What is a Journeyman Electrician? A Journeyman Electrician (SOC 47-2111) is a licensed trade worker who installs, maintains, and repairs electrical systems under the authority of a licensed Electrical Contractor. The BLS national median wage is $69,189/year ($33.26/hr) per OEWS May 2025, with 9% projected job growth through 2034 — three times the national average.
Everything about Journeyman Electricians
Journeyman Electrician Jobs — All States
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Electrician Salary — National, State & City
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Electrician License Requirements — All 51 States
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How to Become a Journeyman Electrician
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OSHA 30 Certification — Required for Most Sites
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Journeyman Electrician Interview Questions
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Journeyman Electrician Resume Example & Tips
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Journeyman Electrician Salary Negotiation Guide
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Journeyman Electrician Job Description Template
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Full job description
Journeyman Electrician — Job Description & Duties
Core responsibilities
- ›Read and interpret electrical blueprints, single-line diagrams, and panel schedules
- ›Install electrical conduit (EMT, rigid, PVC, flexible) using manual and power benders; pull wire through conduit to code specifications
- ›Terminate conductors at panels, distribution boards, motor control centers, and equipment
- ›Install lighting fixtures, receptacles, switches, and data/communications rough-in and trim
- ›Wire and terminate motors, VFDs, and motor control center components
- ›Troubleshoot electrical faults using multimeters, megohm meters, thermal cameras, and oscilloscopes
- ›Ensure all work complies with the National Electrical Code (NEC 2023) and applicable state amendments
- ›Coordinate daily work scope with the Electrical Foreman and other trades on active construction sites
- ›Complete work orders, as-built documentation, and inspection request packages for AHJ inspections
- ›Maintain safe working environment: LOTO procedures, OSHA 29 CFR 1926 electrical safety standards
- ›Direct and mentor Apprentice Electricians on daily tasks, code compliance, and safe work practices
Specialisation variants
- ›Commercial JW: Office buildings, retail, mixed-use. NEC Article 300–400 most relevant.
- ›Industrial JW: Manufacturing plants, refineries. Motor control, instrumentation, Class I hazardous locations (NEC Articles 500–516).
- ›Data Center JW: Critical facilities. 480V switchgear, UPS systems, generator paralleling, PDUs.
- ›Healthcare JW: Occupied facilities. Normal/essential power systems, nurse call, isolated power panels.
- ›Residential JW: Single-family and multifamily homes. Service entry, panel, rough-in, trim.
BLS OEWS May 2025 · SOC 47-2111
Journeyman Electrician Salary — National & by State
| Geography | P10 | P25 | Median | P75 | P90 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| National | $39,430 | $52,160 | $69,189 | $91,240 | $106,030 |
| New York | $52,280 | $66,510 | $88,520 | $115,960 | $143,030 |
| Illinois (Chicago) | $54,960 | $71,080 | $82,900 | $108,440 | $133,580 |
| Oregon (Portland) | $59,390 | $74,210 | $91,050 | $110,830 | $122,390 |
| California | $48,210 | $62,380 | $79,140 | $99,110 | $116,680 |
| Texas (Houston MSA) | $38,490 | $46,060 | $59,180 | $74,350 | $89,220 |
| Texas (statewide) | $36,800 | $44,100 | $57,160 | $72,630 | $87,780 |
| Florida | $35,120 | $43,760 | $56,340 | $71,880 | $89,150 |
BLS OEWS May 2025. These figures include all electricians — apprentices through Masters. Licensed Journeymen with 5+ years typically earn at or above the P50.
Electrician career progression
The Electrician Career Ladder
Each level requires a separate state exam and documented experience.
Apprentice
Enrolled in EETP or JATC apprenticeship. Works under direct JW or Master supervision. 0–8,000 hours.
Journeyman
State JW license. 8,000 documented hours + PSI exam. Can perform electrical work independently.
Foreman
JW or Master license + OSHA 30 + 5–10 years field experience. Supervises a crew of JWs and Apprentices.
Master Electrician
State Master license. 12,000+ hours (TDLR) + separate Master exam. Can pull permits.
General Superintendent
Master or strong JW background + OSHA 30 + CCM or PMP. Manages multiple projects.
Step-by-step
How to Become a Journeyman Electrician
Choose your apprenticeship path
Year 1Two main paths: (a) IBEW/NECA JATC — union apprenticeship, 5 years (9,000 hours). (b) Non-union apprenticeship through an individual contractor or NCCER-affiliated program, 4 years (8,000 hours in most states). Both qualify for the state Journeyman exam.
Complete 8,000+ hours of supervised electrical work
Years 1–4Hours must be documented by your supervising licensed Master Electrician or Electrical Contractor. TDLR (Texas) requires 8,000 hours. California requires 8,000 hours under a licensed C-10 contractor. Verify at your state licensing board.
