| Quick Facts | Details |
|---|---|
| Entry-Level Education | High School Diploma or GED |
| Work Experience in a Related Occupation | Apprenticeship Required |
| On-the-job Training | 8,000 hours minimum |
| Earning Potential | $24 to $38 hourly wage 1 |
| License Required | Yes, after apprenticeship |
| Number of Electrician Jobs Opelika, AL | 156 electrical jobs listed on Indeed 2 |
| Electrician Apprentice Jobs | 18 positions actively hiring 2 |
Starting a career as an electrician in Opelika, AL can lead to diverse opportunities in the booming electrical trade industry. With at least 156 electrician jobs and 18 apprenticeship openings listed actively in spring 2025, this field offers robust entry possibilities 2. The typical hourly wage for experienced electricians ranges from $24 to $38 1, making this profession an attractive option; explore more electrical jobs on ZipRecruiter.
Opting for a career in electrical trades in Opelika provides the benefit of abundant local apprenticeship and training program opportunities. According to data from Indeed and ZipRecruiter, dozens of reputable companies in Opelika offer potential apprenticeships to ensure you'll find a mentor 2. You'll also have access to valuable programs like the Marathon Electrical Contractor Apprenticeship Program (MECAP) certified by the National Center for Construction Education & Research (NCCER)3.
As you would expect with licensing requirements, electricians in Opelika must complete a rigorous apprenticeship to develop practical skills and follow the National Electrical Code (NEC). The journey to becoming a fully licensed electrician demands completing a combination of technical training and hands-on education totaling at least 8,000 work hours. Meeting these requirements helps ensure that Opelika raises electricians of the highest quality, prepared to succeed in a variety of environments; check out Alabama licensing details.
Before diving into the specifics, it's essential to understand what being an electrician entails. Electricians are highly skilled professionals responsible for installing, repairing, and maintaining electrical systems found in residential, commercial, and industrial buildings. Their duties include working with components like wiring, lighting systems, control panels, and power distribution networks. As industries expand and residential needs evolve in Opelika, skilled electricians remain vital to infrastructure development and maintenance.
Electricians in Opelika work from detailed architectural blueprints read with technical expertise, ensuring that electrical layouts meet the demands of each specific project. They are tasked with deciphering schematics to identify required materials and hardware while setting up and connecting wiring to transformers and circuit breakers using specialized tools.
Modern electricians require knowledge of advanced systems such as HDMI and coaxial wiring used in modern entertainment and communication setups. Opelika’s electricians also maintain, replace, and upgrade control systems and equipment to ensure consistent performance and safety standards are upheld.
Yes! To work as a licensed electrician in Opelika, you must complete the requirements set forth by the Alabama Electrical Contractors Board (AECB). The licensing process begins with an electrician apprenticeship and concludes with passing the Alabama Electrical Journeyman exam.
Obtaining this license enables qualified professionals to work independently without supervision on electrical projects. Depending on your career goals, you might consider the optional advanced step of pursuing an electrical contractor license which entails additional experience and examination requirements4.
Aspiring electricians in Opelika have access to excellent local educational resources that align with industry standards. Southern Union State Community College (SUSCC) offers the Industrial Electricity/Electronics Technology Program, which provides comprehensive training in industrial electronics alongside solid-state electronics preparation 5. This program equips students with proficiencies required to take credentialing tests such as the National Electrical Code (NEC) exam.
There are also nationally recognized certification programs designed to hone your expertise in key areas like welding and advanced electrical systems. Completing an associate degree through SUSCC or similar trade institutions accelerates your career path by potentially reducing the number of required apprenticeship hours to 6,000 while covering essential classroom instruction needs 3.
Apprenticeships form the backbone of electrician education by providing structured, comprehensive on-the-job training combined with technical classroom learning. Here’s a step-by-step breakdown:
Basic Requirements: You must be at least 18 years old and hold a high school diploma or GED. Some local employers might also require passing an algebra aptitude test and having reliable transportation 2.
Application Process: Search for apprenticeship opportunities through local Joint Apprenticeship and Training Committees (JATCs) connected to licensed contractors in the region. Be prepared to pass an aptitude test and participate in an interview for acceptance into structured programs such as [Marathon Electrical Contractor Apprenticeship Program (MECAP)]3.
Training Components:
Applications for apprenticeships should clearly demonstrate your readiness to commit to full-time on-site learning. Complete and submit necessary paperwork verifying your work experience to proceed to the Journeyman Electrician License applying for the state-level exam. Visit Indeed for apprenticeship programs.
To embark on this career path, you must:
Consider enrolling in structured educational opportunities such as:
Enrolling ensures you build foundational knowledge while securing formal mentorship opportunities vital to mastery. Comprehensive training should include safety protocols, wiring techniques, blue print analysis techniques, and practical troubleshooting methods.
To qualify as a journeyman electrician, completing an electrical apprenticeship is mandatory. In Opelika, programs require accumulating approximately 8,000 hours of supervised on-the-job experience combined with 576 hours of classroom instruction, or alternatively 6,000 hours of work paired with additional schooling 6.
