What does it take to become an electrician?

[BoomerD]

Here in northern Kahleeforneeya, (each local is different) journeyman wages run in the mid-$40's/hr..Figuring a 1500 hour work year, (you rarely work 12 months/year) that's in the $60K range, but of course, overtime can add to that considerably.
As a crane operator, I made in the mid-$30's/hr, and earned between $80K and $90K almost every year for the past 10 years...(LOTS of overtime...)
Then, on top of those wages are the benefit plans...Among the best in the west...FULL medical, full dental, & optical, etc. for you and your family..(at no cost to you) Ususlly a minimal co-pay,( 10% or less) but generally no deductible other than that. When you factor in those benefits, you can just about add another 50% to your wage when comparing to a "regular job...

Check with your local community college. Many have electrician programs, designed to get you into entry-level programs in the trade that will "enhance your employability" into an apprenticeship. Utah, being "right-to-work-for-less" tends to have lower union wages than "Regular states", and with the winters there, you may work fewer hours than other places.

 

[NoShangriLa]

Originally posted by: JEDI

Originally posted by: NoShangriLa

Originally posted by: TwinkleToes77

Originally posted by: TheSiege
so is there no degree? you just get an apprenticeship? damn im 24 i wonder if i am too old? how well does a apprenticeship pay, if at all?

My sisters bf just became a journeyman.. he makes really good money, always has, even as an apprentice.. But to give you an idea, he makes over $70k now.. this is in PA

70-75K is standard in most trades that include overtime, however regular time should be somewhere around 55-65K. It is never is too late to change career and I urge the OP to call around to find out what his interest is in and what opportunities that the chosen career leads to. Apprenticeable Occupations

I was a Network Security/Database Admin with schooling in Industrial Design & Computer Science (9 years of postsecondary education). And, I'm now in my late 30s & is in my second year of Plumbing Apprenticeship. My focus is in Mechanical Plumbing (geo thermal, heat pump, AC), and can't wait to get my general plumbing & refrigeration ticket to start my own company.

why not just a hvac license from the state?

And HVAC license is quite limited because it will only let me work with AC & smaller air to air heat pumps. It also only let me work in my province (BC) instead of Red Seal Plumbing & Refrigeration tickets that allows me to work any where in North America & Australia. And, it will take me 10-11 years to get both tickets which will give me enough experience to break out on my own.

 

[TheSiege]

im not worried about pay, anything more then 30k a year is all i need, i was smart and saved an invested since i was 15, i just want to do something i can be proud of. and since i have been doing alot of electrical work on my house it would be nice to be able to be certified and such

 

[NoShangriLa]

Originally posted by: shuttleboi
Does have an EE degree help or hinder becoming an electrician?

Conversely, does being an electrician help or hinder becoming an electrical engineer?

I'm not familiar with EE engineer that go for an electrician ticket, however an EE engineer are allows to teach & write electrical tickets. (I have heard of EE engineers complains of how they make less money than trades people, because they are salary earner & don't get pay overtime)

Here in BC Power Electrician can be promoted to the level of Professional Engineer after 5 years of journeymen achievement. However it require 6-9 months of schooling (full wage is pay while attending school) after the initial 5 years requirement.

 

[Fiat1]

I conduit.
Houston Tx.
A=$9-$11 to start
JM= $17-25
Job runner $35+