Should You Hire a Master Electrician Over a Journeyman?

Allen Spearman
3 min readJan 9, 2023

Whether it is better to become a master electrician or a journeyman is one of the most frequently asked questions. Before making a choice, there is a lot of information to weigh. Knowing the salary, duties, and qualifications needed to become an electrician are crucial.

You might not know this, but becoming a journeyman electrician does not require a formal education. However, you should enlist in an electrician training program if you’re interested in pursuing a career.

Each jurisdiction has its own set of requirements for becoming a journeyman. Several levels of licensing are available in some states, including a journeyman license for specialty installations. You will need to complete a more in-depth training program to work as a master electrician.

The average apprenticeship lasts for four years. However, by enrolling in a pre-apprenticeship program, you can cut down on the time you spend working. Additionally, an apprentice school may award you a certificate of completion.

An average master electrician can make $75,709 a year. They can start their own business or work as independent contractors. Consider becoming a master electrician if you are good at managing people and solving challenging electrical issues.

The hourly pay for a master electrician can be in the $25–$30 range. This average will vary depending on your employer, education, and experience. The pay for a master electrician will probably rise over time, though.

The fact that the sector is seeing double-digit job growth is one of the causes. The automation of the production and manufacturing industries is another factor. Master electricians need to be knowledgeable about the most recent technological developments and possess industry expertise to keep up with this trend.

Consider taking a class if you are interested in working as a master electrician. Types provide numerous learning opportunities. They frequently offer an affordable and practical way to learn about electrical systems. To gauge your knowledge, there are a lot of surveys and benchmarks available.

State differences exist in master electrician pay. For instance, New York is anticipated to pay the highest master electrician salary in the country.

A master electrician is a skilled electrical professional who has received training, as opposed to a journeyman electrician. They organize the setup and maintenance of electrical systems in both commercial and residential settings. They are in order of wiring, troubleshooting, and making sure the systems are safe.

Master Electricians should be able to read schematic diagrams, comprehend health and safety regulations, and be knowledgeable about various electrical equipment types. They should also have knowledge of substantial commercial electrical projects.

A lot of leadership and problem-solving abilities are needed for this position. The crew must always be prepared to work, according to the master electrician. Additionally, they should be knowledgeable of the company’s policies.

Master electricians should be in good physical shape as well. They should also be proficient communicators. These abilities will contribute to the timely and safe completion of the work.

You must have at least five years of experience to begin a career in this field. Depending on the project, a building permit might be required. A basic understanding of computers is also needed.

Before they can apply for a license in the state, master electricians must pass a business and legal exam. There are multiple-choice questions on both federal and state laws on the exam. The Examining Board of Electricians, a group of five board members, is in charge of conducting these exams. Those who meet the requirements can work in the electrical trade unsupervised.

Many states offer the ability to obtain a master electrician license. If you have a right in the first state you visit, you can also relocate to a new form. Reciprocity pacts with other states are also in place. You need a high school diploma or GED to be eligible for a master electrician license. You should have an associate’s degree to work for some companies.

You can start a business or work for yourself once you have your license. However, you must register with your local jurisdiction if you want to offer electrical services to a public utility.

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Allen Spearman

Allen Spearman is a company entrepreneur from Philadelphia with a long background in several contracting positions around the city and state.