How to Become an Electrician in Alabama

Electricians install and repair electrical wiring in buildings, machines, and equipment. They work on new installations and maintain existing systems. The demand for electricians is growing nationwide. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), the number of electricians in Alabama is expected to increase by 11% by 2030. [En Español]

Becoming an electrician in Alabama takes time but is achievable with the right training. Completing electrician classes while working as an apprentice can count toward work experience and reduce the time needed to qualify for a journeyman electrician license.

Requirements for Becoming an Electrician in Alabama

Electrician licensing and training requirements vary by state. In Alabama, you can become licensed as a journeyman or a contractor. The state does not offer a master electrician license, so there are no requirements for that designation. Journeyman and contractor licenses are issued by the Alabama Electrical Contractors Board.

Before getting a journeyman electrician license in Alabama, you must first work as an apprentice under a licensed electrician in an Alabama Board-approved apprenticeship program. As of December 2024, Indeed.com reports that apprentices earn $17.46 per hour, with an average annual salary of $36,310. Wages increase with experience and training.

To qualify for a journeyman license, you must complete 8,000 apprenticeship hours and 576 education hours. If you complete a two-year technical program, it counts as one year of experience and covers the education requirement, reducing the required apprenticeship hours to 6,000. If you choose not to attend technical school, you can complete all required hours through an apprenticeship program.

After completing the required apprenticeship hours, you can apply for the journeyman exam through the Alabama Electrical Contractors Board. The exam fee is $115, and you have four hours to answer 80 questions. You may use the 2014 National Electric Code and the American Electricians Handbook as references. If you pass, you must pay a $35 licensing fee. Your Alabama state electrical license must be renewed annually.

After gaining experience as a journeyman, you may choose to become an independent contractor and start your own electrical business. To do this, you need a contractor’s license, which requires 8,000 hours of work experience, including supervisory experience. Only hours in commercial, residential, and industrial work qualify.

To apply, you must submit your credentials to the Alabama Electrical Contractors Board before taking the contractor’s exam. The exam fee is $165, and you have five hours to complete 110 questions on the Alabama electrical code. You may use the 2014 National Electric Code, American Electricians Handbook, Contractors Guide to Business, Law and Project Management, and the Alabama Electrical Contractors Supplement as references.

The contractor’s license costs $200 and must be renewed annually. Contractors must also complete continuing education for renewal. A list of approved continuing education providers is available in Alabama.

Alabama journeyman and contractor’s licenses are reciprocal in Arkansas, Georgia, Louisiana, Mississippi, North Carolina, South Carolina, Tennessee and Virginia. This means if you have an electricians license in any of these states, you can use it to apply for a local electrical license and not have to meet the local apprenticeship conditions.

Apprenticeship Programs

If you choose to start as an apprentice without completing a technical program, you have two options: union or non-union apprenticeship. For a union apprenticeship, you must apply through a local Joint Apprenticeship & Training Committee (JATC) to find a contractor. Requirements include being at least 18 years old, having a high school diploma or GED, passing high school algebra, holding a valid driver’s license, having dependable transportation, passing an aptitude test, and completing an interview.

Major JATCs in Alabama include North Alabama Electrical JATC (NALJTAC), Birmingham Electrical JATC (BEJATC), Mobile Electricians JATC (MEJATC), and Montgomery Alabama Electricians, IBEW Local 443. These programs are affiliated with the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers (IBEW) Union. If a JATC is not nearby, you may still find a local IBEW chapter in your area. Many unions also require monthly membership dues.

Choosing a non-union apprenticeship means you must find an independent contractor to work under. Good resources for non-union electricians include the Central Alabama Chapter of the Independent Electrical Contractors (IEC), the ABC of Alabama Chapter of Associated Builders and Contractors, and the Construction Education Foundation Alabama (CEFA) in Birmingham.

Non-union apprentices must still meet basic requirements, including being at least 18 years old, having a high school diploma or GED, passing a math and reading exam, clearing a background check and drug screen, and having a valid driver’s license and transportation.

Electrician Programs in Alabama

Enrolling in a technical program before starting an apprenticeship will cover your education hours and reduce the required work experience for a journeyman license by up to one year (2,000 hours).

