How Much Do Journeyman Electricians Make? 

In electrical work, the journey to becoming a journeyman electrician is challenging and rewarding. In this blog, we will delve into the essential aspects of this career path. 

We’ll cover the daily work of a journeyman electrician and the required training and certificates. We’ll also look at factors that influence the earning potential of this role. Finally, we’ll wrap up with quick tips on achieving the status of a journeyman electrician.    

Whether you’re considering this career or are already on the path, keep reading to gain valuable insights into this electrifying profession.  

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What Is a Journeyman Electrician? 

A journeyman electrician has completed training and gotten certification. They have gone through a four-year or five-year apprenticeship. And they passed all state licensing exams. After the test, they become a journeyman. The good news is that apprentices get paid. But journeymen earn a lot more than apprentices. 

Apprentices work alongside master electricians, but journeymen electricians work independently. They have the skills to handle more complex jobs. 

Here are some of the things journeymen do during their workdays: 

• Install and fix wiring 
• Solve electrical problems 
• Read blueprints of project plans 
• Replace broken or faulty parts 
• Check the safety of electrical wiring and equipment 
• Test electrical systems 
• Manage laborers working on electrical projects 
• Check that wiring and circuits meet building codes 
• Install electrical fixtures and system components 
• Make safety rules for workers who are around electrical wires and parts 

Some journeymen work in homes or businesses. Others find jobs in industrial companies. For example, you might find a job in a factory or refinery. 

It’s possible for a journeyman to gain experience and specialize in a specific area. Journey workers can gain such experience on the job or earn more certifications. 

In many ways, journeyman electricians are the backbone of the electrical field. They handle a wide range of jobs. And they have the knowledge to work on their own. They do not need a master electrician to check on them. 

Journeymen do not have the same experience or know-how as master electricians. As a journey-level worker, you may sometimes work under a master electrician. These experts often manage large or complex projects. Masters have years of experience and have passed more exams. But all masters spend years as journeymen before they take the next career step. 

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National Salary Averages for Journeyman Electricians 

Salary is an important factor when choosing a job. You need to understand what you can earn at each career step. 

The Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) collects data on all jobs. According to the BLS, the average annual salary for electricians in the United States is $61,590. This means that the average hourly wage is about $28.44. 

However, salaries vary depending on the place, specialty, and other factors. The BLS salary range is $38,470 to $104,180. 

Things That Affect Salary for Journeyman Electricians 

Most new journeymen start at the lower end of this range. But your salary will rise as you gain experience. Journeymen with a few years of experience can expect to earn more. 

These national averages are helpful for understanding earning potential. But location plays a role in your pay, too. Electricians in cities and suburbs often get higher salaries. Those in rural areas may earn less. At the same time, they have a lower cost of living. 

Learning more skills can help you earn more. For example, electricians doing industrial work or low-voltage cabling can expect higher pay. But this is not always the case. In some regions, skilled general electricians may also be in demand. This may be the case in places with a lot of new buildings. 

Experience and special certificates can help you advance as a journeyman electrician. A lifelong learning mindset can also help you develop more skills. 

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How Training and Certificates Impact Earnings 

Professional development can set you up for higher pay. Once you reach the journeyman level, you can look for continuing education options. Here are some certifications and training options you might consider: 

• The National Electrical Contractors Association offers a variety of courses. They cover topics like management and safety. There are also longer training programs focused on leadership and professional skills. Some programs are for working journeymen. The scheduling allows you to learn on evenings and weekends. 
• The Electrical Training Alliance offers professional programs. These are available for electricians at all stages of their careers. For example, they have apprenticeship classes. But they also offer courses for pros. These include continuing education and advanced training classes. The National Electrical Contractors Association (NECA) helped found the alliance. The International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers (IBEW) was also involved in its formation. 
• The National Center for Construction Education and Research (NCCER) offers training for electricians. It handles both trainees and journeymen. The classes cover the basics. It also involves advanced topics. NCCER courses can be helpful for journeymen. This is because the center offers training in specialty areas. 
• The North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP) focuses on renewable energy. They train and test electricians who want to work on renewable projects. This includes solar, wind, or other similar systems. You get the certificate after learning and passing an exam. NABCEP offers education for electricians who are already in the field. For instance, working journeymen can get a certificate to move into solar or wind. 
• The National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) makes fire safety standards. It offers a Certified Electrical Safety Compliance Professional (CESCP) program. The program teaches you how to manage safety for a team of workers. You can use it to become an electrical safety manager for a business. Some companies hire safety trainers or inspectors who get the CESCP certificate. In these jobs, you make rules and check company compliance with OSHA and NFPA laws. 

You can look for other certificates, too. You need to choose an area that you want to work in. Then, you can find certifications for that specialty. 

