How to hire an Electrical Apprentice

How to hire an electrical apprentice, step by step

Here's a step-by-step electrical apprentice hiring guide:

• Step 1: Identify your hiring needs
• Step 2: Create an ideal candidate profile
• Step 3: Make a budget
• Step 4: Write an electrical apprentice job description
• Step 5: Post your job
• Step 6: Interview candidates
• Step 7: Send a job offer and onboard your new electrical apprentice
• Step 8: Go through the hiring process checklist

What does an Electrical Apprentice do?

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1. Identify your hiring needs

   First, determine the employments status of the electrical apprentice you need to hire. Certain electrical apprentice roles might require a full-time employee, whereas others can be done by part-time workers or contractors.

   Determine Employee vs Contractor Status

   Is the person you're thinking of hiring a US citizen or green card holder?

   Yes

   No

   Hiring the perfect electrical apprentice also involves considering the ideal background you'd like them to have. Depending on what industry or field they have experience in, they'll bring different skills to the job. It's also important to consider what levels of seniority and education the job requires and what kind of salary such a candidate would likely demand.

   This list presents electrical apprentice salaries for various positions.

   Type Of Electrical Apprentice	Description	Hourly Rate
   Electrical Apprentice	Electrical and electronics engineering technicians help engineers design and develop computers, communications equipment, medical monitoring devices, navigational equipment, and other electrical and electronic equipment. They often work in product evaluation and testing, using measuring and diagnostic devices to adjust, test, and repair equipment... Show More	$12-24
   Commercial And Industrial Electrician	A commercial electrician is different from an industrial electrician since both perform in different environments and have distinct training. Commercial electricians are responsible for ensuring that the electrical components and wiring of the structure are working safely and efficiently... Show More	$14-33
   Apprentice Electrician	An Apprentice Electrician is responsible for conducting electrical repairs and faults under the supervision and guidelines of a Master Electrician. The duties of an Apprentice will vary while still under training; however, it will mostly revolve around assisting the Master Electrician or carrying out given tasks... Show More	$13-25

   Show more

2. Create an ideal candidate profile

   Common Skills:

   • RUN Conduit
   • Hand Tools
   • Electrical Systems
   • Switches
   • Receptacles
   • EMT
   • Light Fixtures
   • PVC
   • Electrical Components
   • Test Equipment
   • Circuit Breakers
   • Defective Electrical Equipment
   • Electrical Installation
   • Install Conduit

   Check All Skills

   Responsibilities:

   • Remove, analyze, identify issue install properly working pressure transducers, effectively accomplishing priorities to go underway.
   • Assure all work perform meets with all NEC, federal, state, county, local codes and contract documents.
   • Install the following: MC, EMT, lights, outlets, circuit breaker panels, transformers, smart relay panels.
   • Install electric parts in ambulances.
   • Install and run electrical wiring.
   • Work with all electrical and hardware within ambulances.

   More Electrical Apprentice duties

3. Make a budget

   Including a salary range in your electrical apprentice job description is a great way to entice the best and brightest candidates. An electrical apprentice salary can vary based on several factors:

   • Location. For example, electrical apprentices' average salary in pennsylvania is 49% less than in alaska.
   • Seniority. Entry-level electrical apprentices earn 46% less than senior-level electrical apprentices.
   • Certifications. An electrical apprentice with a few certifications under their belt will likely demand a higher salary.
   • Company. Working for a prestigious company or an exciting start-up can make a huge difference in an electrical apprentice's salary.

   Average electrical apprentice salary

   $37,081yearly

   $17.83 hourly rate

   ---

   Entry-level electrical apprentice salary

   $27,000 yearly salary

   Updated January 14, 2025

   Average electrical apprentice salary by state

   Rank	State	Avg. Salary	Hourly Rate
   1	Massachusetts	$42,664	$21
   2	Minnesota	$41,734	$20
   3	New York	$41,565	$20
   4	Colorado	$41,024	$20
   5	Tennessee	$40,837	$20
   6	North Carolina	$39,782	$19
   7	Wyoming	$39,559	$19
   8	Iowa	$39,065	$19
   9	Wisconsin	$38,497	$19
   10	Texas	$38,273	$18
   11	Florida	$37,452	$18
   12	Oklahoma	$36,918	$18
   13	California	$36,875	$18
   14	Illinois	$36,444	$18
   15	Virginia	$36,428	$18
   16	Nebraska	$35,248	$17
   17	Indiana	$34,208	$16
   18	Alabama	$33,508	$16
   19	Louisiana	$33,342	$16
   20	Ohio	$31,606	$15

   Average electrical apprentice salary by company

   Company

   Rank	Company	Average Salary	Hourly Rate	Job Openings
   1	Mortenson	$76,432	$36.75	26
   2	Wanzek Construction	$75,350	$36.23	2
   3	Ameresco	$72,119	$34.67	2
   4	CMC Motocross	$59,504	$28.61	14
   5	MasTec	$58,325	$28.04	39
   6	BGC Partners	$57,685	$27.73
   7	HealthTrust	$49,608	$23.85
   8	Freeport-McMoRan	$49,074	$23.59	16
   9	Eutaw Construction	$46,801	$22.50
   10	Arconic	$46,556	$22.38	59
   11	Optimation Technology, Inc.	$46,532	$22.37
   12	Atlantic Constructors	$44,867	$21.57	10
   13	University of Oklahoma	$41,996	$20.19
   14	Professional	$40,065	$19.26
   15	Sunpro Solar	$40,033	$19.25
   16	Trane	$40,013	$19.24	29
   17	West Fraser	$39,943	$19.20	38
   18	M.C. Dean	$39,709	$19.09	130
   19	Excel Electric	$39,497	$18.99	6
   20	Carpenter Technology	$39,291	$18.89	7

