Navy EM Electrician's Mate to Civilian: Your Career Transition Roadmap (2024 Salary Guide)
Navy EM transition guide with proven paths. Industrial electrician, power plant tech, commercial electrician roles paying $60K-$95K+. Journeyman license requirements, certifications, and top employers.
Bottom Line Up Front
Navy Electrician's Mates (non-nuclear) have electrical power systems, distribution, troubleshooting, and maintenance skills that translate directly to high-paying civilian electrician careers. You've got hands-on experience with electrical systems that most apprentice electricians won't see for years. Realistic first-year salaries range from $50,000-$65,000, with journeyman electricians hitting $70,000-$85,000, and specialized roles (power plant electrician, controls technician) reaching $90,000-$110,000+. You'll need a state journeyman license for most positions, but your Navy time counts toward the required hours in many states. You're not starting an apprenticeship from zero—you're fast-tracking to journeyman status.
Let's address the elephant in the room
When you start looking at civilian electrician jobs, you'll see "journeyman license required" on almost every posting. And if you dig into licensing requirements, you'll see "8,000 hours apprenticeship" and "4 years supervised experience."
And you'll think, "Do I really have to start over as a first-year apprentice making $18/hour?"
No. You don't.
Here's what most Navy EMs don't realize: many states will credit your Navy electrical experience toward journeyman license requirements. The United Services Military Apprenticeship Program (USMAP) allows you to document your hours and get a Certificate of Completion that proves your 8,000+ hours of electrical work.
As a Navy EM, you:
- Operated and maintained electrical power generation systems
- Installed, repaired, and troubleshooted distribution circuits
- Worked with motors, transformers, switchboards, and controllers
- Read electrical schematics and technical manuals
- Performed preventive maintenance on complex electrical equipment
- Troubleshot electrical faults under pressure
- Stood watch on critical electrical systems
- Met rigorous qualification standards
That's journeyman-level work that civilian apprentices spend 4 years learning. You've already done it.
Your challenge isn't learning the trade. It's navigating state licensing bureaucracy, getting your Navy hours recognized, passing the journeyman exam, and translating your experience into language civilian employers understand.
Best civilian career paths for Navy EM
Let's get specific. Here are the proven paths where Navy EMs land jobs, with real 2024-2025 salary data.
Industrial electrician (most common path)
Civilian job titles:
- Industrial electrician
- Maintenance electrician
- Facilities electrician
- Manufacturing electrician
- Industrial electrical technician
Salary ranges:
- Entry-level (with Navy experience): $55,000-$65,000
- Journeyman industrial electrician: $68,000-$80,000
- Senior industrial electrician: $80,000-$95,000
- Average (Glassdoor 2025): $72,800
- BLS median (2024): $62,350
What translates directly:
- Three-phase power systems
- Motor controls and variable frequency drives (VFDs)
- Industrial switchgear and distribution
- Programmable logic controllers (PLCs)
- Preventive maintenance procedures
- Blueprint reading and electrical schematics
- Troubleshooting electrical faults
- Safety protocols and lockout/tagout
Certifications needed:
- Journeyman Electrician license (state-specific, requires 8,000 hours + exam, $100-300)
- OSHA 10 or 30-hour certification (often required, $50-200)
- NFPA 70E electrical safety (arc flash training, provided by many employers)
- USMAP Certificate of Completion (documents your Navy hours, free)
Reality check: This is the bread-and-butter path for Navy EMs. Industrial electricians maintain electrical systems in factories, refineries, distribution centers, food processing plants, and other manufacturing facilities. The work is steady, the pay is solid, and your Navy experience directly translates.
You'll work on motors, conveyor systems, production equipment, lighting, and power distribution. Shift work is common (including nights and weekends), but many positions offer shift differential pay. Overtime opportunities can push your total comp $10K-$20K higher.
The path: Get your journeyman license (using your Navy time), apply to manufacturing plants or industrial facilities in your area, and you'll likely start in the $55K-$65K range even as a "new hire" because of your experience. Within 3-5 years, $75K-$85K is realistic.