Many Opelika businesses actively welcome electrician apprentices willing to discover their potential in practical settings. Platforms like Gild are invaluable for connecting aspiring apprentices with registered electrical apprenticeships in Alabama 7. ZipRecruiter and Indeed are also great resources listing over 42 electrical apprentice jobs 2.
Starting your apprenticeship provides hands-on education under guidance while you learn installation techniques, utility-scale electrical system maintenance, and electrical repair procedures aligned with industry best practices.
Upon completing the demanding apprenticeship requirements, you can apply for the Alabama Electrical Journeyman exam, a crucial milestone in your career. This open-book exam consists of 80 questions and allows a 4-hour time limit for completion 3.
Prepare diligently as the test covers critical topics including:
Before taking the exam, you'll need to submit a signed affidavit from your employer verifying your completion of required hours. A $115 testing fee is required to schedule and complete the examination 3; more details on electrical licensing.
Elevate your electrician career to new heights by pursuing an electrical contractor license further legitimizing your reputation as a skilled professional. To qualify for this prestigious license:
Successfully passing the electrical contractor exam that encompasses administrative and contractual knowledge alongside electrical safety concepts guarantees the freedom to operate your business independently 3. With this credential, opportunities expand considerably, allowing you to bid on larger projects.
Electrician salaries in Opelika competitive pay scales reflective of both experience and local market dynamics. The following data provides comprehensive insights into compensation opportunities; for in-depth salary info, visit this resource.
| Position/Level | Hourly Wage | Annual Salary | Additional Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Journeyman Electrician | $25.45–$30 | Up to $61,669 (for experienced workers) | Highest reported wage reaches $40.63 per hour for seasoned professionals 2 |
| Apprentice Electrician | $18.75 Avg. | Estimated $39,000 | Plus up to $6,000 in annual overtime pay 6 |
| Entry-Level Electrician I (Statewide Alabama) | $20–$30 Average | $40,030–$60,726 | Median salary is approximately $53,362 5 |
In Opelika's recently updated electrical industry job market, average compensation offers rank favorably compared to statewide benchmarks. Participating in union programs or selecting strategic incoming projects in the field of residential and commercial development significantly enhances earning potential over time; check ZipRecruiter for jobs.
Electrical contractors in this area enjoy benefits packages incorporating medical coverage, retirement planning tools, and generous overtime pay options—making this an economically viable and secure career path.
Electricians navigating Opelika face challenges rooted in evolving regulations and infrastructural complexities. Key concerns include:
Regulatory Changes: The Opelika City Council recently upgraded Opelika Power Services (OPS) with General Service Rules and Electricity Rate adjustments impacting fixed customer charges and variable rates 4. Keeping abreast of these standards remains essential for project budgeting and service viability.
Safety Risks: Aging residential circuitry systems contribute significantly to fire risks—requiring heightened attention during inspections and upgrades 3. Established firms increasingly hire background-checked and drug-tested licensed electricians for critical projects.
Infrastructure Demands: Electrical aging systems still operating in some neighborhoods mandate constant proactive maintenance keeping specialists busy and in high demand 3.
Workforce and Industry Dynamics: As job boards indicate, Opelika currently lists over 150 electrical jobs, reflecting a keen professional landscape requiring continuously updated skills 6. Expanding urban infrastructure drives sustained demand; find more apprenticeship options.
Mastering adaptability within an evolving code landscape, staying current with industry certifications, and ensuring compliance delivers long-term growth opportunities within Opelika’s bustling markets.
Pursuing a career in the electrical trade industry in Opelika creates exciting paths founded on exploration, technical proficiency, and reliable income potential. Training programs guide beginners through mastery across residential, commercial, and industrial truck systems, offering a well-structured career education; learn more about electrical repairs.
Whether you're graduating high school and considering your first steps toward technical trades or contemplating a mid-career shift, the electrical field offers abundant possibilities. As your capabilities expand, so too will your opportunities for specialization beyond foundational skills into emerging market niches like renewable power installations.
Capitalize on this demand by researching apprenticeship opportunities such as those listed on Gild’s platform. Their platform aggregates thousands of apprenticeship and full-time electrician positions, significantly streamlining your job search. Don't delay—start connecting with qualified mentors in your area to get your electrical trade journey underway today!
https://www.indeed.com/q-electrician-l-opelika,-al-jobs.html ↩ ↩2
https://www.servicetitan.com/licensing/electrician/alabama ↩ ↩2 ↩3 ↩4 ↩5 ↩6 ↩7 ↩8
https://www.classet.org/license/Electrician/Alabama ↩ ↩2 ↩3 ↩4 ↩5 ↩6 ↩7 ↩8 ↩9 ↩10
https://contractortrainingcenter.com/blogs/news/how-to-become-an-electrician-in-alabama ↩ ↩2 ↩3 ↩4 ↩5
https://www.ziprecruiter.com/Jobs/Electrician/-in-Opelika,AL ↩
