Are you interested in a career that combines hands-on work, growing job demand, and significant earning potential? Becoming an electrician may be the perfect path for you. With steady pay increases, expanding opportunities due to the growth of renewable energy and construction, and an accessible pathway to learn the trade, the electrical field offers a promising future.
Here’s a step-by-step look at what it takes to become an electrician and why now is the right time to consider a career with Rogers Electric.
The first steps to becoming an electrician often begin with a high school diploma or GED. Certain subjects, like algebra and physics, are especially important since they provide the foundational skills for handling electrical systems, troubleshooting, and technical problem-solving. With a high school diploma, you’re equipped to take the next step: applying to an electrical trade school.
Trade schools provide the initial technical education needed to enter the field. These programs generally take between 10 months and two years and are tailored to teach electrical theory, wiring, conduit bending, and load calculations. Trade school enrollment rose 16% from 2022 to 2023, reflecting growing interest in these practical careers.
At Rogers Electric, we know that thorough, hands-on education in these skills makes a difference in quality and safety on the job, which is why we value a strong trade school foundation in our team members.
For many students, financial aid makes trade school more accessible. Grants like Federal Pell Grants are a popular option since they don’t require repayment, and trade-specific scholarships, such as the DEED scholarship, offer extra financial support.
Starting with the FAFSA application is essential, as it opens the door to most grants and federal loan programs. By choosing trade school, students can begin gaining the critical skills they’ll need without accumulating significant debt, which makes this career path even more accessible.
After trade school, it’s time to begin an apprenticeship—a paid, hands-on learning period that allows you to work under the guidance of a licensed electrician. Apprenticeships last about four years, during which apprentices complete 144 hours of classroom training and 2,000 hours of on-the-job experience each year.
At Rogers Electric, our apprenticeship program combines classroom instruction with fieldwork. Apprentices earn while they learn, gaining experience in a safe, supportive environment where they work alongside master electricians. This hands-on experience is crucial to progressing within the industry, and Rogers Electric values the apprentices who are committed to their growth.
For those who prefer flexibility, non-union apprenticeships can be a good choice, providing the opportunity to work with a variety of independent contractors and access more diverse job opportunities.
The next step in an electrician’s journey is to obtain a state license. This licensing process, which often includes a rigorous exam and proof of around 8,000 to 10,000 hours of on-the-job experience, certifies that an electrician can work independently. Each state has its own regulations, so checking your specific state’s requirements is essential.
Once licensed, electricians can choose different career paths based on their interests and strengths. For example, some electricians specialize in residential wiring, while others work as linemen or in commercial and industrial electrical work. With additional experience, electricians can progress to roles like journeyman, master electrician, or even electrical contractor, opening up further careers and earning potential.
Electrical careers are experiencing a surge in demand, and the opportunities have never been better. The U.S. is seeing a steady increase in pay for electricians, with the average salary reaching $67,810 in 2023 and the top 10% making over $100,000 annually.
Certain states, like Washington, Hawaii, and Illinois, are leading in top wages for electricians, with salaries frequently exceeding $85,000. Plus, the demand for electricians is expected to rise by 6% by 2032, which is double the growth rate of other occupations. The Bureau of Labor Statistics also projects approximately 73,500 job openings each year.
Electricians are also joining America’s “new millionaire class.” Due to private equity firms acquiring skilled trade companies, hundreds of small business owners in the HVAC, plumbing, and electrical trades have reaped substantial payouts. While this trend is reshaping the trades, it’s giving electricians the chance to earn higher wages and potentially reach new levels of career success.
At Rogers Electric, we’re committed to building a team of highly skilled, dedicated electricians who take pride in their work. We value every stage of career progression, from trade school graduates to seasoned electricians. If you’re motivated and eager to contribute to essential projects, Rogers Electric could be the perfect place for you.
Take the first step today—start your journey toward a rewarding, financially stable career in the electrical trade. At Rogers Electric, we offer not only job opportunities but a community that values growth, hands-on learning, and excellence. Apply today to take the next step in your career to become an electrician.