Career Path

How to become a electrician

Wire buildings, control systems, and the grid.

The roadmap

1
Graduate HS or GED
Most JATCs require a high school diploma or GED plus 1 year of algebra.
2
OSHA 10
Construction safety card — usually accepted by every apprenticeship.
3
Apply to an apprenticeship
IBEW/NECA (union) or ABC/IEC (non-union open-shop). Apply directly to a local JATC.
4
Aptitude test + interview
Algebra, reading comprehension, and a panel interview. Score well to get ranked.
5
Apprentice (4–5 years)
Paid on-the-job training plus night classes. Raises every 6–12 months.
6
Journeyman
Pass the state journeyman exam. You can now work unsupervised.
7
Master / Contractor license
After 2+ years as a journeyman, sit the master exam. Required to pull permits as a contractor.

Ranges vary by region, union vs non-union, and overtime. Union pay packages include benefits worth 30–50% on top.

We send you to the federal apprenticeship.gov database — official, free, and updated weekly.

Klein lineman pliers

9-inch side cutters. The single most-used hand tool on the job.

Wire strippers (10–18 AWG)

Klein Kurve or Knipex. Don't use the cheap ones — your thumb will know.

Fluke multimeter

True-RMS, CAT III rated. Fluke 117 is the apprentice standard.

Impact driver (18V)

Milwaukee M18 or DeWalt 20V. You'll use it daily for box screws and devices.

Tape measure (25')

Stanley FatMax or Milwaukee. Magnetic tip pays for itself.

Torpedo level

9-inch magnetic. Box plumb checks all day.

Voltage tester (non-contact)

Fluke 1AC. First thing out of the bag before you touch anything.

Some apprenticeships supply the heavy stuff. Always ask your local what's expected before you spend.

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