Journeyman Electrician Salary: What You Really Earn in India and Abroad

When you become a journeyman electrician, a licensed professional who has completed apprenticeship training and can work independently on electrical systems. Also known as a licensed electrician, it’s one of the most stable, high-demand trade careers in India and around the world. This isn’t a job you stumble into—it’s a skill you earn through years of hands-on work, classroom learning, and passing tough exams. And once you’ve got that license, your pay starts to climb fast.

Here’s the truth: a journeyman electrician in India doesn’t make the same money as one in the UK or Canada, but the gap is shrinking. In India, you can expect ₹30,000 to ₹60,000 per month after completing your apprenticeship, depending on your city, employer, and specialization. In metro areas like Mumbai or Bangalore, skilled electricians working on commercial projects or data centers often earn even more. Compare that to the UK, where journeyman electricians average £40,000–£55,000 annually—over ₹40 lakh per year. The difference isn’t just about location—it’s about demand. Every new building, every solar panel installation, every smart home upgrade needs a qualified electrician. And there aren’t enough trained people to fill those roles.

What pushes your salary higher? Specialization. If you learn how to work with industrial machinery, solar power systems, or automated building controls, your value jumps. Certifications in electrical safety standards, the rules and codes that govern safe electrical installation and maintenance like IS 3043 or NEC also make employers pay more. And don’t forget overtime. Electricians often work nights, weekends, or emergency calls—and those hours pay 1.5x to 2x your normal rate. Many journeyman electricians end up earning more than college graduates with no hands-on experience.

You don’t need a four-year degree to get here. Just a solid apprenticeship, some grit, and the willingness to keep learning. The best part? This career doesn’t get outdated. Technology changes, but electricity never goes away. Whether it’s wiring a new apartment in Pune or fixing a power outage in Delhi, you’ll always have work. And if you’re thinking about moving abroad, your Indian training can still be a strong foundation—many countries offer pathways to license foreign-trained electricians.

Below, you’ll find real-world breakdowns of what electricians earn in different countries, how much more you can make with extra skills, and what steps to take next to get certified and start earning higher pay. No fluff. Just facts you can use.