This motivates the hell out of me. I’m currently 21 & swore to myself to make a change for my life. I’m quitting my job at albertsons as a meat clerk and joining an electric company through my friend and starting on the 13th of February. I’m stoked as hell.
Great decision to make, I’m in my 30’s and wondering why I didn’t do this earlier. I’m not an electrician yet but, have rewired my entire house on my own. Now contemplating going into the trade.
Work hard. Don’t take things personal. Be teachable and listen. You got two ears and one mouth. Use respect addressing anything resembling a superior. Be appropriate when it’s appropriate, and inappropriate when it’s appropriate. I bless thee. Careful working on hot shit.
I interviewed with the IBEW here in Nashville a few months back. Based on the score they gave me (78) I thought that door had closed. I was thinking in school terms, so 78 is a C. I figured other people would score higher. I scored a 7 out of 9 on my aptitude exam however. I thought that counted for something. Anyway, I cut my losses and kept looking into other companies. Ended up getting an interview with a reputable merit shop, and was offered the job. I was supposed to start next Monday (Feb 6th), but this past Friday right before my lunch break the IBEW called me up out of the blue. Offering a job. I'm starting with them on the 6th instead. Stay vigilant gentlemen.
What are they paying in Nashville if you don’t mind me asking? I live in ga and I know wages in the south are way lower than the northwest where he is at. Even though our cost of living has sky rocketed.
@@davidwhite206 that’s not bad it’s just crazy the wage difference between states. Do you have any experience? I’ve been an electrical technician now for 2 years and am a lead at the residential company I work at and make 19/hr plus a very small commission.
My husband is working for IBEW local 332 and i believe he is bringing home 85.00 an hr. Thats a long way from the 19.00 an hr. he was making when he first started out as an electrician. Before he was certified back in 2015. He's come a long way, has learned lots and he continues to keep up in the trade. He is always reading.
San Jose is a great local part of the ibew. 85 is foreman pay if I am not mistaken for San Jose. That being said, it’s much more when everything else is taken into consideration
I mean the median price for a house in San Jose is over a million dollars. That’s equivalent to 30 bucks an hour in some states that have lower housing costs.
Learning never stops. In the controls business for over 30 years, our customers are the biggest in the world and always calling requestion me. Have never been out of work. Present employer refuses to let me go. Keep up the great work. Always learn.
Fellow Local 48 JW here; I appreciate you explaining the exact numbers. 👍 I've had my license for just over four years and am still pleasantly surprised at just how great our total compensation package is; I have zero complaints about my hourly wage. I hope this video gets tens of thousands of views; more average people need to see just how much you can make as an IBEW JW electrician. Going from making $20/hr (ten years ago, with very little hope for wage advancement), through the apprenticeship and to what I make now has been life-changing. True story: if I can do it, so can you.
I had to wait 5 years. I applied in April of 2017 and got called January of 2022. It took me some time. Even 2 college classes on my belt. I'm about to complete my first year. Save your money and you'll be fine. Also, good luck on the interview. I had to take it twice hence the college courses.
Go in to your interview with confidence and your true heartfelt reasons why you are sitting in that seat before that committee. I teared up when I mentioned where I had been before and where I want to be in the future. Though genuine and uncontrollable, I think that helped a lot. Also remember that half of the JATC (joint apprenticeship training committee) are contractor representatives, the other half are union representatives....they both want to hear the right things. And for God's sake...IF you make the cut after the interview, ATTEND MEETINGS, WORK STEADY, LEARN & APPLY. Do your best work for both your local and your contractor that you are able to.
Ibew 353 Toronto is $50 an hr JW base rate as of May 2023. Here in Ontario, we go to school in blocks. 3 levels of school where you’ll be gone and off the job for 8-10 weeks, 3 different times throughout your apprenticeship. You get PAID to do this through EI, so it isn’t full scale of your apprentice wage but you get something and get PAID to attend school. Great opportunity.
Second year apprentice in local 46. Will be at $35.42 on 02/06 period 3 pay. So thankful for your videos! Used them to get into my apprenticeship and it made that process a breeze for me!
Can you still be an electrician if you barley passed Algebra in high school ? Because I noticed that they require you to have passed algebra with a C I only passed with a D
I’ve been a IBEW local 134 Chicago IL now for over 20 yrs….It’s been the best thing that ever happened to me.. I’m 3rd Generation and I wasn’t headed for college anyway…We make a great living and have an AMAZING benefits package…We’re at 52.05$ per hr on the check…not including overtime..Our overtime is anything over 8 hrs per day mon-Friday..which is paid at time and a half…Sat is time and a half for the first 8 hrs and then double time…Sundays n holidays are double time…Anyone who knocks union workers is either uniformed or jealous…We have the best apprenticeship training programs PERIOD…America Works Best when We Say Union Yes
Been a non-union electrician for about 10 years , I’m prob about 10 years older than you and making way less😂… I gotta say you’ve inspired the hell outa me when I used to be discouraged about whether or not I picked the right career, but currently I have no more doubts . I have my CA journeyman license test coming up on 3/18 and my IBEW OC 441 test on 3/28. Fingers crossed. Thank you
@@stevenprebeg I haven’t had any issues; but it’s not a big local like LA so there’s not always a huge amount of work. I’ve only had 1 slow week over my 2 years in so far
6 months into my first year. Tough right now but I keep thinking about topping out. Local 351 will be close to 60 an hour, over 100 total package, by then. Your videos helped a lot when I was going through the app process.
It’s definitely not easy in the beginning. I had those rough times too early on where I thought to myself that I just felt so overwhelmed at how much there was to learn. It gets easier over time, day by day, and you’ll gain the confidence and skills over time. Conditions change too, so if that’s what’s tough just know that your current job won’t last forever. I’m stoked to hear that my videos have been helpful! That’s for watching and sharing that! ⚡️
@@Pound4Pound23 Everything went pretty smooth, the sample material on the IBEW website was exactly the type of questions on the test - the only thing that caught me off guard was how quick the time went by on the math segment. Myself and a couple others I talked to all had about 5-6 questions left on the algebra we didn’t get to before the timer cut us off, but then we all completed the reading comprehension section with 20+ minutes to spare. The test proctor and people helping check-in to the exam were all really clear and welcoming. A good experience so far and I’m looking forward to the email with the next steps.
@@DrJLiver same here man the math and having to long hand the math ate the time up but the reading I sat there staring at the clock for the next hour after I was done
@@DrJLiver good job. The math is from what I can remember is a mixture of algebra, line graphs, and some pre cal. Showing your work that you tried I think helps to. Let me know whats happens. Good luck bud. Local 6
Been watching your videos to gather more information on if I want to become an electrician or not. I must say you explain in such depth where compared to any sources. I haven’t seen any where else and it has helped me to make the choice to become an electrician ! I appreciate all the awesome info. I’m a 22yr father and currently an EMT with a career that is going down hill, this gives me hope! Thank you.
No way! That’s insane! And I thought my $63.09 as a foreman here was a lot. So cool to hear. All I know is that foreman definitely earn their paychecks. Congrats on such a great wage! ⚡️
Passed my aptitude test and had my interview yesterday at local 20. I’m confident it all went well. Just waiting to hear back if I made it or not by mail. Hoping to hear back by his Friday.
