Montgomery AL Electrical Trade Jobs 2025 Training, Salaries, and Growth

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The electrical trade is rapidly growing in Montgomery, AL, with numerous opportunities for those seeking a rewarding career in this field. By 2025, the demand for skilled electricians has surged due to ongoing infrastructure projects and advancements in technology. Whether you're just starting out or considering a career change, pursuing a career as an electrician in Montgomery offers promising prospects.

As of 2025, the average hourly wage for electricians in Montgomery ranges from $28 to $29, up from $24.70 in 2020. This translates to an average annual salary of approximately $58,500, with entry-level positions starting around $48,750. Overtime and contract work can significantly boost these figures, with some earning up to $180 per hour in specialized roles¹².

Montgomery currently has about 178 electrical-related job listings³. For the latest listings, check Indeed, while statewide, Alabama has approximately 7,952 electrician job openings based on reports from ZipRecruiter. This indicates a healthy local market and robust statewide opportunities.

To become an electrician, you must complete either a formal training program or an apprenticeship and pass the relevant licensing exam administered by the Alabama Electrical Contractors Board. Various educational institutions like Trenholm State Community College, Wallace Community College, and local unions such as IBEW Local Union 443 offer tailored programs to equip you with the necessary skills and knowledge⁴⁵. Learn more about job opportunities at Glassdoor.

In this guide, we will walk you through the essential steps to kickstart your electrical trade career in Montgomery, covering everything from acquiring the required licenses and apprenticeships to the job market's outlook post-2025.

Understanding the Role of an Electrician

Before diving into the steps, it's essential to understand what being an electrician entails. Electricians are skilled professionals who install, maintain, and repair electrical systems in residential, commercial, and industrial settings. This includes working with wiring, lighting, HVAC systems, and control devices. Electricians also increasingly work with smart technologies and renewable energy systems, making the profession both practical and modern³⁶.

Do You Need a License to Work as an Electrician in Montgomery, AL?

Yes! To work as an electrician in Montgomery, AL by 2025, you must obtain a license from the Alabama Electrical Contractors Board. The licensing process ensures electricians meet the state's safety standards and have the necessary skills to perform electrical work competently⁷⁶.

There are two primary types of electrician licenses in Alabama:

1. Journeyman Electrician License: Must complete approximately 3 years of on-the-job training or an approved apprenticeship.
2. Electrical Contractor License: Required if you intend to run your own electrical contracting business.

Both licenses require passing the relevant exam based on the 2023 National Electrical Code (NEC), which became officially adopted by Alabama one year after its publication.

Electrical Trade Apprenticeship Requirements and How to Find One

An apprenticeship is a crucial stepping stone to becoming a licensed electrician. In Montgomery, aspiring electricians can pursue apprenticeships through various channels:

• IBEW Local Union 443 and Montgomery Electrical Training Alliance: Offers a five-year Wireman Apprenticeship program with an earn-while-you-learn model. Apprentices receive hands-on training and classroom education while earning a wage⁵.
• Trenholm State Community College's Lineworker Training Program in partnership with Alabama Power: Offers a 9-month program combining classroom instruction with hands-on training in outdoor laboratories⁸.
• For more details on IFB announcements, refer to the Montgomery Chamber.

Key apprenticeship/training program timelines:

To find apprenticeship opportunities look here on Gild.

Whether you choose a formal apprenticeship or electrical technology program, these training opportunities will equip you with the skills necessary to succeed as a professional electrician in Montgomery.

Steps to Becoming an Electrician in Montgomery, AL

1. Meet the Basic Requirements

To begin your journey as an electrician in Montgomery:

• Be at least 18 years old
• **Have a high school diploma or GED **³
• Be physically capable of performing the required work

Physical characteristics like good eyesight, hand-eye coordination, and physical stamina are also important for success in this field due to the physical nature of the work³.

2. Enroll in an Electrical Training Program

While formal education isn’t always mandatory, completing an electrical training program gives you a solid foundation in the trade. Programs offered at local institutions like Trenholm State Community College and Wallace Community College teach:

• Electrical theory
• Blueprint reading
• Circuitry fundamentals
• National Electrical Code (NEC) standards
• Safety practices and procedures

The approximate annual in-state tuition for electrical technology programs at Alabama trade schools ranges from $4,400–$4,500, plus materials and book costs³.

3. Begin Your Apprenticeship

An apprenticeship provides hands-on experience and is often the preferred path for new electricians in Montgomery, as it combines on-the-job learning with expert guidance from seasoned professionals.

IBEW Local Union 443 provides a five-year Wireman Apprenticeship program with no tuition costs except for books and tools required⁵. Similarly, Trenholm State Community College’s lineworker program, in partnership with Alabama Power, provides job-ready training in just 9 months⁸. Both programs prepare you for successful licensing and employment in the electrical trade.

During your apprenticeship, you'll learn various skills related to electrical systems including:

• Installing wiring systems
• Maintaining electrical equipment
• Reading and interpreting blueprints
• Troubleshooting electrical issues
• Adhering to the **2023 National Electrical Code **⁷⁶

4. Apply for Your Journeyman License

After completing your training or apprenticeship, you can apply for your Journeyman Electrician License through the Alabama Electrical Contractors Board. To qualify for this license, you must demonstrate adequate experience, which usually requires about 3 years of on-the-job training³.

