This guide will teach you how to become an electrician in 2024. If this interests you, then continue reading.
One career path that will never go out of need today is an ELECTRICIAN.
As the world evolves in its use of technology, the use of electrical gadgets and appliances is on the increase.
Therefore the need for electricians is on the high side too.
Establishing a career in electrical services and repairs will not only make you more money but will be a massive contribution to the world at large.
So no matter what you hear, being an electrician is the in thing, If you choose this career path, you’re not wrong, all you need is the right information to be better equipped.
In this article, we have carefully compiled all you need to know to become an electrician, not just an electrician, but a credible one at that—including the average salary of an electrician, the necessary things you need to get licensed, and lots more. If you’re ready, let’s get started!!!
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Table of Contents
Categories of Electricians
Electricians are skilled trade professionals who are trained to handle a wide variety of issues concerning electrical power. Their primary responsibility is to install, maintain, and repair electrical equipment. Depending on an electrician’s experience and licensing, they can be placed into one of these three categories:
- Journeyman Electrician: A journeyman is the most basic level of an electrician. A journeyman electrician has completed an apprenticeship and becomes a licensed electrician. A journeyman can work independently but cannot offer apprentices training, lead a job site or pull permits for electrical work.
- Master Electrician: A journeyman can apply to become a master electrician after acquiring about two years of experience. Specific requirements vary by state, but licensing typically requires that candidates pass an exam. Master electricians can lead jobs, offer apprentices training, and direct electrical teams.
- Independent Electrical Contractor: Electrical contractors are essentially small business owners. They hire teams of electricians to complete jobs. Electrical contractors must have a certain level of insurance and either be master electricians or have one on staff.
How Long Does it Take to Become an Electrician?
Typically it takes between two to four years to become a qualified electrician.
The years you may take to become a fully qualified electrician depend on whether your training is full-time or part-time.
Those whose training is full-time usually take less time to become electricians.
Read More: Best Trade Schools For Electricians In The USA
Can I Learn to Be an Electrician Online?
Yes, it is possible to learn to be an electrician online.
But of course, an online class can only teach you some of the basics and skills you need for residential electrician jobs.
Penn Foster College provides online electrician courses.
Is there an Age Limit to Becoming an Electrician?
No, there is no age limit for becoming an electrician.
There is a saying that learning never ends; while some people may start their training immediately after high school, others may start training to become electricians after learning one or two skills before it and at a late age.
So no matter how old you are, as long as you are agile, physically fit and have a clear vision, you can become an electrician.
Where Can an Electrician Professionalize?
Finding a niche for your practice can be difficult; we will show you where you can choose to offer your services in this segment. Within the trade, electricians have the option of either generalizing their role or specializing in one of these areas:
- Residential Electrician: Residential electricians focus on installing, repairing, and maintaining the wiring and electrical systems in homes and small apartment buildings.
- Commercial Electrician: Commercial electricians specialize in handling electrical issues in commercial buildings. Commercial buildings use slightly different types of power than residential buildings, and so commercial electricians must complete a certain amount of hours of training in that setting during their apprenticeship.
- Industrial Electrician: Industrial electricians perform electrical work in big facilities that use large equipment and machinery. Some examples might include manufacturing facilities, power plants, and chemical plants. These industrial buildings typically have more electrical needs than their residential and commercial counterparts. Industrial electricians must train as an apprentice or journeyman under a licensed industrial electrician.
With this understanding, let’s learn how to become an electrician.
Read More: Best Electrician Schools In Los Angeles | Requirements
Steps on How to Become an Electrician
Becoming an electrician might be easier than you realize. The path to this reliable trade is strategic and sequential. Here are six (6) basic steps you need to follow to become an electrician in 2024;
Earn a High School Diploma or Equivalent
First things first, you need to acquire substantial knowledge with respect to this profession or career path. This step is essential. You need to have successfully completed high school or earned a GED or other type of equivalency certification. It’s one of the most basic educational requirements you’ll need to meet before becoming an electrician.
You have to acquaint yourself with algebra and trigonometry; electricians use math to measure wiring lengths, determine the angle of a circuit, and calculate the force of an electrical current. English and other subjects are not sidelined, as it is necessary to interpret technical documents properly.
If you are an adult who didn’t complete high school, it’s possible to earn your high school diploma online. This is a convenient way to take care of this important first step.