I got my acceptance call for an IBEW apprenticeship about a month ago, and I just got emails for my safety classes and orientation dates a few days ago! Im super excited to finally be getting my life together! I spent several years after high school going to college on and off, changing majors, picking up new hobbies, but nothing really stuck until one day my Gameboy advance stopped charging. I couldn't afford to fix it myself, so i taught myself how to replace the charger port. It was so much fun that i bought another broken Gameboy and did it again! I learned more and more about other consoles and learned how to repair them. I now have my own little repair shop! After a year, funding my little business with a waitress job, realized I wasnt going to be able to make a living in just doing repairs. My family recommended the IBEW apprenticeship, since it was similar to what i was already learning and doing. (2 of them are in a hvac local union) I decide to apply and continue getting better at understanding electronics l, get better at repairs while waiting for an aptitude test date. Got the date, tested, and scored 6. Could be better, could be worse. I got my interview date, interviewed, and was ranked 6th! I was elated! I stayed in 6th until i got my acceptance call. I can't wait to start this opportunity! Its all thanks to your videos for hwlping me through the application-interview process!
A well deserved salary if you ask me. I'm not sure how I stumbled upon your channel but great content! I am a 2nd year dental student and will graduate with close to 250k in total debt, I'm always so intrigued by the fact that many of my peers who work in the trade are able to gain their education and training without going into debt. Good for you! By the way, from one Steven to another, great name ;)
Update: I interviewed yesterday and got my results today. I’m now ranked number 1! Thank you Steven for all your videos, when I was lost and didn’t know what do to with my life and had no clue where to make decent money I came across your channel, and every video you have posted educated me and helped me understand what I needed to do in order to make it!
I've been an electrician for almost 30 years. Just joined the union local 683 in Columbus, Ohio. Wages and insurance is so good. I regret not joining when I started out. The only issue is that I took a state exam and I have my state electric license but they still want me to take journeyman test.
Im in my last semester of trade school, my aptitude test is at the end of this month. Anything you wish you knew joining the trade when you were young? How to stay in shape/not ruin your body, things to do/not do, jobs to stay away from. Anything like that would be amazing insight as I join this trade! 😁👍🏻
I work for IBEW Local 309, 20 miles east of St. Louis, MO. As a foreman wireman I make $48.22/hour on the check. I love the detail you went into explaining your pay structure, and the opportunities that we, as IBEW members, have to make a great living!
Applying in February once I get moved, I really badly want to get started to escape the factory life and crap jobs. Always wanted to work electrical. Just hoping I get selected for an interview.
I work for local 48 as well! Cherry city! Been up at QTS data center project right across from top golf for the last 2 years! Worked 6 10s With incentives every week was 2700 dollars take home a week ! That’s been nice the last 2 years
I'm a 2nd year apprentice in Local 12 JW Scale is 30.50 and our apprenticeship is 4 years, so at pay period 3/5 I make 60% JW Scale, coming to 18.30 an hour, and my tuition is $195/mo, local dues are $40/mo and I got help with my tools not from our local but from the Colorado Workforce, they paid for almost $700 of my tools, and I spent about $500-700 myself (nothing outside the tool list on our CBA)
Interestingly our local's JATC has a minimum requirement of 80% or higher grade point average to pass, and our craft certifications must average 80% or higher each year as well in order to advance.
I’ve been talking to the local union here in cincinnati. They found a few companies that are more than willing to let me join the Union as a telecom tech (which has been my trade for 17 years) and then allow me to cross over and learn to become an electrician.
I just got hire on a electrician company as a tower tech on my back ground. So it is possible. I am in the process of joining the IEC program which my company is paying. I feel like we was being under pay as a tower tech. Good luck on your job hunt.
I’m a non union electrician in his same area with a general journeyman’s license. The Union up here is a great deal, I’m into a profit share setup and expect to make 170k this year but that includes me selling as well as doing my own jobs. I got into this trade after high school making 10 dollars an hour. It IS TRUE. I tell every younger kid who’s willing to work to think about the trades.
I started about 12 years ago, but you’ll be making full journeyman wages after 5-6 years if you go through Union. Merit shops may hold you back another year or 2 if your not putting out journeyman work. The difference between Union and Merit shops is basically that you’ll make what your license dictates per union contract… whereas in Merit shops you can make more or less depending on how much you produce and how much responsibility you can bare.
I'm in my 4th year in the apprenticeship. I'm currently at $43.66/hr. Im grateful, able to live solo and pay bills. The downside is if your working outside and get rained out(no work). I'm actually thinking about gettin a second part time job. Living in Oakland (bay area) is expensive .
As of today - 6/12/23 local 25 Long Island, NY - (includes Suffolk and Nassau county, NY) makes (I believe) $59/hr, we are up for a $2/hr raise this year. I am a 4th year apprentice making roughly 45-50% of that journeyman wage and by the time I turn out in two years, I believe, it will be around $63/hr. First year Apprentices start at 35% of JW rate - Local 3 is Queens, Bronx, NYC, Brooklyn and some of Westchester FYI)
As a 21 yo I think that with how the world is going and how most of my generation isn't in the workforce I think in the future when no one is working these jobs and an electrician is in high demand then I think that it's a no brainier to be in this field, It doesn't actually require college so as a low income fauther this is actually an appetizing prospect. I will pursue this.
@@MadElectrician Hey man just found your channel I work for a private company in Texas not the union… because Texas union sucks 😂, but I was wondering if I moved to a different state and got into the union would they count my hours with my previous company. I have almost 3700 hours and i’m not payed good at all.
Intodays Market as an electrician depends on what electrican you become. There are, INSIDE WIREMAN $60 hr, INSTRUMENTATION PLC $66, RESIDENTIAL $26... LINEMAN $80 and up... these are approx here at local 11..
😂😂😂 Happy to hear that it’s much better in these newer videos! It’s cringy for me to watch my old ones because of the poor quality but they still get quite a few people watching them so I leave them up. I appreciate your feedback! Always looking to improve and it sometimes takes someone else to point something out that I may not notice myself ⚡️
This is motivation for sure! I’m starting my journey to becoming an electrician. The only thing I kind of question is how do you become a journeyman from being an apprentice before 4 years? To jump to a journeyman in one year?! 🤔 🧐
fellow ibew local 595 here, 27 years and running. you make a lot of money if you are working consistently. i always factored in working 9 months a year because of usual slow downs and economic factors.
I remember how in 1989 my new wife convinced me NOT to go into electrical trade ( as was my plan) but HVAC instead. Well...the company i was with in hvac folded,closed shop. By then,I was late 20s,and went into military,then retail mngmnt 7 years later. I wish I had just followed my dream. Truly...its been a life of low pay,backbreaking stressful work for me. Not complaining though,but it would have been an easier road if I had stuck with my original plan. Retired now....doing fine.
Nice man I live in Vegas to and am trying to join 357 as well just need to improve my math skills. What type of math do you need to be good at to pass the math exam?
I think it’s necessary us tradesman, especially apprentices continue to share their wages to know what the standard is across the board with all of us. And to realize if we are getting ripped off. I am currently non union 2nd year industrial electrician apprentice in southern Ontario making $24 an hour with great benefits
Local 213, Vancouver BC Canada. Journey rate is about $42/hr CAD. Going to need to show this video to our union for our next negotiation lol! Thanks for posting
@Mad Electrician journey rate for Local 353 Toronto Canada hits $50/hr either this year or next year. Cant wait for the better wages. I am currently a PreApprentice for $17.07 an hour, its rough with the current economy.
Comments like this are what keep me going, so thank you! I’m so happy to hear that! It is a daunting thing if you don’t know where to start. I appreciate your subscribe and taking the time out of your day to watch my videos! ⚡️
It’s 53 an hour at ibew 400 and we have a 42 dollar benefits packet could be more or less. I’m still waiting for my interview since they switched to monthly to yearly interviews.
Heck yeah!! Killer wages!! They did that here. It’s unfortunate because it makes it more difficult to get in since the interviews are so often. Keep getting after it and make yourself the best possible candidate that you can be. You’ll get it! ⚡️
NYC here! Non-Union here. 2 years in end of February making 24 an hour. Foreman making 100 an hour! Safety guy 100+ an hour We all get OT but idk You need to have passion in your trade/career and be a hard worker!
