Electrician in Alabama

Requirements, salary data, licensing costs, and career ROI for AL. Updated with 2024 BLS OEWS wage data.

Median annual salary

$52,420

trending_down -15.9% vs. national

BLS OEWS 2024, Alabama.

engineering

9,740

Jobs (AL)

monitoring Surging

+9.5%

10-yr job growth

payments

$115

Licensing fees

schedule

4-5 years

Time to complete

route How to become an electrician in Alabama

To become a Journeyman Electrician in Alabama, individuals must obtain a license from the Alabama Electrical Contractors Board. Key steps include accumulating 8,000 hours of experience, which can be partially fulfilled by education in an approved electrical curriculum or apprenticeship program. Applicants must pass the Alabama Journeyman Electrician Exam and pay the associated fees. Journeyman licenses must be renewed annually, but continuing education is not required for journeymen.

bar_chart Salary percentiles

10th percentile (entry) $37,060

25th percentile $44,670

50th (median) $52,420

75th percentile $63,730

90th (experienced) $76,390

Source: BLS OEWS 2024 for Alabama. Metro-area wages may differ significantly from the state aggregate.

checklist Alabama requirements

Licensing body	Alabama Electrical Contractors Board
State license	Required
Education	Completion of an approved apprenticeship program or equivalent, or a two-year technical school program combined with 6,000 hours of experience. One year of education in an approved electrical curriculum or apprenticeship program can substitute for 1,000 hours of electrical experience, up to a maximum of 2,000 hours of the total 8,000 hours required.
Experience	8,000.0 hours
Exam	Alabama Journeyman Electrician Exam (PSI) ($115)
Renewal	Every 1.0 year
Notes	Minimum age is 18 years old with a high school diploma or GED. Journeyman electricians are not required to complete continuing education. Electrical contractors are required to complete 14 hours of continuing education every two years, with 7 hours focused on NEC/NFPA codes. A substantial part of the work experience must be in commercial, industrial, or residential settings. Maintenance experience does not count towards the required hours. Applicants must provide proof of U.S. citizenship.

Source: Alabama Electrical Contractors Board

workspace_premium Alabama license tiers

Alabama offers multiple tiers of electrician licensing:

Tier	Hours required
Apprentice	N/A
Journeyman	8,000
Electrical Contractor	8,000

work_outline Job outlook

10-year growth

+9.5%

Much faster than average

Annual openings

81,000

Nationwide per year

Total employment

818,700

Nationwide

neurology

AI & tech impact

verified Low exposure -0.78/1.00

This career has low exposure to AI automation. Most tasks require physical presence, human judgment, or hands-on skills that AI cannot easily replicate.

hub

balance Is it worth it?

check_circleAlabama license required — clearer credential signal to employers
check_circleStrong 10-year job growth (+9.5%)
check_circleLow AI disruption risk

psychology

Wondering if an electrician career is the right fit?

See what the day actually looks like, who the role suits, and who should skip it — grounded in real practitioner sources.

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Frequently asked questions

How do I become an electrician in Alabama? expand_more

In Alabama, becoming an electrician requires you to complete the required education (Completion of an approved apprenticeship program or equivalent, or a two-year technical school program combined with 6,000 hours of experience. One year of education in an approved electrical curriculum or apprenticeship program can substitute for 1,000 hours of electrical experience, up to a maximum of 2,000 hours of the total 8,000 hours required.), gain 8,000.0 hours of supervised experience, and pass the Alabama Journeyman Electrician Exam (PSI).

Does Alabama require electrician licensure? expand_more

You cannot practice as an electrician in Alabama without a state license from Alabama Electrical Contractors Board. The required exam is the Alabama Journeyman Electrician Exam (PSI).

What is the average electrician salary in Alabama? expand_more

electricians in Alabama earn a median of $52,420 annually. — 16% under the $62,350 national average. Wages range from $37,060 (10th percentile) up to $76,390 (90th percentile).

What's the total cost to get electrician certified in Alabama? expand_more

Plan on spending varies total — that covers exam fee ($115) plus your education and training.

How long does it take to become an electrician in Alabama? expand_more

Expect to spend 4-5 years from start to finish in Alabama — covering coursework, supervised experience, and examination.