The Roadmap

1. 1
   Stage 10–5 years

   Apprentice

   Earning while learning

   $40k–$58k

   A registered multi-year program combining on-the-job training with classroom instruction. You earn a wage the entire time with pay increasing as you log hours. This is the official regulated entry into the electrical trade.

   Day to day

   Bend conduit pull wire terminate devices and attend classroom instruction toward your journeyman license

   Key milestone

   Complete required OJT hours and classroom hours then pass your state journeyman exam

2. 2
   Stage 25–10 yearsMost common goal

   Journeyman Electrician

   Licensed and working independently

   $58k–$90k

   The core working license. Journeymen install troubleshoot and pull permits without direct supervision. This is where pay jumps significantly and career options open up. Many electricians spend their entire career at this level and earn very well.

   Day to day

   Install and service electrical systems independently to NEC code pull permits coordinate inspections and optionally lead crews

   Key milestone

   Pass the state Journeyman Electrician licensing exam

3. 3
   Stage 310+ years

   Master Electrician

   Highest regulated license

   $85k–$170k

   The top license level. Master electricians design electrical systems supervise journeymen sign off on all permits and can hold an electrical contractor license to run their own business. Requires additional hours as a journeyman and a separate state exam.

   Day to day

   Design systems stamp permit-ready plans supervise journeymen and optionally operate your own electrical contracting business

   Key milestone

   Pass the Master Electrician exam after accumulating required journeyman hours in your state

These are the three state-regulated license levels. Foreman and Senior are job titles assigned by employers — not regulated license tiers.