I'm currently a CDL A TRUCK DRIVER, BUT I'm seriously thinking about to pursue the electrician path, I'm making good money but there is a lack of benefits also long hours 70 plus Hours per week. 100k to 120k yearly are always base on 70 plus hours per week,
Thank you for this. I'm actually from the PDX area (so the amounts you're talking about would apply to me, as well) and considering dropping college before my first term starts and going into a trade instead. Being an electrician is at the top of my list. I definitely have to look into IBEW 48 now.
@@raindrxpz2473 Good! Seemed like they wanted to make sure you would be able to handle working and going to school and know it’s going to be fives years
@@iburrdy Did they ask you for your school transcripts and if they did you did you get them I’m practicing my math so I can do the best for the test and want to have everything ready
First year apprentice here from local 666, market share isn't the best so I'm waiting on work but this is the first job in years where I'm actually excited to go and do good honest work
LU112 here. Layoffs are nothing to be worried about. You get on the books and wait for a good call to come up. Some of us will only work a couple of those big overtime jobs and then sit on the books for a while and take a nice vacation until the next big job. As a union member you also have much better opportunities working out of state as a traveler. After two or three outage jobs you can take the rest of the year off and still have made $120k+ for that year.
@@keepingitmellow No but being on the books allows us to get unemployment, our wage maxes out unemployment which in the state of Washington is $1000/week. That alone is more than some of the full time non-union wages around here.
Dude I’m stoked you make so much but this kills be a little bit, I’m an IBEW213 member in Vancouver Canada, we JUST got a raise with our new contract. Wages are now 45.11/hr, in Canadian dollars. Like why is this gap so enormous 😤
Non union here in Sault Ste. Marie Canada. $44 j man wage plus awesome benefits and awesome pension. I’m actually putting a total of $1600 in my pension a month, and I have a wife with three kids and we own our home. Get into the trade kids we need ya. We are so swamped up where I live we can’t even keep up.
I am a licensed master, holding 7 licenses for different states. I work for a non union testing company making $61 an hour. This year with OT I will probably make $160k+. So any one out there looking for a good career, this definitely can be it. No college degree needed but it is a lot of hard work. It took me 29 years to get here.
Hey Stan, what’s your email? I want to get in touch with you, have some questions. I want to change my life and this may be the best way for me to do that
Currently half a year In my low voltage apprenticeship with a non union company. Seeing what these techs make after almost 20 years made my jaw drop. Extremely underpaid, really considering joining the ibew as a wireman or even as a sounds and communications apprentice
About time to see someone speaking about the union on this platform. I’ve tried to organize for years and I think this is great. Getting near to retirement and this was one of the best decisions ever. Pension days are coming and thank god I don’t have to exist on SS only. Any one can do this. None of us are brain surgeons.
Im in Oklahoma I'm only 17 I'm been in my first year as a apprentice in a tech school also count's as my highschool credits Im going to try and get a summer jod being an apprentice and try and learn the most I can before I go out in the real world and start I been trying to learn everything I can thank you for you explanation on this appreciate it
Local 697 making $13.58 as a first year. It's rough. Journeyman are making 45.25. Also our local has 10 pay periods ! So small raises the first couple years ..
That would definitely be rough at first. Good for you though for pushing through and seeing the light at the end of the tunnel! $45.25 is fantastic. Thanks for sharing!! ⚡️
Hello, I enjoy watching your videos. They're very informative. I would like to ask you if you could please make a video regarding women electricians in your union. I'm a lady trying to get into an Electrician Apprentice here in Los Angeles and I would like to hear your experience about what women go through. Thank you!
Hey, thanks!! I’m happy to hear that! A video on that topic is actually pretty high on my list. It’s something that I will definitely be doing at some point. Not sure if I would have it be an interview style video or just simply me sharing my thoughts/ observations. Let me say though that this career is definitely something that you should pursue as a women, and it’s becoming a very normal thing to have women in the trade. I’ve worked alongside plenty of women who are incredible electricians. You’re very welcome and I appreciate you watching! ⚡️
3rd year apprentice and I make 19.50 which is not a lot at all in my area. I’m really not seeing much money at all and idk I get it that I’m an apprentice still but there’s managers at gas stations that make the same as I do
In my area that pay would be pretty decent. I plan on keeping my serving job for the weekends for a few years though just to get that little bit extra.
I have a question. What if an apprentice completed his 5 year apprenticeship in a certain county, but wants a transfer to a different county in the same state of course. Does what they make hourly come with them or do they get paid the new IBEW wages?
Local 291 Boise Idaho is currently at $38. Next year will be $41 and at the end of our 3 year negotiations $44. The problem is housing in Boise is still $400k
Very nice! Those wages are nothing to scoff at. When I first got into the trade our wages were right around $40. My wife and I actually bought our first house last year and it was just barely under $400,000. Between that and interest rates we’re paying quite a bit for our mortgage. Working hard to get my house paid off early though ⚡️
Right on! Thanks! Yeah, I tried my best to keep the video under 20 minutes while still covering a lot of info. My plan is to make specific videos where I elaborate more on each topic from this video. Thanks for watching! ⚡️
LU 64 first year apprentice here. Starting out sucks, the pay just isn’t there yet. After I journey out I’ll be making about $40/hr. Might not seem like much but in northeast Ohio that’s livin well
I remember the feeling. It’s not easy in the beginning, especially if you had to take a pay cut to get in. With time your raises will come and it will be all worth it though. Honestly, I think $40/ hr is incredible. That’s roughly what journeymen made when I was first trying to get into the trade and I thought that number was just insane. Never thought I’d be making that much. Thanks for watching! ⚡️
@@MadElectrician you know it brotha. Yeah I was making 60k a year and made 12.64 an hour when I got in lol. The pay cut sucks but definitely worth it long run. Especially when total package is almost 60/hr
Could you make a video comparing cost of living with avg pay/apprentice pay and showing us maybe the top 10 states? I’m in Florida but I’d be willing to relocate if there’s a great opportunity for high wages (if housing isn’t too expensive, it’s already bad here)
Was kinda jealous of the pay, considering at ibew 60 here in San Antonio jiws only get 32/hr (hopefully more come negotiations in May) but also Portland cost of living is 46% higher
We do have a very high cost of living here. Thankfully I live outside of Portland, but it’s still not cheap 😂 Hopefully you get a sweet raise on this next go-round! ⚡️
Your cost of living is not as high as some places. Texas in general is not union friendly. That’s more of a right to work state which is sad. Hope things change there.
Heck yeah! That’s awesome to hear! Good for you for wanting to start such a great career at such an early age. Lots of people get into this trade later in life and wish that they had started younger. You can definitely make a fantastic living as an electrician. I appreciate you watching and wish you the best of luck on your aptitude test! ⚡️
Just wanted to say that you Videos really helped me with going through on Joining the Union. Local 269 out of Trenton, 1st year apprentice currently. Our negotiations just went through and our Journeymen make $54.27/hr currently with the rate topping out at ~$63/hr by July 2025, $103/hr total package. I didn’t hear you mention it in the Video but does your Local have an Annuity as well? And what is the “Flex Plan” you mentioned. Never heard of that.
Heck yeah!! So stoked to hear that man! Those are some killer wages too! Two of our pensions are defined benefits that are a fixed amount that we receive for the rest of our life after retiring. And that amount is based off of years worked. Our flex plan is essentially a health savings account that our employer pays into. We can use it for any out of pocket expenses associated with medical visits. We can also withdrawal money from it if we get laid off. It also functions as a dependent care reimbursement account, so for me, I use it to pay for my two little girls to go to their private school. I believe I have 60% of it allocated towards medical reimbursement if I ever need it and 40% allocated towards the dependent care reimbursement. I’ll eventually make a full video on it though. It’s a really cool benefit.
