Paid Electrician Training: How to Earn While You Build a Skilled Career
With ongoing growth in construction, renewable energy infrastructure, and commercial development, employers are need trained electricians and offering paid electrician apprenticeship training that lets you earn while you learn.Below are some real examples of paid electrician training opportunities, what you can earn, what’s expected of you, and how you can apply.
🔌 1. IEC Electrical Apprenticeship Program (Nationwide)
One of the most recognized paid training options in the U.S. is offered through the Independent Electrical Contractors (IEC). This Department of Labor‑approved apprenticeship combines classroom instruction with paid work under experienced electricians.
What you get：
Earn while you learn: You work with an IEC contractor and are paid from day one.
No student loans required: Your education costs are usually subsidized by your employer or the state government..
Classroom + hands‑on: Evening or weekend classes cover electrical theory, National Electrical Code practices, safety, and more.
Typical pay: Apprentice electricians generally start around $16hour, with wages increasing over time as skills grow.
Electrician Licensing: Obtain an electrician's license by passing an exam.
How to apply: Fill out an interest form on the IEC website or contact your local IEC chapter to be connected with training and placement opportunities.
2. 🔌 Legacy Electric LLC Paid Electrical Apprentice ---Department of Labor Certification
For anyone looking to jumpstart a career as an electrician in the U.S., the Legacy Electric LLC Electrical Apprentice Program in Soldotna, Alaska offers a solid pathway to earn while you learn. This program blends on-the-job experience with structured training over a four-year apprenticeship, providing hands-on skills, competitive pay, and exposure to both commercial and industrial electrical work.
Program Overview
Compensation : $25–$35 per hour, with potential for Davis Bacon pay on qualifying projects
Apprentices work under the guidance of licensed Journeyman Electricians, assisting with installation, alteration, and repair of electrical systems. With a combination of fieldwork and online training, apprentices gain the experience needed to progress toward journeyman certification while earning a competitive wage.
How to Apply ：
Applicants should submit basic information, confirm their ability to travel to remote sites, and demonstrate motivation to complete both field and online training. The program emphasizes practical readiness and a strong work ethic, rather than prior professional experience, making it accessible to motivated beginners.
Is Now a Good Time to Become an Electrician?
A 2024 study by the International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC) Workforce Development Institute predicts that the employment prospects for electricians will grow by 6% over the next decade, twice the average growth rate for all occupations. The latest data released by the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) in early 2025 shows that between 2023 and 2033, electrician employment will grow by 11%, while the average growth rate for all occupations is 4%. The BLS also notes that an average of approximately 80,200 new electrician job openings are expected each year over the next decade. Most of these vacancies will be filled by career changers or retirees.
Typical Pay & Career Context
Across these paid training pathways:
First‑year apprentices generally earn around $18–$24/hour, rising as skills improve.
Journeyman electricians traditionally earn averages well above the national median wage, often $50,000–$70,000+ per year as they complete training and become licensed.
Pay increases are standard as apprentices advance through defined levels and gain more responsibility and certifications.
Common Questions About Paid Electrician Apprenticeships
Q1: Do I need prior electrical experience to apply?
A: Not necessarily. Many paid apprenticeship programs, like IEC or company-sponsored programs, accept beginners.
Q2: How much can I expect to earn during training?
A: Apprentice electricians typically earn $18–$24/hour on average, depending on location and employer. Wages usually increase annually as your skill level grows.
Q3: What certifications or licenses will I get?
A: During the apprenticeship, you gain the training and hours required for journeyman electrician licensing, which is state-specific. Completion allows you to take the state electrician exam.
IEC Electrical Apprenticeship Program!