Industrial Electrician
Trades/Construction · $63,190 median · ~4–5 years training · Structurally ineligible for Workforce Pell
How we know this
The wage and outlook figures are verified against the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (OEWS/OOH 2025), last reviewed August 20, 2026. We show our sources so you can check every number yourself.
Wages
Earnings by career stage
range · estimatedResearched estimates by experience level, setting, and region — see the full breakdown below. The BLS median is the one figure verified directly against bls.gov.
Pay by stage & setting
- Entry electrician helpers $32-40K
- IBEW apprentices paid scaled progression during 4-5 year program ($18-22/hr year 1 to $32-42/hr year 4)
- Journey electricians at IBEW Locals $70-95K with pension and benefits
- Industrial control specialists and PLC/automation programmers $85-115K+
- Senior industrial electrician at petrochemical/semiconductor sites $95-130K with significant overtime
- Foreman $90-120K
- Contractor-owner highly variable but $120-300K+ for established commercial operations. IBEW union markets pay materially more than non-union (typically 25-40% wage premium plus benefits). Industrial work (manufacturing, refineries, data centers) pays more than residential. Geographic premium in HI, NY, CA, MA, IL markets.
Workforce Pell eligibility
Not eligible for Workforce Pell
Training
Ways in
Paid, on-the-job training combined with classroom hours — you get a wage from day one instead of paying tuition.
Common sponsors: IBEW, ABC, IEC
An associate degree or certificate — usually the fastest accredited credential, far cheaper than a four-year school, and often Workforce Pell–eligible.
Credentials you'll earnwith typical prep time
Journeyman Electrician License
State licensure board (varies by state)
OSHA 10 (Construction)
OSHA-authorized trainer
Cost vs. payoff
- Training cost
- Free–$15,000
- Training pays for itself in
- about 3 months
The low end is the cheapest route in — a paid apprenticeship, community college, or employer-paid program (sometimes free); the high end is a private or for-profit school. The range is about which route you take, not extra certifications.
Getting started — your first moves
- 1
Find an apprenticeship
Apply to a registered apprenticeship — you earn a paycheck from day one while you train, instead of paying tuition.
- 2
Earn your first credential
Study for and pass the Journeyman Electrician License.
- 3
Get hired and grow
Land an entry role and start building experience — pay climbs as you move up the career ladder above.
See it where you live
The figures above are national. Pay and programs vary a lot by state — pick yours and we'll send you straight to the official local data, no guessing.
Career ladder
Apprentice Electrician
Entry$45,000Entry; 4-5 year structured program at IBEW Locals; non-union pathway via direct employer also viable
Training: IBEW Local apprenticeship application (NJATC entrance exam + interview) OR pre-apprenticeship via NCCER Core
Journey Electrician
Year 5$72,000Full journey status; IBEW Local wage scale typically $32-42/hr + pension + healthcare benefits
Training: IBEW apprenticeship completion + journey exam + state license
Industrial Control Specialist / Foreman
Year 10$95,000Industrial control specialty (PLC programming, BMS/SCADA) OR foreman supervisory track; both lead to senior positions
Training: PLC/automation specialty (Allen-Bradley, Siemens) OR leadership development + advanced electrical depth
Master Electrician / Contractor Owner
Year 15$150,000Ceiling tier; significant wealth-building via established commercial contractor operations
Training: Master electrician license + business operations + state contractor license
In your state
State licensure
Data limitations
- • Individual Local application windows not directly verified
- • BLS OEWS May 2025 data not yet integrated into this record
- • Per-state licensure board URLs not populated
Common questions
How much does a Industrial Electrician make?
The median wage is $63,190 per year (BLS OEWS 2025). Most earn between $42,640 and $108,510. Actual pay varies by region, employer, and experience.
How long does it take to become a Industrial Electrician?
Typical training runs about 4 years. This is a non-degree path — no four-year college degree is required. Many people earn a paid wage during an apprenticeship instead of paying tuition.
Do you need a college degree to become a Industrial Electrician?
No. Industrial Electrician is a non-degree career path — you qualify through training, certification, and/or on-the-job experience rather than a four-year degree.
Is Industrial Electrician eligible for Workforce Pell funding?
Not structurally — the typical program runs longer than the federal Workforce Pell hour cap, so it generally won't qualify for Workforce Pell. Other financial aid may still apply.
Do you need a license to work as a Industrial Electrician?
Yes — all 50 states plus DC require a license to work independently. Requirements vary by state, so check your state board.
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