Is Becoming a Electricians Worth It in Tennessee? ROI Analysis

A data-driven look at the costs, earnings, and return on investment of a electricians career in Tennessee — compared to a 4-year college degree.

Electricians in Tennessee

ROI Analysis

Payback Period

$0

out of pocket

Excellent
Median Salary$59,190
Job Growth (10yr)+11%
Annual Openings73,500
Take-Home/Month$4,129
Training Cost$0 (earn while learning)
Training Time4-5 years
Avg. Debt$0
After Housing$2,982/mo

Apprenticeship Available — Earn While You Learn

Electricians apprentices earn ~$219,595 during 4-5 years of training with $0 tuition.

Training Cost Breakdown

Training Cost

FREE

Training Time

4-5 years

Debt

$0

Payback

Instant

Typical path: IBEW apprenticeship or non-union apprenticeship; state journeyman license exam required

Electricians vs. College Degree

Training Cost

Electricians
$0
College Degree
$108,000

Average Debt

Electricians
$0
College Degree
$37,088

Time to First Paycheck

Electricians
4.5 years
College Degree
4.5 years

Cumulative Earnings Over 30 Years

Electricians vs. 4-year college degree (2.5% annual raises)

Electricianss start earning immediately

By the time a college graduate starts working, a electricians has already earned $195,919. After 25 years, the trade path nets $1,824,885 vs. $1,359,148 for a college degree — a clear financial advantage.

Debt Advantage

$37,088

less debt

Head Start

0 years

earning sooner

25-Year Trade

$1.8M

cumulative

25-Year College

$1.4M

cumulative

Salary Details in Tennessee

Electricians Salary Distribution in Tennessee

Annual wages by percentile

Salary by Percentile

Annual salary distribution from entry-level to top earners

$38,360 (entry)$59,190 (median)$80,800 (top)

Purchasing Power in Tennessee

Nominal Salary

$59,190

COL-Adjusted

$54,154

RPP: 109.3

Monthly Take-Home

$4,129

after taxes

After Housing

$2,982

rent: $1,147/mo

Employment Outlook

10-Year Growth

+11%(Much faster than average)

Annual Openings

73,500

Current Employment

762,600

Education: High school diploma or equivalent · Training: Apprenticeship

Tennessee Economy

Median Income

$63,750

Median Home

$272,000

Unemployment

3.7%

Bachelor's Rate

33.7%

Frequently Asked Questions

Frequently Asked Questions

Becoming a electricians in Tennessee through an apprenticeship costs $0 in tuition. Apprentices earn approximately $219,595 during their 4-5 years of training. This is the most common and recommended path.
The median annual salary for electricianss in Tennessee is $59,190 ($28.46/hr). Salaries range from $38,360 (10th percentile) to $80,800 (90th percentile) based on experience and specialization.
Financially, electricianss in Tennessee earn $1,824,885 in cumulative earnings over 25 years, compared to $1,359,148 for the average college graduate. The trade path has a 0-year head start on earning income and $37,088 less in student debt. However, the right choice depends on your interests, career goals, and personal situation.
With an apprenticeship, there's no cost to pay back — you earn while you learn. This makes the electricians career path one of the best financial investments available.
The Bureau of Labor Statistics projects +11% employment growth for electricianss over the next decade (Much faster than average). There are approximately 73,500 annual job openings nationwide.

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Ready to Get Started?

Find electricians training programs, apprenticeships, and trade schools near you in Tennessee.

Links go to official government resources (DOL, CareerOneStop). Free to use.