How to Become a Journeyman Electrician in Tennessee
The full path in Tennessee: licensing requirements, the state exam, fees, IBEW and registered apprenticeship options, realistic apprentice pay, the master tier, and reciprocity with other states.
0 hrs
Required documented experience
$0
contractor fees
12 IBEW locals
Union apprenticeship paths
$32/hr
State median, all tiers (from 9 postings)
1. Tennessee journeyman licensing requirements
Hour requirements change periodically — verify current hours with the Tennessee Board for Licensing Contractors (Department of Commerce & Insurance) before planning your apprenticeship. The remaining requirements below are current as documented.
- Exam: required — Reciprocity waives trade exam. TN Business & Law exam REQUIRED regardless. NASCLA Commercial Exam also accepted as alternative reciprocity path.
- contractor fee: $0 (TN contractor license fees vary by classification and monetary limit — contact TN Board for Licensing Contractors for current schedule.)
2. Apprenticeship paths: IBEW union + registered programs
12 IBEW locals serve Tennessee (Locals 270, 311, 316, 365, 721 and 7 more). Union apprentices train through the local JATC while earning a scaled wage. Browse Tennessee IBEW locals →
Independent Electrical Contractors (IEC) and Associated Builders and Contractors (ABC) chapters also run accredited programs — chapter directories are being added to this guide.
3. Timeline and cost: what apprentices earn
Apprentice-specific postings are still thin for Tennessee. Across 9 disclosed postings, the state median across all tiers is $32/hr; apprentices typically earn 40–60% of this. See live ranges on our pay page for Tennessee →
4. Take your license on the road: reciprocity
Tennessee holds reciprocal agreements with 6 states. Full partner list and transfer steps: Tennessee reciprocity guide →
Frequently asked questions
How many hours does it take to become a journeyman electrician in Tennessee?
Hour requirements vary — verify current hours with the Tennessee Board for Licensing Contractors (Department of Commerce & Insurance).
What does an electrical apprentice earn in Tennessee?
Based on 9 disclosed postings, the state median across all tiers is $32/hr; apprentices typically earn 40–60% of this.
Can I apprentice through the union in Tennessee?
Yes — 12 IBEW locals serve Tennessee with registered apprenticeship programs.
Keep exploring
Journeyman pay in Tennessee
Market rates from live postings vs BLS vs IBEW scale.
IBEW locals in Tennessee
Union halls, apprenticeship programs, and scales.
Tennessee prevailing wage
Davis-Bacon rates by county and classification.
Where the work is
Data center builds on the live construction map.
Tennessee reciprocity guide
Partner states, fees, timelines, and transfer steps.
All state pathways
Compare the journeyman path across all 51 jurisdictions.