Learning a well-sought after trade in an appealing technical career is a prosperous goal. Careers such as mechanics, woodworkers, construction workers, and computer and electrical engineers can all be taught at trade schools without the requirement of a college degree. Electricians, more than most trades, are finding steadier work in many different markets and fields. Becoming a journeyman electrician is a great first step to a fulfilling career, and does not require the completion of years in a university.



A journeyman electrician can do lighting installation, mechanical connections, power supplies, communications, and security systems, only under the supervision of a master electrician. They may even perform electrical work on houses, commercial structures, or may even work on power lines. A journeyman electrician has the ability to seek work without endorsement at any place with an opening.

How to Become a Journeyman Electrician

Journeymen electricians begin with an apprenticeship program. During the apprentice program, the person is required to work during the day and attend apprenticeship training at night for four years, then becoming eligible to take the Journeymen Electrical Exam, which is based on the National Electric Code.

What to Expect on Journeyman Electrical Exam

Training for the exam is normally offered at a technical school, or through an IBEW (International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers) apprentice training program. Once the training and work experience is completed, the electrical exam must be completed to become licensed. Things to expect on the exam are:

  • National Electrical Code
  • state laws and rules
  • basic level of electrical theory knowledge
  • a good understanding of the principle of electricity
  • Advisable to be familiar with general copyrighted electrical publications
  • general math
  • electrical theory computation

What to Expect as a Journeyman Electrician

After certification, a person can work unsupervised on any electrical job, such as installing and repairing wiring and conduit, installing fixtures and equipment, running power lines for municipalities, wiring fire alarm systems , and installing control wiring for a building’s mechanical system. Once certifies, a person may also train others seeking a certification. A journeyman electrician is NOT permitted, however, to design work for electrical systems.

Base Salary of Journeyman Electrician

As in most fields, pay and salary vary from task to task, and job to job. To consider pay, the person will have to research the demand of electricians in their area, which highly affects wages. Also, most electrician jobs are unionized, which provide consistent work and wages for certified electricians. The following are some wages generally available to journeyman electricians.

Alaska:  $51,300 per year.

California:  $49,900 per year.

Florida:  $44,200 per year.

Hawaii:  $48,700 per year.

Illinois:  $47,600 per year.

Kansas:  $44,000 per year.

Maine:  $42,800 per year.

New York:  $52,200 per year.

North Dakota:  $40,800 per year.

Texas:  $45,000 per year.

Virginia:  $43,800 per year.

A journeyman electrician can be a rewarding career for those interested in being involved in the cutting edge of technological advancement, and is also a great step to establish work experience for those who might also be seeking a master electrician’s certification.