There are several technical and community colleges that have electrical technology programs in Alabama. Here are a few:

• Lawson State Community College. Lawson State is in Birmingham. With both the Birmingham JATC and CEFA located in the city, Lawson State would be an ideal choice as you will be highly likely to find an apprenticeship job after you complete the program. The classes are small, generally between 10 and 20 students. Students are taught the basic electrical terms and concepts and will become familiar with the tools and materials needed to work as an electrician. This is a one-year certificate program.
• Wallace Community College. Located in Dothan, Wallace’s electrical technology program is a two-year short certificate program. This program teaches basic electricity, basic wiring and technical communications, and prepares students to apply these skills working as a residential, commercial or industrial electrician. This program has accreditation through the National Center for Construction Education and Research (NCCER).
• Shelton State Community College. Shelton State CC is in Tuscaloosa, also home to the University of Alabama. At Shelton State you can opt to complete either a certificate program or an associate in applied science degree. Students receive classroom instruction and then apply what they have learned in labs. The certificate program consists of 58 credit hours and the AAS degree program consists of 76 credit hours.
• Coastal Alabama Community College. Coastal Alabama Community College has campus locations in Atmore, Bay Minette, Brewton, Fairhope, Gilbertown, Gulf Shores, Jackson, Monroeville and Thomasville. CACC offers a one-year certificate program in electrical technology as well as an associate degree program in construction electricity technology, which also takes one year to complete.

Outlook and Salary Expectations

In 2020, there were 9,720 electricians working in the state of Alabama. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) data from that same year, electrician job growth should be at least 11% in the state for the ten year period to 2030, equivalent to an extra 1,300 electrician jobs in Alabama.

So, how much do electricians make in Alabama? According to the BLS, electricians in the state earned an average $24.76 an hour and $51,500 yearly in 2020. Nationally, electricians make an average of $56,180 per year. With experience and licensing, electricians in Alabama have the potential to make as much as $61,590 a year. With a steady growth rate in this field and many opportunities for education, union and non-union apprenticeships, the career outlook for electricians in Alabama is positive. The IBEW pay scale for Alabama is nationally agreed.

Salaries in Alabama by Occupation 2020

Occupation	Total Employment	Average Hourly Wage	Average Annual Wage	Annual Salary 10th Percentile	Annual Salary 25th Percentile	Annual Salary 75th Percentile	Annual Salary 90th Percentile
Electricians	10,990	$24.76	$51,500	$36,310	$42,220	$64,210	$74,920
Helpers--Electricians	1,960	$16.76	$34,860	$27,350	$29,820	$38,010	$45,880
Electrical and Electronics Installers and Repairers, Transportation Equipment	180	$31.93	$66,420	$56,190	$58,860	$76,500	$77,650
Electrical and Electronics Repairers, Commercial and Industrial Equipment	1,240	$29.25	$60.850	$39,340	$50,380	$78,630	$88,790
Electrical and Electronics Repairers, Powerhouse, Substation, and Relay	940	$51.24	$106,580	$83,720	$94,310	$115,790	$129,460
Electrical Power-Line Installers and Repairers	3,500	$38.75	$80,590	$44,170	$56,530	$100,310	$114,040

Electrician Salaries in Alabama by Region 2020

Area	Total Employment	Mean Hourly Wage	Mean Annual Salary	Hourly Wage 10th Percentile	Hourly Wage 25th Percentile	Hourly Wage 75th Percentile	Hourly Wage 90th Percentile
Columbus, GA-AL	230	$24.76	$47,280	$17.21	$18.26	$26.70	$30.77
Anniston-Oxford-Jacksonville, AL	170	$23.93	$49,780	$16.16	$18.68	$29.24	$33.56
Auburn-Opelika, AL	270	$23.80	$49,510	$14.36	$17.99	$23.80	$33.85
Birmingham-Hoover, AL	2,320	$25.48	$52,990	$17.46	$21.63	$30.66	$37.10
Daphne-Fairhope-Foley, AL	260	$22.77	$47,360	$17.41	$20.23	$28.11	$35.99
Decatur, AL	460	$24.90	$51,800	$17.55	$20.79	$32.27	$47.61
Dothan, AL	230	$22.09	$45,940	$16.38	$18.48	$26.13	$31.03
Florence-Muscle Shoals, AL	550	$30.95	$64,370	$17.86	$22.42	$30.95	$35.05
Gadsden, AL	210	$19.86	$41,320	$15.25	$17.85	$26.91	$33.92
Huntsville, AL	1,080	$28.02	$58,280	$18.32	$22.66	$32.97	$39.10
Mobile, AL	1,900	$27.74	$57,700	$17.46	$22.17	$30.62	$34.77
Montgomery, AL	610	$23.03	$47,890	$17.41	$19.58	$29.86	$34.05
Tuscaloosa, AL	520	$25.95	$53,980	$17.63	$20.61	$31.29	$38.31

