Ever wondered how much you’ll actually take home as an apprentice electrician? Here’s the honest answer: it’s usually more than many expect, but don’t count on a windfall right away. Across the US, apprentice electricians typically earn between $16 and $22 an hour in 2025. That can work out to roughly $35,000 to $47,000 a year if you’re working full-time. It’s not superstar money yet, but remember—you’re getting paid while learning a trade most folks have to pay to study.

Your exact paycheck depends on your state and the company you work for. Some places—like California, Massachusetts, and Washington—start you higher, sometimes at $22 or even $24 an hour, because the cost of living is steeper. Down South or in rural areas, expect closer to $16 an hour. Overtime can be a lifesaver, especially since construction and maintenance shifts don’t always stop at forty hours.

• Typical Pay for Apprentice Electricians
• What Affects Your Wages?
• Getting Paid While Training
• Tips to Boost Your Earnings Early

Typical Pay for Apprentice Electricians

When folks ask about apprentice electrician pay, they want numbers, not fluff. So here’s the real deal. Most apprentices across the US pocket between $16 and $22 per hour right now. That’s not bad for starting out in the trades, and remember, you’re getting both paid work and hands-on learning in the process.

Let’s break it down by region and industry. Big metro areas usually pay more. For example, in New York City and San Francisco, some apprentices can hit $24 an hour from day one. On the flip side, places like Oklahoma or Kentucky often start closer to $15 or $16. The national average sits around $19 an hour for a first-year apprentice. If you’re putting in 40 hours a week, that adds up quick—especially when most programs last three to five years and your pay usually goes up each year.

Don’t forget overtime: Many apprentices put in long days when big jobs need finishing. Since overtime in construction typically pays 1.5 times your base wage, grabbing some extra hours can really bump up your step-up paychecks—sometimes pushing total annual wages well past the simple hourly calculation.

One more thing: union apprenticeships often start higher than non-union ones. Some union jobs guarantee regular pay increases each year, so check if a local union program is hiring. If your goal is steady raises and regular reviews, unions tend to spell out exactly when and how your apprentice electrician pay will climb.

What Affects Your Wages?

Your hourly pay as an apprentice electrician is not set in stone. There are a bunch of things that can push your pay higher, or leave you at the lower end. First up, location is a big one. Different states and even different cities pay apprentices very differently. Here’s a quick look at average hourly pay in some key states, just to give you a clear picture:

Union membership is another key factor. Union jobs often pay more—and offer better benefits—because they work off a set pay scale. Non-union shops might pay less at first, but sometimes offer faster raises if you prove yourself.

The next thing is your experience. In most places, you start as a first-year apprentice and work your way up through four or five levels. Each step usually comes with a raise, so if you’re learning quick and passing your tests, your paycheck rises faster.

• Apprentice electrician pay often increases each year you stay enrolled in your program.
• Certifications can give you a bump, too. If you pick up your OSHA 10, First Aid, or more specific local licenses, companies sometimes pay more since you’re less risky on the job.
• Type of employer matters—a big commercial contractor usually pays better than a small residential outfit.
• And finally, overtime. If you’re willing to work nights or weekends, those hours pay time-and-a-half and can add up fast.

The bottom line? Your wage depends on where you live, who you work for, and how fast you move up. Focus on learning quickly, picking up certifications, and don’t be afraid to ask about raises as you progress. It’s your trade—make it pay off for you.

Getting Paid While Training

One of the coolest parts about being an apprentice electrician? You actually get a paycheck while you learn—and not just minimum wage either. Apprenticeships are set up to mix classroom hours with real job experience, so you’re on worksites making money right from the start.

The apprentice electrician pay structure usually follows a simple rule: you earn a set percentage of what a fully licensed journeyman makes. Most programs start you out at about 40% to 50% of the local journeyman rate and then bump you up every year as you rack up experience and classroom time.

Here’s a rough idea of how the percentages go during a typical four-year apprenticeship:

You’re not just learning in a classroom. Most apprentices need to put in at least 144 hours of classroom work and 2,000 hours on the job each year. The big win? All those job hours are paid. And once you pass each year, your wage gets a raise—no need to ask or beg for it.

Employers often provide overtime, health benefits, and sometimes even cover the cost of your training classes. A lot of union programs—think IBEW—guarantee steady raises and benefits, while some smaller shops offer more flexible schedules but pay a bit less. If steady money and benefits are your priority, check out union gigs. If you want to jump into work immediately, smaller contractors hire year-round.

Bottom line: you’re earning as you learn, and that’s rare compared to most other trades. The skills you pick up on the job are exactly what you’ll need to become a journeyman, and you won’t be swimming in student debt at the end.

Tips to Boost Your Earnings Early

Ready to see bigger paychecks while you’re still learning? There are some smart moves you can make as an apprentice to bump up your income faster. It’s not just about showing up—how you approach your training and job can make a real difference.

• Get Your Certifications Fast: Don’t wait on your school or boss to push you. Picking up certifications in basic safety (like OSHA-10), lockout/tagout, or first aid can make you more useful on the job. Some companies pay a few bucks more per hour for certified apprentices—they need people who can work safely and tackle more tasks.
• Say Yes to Overtime: Overtime pay really adds up. Federal law mandates time-and-a-half for anything over 40 hours a week. Even just a few extra hours can boost your paycheck by $100 or more a week.
• Be Reliable and Proactive: Word gets around fast among crews. The apprentices who show up every day, ask questions, and don’t slack off often get offered better assignments and occasional bonuses. Don’t vanish before lunch and you’ll stand out.
• Switch Up Companies or Projects: Not all apprenticeships pay the same. Union gigs (like IBEW locals) almost always beat non-union in terms of hourly wage and benefits. Also, big construction projects sometimes offer higher rates because of tight deadlines.
• Travel for High-Paying Work: If you’re up for it, look at “travel gigs.” Some areas are desperate for apprentices and offer higher wages just to fill spots. Plus, per-diem money for food and lodging means more cash in your pocket.

To give you an idea of how these choices can impact your paycheck, here’s what you might see in the US:

The bottom line? Nobody’s stuck at the bottom of the pay scale if they hustle a bit. The right moves can turn those early years into some surprisingly solid income, long before you’re called a journeyman.