What is a Journeyman Electrician (And How To Become One)?

Last updated on October 22nd, 2026.

What is a Journeyman Electrician?

A journeyman electrician is a trained tradesman who has spent years learning the electrical trade under another journeyman or master electrician. Their work calls for both skill and adaptability.

A journeyman can install and maintain multiple types of electrical systems found in homes, apartments and facilities such as high rise condominiums, strip malls, schools, hospitals, wastewater and manufacturing industries.

Their work includes installing or replacing lighting and lighting control systems, receptacles, motors and motor controlling equipment, heating equipment and the building automation systems that control a facility’s energy use.

How To Become A Journeyman Electrician

Becoming a Journeyman electrician means developing the skills and knowledge to work professionally. The old stereotype of disheveled, unprofessional electricians no longer describes the workforce.

Every Journeyman electrician begins his or her career as an electricians’ apprentice. An apprentice is an entry-level position for someone with the desire to become an electrician.

Journeyman Electrician Apprenticeship Programs

Apprenticeship programs with IBEW, IEC, and ABC last three to five years. They teach electrical theory, construction, blueprint interpretation, wiring schematics, compliance with the National Electrical Code (NEC) and safety practices, among other trade skills.

Apprentices receive on-the-job training as well as regular classroom education throughout their apprenticeship.

Towards the end of training apprentices have accumulated enough hours – either 4,000 or 8,000 (depending on program) – required to test for their Journeyman electrician license.

Journeyman electricians typically fall into one of three specialties: Residential, Commercial and Industrial

Commercial Electricians

Commercial electricians or Inside Wireman work on a construction job site or for a company’s service department.

Working in service means responding to customer’s immediate needs for electrical repairs or installations (which means you may be a lone wolf and you get a service van). 

Every day can be different.

On Monday they could be inside installing a lighting control system in a high-rise building and Tuesday it’s on to installing conduit (pipe) in a ditch on the outside of the building to bring in power for a transformer.

They are responsible for but not limited to:

• Compliant with local, city, state and national electrical codes
• Properly reading blueprints, schematics and wiring diagrams
• Gathering appropriate material for daily tasks
• Installing conduits using a hand, mechanical or hydraulic bender
• Install new wire in existing systems or repairing old wiring
• Providing power and controls to motors, HVAC and other equipment
• Installing fire alarm, security, lighting control, data/telecom and energy management systems
• Mounting panel boards, transformers, switchgear, transfer switches and other types of equipment
• Troubleshooting and repairing all systems (VERY IMPORTANT!)

If you’re a great worker and deliver constant results, you may become a foreman.

A foreman delegates tasks to crews, orders materials, works with other trades, reviews electrical plans and maintains a safe working environment, among other duties.

There’s also a pay increase with this position, typically 5% of Journeyman’s wages. 

Industrial Electricians

An industrial electrician has a Journeyman or Master license and specializes in installing and maintaining electrical systems in industrial settings. This work keeps complex industrial equipment operating safely.

These individuals are employed by maintenance departments of factories, plants, mines, shipyards, oil and gas rigs, as well as platforms and other industrial environments. They may hold specific certifications on the equipment they maintain. 

An industrial electrician may be responsible for but is not limited to: 

• Understanding how the facility’s electrical system operates under normal and emergency conditions
• Performing preventative maintenance on variable frequency drives (VFDs), motors, pumps, generators, etc.
• Installing or repairing faulty equipment, wiring or control devices
• Troubleshoot equipment failures using a variety of meters
• Ability to read blueprints, schematics and diagrams 

What is the Difference Between a Journeyman and Master Electrician?

Master electricians have the experience and skills to supervise projects, lead teams as foremen and secure electrical work permits. In many states, their license also allows them to start their own electrical businesses.

To become a master electrician you must have worked enough hours to take your state’s or municipality’s master electrical exam.

In most states the requirements are a combined total of 12,000 hours – the average is 2,000 per year – and 2 years working as a journeyman

Once you meet the requirements – 12,000 hours – you’ll need to study for the exam. Preparatory courses are available for purchase online or in book stores or check your local library for study material.