Absolutely man, I almost couldn’t believe it when I got the info. Seems like things are looking good for the industry in general! And congrats on the Foreman promotion! Not very often people get that opportunity so soon after raising their ticket. That flex plan sounds like a pretty good deal! Our Annuity had been explained to me to be like a 401K, Plus we get the 2 pensions as well, Local and National.
I’m starting as a laborer I started 2 weeks ago missed the application window I hope it opens again soon I know this will be worth it in the long run.. Im willing to stick it out until I become an apprentice hopefully that is soon!
Second year local 180, my first 1600 hours I’ve been laid off 4 times, first was reduction of work force, second was apprentice rotation, third was job was done, fourth was job slowed too much, onto my fifth con now, let’s hope this one lasts
I was considering joining the carpenters Union because I love all the trades. But in my research I keep seeing that carpenters are constantly pressured to produce regardless of safety and get paid the least of all the skilled trades. I also love Electrical though and will stop by the local. I have a degree in geology/geophysics and hope this will help me.
Im a 18 year old union carpenter. I love carpentry but the union is not good. We do far more work than any other trades and are paid the least. I often feel I’m working way to hard for what I’m being paid. I’m expected to run while all the other trades walk. And I totally agree with you about the fact we are always expected to produce no matter what. Safety is definitely not priority to these guys in this trade. I’m currently looking to get into the electrician union hoping it will be better.
Not all states pay well when you’re in the union. I used to be an inside wireman with local 291 they make about 68-74k a year with journeyman wages. Some people just want more, and don’t wanna retire at 63.
Local 683 Columbus Ohio. Bangin out 6 figures. I don't why anyone would not want to be in this trade, not be Union, and leave so much money on the table.
@@themonsterwithin4000 613 Atlanta, but I love to travel currently in 26 Going on 19years and that includes my experience as a Master LV Tech. Majority of jobs I hit are 6 to 7 days a week. Most large union jobs throughout the country are paced like that. Been this way since 2015 We don’t work “at” a local. We work for the IBEW. You must be non union
IBEW 640, jw rate is currently 33.10, 46.12 with benefits included. Negotiations are next year, so hoping raises. Right now a bidding war is going on with all the contractors with 5-10 dollar incentives on all the jobs, so hopefully next year in Negotiations we just have the flat rate go up to match the incentive pay. It's causing problems in my local where jobs can't keep book 1s as they constantly move job to job as other incentives go up while apprentices end up having to constantly finish up work.
@Jose Sierra Jr. yeah, you have to do 90% of 60 hours or 50 (whatever the call is for). It makes it impossible for family men or really anyone to even make a doctor's appointment or have an emergency.
Bro… I work for a private company and I’ve been working for almost two years as an electrician. I only make $16.50 an hour😢. But luckily when I work on government building I get paid $52 an hour.
This motivates the hell out of me. I’m currently 21 & swore to myself to make a change for my life. I’m quitting my job at albertsons as a meat clerk and joining an electric company through my friend and starting on the 13th of February. I’m stoked as hell.
does the benefit package go to your paycheck like will your paycheck come out as 177k? or 119k?
Great decision to make, I’m in my 30’s and wondering why I didn’t do this earlier. I’m not an electrician yet but, have rewired my entire house on my own. Now contemplating going into the trade.
IBEW 112 full benefits plus 52 an hour on the check. Do it man.
Work hard. Don’t take things personal. Be teachable and listen. You got two ears and one mouth. Use respect addressing anything resembling a superior.
Be appropriate when it’s appropriate, and inappropriate when it’s appropriate.
I bless thee. Careful working on hot shit.
@@mostafa685 gotta take risks in life man, you already have experience too so it should be a great jump in that direction! 🙏🏽
I interviewed with the IBEW here in Nashville a few months back. Based on the score they gave me (78) I thought that door had closed. I was thinking in school terms, so 78 is a C. I figured other people would score higher. I scored a 7 out of 9 on my aptitude exam however. I thought that counted for something. Anyway, I cut my losses and kept looking into other companies. Ended up getting an interview with a reputable merit shop, and was offered the job. I was supposed to start next Monday (Feb 6th), but this past Friday right before my lunch break the IBEW called me up out of the blue. Offering a job. I'm starting with them on the 6th instead. Stay vigilant gentlemen.
Congrats!
Middle-class lifestyle.
What are they paying in Nashville if you don’t mind me asking? I live in ga and I know wages in the south are way lower than the northwest where he is at. Even though our cost of living has sky rocketed.
@@hectormorales6175 Thanks!
@@ZuglyRed If what I was told is correct, he told me over the phone Friday that I would start at $18.91/hr and move up from there.
@@davidwhite206 that’s not bad it’s just crazy the wage difference between states. Do you have any experience? I’ve been an electrical technician now for 2 years and am a lead at the residential company I work at and make 19/hr plus a very small commission.
My husband is working for IBEW local 332 and i believe he is bringing home 85.00 an hr. Thats a long way from the 19.00 an hr. he was making when he first started out as an electrician. Before he was certified back in 2015. He's come a long way, has learned lots and he continues to keep up in the trade. He is always reading.
San Jose is a great local part of the ibew. 85 is foreman pay if I am not mistaken for San Jose. That being said, it’s much more when everything else is taken into consideration
I mean the median price for a house in San Jose is over a million dollars. That’s equivalent to 30 bucks an hour in some states that have lower housing costs.
@@bartsimpson8022 family matters
Learning never stops. In the controls business for over 30 years, our customers are the biggest in the world and always calling requestion me. Have never been out of work. Present employer refuses to let me go. Keep up the great work. Always learn.
@@dwaynes5983what are good classes for controls? To get certifications?
Fellow Local 48 JW here; I appreciate you explaining the exact numbers. 👍
I've had my license for just over four years and am still pleasantly surprised at just how great our total compensation package is; I have zero complaints about my hourly wage.
I hope this video gets tens of thousands of views; more average people need to see just how much you can make as an IBEW JW electrician. Going from making $20/hr (ten years ago, with very little hope for wage advancement), through the apprenticeship and to what I make now has been life-changing.
True story: if I can do it, so can you.
does the benefit package go to your paycheck like will your paycheck come out as 177k? or 119k?
@Yousif Yaqo the benefit package does not go to your paycheck, it gets paid into your pension, insurance..
I had my re-interview yesterday. I felt it went way better than the first time! If God is willing I’ll get accepted 🙏🏽
Way to be persistent! That was my exact thinking too. Way to have the right attitude. Hoping that you get it this time! ⚡️
@@MadElectrician thank you, your videos have helped me so much with this process!
I had to wait 5 years. I applied in April of 2017 and got called January of 2022. It took me some time. Even 2 college classes on my belt. I'm about to complete my first year. Save your money and you'll be fine. Also, good luck on the interview. I had to take it twice hence the college courses.
@@williamcruz7976 did you just keep on reapplying? And what college courses where they?
Go in to your interview with confidence and your true heartfelt reasons why you are sitting in that seat before that committee. I teared up when I mentioned where I had been before and where I want to be in the future. Though genuine and uncontrollable, I think that helped a lot. Also remember that half of the JATC (joint apprenticeship training committee) are contractor representatives, the other half are union representatives....they both want to hear the right things. And for God's sake...IF you make the cut after the interview, ATTEND MEETINGS, WORK STEADY, LEARN & APPLY. Do your best work for both your local and your contractor that you are able to.
I've been a carpenter for 5 years but I've always wanted to be an electrician, after watching this video I think I'm going for it. Thanks
Ibew 353 Toronto is $50 an hr JW base rate as of May 2023.
Here in Ontario, we go to school in blocks. 3 levels of school where you’ll be gone and off the job for 8-10 weeks, 3 different times throughout your apprenticeship. You get PAID to do this through EI, so it isn’t full scale of your apprentice wage but you get something and get PAID to attend school. Great opportunity.
