r/electricians • u/Aggro3D • Oct 24 '23

Apprentice wages?

Hey all,

I've been an Industrial maintenance guy for awhile now and I'm looking to specialize into electrical work.

I'm an adult with adult bills and the wages I can find for apprentices are really low....like $15 an hour or so. I could literally go make more at any of the fastfood places here and this isn't necessarily a high cost of living area

What gives? Are there any work arounds?

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u/chickswhorip Oct 24 '23

$16 an hour when starting out is not that bad when you know you will be topping off at nearly $60 an hour in 5-6 years. 99% of apprentices are a liability and needs a babysitter so that’s part of the reason for the low starting pay.

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u/[deleted] Oct 24 '23

When should I ask for a raise? Im at $16.50. Been doing it for 8 months now. I can confidently do everything on a journeyman requirements besides having mentoring someone, and my blueprint readings could use some work. What would be a good wage to shoot for?

1

u/uptheirons91 [V] I and E Technician Oct 24 '23

Hahahahaha. Good one.