Employment Readiness
Journeyman Jobs: How To Become a Journeyman
Journeyman jobs across electrical, plumbing, HVAC, welding, and other trades are in high demand nationwide. The U.S. is projected to reach a peak in 2027-2028 with over 340,000 new skilled trade jobs.
What is a Journeyman?
A journeyman is a skilled tradesperson who has completed formal training and apprenticeship in their trade. The term "journeyman" means you've mastered the fundamentals of your craft and can work independently without supervision. You're beyond apprentice level but not yet a master tradesperson.
Journeyman work in many skilled trades including electrical work, plumbing, HVAC, carpentry, welding, pipefitting, machining, and more. As a journeyman, you have proven skills, industry certifications, and the knowledge to handle complex projects safely and effectively.
What Does a Journeyman Do?
Journeyman duties vary by trade, but all journeymen share similar responsibilities like:
- Perform skilled work
- Read and interpret plans
- Use specialized tools
- Follow codes and regulations
- Troubleshoot problems
- Work independently
- Train apprentices
- Communicate with contractors
- Ensure safety
The specific daily tasks depend on your trade and the project.
How Much Does a Journeyman Make?
Journeymen earn significantly more than most jobs that don't require a college degree. Your earning potential depends on your trade, location, and experience. Specific hourly wages depend by trade.
Journeyman Work Life
Life as a journeyman comes with stability, room for growth, and solid pay. On any given day, you might be operating specialized tools and machinery, tackling technical problems on-site, doing hands-on skilled work, coordinating with your supervisor or team, and making sure safety protocols are followed. Everything depends on your assignment and work environment.
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Steady Employment:
Skilled tradespeople are always in demand.
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Physical Work:
You'll be active all day like climbing, lifting, bending, and working with your hands. The work is physical but most tradespeople enjoy staying active.
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Varied Environments:
Depending on your trade, you might work in new construction, renovation projects, industrial facilities, residential homes, or outdoor jobsites.
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Project-Based Schedule:
Work schedules can vary. Some projects last weeks or months. Travel may be required for certain jobs, especially in industrial or commercial work.
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Career Longevity:
Trades are careers that last. With experience, you can move into supervision, project management, or start your own contracting business.
Why Use a Staffing Agency to Become a Journeyman?
Using a staffing agency can be highly beneficial for finding a job as a journeyman because these agencies have established relationships with various employers in the industry. They can match candidates with positions that suit their skills and experience. You can try different types of projects, work environments, and companies to discover what best matches your skills and preferences. We also offer flexible pay options like daily or weekly pay, depending on your assignment.
Journeyman Requirements:
Becoming a journeyman requires training and certifications but specifics depend on your state.
- Completed Apprenticeship: most trades require 3-5 years of apprenticeship training combining on the job work with classroom instruction. You need to complete an approved apprenticeship program.
- Trade Certification: pass your trade's journeyman exam to earn certification. Requirements vary by trade and state but typically include written and practical tests.
- State Licensing: many states require journeymen to hold a state license, especially for electricians and plumbers. Check your state's requirements for your specific trade.
- Documented Hours: you'll need proof of training hours and work experience. Most trades require 8,000+ hours of documented work experience.
- Physical Fitness: trades work is demanding. You need stamina, strength, and the ability to work in various positions like standing, kneeling, overhead work, or confined spaces.