Hope to get into union one day. I’m a fifth yr apprentice but from what I’ve been told, I need to be JW to get hired by union.
does the benefit package go to your paycheck like will your paycheck come out as 177k? or 119k?
Second year apprentice in local 46. Will be at $35.42 on 02/06 period 3 pay. So thankful for your videos! Used them to get into my apprenticeship and it made that process a breeze for me!
That’s what I make as a 4 year, period 8 😢
Wtf?? I make 28 as a journeyman. Non union but still. Jesus christ man
@@Stinky_sack Get Organized! Union UP, son!
Can you still be an electrician if you barley passed Algebra in high school ? Because I noticed that they require you to have passed algebra with a C I only passed with a D
2nd year in 474 and I make less than half that, bruh moment
I’ve been a IBEW local 134 Chicago IL now for over 20 yrs….It’s been the best thing that ever happened to me.. I’m 3rd Generation and I wasn’t headed for college anyway…We make a great living and have an AMAZING benefits package…We’re at 52.05$ per hr on the check…not including overtime..Our overtime is anything over 8 hrs per day mon-Friday..which is paid at time and a half…Sat is time and a half for the first 8 hrs and then double time…Sundays n holidays are double time…Anyone who knocks union workers is either uniformed or jealous…We have the best apprenticeship training programs PERIOD…America Works Best when We Say Union Yes
Yea, but you don't work outa the hall. So your a worm
Are they going into book 2 in 134? It’s slow as hell in 150, sucks! Only got 5 months in last year.
Been a non-union electrician for about 10 years , I’m prob about 10 years older than you and making way less😂… I gotta say you’ve inspired the hell outa me when I used to be discouraged about whether or not I picked the right career, but currently I have no more doubts . I have my CA journeyman license test coming up on 3/18 and my IBEW OC 441 test on 3/28. Fingers crossed. Thank you
Good luck that’s the local I’m in
@@manumann2844 nice! How do you like it ?
@@stevenprebeg I haven’t had any issues; but it’s not a big local like LA so there’s not always a huge amount of work. I’ve only had 1 slow week over my 2 years in so far
@@manumann2844 is the entrance testing difficult ?
@@stevenprebeg not really from what I hear
6 months into my first year. Tough right now but I keep thinking about topping out. Local 351 will be close to 60 an hour, over 100 total package, by then. Your videos helped a lot when I was going through the app process.
It’s definitely not easy in the beginning. I had those rough times too early on where I thought to myself that I just felt so overwhelmed at how much there was to learn. It gets easier over time, day by day, and you’ll gain the confidence and skills over time. Conditions change too, so if that’s what’s tough just know that your current job won’t last forever.
I’m stoked to hear that my videos have been helpful! That’s for watching and sharing that! ⚡️
Doubt the hourly will be $60, but total package will be over $100 in 2 yrs.
@@fredmadden3rd888 you are probably right. A JW on my job said we are putting a lot of the wage increases into h&w. Is that true?
@@MikeSmith-gi4hc nah, most members vote to put it into annuity
351 is 98 package
My aptitude test is coming up next week here at local 48 in Portland, your videos have been a godsend for me haha. Thanks a ton, Stephen!
LET’S GOOO!!!! Happy to hear that man! Good luck and you’re very welcome! ⚡️
How did you do?
@@Pound4Pound23 Everything went pretty smooth, the sample material on the IBEW website was exactly the type of questions on the test - the only thing that caught me off guard was how quick the time went by on the math segment. Myself and a couple others I talked to all had about 5-6 questions left on the algebra we didn’t get to before the timer cut us off, but then we all completed the reading comprehension section with 20+ minutes to spare. The test proctor and people helping check-in to the exam were all really clear and welcoming. A good experience so far and I’m looking forward to the email with the next steps.
@@DrJLiver same here man the math and having to long hand the math ate the time up but the reading I sat there staring at the clock for the next hour after I was done
@@DrJLiver good job. The math is from what I can remember is a mixture of algebra, line graphs, and some pre cal. Showing your work that you tried I think helps to. Let me know whats happens. Good luck bud. Local 6
Been watching your videos to gather more information on if I want to become an electrician or not. I must say you explain in such depth where compared to any sources. I haven’t seen any where else and it has helped me to make the choice to become an electrician ! I appreciate all the awesome info. I’m a 22yr father and currently an EMT with a career that is going down hill, this gives me hope! Thank you.
Working in IBEW 332
As foreman 92.20 on the check 👊🏼
No way! That’s insane! And I thought my
$63.09 as a foreman here was a lot. So cool to hear. All I know is that foreman definitely earn their paychecks. Congrats on such a great wage! ⚡️
Scrolled down just to find this 332 comment. Wassup brother 🤘🏽
Passed my aptitude test and had my interview yesterday at local 20. I’m confident it all went well. Just waiting to hear back if I made it or not by mail. Hoping to hear back by his Friday.
I got my acceptance call for an IBEW apprenticeship about a month ago, and I just got emails for my safety classes and orientation dates a few days ago! Im super excited to finally be getting my life together!
I spent several years after high school going to college on and off, changing majors, picking up new hobbies, but nothing really stuck until one day my Gameboy advance stopped charging. I couldn't afford to fix it myself, so i taught myself how to replace the charger port. It was so much fun that i bought another broken Gameboy and did it again! I learned more and more about other consoles and learned how to repair them. I now have my own little repair shop! After a year, funding my little business with a waitress job, realized I wasnt going to be able to make a living in just doing repairs. My family recommended the IBEW apprenticeship, since it was similar to what i was already learning and doing. (2 of them are in a hvac local union) I decide to apply and continue getting better at understanding electronics l, get better at repairs while waiting for an aptitude test date.
Got the date, tested, and scored 6. Could be better, could be worse. I got my interview date, interviewed, and was ranked 6th! I was elated!
I stayed in 6th until i got my acceptance call. I can't wait to start this opportunity! Its all thanks to your videos for hwlping me through the application-interview process!
What questions did they ask in the interview?
A well deserved salary if you ask me. I'm not sure how I stumbled upon your channel but great content!
I am a 2nd year dental student and will graduate with close to 250k in total debt, I'm always so intrigued by the fact that many of my peers who work in the trade are able to gain their education and training without going into debt. Good for you!
By the way, from one Steven to another, great name ;)
$49 an hour at local 428👍🏼
Hopefully I’ll make it into the apprenticeship this time after trying for a year and a half!
Right on! That’s a great wage!
Don’t give up. Sometimes it takes years and multiple tries for people to finally get in. You’ll get it! ⚡️
Update:
I interviewed yesterday and got my results today.
I’m now ranked number 1!
Thank you Steven for all your videos, when I was lost and didn’t know what do to with my life and had no clue where to make decent money I came across your channel, and every video you have posted educated me and helped me understand what I needed to do in order to make it!
does the benefit package go to your paycheck like will your paycheck come out as 177k? or 119k?
@@yousifyaqo83 the entire package is dispersed how it should be on your check stub, the $49/hr is just what you take home
That wage is decent in cali. You won’t be making a lot of money.
I've been an electrician for almost 30 years. Just joined the union local 683 in Columbus, Ohio. Wages and insurance is so good. I regret not joining when I started out.
The only issue is that I took a state exam and I have my state electric license but they still want me to take journeyman test.
Im in my last semester of trade school, my aptitude test is at the end of this month. Anything you wish you knew joining the trade when you were young? How to stay in shape/not ruin your body, things to do/not do, jobs to stay away from. Anything like that would be amazing insight as I join this trade! 😁👍🏻
I work for IBEW Local 309, 20 miles east of St. Louis, MO. As a foreman wireman I make $48.22/hour on the check. I love the detail you went into explaining your pay structure, and the opportunities that we, as IBEW members, have to make a great living!
