How Much to Pay First-Year Apprentice Electricians

Apprenticeships are the backbone of electrical workforce development. As specialty contractors, you’ll find this guide as a useful overview in helping you decide what to pay your first-year apprentices. Let's dive into the factors that affect pay rates and what you should consider when bringing new talent on to your team.

Electrical apprenticeships typically last four to five years, combining hands-on experience with classroom instruction. First-year apprentices are just beginning their journey, learning the basics of electrical wiring, safety protocols, and tool usage. Their pay reflects this entry-level status but should also acknowledge their potential and the value they bring to your projects.

Currently, first-year apprentices earn an average hourly wage of $18.43 nationally (50th percentile). Depending on the demand for electricians in your area this rate is sometimes closer to $14 per hour (10th percentile). No matter their starting hourly rate you are likely to increase their pay as they gain experience. This pay reflects about 50% of what a journeyman electrician earns, which can vary a lot depending on where they work and the type of electrical work they are doing.

Factors Influencing First-Year Apprentice Pay

When setting wages for new apprentices, there are a few important things to keep in mind:

Geographic Location: Pay rates are very different in different parts of the country. Living costs are usually higher in cities, so wages need to be higher than in rural areas. That is, an apprentice in their first year might make more in New York City than in a small Midwest town.

Market Demand: Pay rates are affected by how much work there is for electricians in your area right now. If you want to hire good people in places where construction is high or where infrastructure is being improved, you might need to offer higher wages.

Company Size and Specialization: Most of the time, bigger electrical contractors or ones that specialize in certain areas (like industrial or high-voltage work) charge more than smaller companies that focus on residential work. The type of work you do and the size of your company should affect how you set your salaries.

Union vs. Non-Union: Union apprenticeships typically offer higher starting wages and more structured pay progression. If you're a non-union contractor, you'll need to consider how your pay rates compare to the unions in your area.

Typical Pay Ranges for First-Year Apprentices

Apprentice electricians usually make between 40% and 50% of a journeyman's wage in their first year. However, rates can vary a lot. As of 2024, this usually means hourly rates between $14 and $22, depending on the factors we mentioned above.

For example, if journeyman electricians in your area earn $30 per hour, you might start your first-year apprentices at around $13 to $15 per hour. However, in high-demand areas or for specialized work, starting rates could be higher.

Looking Beyond the Base Pay

Compensation isn't just about the hourly rate. Consider the full package you're offering:

Benefits: Health insurance, retirement plans, and paid time off can make your offer more attractive, even if the base pay is slightly lower than competitors.

Overtime Opportunities: Many apprentices value the chance to earn extra through overtime work. Be clear about these opportunities when talking about their compensation.

Education Support: Offering to cover or subsidize the cost of required classroom training can be a nice benefit for apprentices.

What to Consider Legally

Make sure your pay rates comply with federal and state minimum wage laws. Also, some states have specific regulations about how much an apprentice is paid. Learn these state specific rules to avoid legal issues down the line.

Fair Pay Pays off in the Long Run

When deciding on pay for first-year apprentices, think of the long-term investment you're making. These individuals are the future of your company and the industry. When your electricians feel good about their compensation from the start they are more likely to stay with you. Fair compensation leads to greater motivation and productivity. Plus, you’ll gain a positive reputation as a great electrical business to work for, making it easier to attract talent in the future.

Progression and Future Earnings

Make a clear plan for how your apprentices' pay will rise over time. Most of the time, apprentices get paid more every six to twelve months or after working a certain number of hours. This structure makes it clear how to move forward and encourages them to improve their skills.

For context, by their fourth or fifth year, apprentices often earn 80-90% of a journeyman's wage. Sharing this progression with first-year apprentices can help them see the long-term potential in the field.

In the United States, there are over 17,000 openings for electrician apprentices. Investing in a full apprenticeship program can help you find and keep good employees. Giving apprentices good training and competitive wages not only helps them learn how electrical systems work, but it also gets them ready for future jobs as journeymen and master electricians, which is good for the growth of your electrical business.