4. Writing an Electrical Apprentice Job Description

   A good electrical apprentice job description should include a few things:

   • Summary of the role
   • List of responsibilities
   • Required skills and experience

   Including a salary range and the first name of the hiring manager is also appreciated by candidates. Here's an example of an electrical apprentice job description:

   Electrical Apprentice job description example

   Hunt Electric has apprentice classifications that reflect each of the four years of the apprentice program. Daily job functions should reflect the expected skill proficiency at a given Apprentice level. An employee’s advancement from one year to the next is based on acceptable job performance and the successful completion of the apprenticeship requirements for the given level. The apprentice must complete the number of hours required for each year in the program (a minimum of 2,000 hours of “on-the-job” training for each year of his / her apprenticeship). A Hunt Electric-sponsored Apprentice is eligible for tuition assistance under the Hunt Tuition Assistance policy.

   
   

   Major Duties:

   • Be enrolled in the appropriate apprentice-level school program
   • Have an active Utah State apprentice license
   • Be familiar with Hunt company policies and procedures
   • Demonstrate an aptitude for learning, a goal-oriented mindset for continual growth, with a “Can-Do” positive attitude.
   • Demonstrate knowledge of the National Electric Code
   • Be a self-starter
   • Be dependable
   • Learn to think like an owner and to live the “Quality, Integrity, Performance and Versatility” creed

   
   

   Minimum Qualifications Preferred:

   • Must have a High School Diploma or GED
   • Must have a Valid Drivers License

   
   

   ABOUT HUNT ELECTRIC, INC.

   Hunt Electric, Inc. is a full-service electrical, technology, and infrastructure contractor with wide-reaching services available to all types of markets. With licenses in eight states and offices in Salt Lake City, St. George, and Denver, we have continued to lead the industry across the Inter-mountain West since 1986. Our turn-key services range from design-build engineering to construction and maintenance. With eight in-house divisions , an on-site prefabrication department, in-house licensed engineers, a fully trained and specialized workforce, and 24-hour on-call service , Hunt Electric ensures our clients’ projects are successful from start to finish – and beyond.

   As a thriving Utah-based business , we’re looking for enthusiastic, positive people to come on board with us and build successful, long-term careers . We believe in making an investment in each employee’s strengths. Hunt Electric is a place where you will learn, grow, contribute, and lead. That’s why we offer competitive pay and fantastic benefits . If this sounds like the career opportunity you've been looking for, apply today!

   Are you able to work independently with minimal supervision? Do you work well under pressure? Can you clearly communicate technical information both verbally and in writing? If yes, apply now!

   WORK SCHEDULE

   This is a full-time position with a typical working schedule of Monday - Thursday, 7:00 am - 4:00 pm, Friday, 7:00 am – 2:00 pm.

   READY TO JOIN OUR TEAM?

   If you believe that you’re a good fit for this position, please fill out our application today . We look forward to meeting you.

   Copy This Example

   

5. Post your job

   There are a few common ways to find electrical apprentices for your business:

   • Promoting internally or recruiting from your existing workforce.
   • Ask for referrals from friends, family members, and current employees.
   • Attend job fairs at local colleges to meet candidates with the right educational background.
   • Use social media platforms like LinkedIn, Facebook, and Twitter to recruit passive job-seekers.

   Post your job online:

   • Post your electrical apprentice job on Zippia to find and recruit electrical apprentice candidates who meet your exact specifications.
   • Use field-specific websites.
   • Post a job on free websites.

6. Interview candidates

   Your first interview with electrical apprentice candidates should focus on their interest in the role and background experience. As the hiring process goes on, you can learn more about how they'd fit into the company culture in later rounds of interviews.

   You should also ask about candidates' unique skills and talents to see if they match the ideal candidate profile you developed earlier. Candidates good enough for the next step can complete the technical interview.

   The right interview questions can help you assess a candidate's hard skills, behavioral intelligence, and soft skills.

7. Send a job offer and onboard your new electrical apprentice

   Once you've decided on a perfect electrical apprentice candidate, it's time to write an offer letter. In addition to salary, it should include benefits and perks available to the employee. Qualified candidates may be considered for other positions, so make sure your offer is competitive. Candidates may wish to negotiate. Once you've settled on the details, formalize your agreement with a contract.

   You should also follow up with applicants who don't get the job with an email letting them know that you've filled the position.

   To prepare for the new employee's start date, you can create an onboarding schedule and complete any necessary paperwork, such as employee action forms and onboarding documents like I-9 forms, benefits enrollment, and federal and state tax forms. Human Resources should also ensure that a new employee file is created.

8. Go through the hiring process checklist

   • Determine employee type (full-time, part-time, contractor, etc.)
   • Submit a job requisition form to the HR department
   • Define job responsibilities and requirements
   • Establish budget and timeline
   • Determine hiring decision makers for the role
   • Write job description
   • Post job on job boards, company website, etc.
   • Promote the job internally
   • Process applications through applicant tracking system
   • Review resumes and cover letters
   • Shortlist candidates for screening
   • Hold phone/virtual interview screening with first round of candidates
   • Conduct in-person interviews with top candidates from first round
   • Score candidates based on weighted criteria (e.g., experience, education, background, cultural fit, skill set, etc.)
   • Conduct background checks on top candidates
   • Check references of top candidates
   • Consult with HR and hiring decision makers on job offer specifics
   • Extend offer to top candidate(s)
   • Receive formal job offer acceptance and signed employment contract
   • Inform other candidates that the position has been filled
   • Set and communicate onboarding schedule to new hire(s)
   • Complete new hire paperwork (i9, benefits enrollment, tax forms, etc.)

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How much does it cost to hire an electrical apprentice?