How to Become an Electrician: Your Complete Career Guide

Electricians keep the world powered. From lighting our homes to maintaining complex industrial systems, they use their technical knowledge and problem-solving skills to ensure our communities and infrastructure stay connected and run efficiently.

If you’re looking for a career with strong job security, competitive salary, and hands-on work, becoming an electrician could be the route for you.

Our comprehensive guide offers insight into the professional path for an electrician, industry outlook, and essential steps to get started, whether you’re planning your next steps or making a career switch. Keep reading to see how Northampton Community College (NCC) can help advance your future.

• Job responsibilities
• Steps to become an electrician
• Career benefits
• FAQs

 

What Does an Electrician Do?

Electricians are skilled tradespeople who install, maintain, and repair electrical systems and fixtures. They use their technical expertise in residential, commercial, and industrial settings to safely install and maintain electrical systems and equipment.
Though an electrician’s daily responsibilities vary by industry, level of experience and seniority, and other factors, their job duties typically include:

• Interpreting blueprints, schematics, and technical diagrams
• Installing wiring, light fixtures, and control and communication systems in new buildings
• Maintaining existing electrical equipment and systems
• Inspecting electrical components and installations for quality control and potential hazards
• Troubleshooting electrical issues
• Upholding local and national electrical codes
• Adhering to the National Electrical Code in common residential, commercial, and industrial applications

 

How to Become an Electrician in 5 Steps

1: Earn Your High School Diploma or GED®

To become an electrician, you must earn your high school diploma or pass the General Educational Development (GED®) test. A diploma or GED® is typically a prerequisite for enrolling in an electrician training program, and this secondary education lays the foundation in core subjects, such as math, science, and English, which will support your academic and career success.

 

2: Enroll in an Electrician Training Program

After graduating from high school or completing your GED®, you can follow one of two paths to become an electrician.

Pursue an apprenticeship: You have the option to begin your career as an electrician apprentice with no formal education. You can find apprenticeships by contacting trade unions like the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers (IBEW), contractor associations, or independent electrical companies. Apprenticeships allow you to gain in-field experience.

Enroll in an electrician training program: Alternatively, you can attend a trade school or community college and enroll in an electrician training program to earn an associate degree or a professional certificate. While you may still need to work as an apprentice after earning your degree or certificate to acquire real-world experience, a trade-focused program builds your overall expertise and hands-on skills. This training can prepare you for more advanced positions further on in your career.

During the decision-making process, consider how training programs suit your personal needs and professional goals. Keep these factors in mind:

• Degree completion time
• Available program formats
• Enrollment options
• Tuition costs and fees
• Curriculum, including hands-on experiences, learning outcomes, etc.
• Community partnerships

NCC’s Electrical Technology Programs include associate degree, certificate, and specialized diploma options that put you on the path to becoming an electrician. With a strong emphasis on technical skill acquisition and building industry knowledge, our electrician training program provides a transformative learning experience that equips you for a thriving career as an electrician.

 

3. Gain Field Experience

Electricians progress through three career stages: apprentice, journeyman, and master electrician.

Whether you complete a training program at a community college or trade school or enter an apprenticeship directly, your career begins as an apprentice under the guidance of a licensed master electrician. Through your apprenticeship, you:

• Work alongside seasoned electricians and handle electrical installations and systems maintenance and repairs.
• Build your technical skills in wiring and circuitry.
• Adhere to safety protocols in real-world scenarios.
• Acquire field hours to prepare for journeyman certification.

After logging the required hours of supervised field experience, you can take the journeyman licensing exam (if required in your municipality or state). As a journeyman electrician, you’ll work more independently but still under the oversight of a master electrician.

Once you’ve gained additional knowledge as a journeyman and fulfilled your local or state-wide requirements, you can advance to becoming a master electrician. Master electricians hold leadership positions, pull permits, and work independently.

 

4: Secure Professional Certifications and Licensures

Every state’s professional licensing practices for electricians vary. Pennsylvania does not issue certifications or licenses or maintain a statewide registration of electricians. Local municipalities handle electrician or contractor licensing, which means the regulations depend on where you want to work.

As you prepare for your career as an electrician, we recommend that you:

• Review local licensing or certification requirements for the city or county where you intend to work.
• Ensure you meet field experience requirements (required hours may differ).
• Prepare for the journeyman or master electrician exams, if applicable.

Review Pennsylvania's Department of Labor and Industry contractor licensing requirements

 

5. Stay Competitive by Continuing Your Education

Prioritizing education keeps your expertise and skills current so you can advance in your career as electrical technology evolves. To do so, you can pursue additional professional certifications or use the associate degree as a stepping stone toward earning a bachelor’s degree. By continuing your learning, you expand your industry knowledge and network.

 

How Much Do Electricians Make?

Working as an electrician provides a reliable income. The Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) reports that electricians earn a median annual salary of $61,590, which exceeds the national average of $48,060. Electricians’ incomes can range up to $104,180 depending on skills, industry knowledge, and location. In Pennsylvania, electricians typically make $73,100, exceeding the national average.

 

Career Benefits of Working as an Electrician

As a professional electrician, you can look forward to the following benefits:

• Steady employment growth: Our communities rely heavily on electricians, and their essential skills provide a favorable career outlook. The BLS anticipates electricians’ employment to increase by 11% over the next decade, producing 80,200 jobs each year. This projected growth outpaces the national average of 4% by nearly three times!

• Career diversification and advancement: Once you become an electrician, you have a range of career options. From launching your own business as a residential electrician to climbing the ranks in renewable energy, your vast technical knowledge and experience allow you to chart a path that aligns with your interests and unique strengths.

• Build a transferable skill set: Because of the technical, hands-on nature of their trade, electricians obtain a broad range of valuable skills. They have strong problem-solving skills and think analytically to identify and fix installation and equipment issues. Electricians often work independently, so they refine their project management abilities. Additionally, because they often work closely with clients and other electricians, they can collaborate, strengthen their communication, and form effective professional relationships.

 

Take the Next Step Toward Becoming an Electrician at Northampton

Ready to pursue a career as an electrician? The Electrical Technology Programs at NCC deliver the relevant hands-on training, technical expertise, and industry connections you need to excel in this field.

Depending on your long-term goals, you can pursue an associate degree, specialized diploma, or certificate. These pathways allow you to enroll either full-time or part-time and provide maximum flexibility so you can work toward your goal without compromising your schedule.

Join our vibrant community of up-and-coming skilled professionals. Apply to Northampton Community College today! Review Northampton’s admissions information and contact us to learn more about NCC.