Best for: EMs who want immediate employment in a stable field with good pay and benefits similar to the military.
Companies hiring: Ford Motor, GM, Boeing, Lockheed Martin, Amazon (fulfillment centers), food processing plants (Tyson, Nestlé), chemical plants, refineries, steel mills, paper mills, large manufacturing facilities.
Commercial electrician (higher pay, more variety)
Civilian job titles:
- Commercial electrician
- Construction electrician
- Service electrician
- Commercial electrical technician
- Electrical contractor
Salary ranges:
- Apprentice/helper (if you need license first): $40,000-$50,000
- Journeyman commercial electrician: $70,000-$90,000
- Master electrician: $85,000-$110,000+
- Average (Glassdoor 2025): $87,843
What translates directly:
- Electrical installation and repair
- Commercial power distribution
- Lighting systems
- Emergency power systems
- Blueprint reading
- Conduit bending and installation
- Code compliance (NEC)
Certifications needed:
- Journeyman Electrician license (required in most states)
- Master Electrician license (after 2-4+ years as journeyman, allows you to run your own business)
- OSHA 10/30-hour construction safety
- Driver's license (clean record preferred)
Reality check: Commercial electricians work on office buildings, retail stores, hospitals, schools, and other commercial properties. The work includes new construction, renovations, service calls, and troubleshooting.
Pay is higher than industrial, but the work is more varied and less predictable. You might install new circuits one day, troubleshoot a fault the next, and run conduit in a ceiling the day after. Less repetitive than industrial maintenance, but also less routine.
Many commercial electricians work for electrical contractors and are sent to different job sites. Travel within your metro area is common. The job market is strong—construction is booming, and there's a shortage of skilled electricians.
Union commercial electricians (IBEW) often make the most money, with wages in the $80K-$100K+ range plus excellent benefits, but union jobs are competitive.
Best for: EMs who want variety in their work, don't mind traveling to different job sites, and want the highest pay potential.
Companies hiring: Local electrical contractors (large and small), national electrical contractors (Rosendin Electric, IES Residential, Graybar), commercial construction firms, union IBEW locals.
Power plant electrician (top-tier pay)
Civilian job titles:
- Power plant electrician
- Utility electrician
- Power generation electrician
- Station electrician
- Electrical maintenance technician (utilities)
Salary ranges:
- Entry-level utility electrician: $65,000-$75,000
- Power plant electrician: $80,000-$100,000
- Senior power plant electrician: $95,000-$115,000+
- Average (Glassdoor 2025): $92,196
What translates directly:
- Power generation systems
- High-voltage switchgear
- Generator maintenance and operation
- Electrical distribution systems
- Emergency power systems
- Preventive maintenance programs
- Standing watch on critical systems
- Shift work and on-call rotation
Certifications needed:
- Journeyman Electrician license (usually required)
- NERC (North American Electric Reliability Corporation) training (provided by employer)
- High-voltage safety certification (provided by employer)
- OSHA electrical safety
Reality check: This is the highest-paying path for Navy EMs, and your shipboard electrical experience translates almost perfectly. Power plants (coal, natural gas, nuclear, hydroelectric) need electricians who understand large-scale electrical generation and distribution systems. You've already worked on ship electrical plants—this is similar but on land.
The catch: these jobs are competitive, often require relocating to where the power plants are located (rural areas, small towns), and involve shift work including nights, weekends, and holidays. But the pay and benefits (pensions, healthcare) are outstanding.
Utilities and power plants love hiring veterans, especially those with electrical experience. Many companies have veteran hiring programs.
Best for: EMs who want the highest pay, don't mind shift work and relocating, and enjoyed working on large electrical systems.
Companies hiring: Duke Energy, Dominion Energy, Exelon, NextEra Energy, Southern Company, TVA, Hawaiian Electric Company, Basin Electric Power Cooperative, DTE Energy, Constellation Energy, municipal utilities, federal power agencies (TVA, BPA, Western Area Power Administration).
