How much do electricians make in Tampa, FL?

According to BLS data, electricians in the Tampa-St. Petersburg-Clearwater metro area earn a median salary of approximately $58,000–$65,000 per year. Top earners with master electrician licenses and their own businesses clear $90,000–$120,000+ annually.

Where can I find electrician apprenticeships in Tampa?

The Tampa Bay area has several IBEW (International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers) apprenticeship programs, as well as non-union apprenticeships through ABC (Associated Builders and Contractors) Florida Gulf Coast chapter. Most are 4-5 year paid programs.

What trade schools offer electrician programs in Tampa?

Several institutions in the Tampa area offer electrician and electrical technology programs, including Hillsborough Community College, Florida Technical College, and various vocational training centers. Programs range from 1-year certificates to 2-year associate degrees.

How long does it take to become an electrician in Florida?

In Florida, becoming a journeyman electrician typically takes 4-5 years through an apprenticeship program. To become a licensed electrical contractor, you need to pass the Florida state exam after accumulating the required work experience.

Electrician Training Programs in Tampa, FL — Salary, Apprenticeships & Schools

Become an Electrician
in Tampa, FL.

Tampa Bay is one of the fastest-growing metros in the country — and the electrical trade is booming with it. Find local apprenticeships, trade schools, and training programs. Start earning while you learn.

$61K

Median salary FL

11%

Job growth rate

4–5yr

Apprenticeship

Degree required

Find Tampa Programs →

Why Tampa is a great place to start.

Tampa Bay is experiencing one of the largest construction booms in Florida history. From the continued buildout of downtown Tampa and Midtown to massive residential expansion in Wesley Chapel, Riverview, and Pasco County — electricians are in demand across every segment of the market.

Major projects including the new Tampa Bay Rays stadium, ongoing Port Tampa Bay expansion, and healthcare facility construction across the region are driving demand for licensed electricians at every level. If you complete an electrician program in Tampa, you will have job offers.

Florida also has a favorable licensing structure — once you earn your journeyman license, you're mobile across the entire state. Tampa is an excellent base to launch a statewide career.

What electricians earn in Tampa.

Tampa-St. Pete-Clearwater Metro — Electrician Wages

Entry level (0–2 years)$38,000 – $45,000

Journeyman (3–5 years)$55,000 – $72,000

Master electrician$75,000 – $95,000

Electrical contractor / owner$100,000+

Florida statewide median (BLS)$61,590

Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment Statistics. Data reflects 2024 figures.

Programs available near Tampa.

Apprenticeship — Union

IBEW Local 915 — Tampa

The International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers Local 915 serves the Tampa Bay area. 5-year paid apprenticeship. You earn wages from day one while attending classes. Full benefits, pension, and guaranteed wage increases. Highly competitive — apply early.

Apprenticeship — Non-Union

ABC Florida Gulf Coast — Apprenticeship

Associated Builders and Contractors Florida Gulf Coast chapter offers a 4-year electrical apprenticeship. Merit-based, non-union. Good option if you want more flexibility on which employers you work with during training.

Trade School — Certificate

Hillsborough Community College — Electrical Technology

HCC offers electrical technology programs at multiple Tampa Bay campuses. Certificate programs can be completed in under 12 months. Affordable tuition, flexible scheduling, and strong local employer connections.

Trade School — Certificate

Florida Technical College — Tampa

FTC offers accelerated electrician training programs designed to get you job-ready fast. Programs typically run 12–18 months. Financial aid available. Hands-on lab training included.

Vocational Program

Erwin Technical College — Tampa

A public technical college offering electrical training at low cost. Daytime and evening options. Erwin has strong ties with local Tampa Bay contractors and a solid job placement track record.

Getting your Florida license.

Florida has two main electrician license levels regulated by the Florida Department of Business and Professional Regulation (DBPR):

Journeyman Electrician: Requires passing the Florida Journeyman Electrician exam. Most apprenticeship programs prepare you for this exam. You must work under a licensed electrical contractor until you upgrade your license.

Electrical Contractor License: Requires 4 years of experience as a journeyman, passing the Florida Electrical Contractor exam, and carrying liability insurance. This license allows you to pull permits and run your own jobs.

Tampa and Hillsborough County use the state licensing system — no additional local license is required beyond the state credential. This makes it straightforward to get licensed and start working.

Common questions about Tampa electrician training.

Tampa Bay electricians earn between $38,000 (entry level) and $95,000+ (master electrician). The Florida statewide median according to BLS data is $61,590. Electrical contractors who run their own businesses regularly earn $100,000–$150,000+.

IBEW Local 915 is the primary union apprenticeship in Tampa Bay. ABC Florida Gulf Coast offers a non-union option. Both are paid apprenticeships — you build skills from day one. We can connect you with programs that have open enrollment right now.

Yes. Florida requires a Journeyman Electrician license to work independently. During apprenticeship you work under a licensed contractor's supervision. Once you complete your apprenticeship you can sit for the state exam and get your own license.

Extremely. Tampa Bay is one of the fastest-growing metros in the US. The BLS projects 11% job growth for electricians nationally through 2033 — Tampa's local growth rate is even higher due to massive residential, commercial, and infrastructure development.

Become an Electricianin Tampa, FL.