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Electrical Career Path Planning Guide

Navigate your career in the electrical industry with clear pathways, timeline expectations, and certification requirements for electricians, technicians, and engineers.

Three Primary Career Tracks

Electrician Path

Installation, maintenance, and repair of electrical systems. Licensed trade profession with apprenticeship progression.

4-10+ years to master
$40K - $150K+

Substation Technician Path

Testing, commissioning, and maintenance of power system equipment. NETA certification progression.

0-10+ years to Level IV
$50K - $180K+

Power Engineer Path

Design, analysis, and project management of power systems. PE licensure progression.

4-15+ years to senior
$70K - $250K+

Electrician Career Path

Apprentice Electrician

4-5 years 40,000 - 60,000
OSHA 10/30First Aid/CPR

Entry-level position combining classroom instruction with on-the-job training under a licensed journeyman or master electrician. Learn electrical theory, NEC code, residential and commercial wiring.

Requirements:

  • High school diploma or GED
  • Basic math and reading comprehension
  • Physical fitness for hands-on work
  • Valid driver's license

Journeyman Electrician

Career position 60,000 - 100,000
State Journeyman LicenseNFPA 70E

Licensed professional who can work independently on electrical installations, maintenance, and repairs. Can supervise apprentices and work on residential, commercial, and some industrial projects.

Requirements:

  • Completed apprenticeship program
  • 8,000+ hours of supervised experience
  • Pass state journeyman exam
  • Continuing education credits

Master Electrician

Career position 90,000 - 150,000+
State Master LicenseContractor License (optional)

Highest level of electrical licensure. Can design electrical systems, pull permits, own an electrical contracting business, and supervise all levels of electricians. Often involved in complex commercial and industrial projects.

Requirements:

  • 2-4 years as journeyman
  • Additional supervised hours (varies by state)
  • Pass master electrician exam
  • Business and project management skills

Substation Technician Career Path

Level I Technician

0-2 years experience 50,000 - 70,000
OSHA 10/30NFPA 70EFirst Aid/CPR

Entry-level field technician assisting senior technicians with electrical testing, maintenance, and inspections. Learning equipment operation, safety procedures, and documentation practices.

Requirements:

  • Technical diploma or associate degree (preferred)
  • Basic electrical knowledge
  • Willingness to travel
  • Physical ability for field work

Level II Technician

2-5 years experience 70,000 - 95,000
NETA ETT or equivalentEquipment-specific certifications

Independent field technician capable of performing standard electrical tests, maintenance procedures, and basic troubleshooting. Can lead small projects and supervise Level I technicians.

Requirements:

  • Level I experience
  • 2+ years field experience
  • Demonstrated competency in testing procedures
  • Strong documentation skills

Level III Technician

5-10 years experience 95,000 - 130,000
NETA Level IIIRelay testing certificationsManufacturer certifications

Senior field technician with expertise in complex testing, protection systems, and troubleshooting. Leads major projects, mentors junior technicians, and interfaces with engineering teams.

Requirements:

  • Level II certification
  • 5+ years field experience
  • Advanced troubleshooting skills
  • Project leadership experience

Level IV Technician

10+ years experience 120,000 - 180,000+
NETA Level IVMultiple manufacturer certificationsTraining certifications

Expert-level technician and technical leader. Handles the most complex testing and troubleshooting, develops procedures, trains other technicians, and provides technical consultation to clients and engineering teams.

Requirements:

  • Level III certification
  • 10+ years field experience
  • Expert-level knowledge
  • Leadership and training abilities

Power Engineer Career Path

Engineering Graduate

0-4 years 70,000 - 95,000
EIT/FE certification

Entry-level engineer working under supervision of licensed PEs. Performs calculations, assists with designs, learns company standards and procedures. Building experience toward PE licensure.

Requirements:

  • BS in Electrical Engineering (ABET accredited)
  • Strong fundamentals in power systems
  • Internship experience (preferred)
  • EIT certification (recommended)

Professional Engineer (PE)

4+ years post-graduation 100,000 - 150,000
PE License (state-specific)NFPA 70E

Licensed professional engineer who can stamp drawings, take legal responsibility for engineering work, and practice independently. Can lead projects, mentor junior engineers, and interface directly with clients.

Requirements:

  • Pass FE exam
  • 4 years of progressive engineering experience
  • References from licensed PEs
  • Pass PE Power exam

Senior/Principal Engineer

10-15+ years 150,000 - 250,000+
PE LicensePMP (optional)Specialty certifications

Technical leader responsible for major projects, client relationships, and mentoring engineering staff. May manage a team of engineers and technicians. Often involved in business development and company leadership.

Requirements:

  • PE license
  • 10+ years of progressive experience
  • Project management skills
  • Business development abilities

Key Industry Certifications

NETA Certification

InterNational Electrical Testing Association certifications for testing technicians (ETT, Levels II-IV).

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NCCER Certification

National Center for Construction Education and Research credentials for electricians and craft professionals.

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PE License

Professional Engineer license issued by state boards. Requires FE exam, experience, and PE exam passage.

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NFPA 70E Training

Electrical safety training covering arc flash hazards, PPE requirements, and safe work practices.

Our Training →

OSHA Certifications

OSHA 10 and 30-hour construction/general industry safety certifications required by most employers.

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Manufacturer Certifications

Equipment-specific certifications from manufacturers like SEL, GE, Siemens, ABB, and Schneider Electric.

Varies by manufacturer

Ready to Advance Your Career?

Our training programs are designed by industry professionals to help you achieve your career goals. From NFPA 70E safety training to PE exam preparation, we have the resources you need.