Tennessee Electrician Wage Calculator
Discover how much electricians earn in Tennessee based on experience level, location, and specialization. This tool uses real industry data to estimate your potential earnings.
Estimated Hourly Wage
Potential Benefits
- Health insurance (often family coverage)
- 401(k) with employer match
- Paid vacation and holidays
- Tool allowances
- Continuing education paid for by the employer
If you're thinking about becoming an electrician in Tennessee, one of the first questions you’ll ask is: how much do electricians make an hour? The answer isn’t simple-it depends on where you are, how experienced you are, and what kind of work you’re doing. But here’s the truth: electricians in Tennessee make more than most people assume, especially if you’re willing to put in the time to learn the trade.
What Electricians Actually Earn Per Hour in Tennessee
The average hourly wage for a licensed electrician in Tennessee is around $26 to $30 per hour. That’s not entry-level pay-it’s what most journeymen earn after completing their apprenticeship. Entry-level electricians, usually apprentices, start at about $15 to $18 an hour. That might seem low, but remember: apprentices get paid while they learn, and their pay increases every 6 to 12 months as they hit training milestones.By the time you finish your 4-year apprenticeship-usually 8,000 hours of on-the-job training plus 500+ classroom hours-you’re looking at $25 to $32 an hour. In cities like Nashville, Memphis, and Knoxville, where demand is higher, many electricians pull in $30 to $35 an hour. Some experienced electricians working on commercial or industrial sites, especially in manufacturing hubs like Chattanooga or Jackson, make $35 to $45 an hour. Overtime and weekend work can push that even higher.
Here’s a quick look at what different levels earn:
| Experience Level | Hourly Wage Range | Typical Work Environment |
|---|---|---|
| Apprentice (Year 1) | $15 - $18 | Residential new builds, basic repairs |
| Apprentice (Year 3+) | $20 - $25 | Commercial projects, light industrial |
| Journeyman Electrician | $26 - $32 | Residential, commercial, industrial |
| Master Electrician | $30 - $45+ | Project supervision, complex systems, government contracts |
| Self-Employed Electrician | $35 - $60+ | Contracting, emergency services, renovations |
Why Some Electricians Make More Than Others
Not all electricians earn the same. Location matters. In rural areas like East Tennessee’s mountain counties, wages might hover around $22 to $26 an hour because demand is lower. But in growing metro areas-Nashville added over 100,000 residents in the last five years-electricians are in high demand. Builders are scrambling to hire. Homeowners are upgrading panels for EV chargers and solar systems. That drives prices up.Specialization also pays. Electricians who work with:
- Commercial HVAC systems
- Industrial machinery wiring
- Renewable energy installations (solar, battery storage)
- Smart home automation
- Emergency response and after-hours service
Can charge $40 to $60 an hour. Some even bill by the job instead of the hour, especially if they’re running their own business. A full home rewiring in Nashville might bring in $5,000 to $10,000, which works out to $50+ per hour when you factor in prep, travel, and cleanup.
Benefits Beyond the Hourly Rate
Wages aren’t the whole story. Most union electricians and those working for established electrical contractors get full benefits:- Health insurance (often family coverage)
- 401(k) with employer match
- Paid vacation and holidays
- Tool allowances
- Continuing education paid for by the employer
Even non-union electricians often get paid time off and health coverage if they work for a mid-sized company. And unlike college grads who start with $50,000 in student loans, electricians usually pay nothing for training. Most apprenticeships are free-sometimes even pay you to learn.
How to Get Started in Tennessee
You don’t need a four-year degree. You need a plan. Here’s how most people get into the trade:- Get a high school diploma or GED
- Apply for an apprenticeship through a local union (like IBEW Local 134 in Nashville) or a non-union contractor
- Complete 4 years of on-the-job training (8,000 hours)
- Take 144+ hours of classroom instruction (usually at a community college like Chattanooga State or Nashville State)
- Pass the state journeyman electrician exam
- Work for 2 more years, then take the master electrician exam
There are no upfront tuition costs for most apprenticeships. Some programs even cover your exam fees. Community colleges offer prep courses for under $200. You can start earning from day one.
Where the Jobs Are
Tennessee’s construction boom isn’t slowing down. Nashville is adding new apartments, data centers, and hospitals. Memphis has a growing logistics hub that needs warehouse electrical systems. Knoxville’s tech corridor is expanding fast. Even smaller towns are upgrading aging infrastructure.The state expects over 1,200 new electrician jobs each year through 2030. That’s more than 10,000 openings in the next five years. Most of these aren’t advertised online-they’re filled through word of mouth, union halls, and contractor networks. Showing up on time, asking questions, and being reliable gets you noticed.
What Holds People Back
Some people think electricians make good money but don’t realize how hard the work is. You’ll climb ladders, work in attics at 100 degrees, crawl under houses in the rain, and carry 50-pound spools of wire. It’s physical. You need good eyesight, steady hands, and problem-solving skills.Also, not everyone passes the licensing exam. The Tennessee Electrical Exam covers the National Electrical Code (NEC), safety rules, load calculations, and blueprint reading. It’s not easy. But if you study consistently during your apprenticeship, you’ll pass. Most people who fail do so because they didn’t practice enough math or skip the hands-on labs.
Is It Worth It?
Let’s say you start at $16/hour at 22 years old. By 26, you’re a journeyman making $28/hour. That’s $58,000 a year before overtime. By 30, you’re at $35/hour-that’s $73,000. At 35, if you’re a master or running your own business, you could be pulling in $100,000+.You won’t get rich quick, but you’ll never be broke. You’ll never have to worry about your job being outsourced. You’ll always be needed. And you’ll have the satisfaction of knowing that when the lights come on, you’re the reason why.
How long does it take to become a licensed electrician in Tennessee?
It typically takes 4 to 5 years. You need 8,000 hours of on-the-job training under a licensed electrician and at least 144 hours of classroom instruction. After that, you take the journeyman exam. If you want to become a master electrician, you’ll need two more years of experience and another exam.
Do electricians in Tennessee need a license?
Yes. Tennessee requires all electricians performing work valued over $2,500 to be licensed. There are two levels: journeyman and master. You can’t legally work independently without one. Even apprentices must work under a licensed electrician.
Can I start as an electrician without a degree?
Absolutely. A high school diploma or GED is all you need to start an apprenticeship. Most electricians never go to college. Training happens on the job and in community college classes, not in lecture halls. The trade values skills over diplomas.
Are electricians in demand in Tennessee?
Yes, very much. Tennessee has one of the fastest-growing construction markets in the Southeast. With new data centers, hospitals, factories, and housing developments, the state needs hundreds of new electricians every year. The Tennessee Department of Labor lists electrician as a high-demand occupation.
What’s the difference between a journeyman and a master electrician?
A journeyman can install, repair, and maintain electrical systems under a master’s supervision. A master electrician can pull permits, design systems, supervise journeymen and apprentices, and run their own business. Masters earn more and have more control over their work.
Next Steps If You’re Interested
If you’re serious about becoming an electrician in Tennessee:- Visit your local IBEW union hall (search for IBEW Local 134, 156, or 146)
- Check out community colleges like Nashville State, Chattanooga State, or Southwest Tennessee CC-they offer prep courses
- Call local electrical contractors and ask if they take apprentices
- Study the National Electrical Code (NEC) basics online for free
- Start building physical stamina-this job is tough on the body
You don’t need to have it all figured out right now. Just take the first step. Show up. Ask questions. Work hard. In five years, you could be making more than many college graduates-with no debt and a trade that lasts a lifetime.
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