Journeyman Electrician Salary Guide & Career Path

A fully licensed professional who can work independently on electrical systems, perform installations, and troubleshoot complex issues.

Commercial Wiring
High Voltage
Blueprint Reading
OSHA Certified
NEC Compliance
Troubleshooting

Find Salary Data for Your City or State

Career Overview

What You Will Do: As a Journeyman Electrician, you are responsible for installing, maintaining, and repairing complex electrical wiring, equipment, and fixtures. You ensure that all work adheres strictly to the National Electrical Code (NEC) and local building regulations.
Work Environment: The work environment is highly dynamic, ranging from indoor commercial builds to outdoor construction sites. The role is physically demanding, requiring standing, kneeling, and navigating tight spaces, often with strict safety protocols.
Industry Demand: Demand for licensed electricians is exceptionally strong. Driven by green energy initiatives (like EV charging networks), aging infrastructure, and a widespread labor shortage in the trades, electricians enjoy excellent job security and wage growth.
How to Break In: Breaking into the trade typically starts with a high school diploma followed by an apprenticeship program. These programs last 4-5 years and combine paid on-the-job training with classroom instruction on electrical theory and building codes.

Career Progression

1

Entry Level (Apprentice)

Started as an Apprentice Electrician, completing 4-5 years of hands-on training mixed with classroom instruction to master the National Electrical Code (NEC).

2

Mid-Level (Journeyman)

Journeyman status is achieved after passing state licensing exams. At this stage, you independently run jobs, troubleshoot complex circuits, and mentor apprentices.

3

Senior / Master

Advancement leads to Master Electrician, Foreman, or Project Manager roles, taking on large-scale site management or opening an independent contracting business.

Growth Paths: Master Electrician, Electrical Inspector, Project Manager, Independent Electrical Contractor
Capability Map: Your development map moves from basic tool mastery and safety protocols (Entry), to independent circuit troubleshooting and code compliance (Mid), to complex project management, team leadership, and system design (Senior).
Stage Planning: Focus on absorbing hands-on knowledge during your first 4 years. Once licensed as a Journeyman, aim to specialize in a high-demand niche (like solar, PLCs, or industrial controls) while preparing for your Master’s exam within the next 3-5 years.

Resume Focus

Top Hard Skills

  • • NEC Code Compliance
  • • Circuit Troubleshooting
  • • Commercial & Residential Wiring
  • • Blueprint & Schematic Reading

Essential Soft Skills

  • • Problem Solving
  • • Safety Management
  • • Client Communication
  • • Time Management

Key Certifications

  • • State Journeyman License
  • • OSHA 30
  • • First Aid / CPR

Action Verbs to Use

Installed
Diagnosed
Maintained
Upgraded
Supervised
Repaired

Core Competencies by Stage

  • 0-1 Years: Highlight safety certifications (OSHA 10), willingness to learn, basic tool proficiency, and physical stamina.
  • 1-3 Years: Emphasize your hours logged in apprenticeship, familiarity with reading blueprints, and specific types of installations you have assisted with.
  • 3-5 Years: Focus on your newly acquired Journeyman license, ability to work independently without supervision, strict code compliance knowledge, and troubleshooting complex circuits.
  • 5-10 Years: Showcase leadership (supervising apprentices), complex project management, specialization (e.g., high voltage, industrial controls), and budget/timeline efficiency.

How HR Screens Resumes

Recruiters and hiring managers first scan for your active State Journeyman License. Next, they look for specific project types (commercial vs. residential vs. industrial) to ensure your experience matches their current contract needs.

How to Stand Out

To stand out, list specific large-scale projects you have completed on time and under budget. Highlight any specialized certifications (like EV charging station installation or fire alarm systems) and explicitly state your flawless adherence to OSHA safety standards.

Browse Salaries by State

alabamaMedian: $55,690alaskaMedian: $89,440arizonaMedian: $61,060arkansasMedian: $49,070californiaMedian: $76,160coloradoMedian: $62,230connecticutMedian: $77,540delawareMedian: $63,700floridaMedian: $57,250georgiaMedian: $58,320hawaiiMedian: $96,460idahoMedian: $63,000illinoisMedian: $99,560indianaMedian: $68,490iowaMedian: $60,860kansasMedian: $65,860kentuckyMedian: $59,720louisianaMedian: $61,540maineMedian: $75,380marylandMedian: $73,490massachusettsMedian: $79,420michiganMedian: $76,270minnesotaMedian: $78,160mississippiMedian: $60,860missouriMedian: $65,410montanaMedian: $76,760nebraskaMedian: $60,820new hampshireMedian: $62,840new jerseyMedian: $77,250new mexicoMedian: $58,390new yorkMedian: $78,750north carolinaMedian: $56,800north dakotaMedian: $65,710ohioMedian: $64,700oklahomaMedian: $61,010oregonMedian: $101,310pennsylvaniaMedian: $67,600rhode islandMedian: $74,090south carolinaMedian: $58,740south dakotaMedian: $61,390tennesseeMedian: $61,090texasMedian: $58,570utahMedian: $62,000vermontMedian: $63,430virginiaMedian: $62,900washingtonMedian: $95,220west virginiaMedian: $64,810wisconsinMedian: $76,540wyomingMedian: $76,120