The short answer: 4-5 years to become a journeyman electrician. Below is a complete breakdown of the timeline from start to finish.

The Standard Path

High School: 4 Years

Before you can start an apprenticeship, you need a high school diploma or GED. While in school, focus on:

• Algebra and trigonometry
• Physics
• Shop or technical classes
• Blueprint reading (if offered)

Apprenticeship: 4-5 Years

The core of your electrician training. During this time, you’ll:

• Work full-time under a journeyman or master electrician
• Attend classroom training (144-200 hours per year)
• Log 8,000-10,000 hours of on-the-job experience

Most states require 8,000 hours of supervised experience. At 40 hours per week, 50 weeks per year, that’s exactly 4 years. Some states require more hours or 5-year programs.

Journeyman License: 2-4 Months (Added Time)

After completing your apprenticeship:

1. Gather documentation (hours, transcripts)
2. Apply for the exam
3. Study and pass the journeyman exam
4. Wait for license processing

Total to Journeyman: 4-5 years after high school

Master Electrician: 2-4 Additional Years

Most states require 2-4 years as a journeyman before you can take the master exam:

• 4,000-8,000 additional hours as a journeyman
• Pass the master electrician exam
• Some states require additional education

Total to Master: 6-9 years after high school

State-by-State Variation

Hour requirements vary by state:

State	Hours Required	Years (at 40 hrs/week)
California	8,000	4 years
Texas	8,000	4 years
New York	10,500 (NYC)	5.25 years
Florida	8,000	4 years
Alaska	8,000 + 576 classroom	4+ years
Hawaii	10,000	5 years

Ways to Speed Up the Process

While you can’t skip the experience requirement, some strategies can optimize your timeline:

1. Start During High School

Some areas offer pre-apprenticeship programs for high school students. You may be able to start logging hours at 17-18 while finishing school.

2. Work Overtime

If your employer allows it, working 50-60 hours per week means hitting 8,000 hours faster. At 50 hours/week, you’d finish in about 3.2 years.

3. Trade School Credits

Some states allow trade school or military electrical experience to count toward your hours. This could reduce your apprenticeship by 6-12 months.

4. Choose the Right State

States with lower hour requirements get you licensed faster. However, moving to a higher-requirement state later may require additional hours.

Age Milestones

Typical timeline if you start right after high school:

• Age 18: Start apprenticeship
• Age 22: Become journeyman electrician
• Age 24-26: Eligible for master electrician
• Age 26-28: Open your own electrical business

Starting later works fine. Many electricians began their apprenticeships in their 30s, 40s, or 50s. The 4-5 year timeline is the same regardless of starting age.

Is It Worth the Time?

Consider what you gain during those 4-5 years:

1. Paid training - Apprentices earn $30,000-45,000 in year one. By year four, earnings reach $60,000-75,000.

2. Zero debt - College graduates carry $30,000+ in loans. Electricians finish with savings.

3. Real skills - Every hour logged is hands-on experience employers value.

4. Strong earning potential - Journeymen earn $60,000-90,000. Masters earn $80,000-120,000+. Contractors can hit $150,000-300,000+.

The Bottom Line

Becoming an electrician takes 4-5 years after high school. That is the same time as a bachelor’s degree. The difference: you earn $40,000-70,000 during those years instead of accumulating $30,000+ in student loans.

By the time college graduates start their first job, you have 4 years of income and zero debt. That is a $100,000+ head start.