How Much Do Journeyman Electricians Make a Year?

If you’re interested in becoming an electrician, it’s important to know how much do journeyman electricians make a year. The salary range varies widely depending on your level of experience, employer, and location. Fortunately, there are a few ways to increase your salary as a journeyman electrician.

How to Advance Your Salary

One way to improve your overall salary is by becoming a master electrician. Earning a master electrician’s license can lead to an average pay hike of over $26 per hour, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS). While obtaining this higher salary is not always feasible, it’s worth the time and effort.

Benefits from Working for a Unionized Employer

Another way to increase your income is to work in a unionized workplace. These organizations provide a variety of benefits, including health insurance and retirement. This can add thousands of dollars to your annual pay, allowing you to save for the future and protect yourself against unforeseen financial emergencies.

Obtaining a License

As the name suggests, journeyman electricians need to pass a test before they can earn their license. This requires a period of training and practice, typically 4,000 hours on the job, according to the National Electrical Contractors Association (NECA).

While this can be challenging at times, the rewards are great. You’ll have a steady paycheck, the opportunity to learn new skills, and the ability to build your own reputation as an expert in your field.

If you’re an ambitious person with a strong work ethic, a career in the electrical industry is a fantastic option for you. Electricians are always in demand and it’s a very lucrative profession, even at entry-level.

You can also choose to go it alone and become an independent contractor as a journeyman electrician. This can be a risky move, but it could lead to a large salary boost.

How to Become an Educated Electrician

While there are many options for becoming an electrician, a Bachelor’s degree is generally needed to enter the profession. Moreover, you should be familiar with safety procedures and the National Electrical Code (NEC).

The cost of education for a Bachelor’s degree is around $16,000, according to the U.S. Department of Education, and you’ll likely need to spend about three years in school. This is a lot of money, but it’s well worth the investment if you want to get ahead in the electrical industry.

You should also be knowledgeable about the latest technology. This can help you become more efficient in the field and ensure that your clients have a positive experience.

What to Expect in an Apprenticeship

The first three to four years of an apprenticeship can be physically demanding. You will spend a lot of time crawling up and down ladders, and you may even need to skin your knees or pull splinters out of your palms.

If you are interested in becoming an electrician, be sure to start your education early and take on an apprenticeship. This is the most practical way to prepare for your career in this field and will help you secure a stable income and job stability.