How to Become an Industrial Electrician
If you want to become an industrial electrician, the path starts with an industrial electrician apprentice program — and it’s one of the smartest career moves you can make in the skilled trades today. Here’s exactly how to get started.
Step 1: Understand the Role
Industrial electricians install, maintain, and repair electrical systems in manufacturing plants, processing facilities, and heavy industrial environments. The work is technical, hands-on, and highly valued — with salaries ranging from $60,000 to $100,000+ depending on experience and specialization.
Step 2: Meet the Basic Requirements
Before entering an industrial electrician apprentice program, most candidates need:
- A high school diploma or GED
- Basic math skills, particularly algebra
- A valid driver’s license
- Physical ability to work in industrial environments
- A genuine interest in electrical systems and problem-solving
Step 3: Enter an Industrial Electrician Apprentice Program
The industrial electrician apprentice pathway combines paid on-the-job training with technical classroom instruction. Most programs run four to five years and cover:
- Electrical theory and NEC code compliance
- Motor controls and variable frequency drives
- PLC programming and industrial automation
- Conduit installation and wiring systems
- Safety protocols including arc flash and lockout/tagout
You earn a paycheck while you learn — which makes the apprenticeship route financially smarter than most college degree programs.
Step 4: Obtain Your Journeyman License
After completing your industrial electrician apprentice program and accumulating the required work hours, you qualify to sit for your journeyman electrician exam. Passing this exam significantly increases how much money you can make and opens doors to higher-level industrial roles.
Step 5: Build Specialized Skills
Journeyman industrial electricians who add certifications in PLC programming, instrumentation, or high-voltage systems can ask for higher wages. Many experienced electricians continue advancing toward master electrician licensure, which unlocks supervisory and project management opportunities.
How Long Does It Take?
Most industrial electrician apprentice programs take four to five years to complete. Workers who enter the trades with relevant mechanical or electrical experience sometimes accelerate through the process faster. You can get started today with NCW’s Apprenticeship in Construction program, where you can work and learn at the same time.
Start Your Industrial Electrician Career With NCW
NCW connects industrial electrician apprentice graduates and experienced electricians with top employers across manufacturing, construction, mining, and warehouse & distribution nationwide. Our recruiters match your credentials with companies actively hiring right now.
Visit teamncw.com to explore open industrial electrician roles and launch your career today.