Controls technician / automation technician (tech-forward path)
Civilian job titles:
- Controls technician
- Automation technician
- Instrumentation and electrical technician
- PLC technician
- Building automation technician
Salary ranges:
- Entry-level controls tech: $55,000-$65,000
- Experienced controls tech: $70,000-$85,000
- Senior controls/automation tech: $85,000-$105,000
What translates directly:
- Electrical troubleshooting
- Control systems and automation
- Reading schematics and control diagrams
- Systematic troubleshooting methodology
- Safety procedures
Certifications needed:
- Journeyman Electrician license (preferred but not always required)
- PLC programming certification (Allen-Bradley, Siemens, varies by employer)
- Building automation certifications (BACnet, Tridium, Niagara, if going that route)
- OSHA electrical safety
Reality check: This is the evolution of electrical work—combining traditional electrical skills with automation, controls, and programming. If you're interested in the tech side of electrical work, this path has excellent growth potential.
You'll work on programmable logic controllers (PLCs), building management systems, HVAC controls, industrial automation, and instrumentation. It's less "pulling wire" and more troubleshooting, programming, and system optimization.
Requires some additional training beyond basic electrical (PLC programming, control systems), but starting salaries are competitive and top-end pay exceeds traditional electrician roles.
Best for: EMs interested in technology, automation, and controls who want to specialize beyond traditional electrical work.
Companies hiring: Johnson Controls, Honeywell, Siemens, Rockwell Automation, Schneider Electric, Carrier, Trane, manufacturing facilities with automated production.
Maintenance technician / facilities electrician (stable, less physical)
Civilian job titles:
- Maintenance technician
- Facilities electrician
- Building maintenance electrician
- Multi-craft technician
- Stationary engineer (if you have broad maintenance skills)
Salary ranges:
- Entry-level facilities electrician: $48,000-$58,000
- Maintenance technician: $55,000-$68,000
- Lead facilities electrician: $68,000-$80,000
- Facilities manager: $75,000-$95,000+
What translates directly:
- Electrical troubleshooting and repair
- Preventive maintenance
- HVAC systems (basic electrical components)
- Lighting systems
- Building electrical distribution
- Emergency response and on-call duty
Certifications needed:
- Journeyman Electrician license (preferred but not always required for facilities roles)
- EPA 608 refrigeration certification (if working with HVAC, $50-150)
- OSHA electrical and safety training
- Building automation certifications (helpful for some roles)
Reality check: Facilities electricians work in commercial buildings, hospitals, universities, government facilities, and corporate campuses. The work is less physically demanding than construction or heavy industrial—you're maintaining existing systems, responding to service calls, changing ballasts, troubleshooting circuits, and doing preventive maintenance.
Pay is slightly lower than industrial or commercial construction, but the work environment is better (climate-controlled buildings), hours are more predictable, and the job is low-stress. Good option if you want steady work without the physical demands of construction or manufacturing.
Hospitals and universities offer excellent benefits and job security. Government facilities (VA, military bases, federal buildings) give veteran preference in hiring.
Best for: EMs who want stable, lower-stress work in clean environments with regular hours.
Companies hiring: Hospital systems, universities, corporate real estate management companies (CBRE, JLL, Cushman & Wakefield), government agencies, school districts, large corporate campuses (tech companies, headquarters buildings).
Lineman / utility line worker (high pay, physically demanding)
Civilian job titles:
- Apprentice lineman
- Journeyman lineman
- Utility lineworker
- Transmission lineman
- Distribution lineman
Salary ranges:
- Apprentice lineman: $45,000-$60,000
- Journeyman lineman: $75,000-$95,000
- Experienced lineman (with OT): $100,000-$130,000+
- Storm duty and traveling linemen: $120,000-$150,000+
What translates directly:
- Electrical safety procedures
- Working with high-voltage systems
- Physical fitness and stamina
- Working in adverse conditions
- Emergency response mindset
- Teamwork and communication
Certifications needed:
- CDL Class A driver's license (required for most positions)
- Lineman apprenticeship program (typically 3-4 years through utility or union)
- OSHA electrical safety
- Pole climbing certification (provided in training)
Reality check: Linemen install and maintain electrical power lines—the wires you see on poles and high-voltage transmission towers. It's one of the highest-paying blue-collar jobs in America, especially if you're willing to work storms (hurricane response, ice storms) or travel for outage response.
