Have you ever wondered how long it takes to become an electrician? Maybe you’re looking for a hands-on career that pays well, offers job security, and doesn’t require a traditional four-year degree. If so, becoming an electrician could be the perfect path for you.
With the growing demand for skilled tradespeople across residential, commercial, and industrial sectors, electricians are more in demand than ever before. But how long does it take to get trained, certified, and licensed in this essential profession?
The answer isn’t as simple as a number—it depends on your starting point, the type of electrician you want to become, and the state or country you plan to work in. Whether you’re just graduating from high school, switching careers, or considering a technical program, this guide breaks down every step of the journey.
From apprenticeship programs and classroom hours to licensing exams and specialization paths, we’ll cover everything you need to know to plan your future.
In this article, we have provided relevant information on how long it take to become an electrician and other information. Carefully read through!
Who is an Electrician?
An electrician is a skilled person who majors in designing, installing, repairing, and maintaining electrical wiring in transmission lines, stationary machines, buildings, and electrical systems.
It’s their sole responsibility to install and maintain every electrical component. They also do wiring in airplanes, ships, and other mobile platforms.
Moreso, they are responsible for lightswitching in residential buildings and even traffic management systems found on public roads.
Read Also: Europe work visa without job offer
What does an electrician do?
Electricians are trained professionals who can work in residential, commercial, and industrial settings. Their major focus is to install, repair, and maintain electrical systems.
Although there are different levels and types of electricians, there are primary roles that all perform. Some of their primary roles include
- They are responsible for current networks and putting in new wiring systems.
- Electricians also focus on finding out issues with electrical systems by using instruments such as voltmeters and ammeters.
- They examine and maintain electrical components, such as circuit breakers.
- Also, they focus on repairing or replacing electrical fixtures and wiring with hand and power tools.
- Following the National Electrical Code’s requirements and safety guidelines
Although most electricians work alone, some have teams or partners. You may oversee apprentices as a seasoned electrician. You may collaborate closely with engineers or other experts when installing or fixing wiring systems.
Why Become an Electrician?
Among the vocational skilled professions available, Electricians are among the high-demand professions. Aside from being in high demand, the pay is mouth-watering.
Although you must adhere to state and local regulations to operate as a licensed electrician, your salary will often be higher than that of unlicensed trainee electricians once you have your license.
In addition to receiving more money, you will have much more freedom and flexibility if you advance to the greatest degree of the electrician career, such as a master electrician or an electrician contractor.
To work independently, you typically require a master electrician or electrician contractor license, depending on where you live. However, there are a lot of advantages, such as having control over your schedule, what work you take on, and how much you make on each assignment.
Read Also: How to Become a Lineman | Roles, Salary, How to
How Long Does It Take to Become an Electrician?
To become a professional electrician takes about 6-8 years. Although, you can start working within 9 months, getting a license takes longer than that.
Here are the steps you’ll need to take to get there:
1. Obtain a high school diploma or GED (approximately four years)
The first step to becoming a professional electrician is getting a high school diploma or GED. Getting a high school diploma can take 4 years.
2. Study in a Vocational School (nine months to two years)
After getting a high school diploma, attend a recognized trade school. Some schools offer short programs. These programs can be completed within 9 months. Alternatively, you can pursue an associate-level program, which will take longer time to complete.
Although anyone can practice without attending a vocational school, getting a vocational program opens you up to better opportunities. It also exposed you to things you need to know, such as local building codes, a solid base of knowledge, electrical theory, and workplace safety.
3. Get on-the-job training Experience (4,000 to 12,000 hours)
You will initially be regarded as an apprentice electrician. While some states require a license even to be an apprentice, others allow you to work as an apprentice straight out of high school or after completing a GED program. Similar to an internship, you will likely need to apply for a position as an apprentice electrician, but there are organizations around the United States that can help.
Your location dictates what to do next after you start working as an electrician. Being a journey-level electrician is a prerequisite for becoming a licensed electrician in several places. Depending on local regulations, this requires 4,000 to 8,000 labor hours.
If you’re working full-time in a state that requires 4,000 hours, then you can become a licensed journey-level electrician in two years, with a few weeks off for vacation.
Becoming a master electrician requires more work experience, with some states requiring up to 12,000 hours of work before you can become a licensed master electrician. Working full-time, that would take you about six years.
4. Write the Electrician licensing exam
An electrician’s license is another important thing you need to become a professional electrician. To get it, you need to sit and pass the licensing exam. Becoming a licensed electrician shows that you have the required skills to do any electrical work or task.
You must ascertain the exam’s frequency, registration requirements, and whether there is a cost. To avoid having to wait too long after achieving the required experience level, it’s a good idea to familiarize yourself with the requirements beforehand.
5. Become a licensed electrician
You may repeat this phase more than once, depending on your location and your career goals as an electrician.
You will eventually earn four electrician licenses during your career if you live in a state that requires licenses for apprentice electricians, journey-level electricians, master electricians, and electrician contractors, and you wish to get all of those levels.
You can become a journey-level electrician, the first level of a licensed electrician in the majority of states, within two or three years of beginning your study.
How long does it take to become an electrician?
On average, it takes four to five years to become an electrician. Many aspiring electricians get all the training they need through an apprenticeship program. However, how long to become an electrician depends on the path you take and the goals you want to achieve.
If you find yourself asking, “How many years is electrician school?” it’s important to know some of the factors that may affect the length of your apprenticeship:
- Prior military or construction experience, which may qualify you for a shorter apprenticeship.
- A relevant associate degree or technical school experience, which may give you credit toward your apprenticeship.
- An approved electrical contractor training program, which can let you work as a helper and allow for a shorter apprenticeship.
Read Also: How To Build 5-Years Career Growth Plan
What is the Cost of Becoming an Electrician?
The cost of becoming an electrician is around $500-$20,000. Let’s break it down
Attending a vocational school costs about $1000-$12,000, depending on the program duration and the type of institution. If the state you want to practice in expects you to get apprenticeship experience, you are likely to spend about $1000-$4000. But if you’re lucky, you can get to do it for free, depending on the organization.
Afterwards, you go for the licensing exam. The cost of getting this license is about $35-$80, excluding the annual license renewal fee, which costs about $20.
Then, as an apprentice, you’ll need to buy your tools. A starter toolkit can run $180 to $385, depending on the quality of the equipment.
Conclusively, the cost of becoming a professional electrician ranges from $500-$20000, depending on your state and the type of electrician you want to specialize in.
FAQs
Answer: An electrician is a skilled person who majors in designing, installing, repairing, and maintaining electrical wiring in transmission lines, stationary machines, buildings, and electrical systems.
Answer: Becoming a professional electrician takes about 6-8 years.
Conclusion
Becoming an electrician is a rewarding journey that requires dedication, hands-on experience, and a willingness to learn. While the timeline can vary depending on your chosen path—apprenticeship, trade school, or licensing requirements—it typically takes anywhere from 4 to 5 years to become fully certified.
However, every step of the process brings you closer to a stable, high-demand career with excellent earning potential and long-term growth opportunities. Whether you’re just starting out or changing careers, investing your time and effort into this skilled trade can lead to a bright and powerful future.
References
- Careerexplorer.com- What-is-an-electrician
- Myjobmag.com- Electrician
- Getjobber.com- How-to-become-an-electrician
- Best-trade-schools.net- how-long-does-it-take-to-become-an-electrician
