According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the median wage for U.S. workers in the first quarter of 2019 was $905 per week ($22.62 per hour), totaling $47,060 per year. An electrician with only five years of experience can easily do more with these simple steps

How to make money as an electrician

Get the right training

Enroll in an apprenticeship programme that meets state and federal standards. An apprenticeship affiliated with the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers is an excellent option. A typical apprenticeship programme lasts four to five years. You will most likely attend only two classes a week and may only have one Saturday a month. This training is essential for you to rise through the electrical ranks. In terms of electrical knowledge, it is the best foundation on which to build and is only the tip of the iceberg. Your apprenticeship is paid for by your employer, while a first-year apprentice can earn anywhere from $15 to $21 per hour while learning the trade. A range of wages is given, as wage rates vary from state to state. In addition, if you decide to become a union electrician

Obtaining a Journeyman's Licence

After graduating from an electrical apprenticeship, you should aim to obtain a journeyman's electrical license. The first source for this exam should be your county or state, but for some states, it can also be found online through the National Testing Agency. Earning this license proves that you are dedicated in the classroom, and on the job and that you take the trade seriously. Employers are always interested in hiring card-carrying skilled electricians. In some municipalities, you cannot work without a license. A license proves that you have received the proper training and that you can earn more than $31 to $34 per hour in just five years, depending on where you live.

Gaining experience

The more experience you have, the wider the range of employment options. Different experiences in business, industry, service work and even residential will make you a better electrician and can quickly open up new opportunities. A wealth of experience can help you pass future electrical licensing exams. As you progress, it's a good idea to set goals to help you advance in the industry. You could be the next "leader" or foreman, then you may want to become a general foreman or supervisor. Field leaders in the electrical industry can earn over $36 to $40 per hour. Some people are looking at getting their electrical contracting license and opening their own electrical contracting business. You can accomplish any of these through hard work, dedication, and continuing your electrical education. Keep going!

The sky's the limit

So you're ten, fifteen, maybe twenty years away. You have a wealth of electrical knowledge and maybe even a few electrical licenses. At this point, you have several career path options. You could go into an office and take a position as a project manager for a bonus of around $75,000 a year, or get a regional director position with a large company for $85,000 a year, run an electrical services department for $90,000 a year, and so on. There are many opportunities in our industry that can be very rewarding for those who choose to continue their studies and become professionals in the electrical industry.

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