I’m in the IBEW 124 area, what are some things that you would recommend for some one looking into an joining?
Union is gayyy
Applying in February once I get moved, I really badly want to get started to escape the factory life and crap jobs. Always wanted to work electrical. Just hoping I get selected for an interview.
@@WattsUpSubz bro you just keep applying. They eventually let you in.
What’s an inside wireman
I was in carpentry for 4 years finally made the switch. Been tough but I feel all these has helped so much
Hey, congrats on making the switch! I’m stoked to hear that these have been helpful for you! ⚡️
I work for local 48 as well! Cherry city! Been up at QTS data center project right across from top golf for the last 2 years! Worked 6 10s With incentives every week was 2700 dollars take home a week ! That’s been nice the last 2 years
I Remember when I thought 120k/year was good. Thank you IBEW for training but glad I left to make the most of my time !
Good for you!
You left to go do what?
just got a accepted into the apprenticeship program out of local 692 out of Michigan. I'm very excited to start my journey I'm going to 34
I'm a 2nd year apprentice in Local 12
JW Scale is 30.50 and our apprenticeship is 4 years, so at pay period 3/5 I make 60% JW Scale, coming to 18.30 an hour, and my tuition is $195/mo, local dues are $40/mo and I got help with my tools not from our local but from the Colorado Workforce, they paid for almost $700 of my tools, and I spent about $500-700 myself (nothing outside the tool list on our CBA)
Interestingly our local's JATC has a minimum requirement of 80% or higher grade point average to pass, and our craft certifications must average 80% or higher each year as well in order to advance.
I’ve been talking to the local union here in cincinnati. They found a few companies that are more than willing to let me join the Union as a telecom tech (which has been my trade for 17 years) and then allow me to cross over and learn to become an electrician.
Local 212 representing!
I just got hire on a electrician company as a tower tech on my back ground. So it is possible. I am in the process of joining the IEC program which my company is paying. I feel like we was being under pay as a tower tech. Good luck on your job hunt.
I’m a non union electrician in his same area with a general journeyman’s license. The Union up here is a great deal, I’m into a profit share setup and expect to make 170k this year but that includes me selling as well as doing my own jobs. I got into this trade after high school making 10 dollars an hour. It IS TRUE. I tell every younger kid who’s willing to work to think about the trades.
How many years of experience do you have? I’m thinking of doing electrician.
I started about 12 years ago, but you’ll be making full journeyman wages after 5-6 years if you go through Union. Merit shops may hold you back another year or 2 if your not putting out journeyman work. The difference between Union and Merit shops is basically that you’ll make what your license dictates per union contract… whereas in Merit shops you can make more or less depending on how much you produce and how much responsibility you can bare.
I'm in my 4th year in the apprenticeship. I'm currently at $43.66/hr. Im grateful, able to live solo and pay bills. The downside is if your working outside and get rained out(no work). I'm actually thinking about gettin a second part time job. Living in Oakland (bay area) is expensive .
How hard is it to get in the apprenticeship program in the Bay Area. I’m out here in sac wanting to apply but I have no construction experience
@@randomdude6240 apply contact your local union or stop by their training cent
As of today - 6/12/23 local 25 Long Island, NY - (includes Suffolk and Nassau county, NY) makes (I believe) $59/hr, we are up for a $2/hr raise this year. I am a 4th year apprentice making roughly 45-50% of that journeyman wage and by the time I turn out in two years, I believe, it will be around $63/hr. First year Apprentices start at 35% of JW rate - Local 3 is Queens, Bronx, NYC, Brooklyn and some of Westchester FYI)
As a 21 yo I think that with how the world is going and how most of my generation isn't in the workforce I think in the future when no one is working these jobs and an electrician is in high demand then I think that it's a no brainier to be in this field, It doesn't actually require college so as a low income fauther this is actually an appetizing prospect. I will pursue this.
3rd year apprentice 6th period $56.12. JW rate $80.12 LU 332 biggest blessing getting into our apprenticeship!
Holy moly, that’s insane! My dad is a part of LU 290. I believe their wage is just barely under what we make here. Thanks for sharing! ⚡️
Is that local 332?
im trying to join 332 bro. im a 3rd year apprentice myself non union making $40 / hourly
Keep in mind cost of living.
Had my aptitude test today it went great. Local 103
Heck yeah!! Stoked to hear that!! ⚡️
Nice
What were the questions like?
Congratulations man how did you study and any tips?
@@MadElectrician Hey man just found your channel I work for a private company in Texas not the union… because Texas union sucks 😂, but I was wondering if I moved to a different state and got into the union would they count my hours with my previous company. I have almost 3700 hours and i’m not payed good at all.
Intodays Market as an electrician depends on what electrican you become. There are, INSIDE WIREMAN $60 hr, INSTRUMENTATION PLC $66, RESIDENTIAL $26... LINEMAN $80 and up... these are approx here at local 11..
Nearly blew myself across the room because I didn't adjust the volume from one of your older videos 😂😂 phenomenal audio quality here!
😂😂😂
Happy to hear that it’s much better in these newer videos! It’s cringy for me to watch my old ones because of the poor quality but they still get quite a few people watching them so I leave them up. I appreciate your feedback! Always looking to improve and it sometimes takes someone else to point something out that I may not notice myself ⚡️
@@MadElectrician you make great material man dont feel cringy watching them!
This is motivation for sure! I’m starting my journey to becoming an electrician. The only thing I kind of question is how do you become a journeyman from being an apprentice before 4 years? To jump to a journeyman in one year?! 🤔 🧐
fellow ibew local 595 here, 27 years and running. you make a lot of money if you are working consistently. i always factored in working 9 months a year because of usual slow downs and economic factors.
I remember how in 1989 my new wife convinced me NOT to go into electrical trade ( as was my plan) but HVAC instead. Well...the company i was with in hvac folded,closed shop. By then,I was late 20s,and went into military,then retail mngmnt 7 years later.
I wish I had just followed my dream. Truly...its been a life of low pay,backbreaking stressful work for me. Not complaining though,but it would have been an easier road if I had stuck with my original plan. Retired now....doing fine.
Joining the IBEW was the best decision I ever made! Local 357!
Nice man I live in Vegas to and am trying to join 357 as well just need to improve my math skills. What type of math do you need to be good at to pass the math exam?
Starting Electrician Apprentice in Kentucky is Around $14.00 an hour
I think it’s necessary us tradesman, especially apprentices continue to share their wages to know what the standard is across the board with all of us. And to realize if we are getting ripped off. I am currently non union 2nd year industrial electrician apprentice in southern Ontario making $24 an hour with great benefits
I have my apprenticeship interview tomorrow thank you so much for all these videos on this channel
Right on! Wishing you the best of luck!
You’re very welcome. I’m happy that people are benefiting from this information ⚡️
please how can I be part of the aprentice
Local 213, Vancouver BC Canada. Journey rate is about $42/hr CAD. Going to need to show this video to our union for our next negotiation lol!
Thanks for posting
Right on! Do it! 😂😂
I appreciate you watching and you’re very welcome! ⚡️
@Mad Electrician journey rate for Local 353 Toronto Canada hits $50/hr either this year or next year. Cant wait for the better wages. I am currently a PreApprentice for $17.07 an hour, its rough with the current economy.
Im taking my aptitude test next month a little nervous but I know I can do this thanks for the video and the motivation!!
Heck yeah! You can definitely do this! You’re very welcome!! ⚡️
All the ppl that called you a lier, they are jelous. Keep making your videos👍
hey steven juss want u ta know that ur the reason i wanna be an electrician u made it seem possible been subscribed ever since
Comments like this are what keep me going, so thank you! I’m so happy to hear that! It is a daunting thing if you don’t know where to start. I appreciate your subscribe and taking the time out of your day to watch my videos! ⚡️
It’s 53 an hour at ibew 400 and we have a 42 dollar benefits packet could be more or less. I’m still waiting for my interview since they switched to monthly to yearly interviews.