The licensing process includes passing an examination based on the latest adopted version of the National Electrical Code (NEC). Exams are open-book and timed to assess your practical knowledge of electrical installation, safety practices, and local regulations⁷.

5. Consider Advancing to Master Electrician

After gaining experience as a licensed electrician, many professionals choose to pursue a Master Electrician License, which allows for greater independence and responsibility in the field. This advanced license enables you to operate your electrical contracting business, supervise other electricians, and take on large-scale electrical projects⁷.

To become a Master Electrician, you typically need:

• At least 2 years of experience as a licensed Journeyman Electrician
• Passing a comprehensive examination covering:
  • Advanced electrical theory and codes
  • Business practices and management principles
  • Safety regulations and building standards

With this prestigious license, you can unlock more opportunities to build a thriving career in Montgomery's growing electrical trade industry.

Electrical Trade Job Market and Prospects in Montgomery, AL (2025)

The local electrical trade job market in Montgomery is robust, with approximately 178 electrical-related job listings currently available on major platforms like Indeed and ZipRecruiter³¹⁷. While this number falls short of the 7,952 electrician job openings reported statewide in Alabama, it demonstrates strong local demand for electrical professionals.

The city's growing housing and infrastructure sectors are significant contributors to this demand. The Montgomery Housing Authority (MHA) has issued multiple Invitations for Bids (IFBs) for electrical trade services as part of its ongoing maintenance and repair initiatives across public housing properties. These opportunities create a steady pipeline of work for qualified, licensed electricians³². For more IFB details, see Montgomery Chamber.

Additionally, Montgomery's manufacturing sector is positioned to support electrical trade growth. The city hosts a robust 16,050 production jobs, constituting 9.8% of local employment—well above the national average of 5.7%. These industries require skilled electricians to maintain and install electrical infrastructure⁶.

Compensation trends further underscore the attractiveness of electrical careers in Montgomery. The average hourly wage has risen substantially in recent years, increasing from $24.70 in 2020 to $28–$29 in 2025, with some experienced electricians earning up to $46.59 per hour¹². These competitive wages, often complemented by benefits such as health insurance, 401(k) plans, and company transportation, make electrical trade employment increasingly appealing¹⁷.

Emerging Technologies and Future Outlook

As technology rapidly evolves, electricians in Montgomery must adapt to industry innovation to remain competitive. The demand for professionals with expertise in emerging technologies is projected to increase sharply by 2025 and beyond. For in-depth trends, explore Electrical Trends.

Some of the most impactful technological trends shaping Montgomery’s electrical landscape include:

• Smart Home Systems: With the integration of Internet of Things (IoT) technologies, electricians are increasingly installing and servicing smart electrical systems that automate tasks like lighting, HVAC, and security for greater energy efficiency and comfort³⁶.
• Renewable Energy Adoption: As sustainability becomes a critical component of infrastructure development, electricians are playing a pivotal role in the installation and maintenance of solar energy systems. Independent producers are expected to add 26 gigawatts of solar capacity to the U.S. power grid in 2025 alone.
• Energy Storage Solutions: The adoption of battery storage systems is changing how power is delivered and managed. Electricians are increasingly involved in installing and maintaining systems that tie energy storage to renewable power sources³⁶.
• Electric Vehicle (EV) Infrastructure: With the rise of electric vehicles, there has been growing demand for EV charging stations. Electricians are instrumental in installing and upgrading infrastructure to support this trend³.
• Digital and Data-Driven Construction: The construction industry is embracing digitization, providing electricians with new tools to enhance efficiency in project execution through data analytics and smart devices⁶.

Electricians who invest in learning these emerging technologies will find themselves in high demand as Montgomery continues to evolve and embrace modern infrastructure and energy practices.

Challenges and Controversies Affecting the Electrical Trade

As of mid-2025, there are no new regulatory changes or controversies significantly impacting electrical trade opportunities in Montgomery. The job market remains strong, with dozens of openings across residential, commercial, and industrial sectors that emphasize adherence to established code requirements and safety standards³¹⁷². Employers in Montgomery continue to seek licensed and insured electricians, ensuring compliance with Electrical Contractors Board regulations and established safety protocols. The Montgomery Housing Authority's ongoing call for electrical service bids also reaffirms the city's sustained demand for skilled electrical professionals, without noting any regulatory obstacles at present⁶.

One potential challenge to long-term career prospects may be technological obsolescence. However, this issue can be mitigated by committing to lifelong learning and professional development, ensuring that electricians' skill sets evolve alongside innovations in the field. Those who stay current with emerging electrical technologies and trends are well-positioned to thrive in Montgomery’s evolving trade landscape³⁶.

Your Next Steps

Starting an electrical trade career in Montgomery is a promising opportunity that combines hands-on problem-solving with cutting-edge technologies in a growing field. Whether you're transitioning from another career or just starting out, following the training and licensing steps can set you on the path toward success in this high-demand profession.

As you gain experience and build your credentials, the opportunities in this trade will only continue to grow—whether through employment with established firms or by launching your own electrical contracting business. The electrical profession in Montgomery is well-positioned for sustained growth and offers a roadmap to a secure and fulfilling career.

If you're ready to explore electrician apprenticeships or training programs in Montgomery, we recommend checking out Gild, where hundreds of apprenticeship opportunities are centralized in one easy-to-navigate platform. Gild can help connect you with local employers and training programs offering pathways into Montgomery’s electrical trade industry. Good luck on your journey toward becoming an electrician!

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