associate degree make about $45,000 per year.

In the US, a trade school is one of the best ways to learn a new skill. To get into these schools, all you need is a high school diploma. These trade school programs are often partnered with local community colleges, with lessons taking place on campus.

Trade school electrical technology programs will combine theoretical knowledge with hands-on practice. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), a fully trained electrician earns an average of $56,900 a year.

As an electrician, you might be working on a new job every day. This trade requires important soft skills like responsibility and discipline, as well as many hard skills that will help you avoid accidents. Below, you will see some of the most important skills for an electrician to have.

According to the BLS, the average electrician earns about $56,900 a year, which comes out to $27.36 per hour. This will vary depending on your job experience, job title, and your employer. The report also projects that the number of electrician jobs available will rise by eight percent between 2019 and 2029, which is higher than average.

Most educational institutions that offer electrician programs require a high school diploma. To work as a freelance electrician or for a company, you must also be certified for your state or county.

A ZipRecruiter report says that an entry-level electrician earns about $32,000 per year.

An electrician’s duties will depend on the type of company they work for and the job they are certified to do. Below, you will see some of the tasks that an average electrician might encounter during a typical day.

A certification validates your knowledge and skills in a specific profession. If you want to become an electrician, having a certification is essential. Once you have finished your training program, you need to pass a test to prove your knowledge. This test will be offered by either your state or local authority.

There are three basic electrician licenses: Apprentice, Journeyman, and Master Electrician. The test you will take to qualify for these positions consists of questions based on the National Electrical Code, which is the manual that governs all practices in the industry. You also must pass a few physical evaluations.

The requirements to get licensed will differ by state, so be sure to read up on these before you take the test.

The interview is an important way for your prospective employer to get to know you and your abilities. You should use this opportunity to explain why you’re passionate about electrical work, and to elaborate on your skills.

Below are some common questions that can help you ace your interview.

The time it takes to become an electrician varies based on what level you want to reach. If you work hard, you can become a journeyman electrician in most states in about four years. Putting in thousands of hours of experience is essential to moving up the ladder in this career.

Becoming an electrician in 2021 is a good choice because this is a stable career that is currently growing. We all need to use the services of an electrician from time to time, and the tech industry’s use of electrical power has made this even more apparent.

Another reason to become an electrician in 2021 is that you can do some of your studying at home, which wouldn’t have previously been possible. Many online colleges allow you to learn from home, meaning you have the option to work toward a new career without quitting your day job.