The catch: it's physically demanding (climbing poles, working at heights, lifting heavy equipment), requires a 3-4 year apprenticeship even with military electrical experience, and involves irregular hours, on-call duty, and working in terrible weather conditions.
But the money is real. Union linemen (IBEW) clearing $100K+ with overtime is standard. Storm duty can add another $20K-$40K per year. And there's a nationwide shortage of linemen—utilities are desperate for qualified workers.
Many utilities have veteran hiring programs and will help you get into lineman apprenticeships.
Best for: Young, physically fit EMs who want top-tier pay and don't mind physically demanding, sometimes dangerous work.
Companies hiring: Electric utilities (Duke Energy, Southern Company, ComEd, PG&E, Xcel Energy), rural electric cooperatives, union IBEW locals, line contractor companies (Pike Electric, Quanta Services, MYR Group).
How to get your journeyman electrician license using Navy time
This is critical. Here's the step-by-step process:
Step 1: Complete USMAP during or immediately after service
The United Services Military Apprenticeship Program (USMAP) documents your on-the-job training hours. If you didn't do this while active duty, you can still apply after separation. You'll need to document your Navy EM work hours. USMAP issues a Certificate of Completion proving you completed 8,000+ hours of electrical work. This is recognized by the Department of Labor and most state licensing boards.
Step 2: Research your state's requirements
Licensing requirements vary by state. Most require 8,000 hours of supervised electrical work + passing a journeyman exam. States like Texas, New Jersey, Maryland, New York, and California have specific processes for crediting military experience. Some states are easier than others—research your target state.
Step 3: Apply for state journeyman license
Submit your USMAP certificate, DD-214, Navy training certificates, and any other documentation proving your electrical work. Some states require letters from former supervisors verifying your experience. Application fees are typically $100-$300.
Step 4: Pass the journeyman exam
Most states use the National Electrical Code (NEC) exam. It's a closed-book exam covering NEC code requirements, electrical theory, and safety. Study resources are widely available—books, online courses, practice exams. Pass rate is 50-70%, so study seriously. Exam fee: $100-$200.
Step 5: Get licensed and start applying
Once you pass the exam and receive your journeyman license, you're qualified to work as a licensed electrician in that state. Most states have reciprocity agreements, so your license may transfer to other states with minimal paperwork.
Real example: One Navy EM (2005-2010) completed USMAP, documented 8,000 hours, got a journeyman card from the US Department of Labor, and obtained a license in New York. Nassau and Suffolk counties credited his Navy time, and he started working immediately as a journeyman making $70K+.
Skills translation table (for your resume)
Stop writing "EM3, Electrician's Mate" on your resume. Translate it:
| Navy EM Skill | Civilian Translation |
|---|---|
| Operated ship's electrical plant | Operated and maintained electrical power generation and distribution systems |
| Maintained switchboards and distribution panels | Performed preventive maintenance on switchgear, distribution panels, and electrical controls |
| Troubleshot electrical faults | Diagnosed and repaired electrical system failures using systematic troubleshooting methodology |
| Installed electrical equipment | Installed electrical circuits, wiring, and equipment per technical specifications |
| Read electrical schematics | Interpreted electrical diagrams, schematics, and technical manuals |
| Qualified on watch stations | Maintained 24/7 operational readiness on critical electrical systems |
| Performed preventive maintenance | Executed scheduled maintenance on motors, generators, transformers, and electrical equipment |
| Supervised junior electricians | Trained and supervised 2-5 junior electricians on electrical maintenance procedures |
| Stood emergency response watch | Responded to electrical emergencies and performed fault isolation and repairs under pressure |
Use active verbs: Operated, Maintained, Diagnosed, Installed, Interpreted, Executed, Trained, Responded.
