How much does an electrical apprenticeship cost, and do I get paid while training?

Answer

1. Yes, you are paid. Pay is a share of a journeyman's pay and goes up as you move through the program. At the West Texas Electrical JATC, pay starts at 50% of journeyman pay, with raises every six to nine months. IBEW Local 20 in Dallas-Fort Worth lists a starting rate of $20.33 an hour. You still pay something for school. The West Texas Electrical JATC says it costs about $800 a year, taken from your weekly pay. At ABC South Texas, a non-union program, 2026-2027 tuition is $2,450 per apprentice for member companies and $2,825 for others. Rates change, so check the program's page for current numbers.

   Sources: wtxjatc.org, www.ibew20.org, www.abcsouthtexas.org

   • “Starting pay is 50% of journey worker pay and raises come at six to nine-month intervals.” wtxjatc.org ↗
   • “Apprentices start at $20.33/hour” www.ibew20.org ↗
   • “The apprentice will pay between approximately $800 per year through a weekly payroll deduction.” wtxjatc.org ↗
   • “Tuition is $2,450 per apprentice for ABC South Texas members and $2,825 for future members” www.abcsouthtexas.org ↗

   Answered by SkillsTradeJobs team · October 28, 2026

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