Heck yeah!! Killer wages!!
They did that here. It’s unfortunate because it makes it more difficult to get in since the interviews are so often. Keep getting after it and make yourself the best possible candidate that you can be. You’ll get it! ⚡️
@@MadElectrician that’s the best plan setting myself up for the future
Non union company- starting journeyman rate is 58 an hour $65-$80 with commission. Residential only, in the Portland area.
Very nice! Thanks for sharing! ⚡️
Ibew 569 San Diego foreman here. Preach brother!
LET’S GO!!!!!!
Thanks for watching brother! ⚡️
Journeyman wireman in Local 332, San Jose. I'm making $80.00 a hour on the check. I haven't included the benefits package. Which is great also.
NYC here!
Non-Union here. 2 years in end of February making 24 an hour. Foreman making 100 an hour! Safety guy 100+ an hour
We all get OT but idk
You need to have passion in your trade/career and be a hard worker!
I'm currently a CDL A TRUCK DRIVER, BUT I'm seriously thinking about to pursue the electrician path, I'm making good money but there is a lack of benefits also long hours 70 plus Hours per week.
100k to 120k yearly are always base on 70 plus hours per week,
If you already have your CDL, and are in good health, maybe consider being a Lineman or Substation Tech.
Thank you for this. I'm actually from the PDX area (so the amounts you're talking about would apply to me, as well) and considering dropping college before my first term starts and going into a trade instead. Being an electrician is at the top of my list. I definitely have to look into IBEW 48 now.
Have my interview tomorrow just want to say thank you for helping me get to this point ! Your videos helped a lot
Hey, awesome! We’ll I appreciate you dropping a comment and saying that! Wishing you the best of luck in your interview my friend! ⚡️
How was the interview?
@@raindrxpz2473 Good! Seemed like they wanted to make sure you would be able to handle working and going to school and know it’s going to be fives years
@@iburrdy Did they ask you for your school transcripts and if they did you did you get them I’m practicing my math so I can do the best for the test and want to have everything ready
@@raindrxpz2473 at my local you had to have your transcript when you first applied and then a month later we you took the the test
Union is the way! Because the odds of 3 ghosts visiting your boss on Christmas Eve to convince them to make the right choices are extremely low!
😂😂😂
First year apprentice here from local 666, market share isn't the best so I'm waiting on work but this is the first job in years where I'm actually excited to go and do good honest work
LU112 here. Layoffs are nothing to be worried about. You get on the books and wait for a good call to come up. Some of us will only work a couple of those big overtime jobs and then sit on the books for a while and take a nice vacation until the next big job. As a union member you also have much better opportunities working out of state as a traveler. After two or three outage jobs you can take the rest of the year off and still have made $120k+ for that year.
do they pay you during layoffs?
@@keepingitmellow No but being on the books allows us to get unemployment, our wage maxes out unemployment which in the state of Washington is $1000/week.
That alone is more than some of the full time non-union wages around here.
Electricians, plumbers, Lineman-all family trades and provide great livings. My husband says hi from IBEW 714 in ND.
Union is the way to go. im non union 3rd year apprentice but in the process of trying to join currently
Dude I’m stoked you make so much but this kills be a little bit, I’m an IBEW213 member in Vancouver Canada, we JUST got a raise with our new contract. Wages are now 45.11/hr, in Canadian dollars. Like why is this gap so enormous 😤
43$/hour as a journeyman in quebec, canada. Helpful video thanks for making it
Non union here in Sault Ste. Marie Canada.
$44 j man wage plus awesome benefits and awesome pension. I’m actually putting a total of $1600 in my pension a month, and I have a wife with three kids and we own our home.
Get into the trade kids we need ya. We are so swamped up where I live we can’t even keep up.
Keep up the great work, this is incredibly informative.
I am a licensed master, holding 7 licenses for different states. I work for a non union testing company making $61 an hour. This year with OT I will probably make $160k+. So any one out there looking for a good career, this definitely can be it. No college degree needed but it is a lot of hard work. It took me 29 years to get here.
Hey Stan, what’s your email? I want to get in touch with you, have some questions.
I want to change my life and this may be the best way for me to do that
Man I love your videos I'm almost done my schooling and about to Start my apprenticeship, exciting
Non union Parkersburg WV, journeyman Electrician $42 per hour
Local 11 right here....jst under 60 bucks an hour.....Los Angeles chapter homie.
That’s what I’m talking about! Thanks for sharing! ⚡️
IBEW 441 OC California $54.87 hour $79.29 package
Very nice! Thanks for sharing! ⚡️
332 apprentice here. crazy good money and benefits but it depends on the local!
Currently half a year In my low voltage apprenticeship with a non union company. Seeing what these techs make after almost 20 years made my jaw drop. Extremely underpaid, really considering joining the ibew as a wireman or even as a sounds and communications apprentice
You can do it bud. Be confident. Be strong. AND, keep your speech strong. Yes I’m part of IBEW
About time to see someone speaking about the union on this platform. I’ve tried to organize for years and I think this is great. Getting near to retirement and this was one of the best decisions ever. Pension days are coming and thank god I don’t have to exist on SS only. Any one can do this. None of us are brain surgeons.
I can't decide if I want to do. Cdl trucking, electrical, or welding. -_- I in the Chicagoland area
Im in Oklahoma I'm only 17 I'm been in my first year as a apprentice in a tech school also count's as my highschool credits Im going to try and get a summer jod being an apprentice and try and learn the most I can before I go out in the real world and start I been trying to learn everything I can thank you for you explanation on this appreciate it
Great job kid, I live right by you maybe. Local 6. Remember two things: take a shower before the interview AND talk with confidence
Power to the IBEW.
Our Union does are around $60. per month on the average in the United State. I would gladly pay double my Union dues.
Local 697 making $13.58 as a first year. It's rough. Journeyman are making 45.25. Also our local has 10 pay periods ! So small raises the first couple years ..
That would definitely be rough at first. Good for you though for pushing through and seeing the light at the end of the tunnel! $45.25 is fantastic. Thanks for sharing!! ⚡️
Woop woop 🙌 👏 IBEW proud 👏. LU 852, just topped out. Awesome channel brother 👏
Heck yeah!! Congratulations on topping out!
Thank you very much and also thanks for watching! ⚡️
Hello, I enjoy watching your videos. They're very informative. I would like to ask you if you could please make a video regarding women electricians in your union. I'm a lady trying to get into an Electrician Apprentice here in Los Angeles and I would like to hear your experience about what women go through.
Thank you!
Hey, thanks!! I’m happy to hear that! A video on that topic is actually pretty high on my list. It’s something that I will definitely be doing at some point. Not sure if I would have it be an interview style video or just simply me sharing my thoughts/ observations. Let me say though that this career is definitely something that you should pursue as a women, and it’s becoming a very normal thing to have women in the trade. I’ve worked alongside plenty of women who are incredible electricians.
You’re very welcome and I appreciate you watching! ⚡️
@@MadElectrician Thank you! That helps. You totally have my support!
3rd year apprentice and I make 19.50 which is not a lot at all in my area. I’m really not seeing much money at all and idk I get it that I’m an apprentice still but there’s managers at gas stations that make the same as I do
In my area that pay would be pretty decent. I plan on keeping my serving job for the weekends for a few years though just to get that little bit extra.
Great stuff man. I have my IBEW interview soon just north of Seattle Local 191.