Use specific systems: Switchgear, distribution panels, motor controls, transformers, generators, VFDs, three-phase power, 480V systems.
Use industry terms: NEC, NFPA 70E, lockout/tagout, preventive maintenance, troubleshooting methodology, electrical safety.
Drop the acronyms. Don't write "Stood EOOW watch on SWBD 1." Write "Maintained operational readiness on main electrical distribution system."
Certifications that actually matter
Here's what's worth your time and GI Bill benefits:
High priority (get these):
USMAP Certificate of Completion - Documents your Navy electrical hours. Required for getting your journeyman license. Cost: Free. Time: Apply online during or after service. Value: Essential for licensure.
State Journeyman Electrician License - Required for most good-paying electrician jobs. Cost: $100-300 application/exam fees. Time: 4-8 weeks to process application + exam prep. Value: Essential for career.
OSHA 10 or 30-hour Electrical Safety - Required by most employers. Covers electrical safety, arc flash, lockout/tagout. Cost: $50-200. Time: 1-3 days. Value: Required for employment.
Medium priority (if it fits your path):
Master Electrician License - Allows you to run jobs, supervise, and own an electrical contracting business. Requires 2-4+ years as journeyman (varies by state) + exam. Cost: $200-500. Time: 2-4+ years experience. Value: High for career advancement and business ownership.
PLC Programming / Controls Certification - If going the controls/automation route. Allen-Bradley (Rockwell), Siemens, or other PLC platforms. Cost: $500-2,000 for courses. Time: 1-3 months. Value: High for controls tech roles.
NFPA 70E Electrical Safety Certification - Arc flash safety training. Many employers provide this, but having it beforehand helps. Cost: $200-400. Time: 1-2 day course. Value: Medium—helps with safety-critical roles.
Associate's degree in Electrical Technology - Not required if you have journeyman license, but helps for some positions and future career advancement. Cost: $0 with GI Bill. Time: 2 years. Value: Medium for long-term career growth.
Low priority (nice to have, not critical):
EPA 608 Refrigeration Certification - Only needed if you're doing HVAC work. Cost: $50-150. Time: 1-day course + exam. Value: Low unless going into facilities/HVAC.
Solar PV Installation Certification - Growing field, but not essential unless you specifically want to do solar work. Cost: $300-1,000. Time: 1-2 week course. Value: Low for general electricians, medium for solar-focused roles.
The skills gap (what you need to learn)
Let's be real. There are differences between Navy and civilian electrical work.
National Electrical Code (NEC): The civilian bible for electrical work. You need to know NEC requirements cold to pass the journeyman exam. Your Navy training covered electrical theory and safety, but not NEC code. Study NEC before your licensing exam—get the code book and study guides.
Residential wiring: If you go into commercial or residential electrical work, you'll see wiring methods you didn't use in the Navy (Romex, residential panels, 120/240V single-phase). Not complicated, but different from ship electrical systems. On-the-job training will cover this quickly.
Conduit bending and installation: Construction electricians do a lot of conduit work (EMT, rigid, PVC). If you didn't do much of this in the Navy, you'll learn on the job. It's a physical skill that takes practice.
Customer interaction: Civilian electricians (especially service electricians) deal with customers, building managers, and general contractors. You need professional communication skills. Military directness doesn't always work—practice explaining technical issues to non-technical people.
Resume and interview skills: You need to translate your Navy work into civilian terms. Practice explaining what you did without using Navy acronyms or rating-specific language. Interviewers want to hear about troubleshooting, maintenance, safety, and results.
