Skilled Trades
Electrician
Install, maintain, and repair electrical systems. Apprenticeship pays you to learn, and master electricians can run their own businesses earning $150k+.
no-degree-requiredhigh-demandpaid-traininghands-on
65
ROI · Strong
Investment vs return
Cost · time · demand normalized 0–100
Salary progression
What you'll earn over your career
$48k
$72k
$115k
Entry
Mid-career
Senior
10-yr outlook
+11%
+11% (Much faster than avg)
Open positions
84,000
Estimated nationwide
Entry paths
How to get here
Multiple paths lead to this career. Compare time, cost, online vs in-person delivery, and program links.
Fastest ROI
Apprenticeship In Person
Journeyman Electrician License
Time
4–5 years (paid)
Cost
Paid / Free
Top programs
Paid $35–55k while learning. Best ROI path.
Trade School In Person
Electrical Technology Diploma
Time
9–18 months
Cost
$5,000 – $20,000
Faster start; still need apprentice hours for license.
Affiliate disclosure: Some of the program links above may be affiliate partnerships. If you enroll, we may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. We only link to programs we have actually reviewed against our methodology. See our methodology for how we evaluate schools.
Quick math
If you took the fastest path…
You'd train for
4–5 years (paid)
You'd spend (avg)
Paid / Free
Starting salary
$48,000
Mid-career
$72,000
Read more
Articles & resources
Sources: BLS OOH 2024 · IBEW