Get Apprenticeship Training
Yes, getting professional knowledge from a school is expedient, but it cannot override the importance of practicals. Electrician programs at trade schools, technical institutes, and career colleges provide a more comfortable introduction to this trade. They can help you gain the foundational expertise you’ll need.
You’ll be able to learn about the National Electric Code, workplace safety, electrical theory, and many other things that can give you a head start on other people who may apply for the same apprenticeships. Most trade school programs even include hands-on training in addition to regular classroom instruction. That way, you’ll have solid footing when you pursue the next step of the process.
You may be able to find a local apprenticeship by exploring newspaper classifieds and online job boards. In addition, electrical apprenticeship openings periodically become available through organizations such as:
This step is necessary to get you acquainted with the practical technical know-how of basic electrical know-how; if you sideline it, you may not be thoroughly equipped to be an electrician.
You might want to see this: Best Electrician Schools in Virginia | All You Need To Know
Study for the Test
Once you’ve completed your state-approved trade school program or apprenticeship, you will need to study the national code for electricians to take the test to become licensed. Many trade schools will teach you the national code while in school so that you can begin studying what is required for your licensure test even before graduation. Some opt to go straight to the test after completing trade school training but still need to accumulate verified work experience to get licensed.
Get Licensed or Certified in Your State and/or Municipality (if Required)
Once you have successfully taken the test and passed, you will be certified as an electrician. The next step is to be licensed; not all electricians are legally allowed to practice. For you to practice, you need to be licensed.
One of the most important things to understand when exploring becoming a licensed electrician is that every state sets its standards. In most states, you need a license to be a qualified electrician. Some states don’t license electricians at the state level; however, some towns and cities within those states do have licensing requirements.
So it’s important to contact your state and the municipalities you plan to work in. Ask them if you need a license to perform electrical work. In some cases, you may need a license to work as an employee of an electrical contractor. In other cases, you may not need a license unless you plan on starting your own electrical business.
In locations that do require a license, you may have to pass an exam that tests your understanding of the National Electric Code, various electrical concepts, safety practices, and local laws and building codes.
You will probably also have to prove that you have completed a certain amount of relevant classroom instruction and practical training under the supervision of a licensed journeyperson or master electrician.
Stand Out By Getting a Professional Certification.
Professional certifications make you more equipped. This gives your employers the impression that you’re trustworthy. Being registered with professional bodies in your state of residence makes you credible and easily accessible. You could register with the following bodies.
- The National Electrical Contractors Association (NECA)
- The International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers (IBEW)
- Independent Electrical Contractors (IEC)
You could check out the ones around you and identify with them; it boosts your profession and chances of getting hired.
Editor’s Pick: Best Electrician Schools in Sacramento| All You Need To Know
What are the Requirements for Being Licensed as an Electrician?
After studying thoroughly, you can now take and (hopefully) pass the state electrician exam. To be certified, you will also need to accumulate paid work experience to become a licensed electrician. But you may work with your “T-Card” while accumulating your hours. Once you are licensed, you can start working as an unsupervised electrician.
In other words, you will need
- Proof of education
- Reliable work experience (That’s why we recommend apprenticeship)
- Certification from a trade or vocational school
With this, you should be able to get licensed without further ado.
How Much Does an Electrician Earn?
Contrary to popular opinion, electricians are highly paid because they receive their salary hourly, making their monthly salary huge. It’s important that you know that this depends on location and the type of electrician you are.
But on average, an electrician earns between $19.31 and $26.33 per hour, making this $40,172 to $54 772 per month.
With this, I hope you have been adequately informed on how to become an electrician; We would love to hear your success story when you achieve this using these guidelines.
Conclusion: How to Become an Electrician
Being an electrician can be a stressful job. Therefore if you intend to become one, you must learn how to manage stress.
If you have a flair for working with electrical appliances and connections but can’t afford to study electrical engineering, then becoming an electrician will certainly be a good alternative.
If you have further questions about becoming an electrician, kindly drop them in the comment section.
Related Also: Top Electrician Schools In Pennsylvania | All You Need To Know
References
- https://www.indeed.com
- https://www.trade-schools.net/articles/
- https://www.intercoast.edu/blog/
- https://www.ziprecruiter.com/Salaries/