Ibew 617 jw is 74/hr. We got an allocation meeting coming up in a few months. Looking forward to June 1st raises
I have a question. What if an apprentice completed his 5 year apprenticeship in a certain county, but wants a transfer to a different county in the same state of course. Does what they make hourly come with them or do they get paid the new IBEW wages?
Local 291 Boise Idaho is currently at $38. Next year will be $41 and at the end of our 3 year negotiations $44. The problem is housing in Boise is still $400k
Very nice! Those wages are nothing to scoff at. When I first got into the trade our wages were right around $40.
My wife and I actually bought our first house last year and it was just barely under $400,000. Between that and interest rates we’re paying quite a bit for our mortgage. Working hard to get my house paid off early though ⚡️
@@MadElectricianI wish houses were 400k it’s like double for a avg house it a fu kin crazy
JW, IBEW LU #613 (Atlanta) here … Good job explaining stuff bro … even though you only scratched the surface here … I love this trade
Right on! Thanks! Yeah, I tried my best to keep the video under 20 minutes while still covering a lot of info. My plan is to make specific videos where I elaborate more on each topic from this video.
Thanks for watching! ⚡️
Ratlanta
Hey, I been tryna get into 613, I have an application on file but no word back on taking aptitude test, any advice
LU 64 first year apprentice here. Starting out sucks, the pay just isn’t there yet. After I journey out I’ll be making about $40/hr. Might not seem like much but in northeast Ohio that’s livin well
I remember the feeling. It’s not easy in the beginning, especially if you had to take a pay cut to get in. With time your raises will come and it will be all worth it though.
Honestly, I think $40/ hr is incredible. That’s roughly what journeymen made when I was first trying to get into the trade and I thought that number was just insane. Never thought I’d be making that much.
Thanks for watching! ⚡️
@@MadElectrician you know it brotha. Yeah I was making 60k a year and made 12.64 an hour when I got in lol. The pay cut sucks but definitely worth it long run. Especially when total package is almost 60/hr
Thank you for your videos , I gonna watch every single one
Wages in Vermont are a bit behind unfortunately. JW is 31.90/hr currently.
Man, I just offered a Friend $150 an hour to an Electrician friend and he said I was low Balling him! San Francisco Area.
Could you make a video comparing cost of living with avg pay/apprentice pay and showing us maybe the top 10 states? I’m in Florida but I’d be willing to relocate if there’s a great opportunity for high wages (if housing isn’t too expensive, it’s already bad here)
Was kinda jealous of the pay, considering at ibew 60 here in San Antonio jiws only get 32/hr (hopefully more come negotiations in May) but also Portland cost of living is 46% higher
We do have a very high cost of living here. Thankfully I live outside of Portland, but it’s still not cheap 😂 Hopefully you get a sweet raise on this next go-round! ⚡️
Your cost of living is not as high as some places. Texas in general is not union friendly. That’s more of a right to work state which is sad. Hope things change there.
@@Mrmudbone_gaming we're trying for sure
i’m taking my aptitude test next month local 488 in connecticut fresh out of high school hoping to make a good living
Heck yeah! That’s awesome to hear!
Good for you for wanting to start such a great career at such an early age. Lots of people get into this trade later in life and wish that they had started younger. You can definitely make a fantastic living as an electrician.
I appreciate you watching and wish you the best of luck on your aptitude test! ⚡️
Just wanted to say that you Videos really helped me with going through on Joining the Union. Local 269 out of Trenton, 1st year apprentice currently. Our negotiations just went through and our Journeymen make $54.27/hr currently with the rate topping out at ~$63/hr by July 2025, $103/hr total package. I didn’t hear you mention it in the Video but does your Local have an Annuity as well? And what is the “Flex Plan” you mentioned. Never heard of that.
Heck yeah!! So stoked to hear that man!
Those are some killer wages too!
Two of our pensions are defined benefits that are a fixed amount that we receive for the rest of our life after retiring. And that amount is based off of years worked. Our flex plan is essentially a health savings account that our employer pays into. We can use it for any out of pocket expenses associated with medical visits. We can also withdrawal money from it if we get laid off. It also functions as a dependent care reimbursement account, so for me, I use it to pay for my two little girls to go to their private school. I believe I have 60% of it allocated towards medical reimbursement if I ever need it and 40% allocated towards the dependent care reimbursement.
I’ll eventually make a full video on it though. It’s a really cool benefit.
Absolutely man, I almost couldn’t believe it when I got the info. Seems like things are looking good for the industry in general! And congrats on the Foreman promotion! Not very often people get that opportunity so soon after raising their ticket.
That flex plan sounds like a pretty good deal! Our Annuity had been explained to me to be like a 401K, Plus we get the 2 pensions as well, Local and National.
does the benefit package go to your paycheck like will your paycheck come out as 177k? or 119k?
I’m starting as a laborer I started 2 weeks ago missed the application window I hope it opens again soon I know this will be worth it in the long run.. Im willing to stick it out until I become an apprentice hopefully that is soon!
Local 46 5th year apprentice $57.90/hr after our next raise on 2/6/23
That’s crazy as an apprentice! So awesome man! Bet you can’t wait to turn out and get the full JW wage! ⚡️
You should do one on what a shop looks for when they want to keep an electrician.
Second year local 180, my first 1600 hours I’ve been laid off 4 times, first was reduction of work force, second was apprentice rotation, third was job was done, fourth was job slowed too much, onto my fifth con now, let’s hope this one lasts
I was considering joining the carpenters Union because I love all the trades. But in my research I keep seeing that carpenters are constantly pressured to produce regardless of safety and get paid the least of all the skilled trades. I also love Electrical though and will stop by the local. I have a degree in geology/geophysics and hope this will help me.
Im a 18 year old union carpenter. I love carpentry but the union is not good. We do far more work than any other trades and are paid the least. I often feel I’m working way to hard for what I’m being paid. I’m expected to run while all the other trades walk. And I totally agree with you about the fact we are always expected to produce no matter what. Safety is definitely not priority to these guys in this trade. I’m currently looking to get into the electrician union hoping it will be better.
Not all states pay well when you’re in the union. I used to be an inside wireman with local 291 they make about 68-74k a year with journeyman wages. Some people just want more, and don’t wanna retire at 63.
Local 683 Columbus Ohio. Bangin out 6 figures. I don't why anyone would not want to be in this trade, not be Union, and leave so much money on the table.
Union Electrician here. And I’m well into 6figures for the past 6 years and counting
Very cool! That's awesome to hear. Thanks for sharing! ⚡️
1) What local do you work at?
2) How much experience do you have?
3) How many hours a week do you work?
@@themonsterwithin4000
613 Atlanta, but I love to travel currently in 26
Going on 19years and that includes my experience as a Master LV Tech.
Majority of jobs I hit are 6 to 7 days a week. Most large union jobs throughout the country are paced like that. Been this way since 2015
We don’t work “at” a local. We work for the IBEW. You must be non union
IBEW Local 11 Los Angeles
$59 JW wage
$29 benefit package
$88/HR
IBEW 640, jw rate is currently 33.10, 46.12 with benefits included. Negotiations are next year, so hoping raises. Right now a bidding war is going on with all the contractors with 5-10 dollar incentives on all the jobs, so hopefully next year in Negotiations we just have the flat rate go up to match the incentive pay. It's causing problems in my local where jobs can't keep book 1s as they constantly move job to job as other incentives go up while apprentices end up having to constantly finish up work.
Screw the incentives just pay the untaxed perdiem. If you miss hours you lose the incentives, at least from what I have seen.
@Jose Sierra Jr. yeah, you have to do 90% of 60 hours or 50 (whatever the call is for). It makes it impossible for family men or really anyone to even make a doctor's appointment or have an emergency.
Bro… I work for a private company and I’ve been working for almost two years as an electrician. I only make $16.50 an hour😢. But luckily when I work on government building I get paid $52 an hour.