Journeyman Electrician 101: What it is, What they do, and how much they make

Electricians aren’t going out of style anytime soon. In fact, jobs in this field are expected to grow 11% by 2033 - way faster than most careers. So yeah, the future’s looking pretty bright (and fully wired).

We see.. you like playing with wires but don’t want to spend four years drowning into college debt? Congratulations! You are destined for the electrifying world of being a journeyman electrician. With the construction industry crying out loud for skilled workers, now is the perfect time to jump right in. Even better, there’s no need for a fancy four-year degree, your hands on-training, hard work and strong ability to not get zapped is more than enough.

But let’s open the reality box?

Before you start pulling wires and impressing your friends about it with newfound knowledge of circuit breaks, we think you have tons of questions.

Let us read your mind… Your questions must revolve around- What is a journeyman? Or what is a journeyman electrician. You can also be wondering, how much does a journeyman electrician make?

Well, grab your tool belt and strap in tight- we are about to break it all down, from training to paychecks. Gear up!

Let’s start with the big question: what is a journeyman? The term might sound something straight out of the medieval guild, but don’t worry, you will not need a sword here - just some insulated pliers.

A journeyman electrician is someone who has successfully completed an apprenticeship and is now highly qualified to work independently. Think of it as like graduating from wizard school-you’re not quite the grandmaster, but have got some serious skills under your belt.

In the world of sparks and volts, what is a journeyman electrician exactly? It is the second tier in the electrician hierarchy, right between fresh-paced apprentice and all-knowing master electrician.

It is levelling up from “rookie who fetches tools” to “professional who actually does the work.” You’ll still take some guidance from a master electrician on major projects, but day-to-day you will become in charge of your own electrical destiny.

If your next question is, what does a journeyman do, well, a lot. From installing wiring and electrical systems to making sure buildings don’t turn into a disaster movie. Journeymen keep the lights on- literally. They also hold the state license, meaning they are officially recognized as someone who knows how to do the job without setting everything on fire.

You’ve made it past the “holding flashlight for you boss” phase- now what? What does a journeyman do on a typical day? Besides looking cool in a tool belt, they handle everything from wiring new buildings to troubleshooting mysterious power outages that have homeowners convinced their house is haunted.

A journeyman electrician can be found reading blueprints, installing and repairing electrical systems and making sure everything is up to code. And let’s be honest, codes are important- because nobody wants to live in a home that has bad wiring from a fireworks show.

One of the best things about this job? Variety.

One day you will be roughing through new wiring at a construction site. Next, you will be upgrading an old electrical panel in someone’s decade old home. Some journeymen specialize in residential work, others take industrial routes and some also take commercial projects- meaning everything from office buildings to factories is the fair game.

And let’s not forget the teaching moments. As an experienced person, a journeyman electrician often gets to mentor fellows- showing them how the task is done and making them question all their life choices!

So, if you’re wondering what does a journeyman do, the answer is simple: pretty much everything under the sun and moon.

Alright, let’s talk bucks and answer the most intriguing question- how much does a journeyman electrician make? Because, while passion is great, you still have to pay the rent.

The good news?

Becoming a journeyman electrician means you’re stepping into a career that actually cares for your paychecks- and without a mountain of student loan debt haunting your every move.

US Bureau of Labor Statistics says that median annual wage for electricians was about $60000 as of 2023. That goes to around $28-30 per hour on an average.

There is more to this story!

Your paycheck depends completely on the following factors:

• Experience level- Freshly made journeymen out of the apprenticeship makes $40-$50k a year in many areas. Need more numbers? Gain some experience and take roughly around $70k annually.

• Location- Your location is a big gamer in this. High-cost urban areas are your gold mine and don’t forget about the regions having lots of construction properties. Your wage goals can be met there.

• Industry- Your work drops an impact on many. Journeymen in heavy industries like power generation, industrial maintenance and government projects earn top dollar. Niche like hazardous location wiring, renewable energy system brings out premium paycheck.

• Overtime- You as an electrician have an open calendar. You can work 24 hours, if you don't have a life apart from this. Union jobs and contracting companies can often knock your door for higher rates and regular raises. Journeymen also get the benefits like a normal residing person which counts to health insurance, retirement plans and paid time off.

Electricity isn’t going anywhere (unless there’s a blackout). But before you get too excited for this undying opportunity of a lifetime about wiring the world, let’s break down exactly what it takes to go from clueless apprentice to fully licensed journeyman electrician. And yes, hurdles will be there, so buckle up tight.

Before you think about sparking up a career as a journeyman electrician, you need to finish your high school and get your GED. Why? Because electricity is all about maths, and physics. Knowing your way through algebra and basic science saves you from turning yourself into a human lightning rod.

