What Do Most Apprentice Electricians Make? Pay, Progression, and Real Numbers

Most apprentice electricians in the U.S. make between $15 and $25 an hour, depending on where they are, what stage they’re in, and who’s hiring. That’s not a guess - it’s what the U.S. Department of Labor and trade unions report across hundreds of programs. But hourly pay is just the start. What you really want to know is how much you’ll make over time, when you’ll see raises, and how this compares to finishing the program and becoming a licensed electrician.

How Apprentice Pay Works: It’s Not Flat

Apprentice electrician pay doesn’t stay the same for four years. It goes up in steps - usually every 6 to 12 months - as you complete training hours and pass classroom exams. Most programs follow a percentage-based scale tied to what a journeyman earns. For example, if a journeyman electrician makes $35 an hour, an apprentice might start at 40% of that - around $14 an hour - and climb to 90% by the final year.

Here’s what that looks like in real numbers, based on 2025 data from the National Electrical Contractors Association (NECA) and local union scales:

• Year 1: $15-$18/hour
• Year 2: $18-$21/hour
• Year 3: $21-$24/hour
• Year 4: $24-$28/hour

That’s not just hourly. Many apprentices also get paid for classroom time, which can be 144 hours per year. Some employers even cover books and tools. In union programs, you’ll get a full benefits package - health insurance, retirement contributions, and paid holidays - starting in your first year.

Location Matters More Than You Think

Pay varies wildly by state and city. An apprentice in rural Ohio might make $16/hour. One in San Francisco could make $28/hour. Why? Because the cost of living and demand for skilled labor are different.

Here are a few real examples from 2025:

• California: $22-$28/hour (union-heavy areas like LA and San Diego pay more)
• Texas: $17-$22/hour (higher in Houston and Austin, lower in smaller towns)
• New York: $20-$26/hour (union rates are locked in)
• Florida: $16-$20/hour (seasonal spikes during construction booms)
• Midwest (Ohio, Illinois): $15-$19/hour

Some states, like Oregon and Washington, have state-mandated minimum apprentice wages that are higher than federal guidelines. Others, like Alabama and Mississippi, rely more on employer discretion - so pay can be lower unless you’re with a union or large contractor.

Union vs. Non-Union: Big Difference in Pay and Benefits

If you’re choosing between a union apprenticeship and a non-union one, don’t just look at the hourly rate. Look at the full package.

Union apprenticeships (like those through the IBEW - International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers) typically:

• Start at 40-50% of journeyman wages
• Give annual raises on a fixed schedule
• Include full health insurance from day one
• Offer pension contributions
• Provide paid vacation and holidays

Non-union apprenticeships (often with small contractors or residential firms) might:

• Start at 30-45% of journeyman wages
• Give raises only if the boss decides
• Offer no health insurance or just a partial plan
• Have no retirement plan
• Require you to buy your own tools

In 2025, union apprentices averaged $24.50/hour with benefits. Non-union apprentices averaged $18.25/hour with no benefits. That’s a $6.25/hour gap - which adds up to over $12,000 a year in take-home pay if you work 2,000 hours.

What You Earn After the Apprenticeship

Once you finish your 4-year apprenticeship and pass your licensing exam, you become a journeyman electrician. That’s when your pay jumps.

Most journeymen make $28-$40/hour, depending on location and specialty. In high-demand areas - like New York City, Seattle, or Chicago - experienced journeymen can hit $45/hour. Some specialize in solar, data cabling, or industrial systems and earn even more.

And here’s the kicker: after a few years as a journeyman, you can become a master electrician. That’s when you can pull permits, run your own business, or manage crews. Master electricians in urban markets often make $50-$70/hour - or more if they’re self-employed.

What You’re Really Buying With the Lower Pay

Yes, apprentices make less than journeymen. But you’re not just working - you’re being trained. Every hour on the job counts toward your license. Every class you pass removes a barrier to higher pay. Most apprenticeships require 8,000 hours of on-the-job training and 144 hours of classroom instruction per year.

Compare that to college: a four-year degree costs $100,000 and leaves you with debt. An electrician apprenticeship? Often free. You get paid to learn. By year four, you’re not just earning $25/hour - you’re earning $25/hour with a license that guarantees you work for the rest of your life.

And the demand isn’t going away. The Bureau of Labor Statistics projects 14% growth in electrician jobs from 2024 to 2034 - faster than average. There are already more openings than qualified workers. That means employers are competing for apprentices. More pay. Better benefits. More support.

How to Get the Best Pay as an Apprentice

If you want to maximize your earnings from day one, here’s what works:

1. Apply to union programs - IBEW and NECA have the highest pay and best benefits. Find your local chapter online.
2. Choose high-cost areas - Even if you’re willing to move, cities with strong construction markets pay more.
3. Get certified early - Some states let you take the journeyman exam after 3 years if you’ve met all hours. Don’t wait.
4. Ask about overtime - Many apprentices work 50-60 hours a week during peak seasons. Overtime is 1.5x your hourly rate.
5. Track your hours - Use a logbook. Missing 100 hours can delay your license and your raise.

Common Myths About Apprentice Pay

Let’s clear up a few lies you might hear:

• Myth: "Apprentices just make minimum wage." Truth: Most make above minimum wage - often $3-$7 more.
• Myth: "You have to pay for your own tools." Truth: Union programs often give you tools. Non-union? You’ll need to buy them - but that’s normal.
• Myth: "It’s not worth it unless you go union." Truth: Non-union can still lead to good pay, especially if you work for a large commercial contractor or move to a high-demand area.
• Myth: "You’ll be stuck at this pay forever." Truth: Your pay jumps the day you get your license. No degree needed.

What You Can Expect After 4 Years

By the end of your apprenticeship, you’ll be earning $25-$30/hour - and you’ll have a license that opens doors nationwide. You won’t need a college diploma. You won’t need student loans. You’ll have a skill that’s always in demand, and you’ll be paid well for it.

Some apprentices go on to become supervisors. Others start their own companies. A few even teach the next generation. The path doesn’t end at journeyman - it just gets more rewarding.

If you’re thinking about becoming an electrician, don’t get hung up on the starting pay. Look at the whole journey. The first year is an investment. The fourth year is your payoff. And after that? You’re just getting started.

If you’re serious about this path, start by contacting your local IBEW chapter or a NECA-affiliated contractor. Applications open year-round, but spots fill fast. Don’t wait - the next electrician might be you.