Real Navy EM success stories
Tom, Navy EM (Nuclear) → Aviation electrical engineering
After serving as an Electrician's Mate in the Navy's Nuclear Power Program, Tom transitioned to the civilian sector and has led the Aviation Department at Matern Professional Engineering for over 21 years. He oversees electrical, security, and low-voltage systems projects, including major work at Orlando International Airport. His Navy electrical training provided the foundation for a highly successful engineering career.
Jason, 28, former EM2 → Journeyman industrial electrician in South Carolina
Jason did 6 years on a destroyer, got out as an E-5. Used USMAP to document his hours, applied for South Carolina journeyman license, passed the exam on his first try. Landed a job at a BMW manufacturing plant in Spartanburg making $68K. After 3 years, he's now at $79K plus overtime that pushes his total comp over $90K.
Marcus, 30, former EM1 → Power plant electrician in Tennessee
Marcus did 8 years, made E-6, worked on carriers and amphib ships. When he got out, he targeted utilities. Got hired by TVA (Tennessee Valley Authority) as an electrical maintenance technician at a coal plant. Started at $72K, now makes $94K after 4 years. Excellent benefits including pension. Plans to retire at 20 years and double-dip with his Navy retirement.
Lisa, 26, former EM3 → Commercial electrician apprentice in Texas
Lisa did 4 years, got out as an E-4. Joined a commercial electrical contractor in Houston in their apprenticeship program. Even though she started as an "apprentice," her Navy experience put her ahead of other apprentices, and she's on the fast track to journeyman. Started at $52K, expecting to hit $75K+ once she gets her journeyman license in 2 years.
Action plan: your first 90 days out
Here's what to actually do when you transition:
Month 1: Documentation and licensing research
- Get your DD-214 (keep 10 copies)
- Complete or request your USMAP Certificate of Completion
- Research journeyman electrician license requirements in your target state
- Gather documentation: Navy training certificates, evaluation write-ups, watch qualifications
- Update your resume using the translation table above
- Set up LinkedIn profile highlighting your electrical systems experience
Month 2: Licensing application and study
- Apply for journeyman electrician license in your state (submit USMAP cert and Navy docs)
- Buy NEC code book and study guides (Mike Holt, Ugly's Electrical References)
- Take NEC practice exams online (lots of free resources)
- Get OSHA 10 or 30-hour safety certification (required for most jobs)
- Research electrical contractors, utilities, and manufacturing plants in your area
- Connect with other Navy EMs who've transitioned (LinkedIn, veteran groups)
Month 3: Exam, apply, and interview
- Take your state journeyman electrician exam (study hard—it's tough)
- Apply to 10-15 electrical jobs per week (contractors, plants, utilities, facilities)
- Tailor your resume for each job (emphasize relevant experience)
- Practice interview answers (focus on troubleshooting, maintenance, safety, leadership)
- Attend veteran job fairs and electrical industry networking events
- Follow up on applications 1-2 weeks after applying
- Consider temporary/contract electrical work if permanent positions are slow
Bottom line for Navy EMs
Your Electrician's Mate experience is in high demand. The civilian world has a massive shortage of skilled electricians, and you've already done journeyman-level work for years.
Don't let the licensing process intimidate you. Yes, it's bureaucratic and frustrating, but your Navy time counts. USMAP documents your hours, states will credit your experience, and once you pass the journeyman exam, you're immediately qualified for $60K-$80K jobs.
First-year salaries of $55K-$70K are realistic with your experience and a journeyman license. Within 5 years, $75K-$90K is standard for journeyman electricians. Specialized roles (power plants, controls, lineman) can hit $100K-$130K+ with experience and overtime.
The civilian electrical industry needs you. Utilities, manufacturers, contractors, and facilities are all hiring. Electrician jobs can't be outsourced overseas, and demand is growing faster than supply.
Get your journeyman license, translate your Navy skills into civilian terms, and target companies that need experienced electricians who can troubleshoot, maintain systems, and get the job done safely.
You've already proven you can do the work. Now go get paid what you're worth.
Ready to build your transition plan? Use the career planning tools at Military Transition Toolkit to map your skills, research salaries, and track your certifications.