Study and pass the state Journeyman Electrician exam
~Year 4In Texas: PSI Journeyman Electrician exam ($30 fee). Open-book format — you bring the NEC. Passing score: 70%. Study resources: Mike Holt NEC workbooks, Tom Henry prep materials, and the TDLR candidate handbook.
Apply for your state Journeyman Electrician license
After exam · ~Year 4In Texas: submit the TDLR Journeyman application with passing PSI score report, documented 8,000 hours, and $30 application fee. License issued within 2–3 weeks. Renews annually for $30.
Add OSHA 30 and sector credentials
Year 4–5 · ongoingOSHA 30 Construction is effectively required for all commercial and industrial site access. Cost: $250–$350 via OSHA Outreach Training authorized provider. For petrochemical work in Houston: add TWIC card.
Full guide: How to Become a Journeyman Electrician →
Prepare for your interview
Journeyman Electrician Interview Questions
Commercial and industrial electrical employers typically test NEC code knowledge, practical installation experience, and safety protocol adherence.
"Walk me through how you size a branch circuit for a 3HP, 230V single-phase motor."
Tests: Tests NEC Article 430 knowledge
Strong answer: Strong answer: FLA from Table 430.248 = 17A. Conductor at 125%: 17 × 1.25 = 21.25A → #10 AWG THWN. OCPD: 17 × 250% max = 42.5A → 40A breaker.
"What is the required clearance above a 208V panelboard in a commercial space?"
Tests: Tests NEC Article 110.26 knowledge
Strong answer: 6.5 feet of headroom; 36 inches of working space in front (Condition 1); width minimum is the panel width or 30 inches, whichever is greater.
"Describe your lockout/tagout process for isolating a 480V MCC before performing maintenance."
Tests: Tests OSHA 29 CFR 1910.147 safety knowledge
Strong answer: Six OSHA LOTO steps: Notify employees, identify energy sources, turn off equipment, apply isolation devices, release residual energy, verify de-energization with a meter.
"You're bending a 3/4" EMT with an offset to clear a 3-inch obstruction. What measurements do you use?"
Tests: Tests hands-on conduit work
Strong answer: For a 3-inch offset using 30° bends — shrinkage for 30°: 3/16 per inch of rise = 9/16". Second mark at 3" × 1.155 = ~3.5" from first mark.
"How do you handle a situation where the electrical drawings conflict with the mechanical drawings?"
Tests: Tests professional judgment and communication
Strong answer: Do not proceed. Notify the Electrical Foreman and request a formal RFI to the GC/EOR. Document the conflict location and the date you flagged it.
Stand out from the stack
Journeyman Electrician Resume — What Actually Works
Lead with your license and credentials
Your TDLR license number, OSHA 30 card date, and any specialty credentials go in the top section — not buried in the bottom.
TDLR Journeyman Electrician #JW12345678 (Active · Exp. 04/2027) OSHA 30 Construction DOL Card · Completed 03/2024 TWIC Card (TSA) · Active
Quantify your experience by scope
Employers hiring for a $85K data center role need to know you've worked at that voltage and scale. Specific bullets win interviews.
Installed 14,000 LF of EMT and PVC conduit on a 180,000 SF hyperscale data center in Katy, TX (2024–2025) Terminated 480V/3-phase feeders at 2,000A switchgear and 42 PDUs for a Tier 3 critical facility
List sectors and project types explicitly
Commercial, industrial, petrochemical, data center, healthcare — these are different hiring pools. Don't make employers guess.
Sectors: Commercial (7 yrs) · Industrial / Petrochemical (3 yrs, Class I Div 1) · Data Center (1 yr, Tier 3) Project types: Ground-up new construction · Tenant improvement · Shutdown maintenance
Know your number before you talk
Journeyman Electrician Salary Negotiation
Most JW Electricians accept the first offer without knowing the market rate. GlobalCybers sends every candidate a BLS OEWS salary benchmarking report before any employer contact.
Know your city's P75, not just the median
The BLS median includes apprentices and residential JWs. A commercial JW with 5+ years and OSHA 30 should target the P75 ($74K–$108K).
Sector premium is real — use it
Petrochem and data center roles in Houston pay $34–$45/hr vs $27–$31/hr commercial. Lead with your experience.
TDLR renewal + OSHA 30 have cash value
TDLR renewal: $30. OSHA 30: $250–$350. TWIC: $125. If an employer requires credentials you don't yet have, negotiate for the company to cover them.
Texas no state income tax increases real take-home
A $70,000 Texas offer is worth ~$3,500–$5,500 more per year than the same gross in California or Illinois.
Register as a GlobalCybers candidate to receive your BLS OEWS salary benchmarking report. Full negotiation guide →
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