Now, you might think, “What is a journeyman electrician, and why does it sound like something out of a medieval guild?” A journeyman electrician is an electrician who completed his training and work without any supervision. Think of it as levelling up from an apprentice to someone who actually knows what they’re doing.

Trade school isn’t something mandatory, but it is a great way to get a head start. These programs teach electrical basics, safety rules and how not to burn down a building. It’s like an educational cheat code for aspiring electricians. But if you are feeling adventurous, you can skip this step and go straight for apprenticeship. Just be prepared for the learning curve.

This is where you work in the field. A journeyman electrician doesn’t just wake up one day and start wiring- it takes about 4-5 years of apprenticeship to get there. You’ll work under experienced electricians, get your hands dirty and complete thousands of hours of on-the-job training. Think of it as a boot camp.

A big part of this involves learning “What does a journeyman do?” The short answer: Everything. From installing circuits to troubleshooting power failures, a journeyman electrician is your wingman.

After years of being an apprentice, you’ll get your shot at the journeyman electrical exam. This test covers everything from electrical theory to safety regulation to the National Electrical Code. Studying is non-negotiable here, fail this test, you’ll be stuck fetching coffee for seniors.

Once you pass the exam, congratulations! You’re officially a journeyman electrician. You can work unsupervised, take on bigger projects and most importantly, make more money. But before you start the celebration, don’t forget to apply for a state license.

How much does a Journeyman electrician make?

Now comes the juicy part: “How much does a journeyman electrician make?” The short answer to this is:
A solid amount. The median salary for electricians, including journeymen, is $60000 per year. But that number can go up depending upon experience, location and industry.

Just starting out?

Expect a number around $40k-$50k annually. With experience, that can also jump to $70k or more. If you’re working in high-demand areas like New York or California, you can even earn more. And let’s not forget about overtime - some journeymen making a killing by putting in extra hours.

Becoming a journeyman electrician isn't just about earning a good paycheck though, let’s be honest, the money doesn’t hurt in this job. It’s a smart, future-focused decision that takes you into a field with serious long-term benefits. Here’s a better look at why this career path is buzzing with opportunity:

Electricity isn’t going out of style and neither do the electricians. As per the US Bureau of Labor Statistics, employment of electricians is expected to grow by 11% between 2023 and 2033. That means solid job opportunity, steady stream of opportunities and zero chance of getting replaced. As long as people flip switches and power buildings, skilled electricians will be in demand.

Being a journeyman isn’t the end of the wire, it’s the beginning. With experience, you can level up to Master Electrician (think of it as going full Jedi), lead teams, or even launch your own business - complete with a clever name from a security business name generator, of course. You could even specialize: solar panels, smart homes, or industrial automation. If it plugs in, you can profit from it.

Let’s talk dollars and (non-sparking) sense. You get paid well often with juicy union or employer-provided benefits. Health insurance? Retirement plans? Paid time off? Check, check, and check. All while skipping that four-year university “broke but woke” phase. Being a journeyman means earning while you learn and still affording lunch that isn’t just instant noodles.

One day you're wiring a swanky smart home; the next, you're untangling a mystery circuit in a factory that looks like it belongs in a Marvel movie. This job brings all the variety , no cubicles, no copy-paste tasks. Plus, you’ll finally work independently. That means no one breathing down your neck while you wield live wires. Just you, your tools, and the quiet hum of responsibility.

Tech is changing faster than a teenager’s phone screen. Smart homes, EV charging stations, green energy , it’s a digital jungle out there. But that’s good news! Every project adds new tools to your toolkit. If you love learning-by-doing, this job’s your jam.

(Bonus: All that knowledge looks great when you’re ready to start your own security system business or branch out with niche skills.)

Becoming a journeyman electrician isn’t just a job, it is a full-on power move. Literally. You’ll be the one keeping homes, entire cities and business away from the plunges of darkness. No pressure, right? Whether you’re rewiring your historic building, installing high-tech lighting or figuring out why someone’s genius DIY project resulted in a blackout, then you are the hero who keeps the current flowing.

Besides saving people from their own questionable electrical decisions, they install, repair and maintain electrical systems in homes, offices and factories. You’ll read the blueprints like a detective, troubleshoot problems like a pro and ensure nobody gets fired in the process. And the best part is? Unlike apprentices, journeymen actually get the work done independently: because let’s face it, you have earned the right to call the shots.

So, if you’re ready to spark a new career and conduct your way to success, the journeyman path is waiting. Flip the switch on your future, light up the bank account and enjoy a career that’s truly electrifying!