Working as an Electrician in Alabama

Electrician jobs in Alabama are growing, offering strong salary potential and job opportunities. While becoming a licensed journeyman or contractor takes time, starting as an apprentice helps build experience. Independent contractors and construction companies are good places to find work, along with larger companies like Alabama Electric Company in Dothan and North Alabama Electric in Decatur. With training, experience, and licensing, you can become an independent contractor and even start your own business. For those willing to commit time and effort, a career as an electrician in Alabama can be rewarding.

Organizations You Should Know

• IBEW Local 443 Montgomery
• National Electrical Contractors Association (NECA)
• Associated Builders and Contractors, Inc., Alabama Chapter (ABC of Alabama)
• Construction Education Foundation of Alabama

College Programs

• Birmingham-Hoover, AL
• Dothan, AL
• Florence-Muscle Shoals, AL
• Gadsden, AL
• Huntsville, AL
• Mobile, AL
• Montgomery, AL
• Southwest Alabama Nonmetropolitan Area
• Tuscaloosa, AL
• Tuscaloosa, AL

Birmingham-Hoover, AL Area

1411 Indiana Avenue, Jasper, Alabama 35501
(205) 387-0511
Electrical Systems Technology – Certificate Program, Electrical Systems Technology – Associate Program

Bevill State Community College offers various Certificate program options for future opticians, a Certificate program and an Associate program. Classes are taken at their campus in the town of Jasper, AL. Most of the school’s 3,619 students are on 2-year programs. The college is institutionally accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools, Commission on Colleges. The cost of tuition for students living in the state is about $4,766 and for students from other states around $8,574 for each academic year, while study materials may cost roughly $1,200, depending on the program.

100 London Pkwy Ste 150, Birmingham, Alabama 35211
(205) 940-7800 x4911
Electrician – Certificate Program

Fortis Institute’s Certificate program in Electrician is taught at their Birmingham campus in the city of Birmingham, AL. Most of the school’s 454 students are on 2-year programs. Fees for tuition are about $14,220 for each academic year, while study materials may cost roughly $838, depending on the program.

3060 Wilson Rd SW, Birmingham, Alabama 35221-1717
(205) 925-2515
Electronics/Electrical Technology – Certificate Program

The Electronics/Electrical Technology Certificate program in Electronics/Electrical Technology at Lawson State Community College is offered at their Birmingham campus in the city of Birmingham, AL. Most of the school’s 3,172 students are on 2-year programs. The college is institutionally accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools, Commission on Colleges. The cost of tuition for students living in the state is about $4,440 and for students from other states around $8,010 for each academic year, while study materials may cost roughly $1,600, depending on the program.

Dothan, AL Area

1141 Wallace Drive, Dothan, Alabama 36303-9234
(334) 983-3521
Electrical Technology – Associate Program

George C Wallace State Community College offers various Certificate program options for future opticians, a Certificate program and an Associate program. Classes are taken at their Dothan campus in Dothan in Houston County. This public college has round 4,769 students in total, with the majority of students on 2-year programs. The college is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools, Commission on Colleges. Fees for tuition for in-state students are likely to be around $4,380 and for out-of-state students likely to be about $7,950 yearly. Books and supplies can cost about $1,900, although this will depend on the program.

Florence-Muscle Shoals, AL Area

800 George Wallace Blvd, Muscle Shoals, Alabama 35661
(256) 331-5200
Electrical Technology – Certificate Program

The Certificate program in Electrical Technology at Northwest-Shoals Community College is offered at their campus in the city of Muscle Shoals. The majority of of the school’s 3,700 students are on 2-year programs. The college is institutionally accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools, Commission on Colleges. The cost of tuition for in-state students is usually about $4,411 and for students from other states in the order of $7,921 per year, while study materials may cost in the order of $1,750, depending on the program.