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Electrician Specialties You Can Pursue 

The electrical field has many different specialties. Each offers new jobs and more earning potential. You can hone your skills in a specific area through experience and training. Then, you can take an exam to get certified. 

You should always seek a job that matches your interests and skills. Here are some examples of specialties that you can pursue. 

• Commercial electricians: Commercial electricians work for businesses. The job involves installing, maintaining, and troubleshooting electrical systems in commercial buildings. These settings include offices and retail spaces. Commercial electricians often work with larger and more complex electrical systems. The required expertise commands a higher salary. 
• Industrial electricians: Industrial electricians work for companies that run factories or refineries. In this position, you maintain and install high-voltage electrical systems. These wires and circuits send power to machinery. In these jobs, you usually need more training. This is because industrial work can be demanding. The challenges and stress of the job can mean a higher salary. In many places, industrial electricians can often earn more than general electricians. 
• Low-voltage electricians: Low-voltage electricians install and fix low-voltage electrical systems. These include communication and data-cable networks. This field is experiencing a lot of growth. The demand for skilled pros is due to the need for more internet and data connections. Because of the need, skilled workers can expect above-average salaries. 
• Aviation electricians: Aviation electricians install and fix airplane electrical systems. This job requires knowledge of airplane wiring, equipment, and safety rules. There is pressure to perform in this career. Airplanes need to pass inspections before they can fly. The electricians need to thrive in a high-pressure environment. Because of these demands, they often get higher pay than other electricians. 
• Solar panel electricians: There is a lot of interest in renewable energy. The demand is high for solar installers and electricians. In this job, you need to understand photovoltaic (PV) systems. Positions are available in residential and commercial settings. You might also find work in utility-scale solar fields. 
• Electrical power-line repairers: Linemen work outside on power lines. These wires have high voltage. Repairers also need to work outdoors in all weather conditions. This makes the job more dangerous than other electrical work. The risk and skills required make this a high-paying job. The BLS says the average pay per year is $85,420. 

These are a few of the many specialties you can explore after you become a journeyman. 

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National Outlook for the Electrical Industry 

Electricians are in high demand. The need for good electrical infrastructure contributes to this trend. The increased use of renewable energy also leads to growth. Also, electricians are necessary for expanding data systems. 

How easy will it be to find a journeyman job after you finish an apprenticeship? The BLS forecasts 6% employment growth for electricians by 2032. This is more than the growth for all careers, which is 3%. This stat shows that there is a steady job market for journeyman electricians. 

Journey-level electricians enjoy more than just job security. The national average salary for journeyman electricians is competitive. Specialization and experience can unlock even higher earning potential. 

Apprentice electricians also earn a salary. While they earn less than journeymen, they can take home between $30,000 and $56,000. Most careers do not offer a learn-and-earn setup like this. 

Finally, the electrical field offers different settings. You can find a job that suits your preferences. For instance, you might like to work in fast-paced commercial settings. Or you could prefer steadier residential jobs or the challenges of industrial work. 

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First Steps to Becoming a Journeyman Electrician 

Are you interested in a career in electrical work? Here are some steps to kick-start your journey right now: 

• Learn about electrician licensing in your state. Licensing rules vary by state. There are different things to consider. These include how long the apprenticeship takes and which exams you must pass. You should also look into the need for classroom work and safety training. 
• Look at the BLS website. The Bureau of Labor Statistics offers lots of information on many careers. They have a page about electricians. The information goes beyond salary data. It includes education and skills needed for the job. The BLS also provides forecasts for future demand for electrical workers. You can also find information on related fields that might interest you. 
• Explore apprenticeship programs. Apprenticeship programs are available through different sources. You can contact labor unions or professional electrician organizations. Some contractors may also provide apprenticeships. You can also explore options through trade schools. These programs combine classroom learning with on-the-job training alongside experienced electricians. 
• Visit technical schools. You can look at community colleges and trade schools. Some of these offer electrician training programs. These can provide the basic knowledge you’ll need during an apprenticeship. Some trade schools may be able to help you find an apprenticeship if you cannot do so on your own. 
• Contact professional organizations. Look for unions and trade groups. The International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers (IBEW) is an example of a union. They may have information about training in your area. Also, look for groups like the National Electrical Contractors Association (NECA). NECA can be especially useful for finding apprenticeships. 
• Understand local codes. Electricians have to work according to local rules. You can learn these rules yourself. While other training steps may vary, every electrician must know about safety codes. Studying them now will give you a head start. You won’t have to learn them later in your apprenticeship. 

Becoming a journeyman is an essential step on your career path. Once you reach this level, you will enjoy a good salary and stable job growth. You can also gain experience and set the stage for more career growth. Eventually, you can become a master electrician.