Gadsden, AL Area

1001 George Wallace Dr, Gadsden, Alabama 35903
(256) 549-8200
Electrical Technology – Certificate Program

Gadsden State Community College’s Certificate-level Electrical Technology program is based at their campus in the city of Gadsden, AL. The college has about 5,018 students in total, with the majority of students on 2-year programs. The college is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools, Commission on Colleges. Fees for tuition for in-state students are likely to be in the order of $3,600 and for students from outside the state likely to be about $6,456 yearly. Learning materials may cost about $1,500, although this will vary with the program.

Huntsville, AL Area

3421 Meridian St N, Huntsville, Alabama 35811
(256) 539-8161
Electrical Technology – Certificate Program

J F Drake State Community and Technical College’s Certificate program is taught at their campus in the city of Huntsville. Most of the school’s 996 students are on 2-year programs. The college is institutionally accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools, Commission on Colleges. Tuition fees for in-state students are around $4,410 and for out-of-state students approximately $7,980 annually. Study materials can cost around $2,000, depending on the program chosen.

6250 U S Highway 31 N, Tanner, Alabama 35671
(256) 306-2500
Electrical Technology – Certificate Program

John C Calhoun State Community College offers multiple training options, including a Certificate program and an Associate program. Classes are taken at their campus in Tanner in Limestone County. The majority of of the school’s 9,985 students are on 2-year programs. The college is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools, Commission on Colleges. The cost of tuition for students living in the state is in the order of $4,520 and for students from outside the state around $8,090 per year. Books and supplies can cost in the order of $1,500, although this will depend on the program. Employment opportunities include companies in the fields of electrical construction (residential & commercial), cable TV, lineman, power production, instrumentation, and industrial maintenance electrician. Career opportunities in the Tanner area include: Nucor, ICE Electrical Contractors, Goss Electric, and 3M.

Mobile, AL Area

351 North Broad Street, Mobile, Alabama 36603-5898
(251) 405-7000
Electrical Technology – Certificate Program

The Certificate program in Electrical Technology at Bishop State Community College is offered at their campus in the city of Mobile. This public college has in the order of 3,111 students in total, with most students on 2-year programs. The college is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools, Commission on Colleges. The cost of tuition for students living in the state is in the order of $4,440 and for students from outside the state around $8,010 for each academic year. Learning materials may cost roughly $1,500, although this will vary with the program.

Montgomery, AL Area

1225 Air Base Blvd, Montgomery, Alabama 36108-3199
(334) 420-4200
Electrical Technology – Certificate Program

H Councill Trenholm State Community College offers multiple training options, including a Certificate program and an Associate program. All programs are imparted at their campus in the city of Montgomery, AL. Most of the school’s 1,401 students are on 2-year programs. The college is institutionally accredited by the Council on Occupational Education. The cost of tuition for in-state students is usually around $4,350 and for out-of-state students in the order of $7,920 per year. Learning materials may cost in the order of $1,800, although this will vary with the program.

5375 Ingram Rd, Deatsville, Alabama 36022
(334) 285-5177 x3249
Electrical Technology – Certificate Program

J F Ingram State Technical College offers various Certificate program options for future professionals. Classes are taken at their campus in Deatsville in Elmore County, Alabama. The majority of of the school’s 422 students are on 2-year programs. The college is accredited by the Council on Occupational Education. The cost of tuition is in the order of $4,968 yearly. Study materials can cost about $612, depending on the program chosen.

Tuscaloosa, AL Area

9500 Old Greensboro Rd, Tuscaloosa, Alabama 35405-8522
(205) 391-2211
Electrical Technology – Certificate Program

Shelton State Community College offers various Certificate program options for future opticians, a Certificate program and an Associate program. Classes are taken at their campus in the city of Tuscaloosa. The college has roughly 4,834 students in total, with most students on 2-year programs. The college is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools, Commission on Colleges. The cost of tuition for in-state students is usually around $4,189 and for out-of-state students in the order of $7,759 per year. Books and supplies can cost in the order of $2,100, although this will depend on the program.

* College accredition status and tuition fees and are, to our best knowledge, correct at the time of writing, and sourced from the National Center for Education Statistics (http://nces.ed.gov/). Check all details directly with college before applying.

Neighbor States

See also the neighbor states of Tennessee, Mississippi, Georgia and Florida.

FAQs

How much do electricians earn in the state of Alabama?

According to the U.S Bureau of Labor Statistics, electricians in the state of Alabama made an average of $47,490 per year in 2019. Entry-level electricians earned around $31,640 and some experienced professionals earned salaries as high as $64,740.

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