Tennessee – Career Guides and Job Tips for 2025
If you live in Tennessee or plan to move here, you’ll want clear, actionable info on the jobs that pay well and the licenses you need. This page pulls together the most useful guides written for 2025, so you can get started right away.
How to Get an Electrician License in Tennessee
Becoming a licensed electrician in Tennessee isn’t a mystery. First, decide whether you want the Limited License Electrician (LLE) or a full Journeyman license. The LLE lets you work on smaller projects up to 100 amps, while the Journeyman covers big‑job sites and commercial work.
Step 1: Find an apprenticeship. Many local unions and community colleges offer paid apprenticeships that combine classroom time with on‑the‑job training. Expect 4,800 hours of work plus 144 hours of classroom instruction.
Step 2: Pass the NEC exam. The National Electrical Code test is the same across states, but Tennessee adds a few state‑specific questions. Study guides from the Tennessee Board of Electrical Contractors are free online.
Step 3: Pay the licensing fee. An LLE costs about $150, while the Journeyman license is around $210. You’ll also need a $25 k+ contractor bond if you plan to run your own crew.
Step 4: Keep your license current. Every three years you’ll renew and complete 8 hours of Continuing Education (CE) to stay up to date on code changes.
Following these steps gets you on the road to a $55k‑$80k yearly salary, depending on experience and location within the state.
Freelance and Tech Careers in Tennessee
Beyond the trades, Tennessee’s tech scene is booming, especially in Nashville and Chattanooga. Freelance web developers can charge anywhere from $30 to $80 an hour, with rates climbing if you specialize in WordPress SEO or Shopify e‑commerce.
To break into freelance work, start by building a small portfolio of sites for local businesses. Use a site builder you know well – WordPress wins on SEO, but Webflow offers cleaner code for clients who care about design.
When you set your rate, factor in your experience, the project’s complexity, and the client’s budget. A good rule: add 20 % to cover taxes, health insurance, and downtime.
If you prefer a full‑time role, entry‑level IT jobs in Tennessee now list salaries between $45k and $65k. Positions like Junior Front‑End Developer, QA Tester, or Help Desk Technician are common entry points.
Finally, keep learning. Free resources like the Tennessee Tech Job Corps and local meetups give you hands‑on experience without breaking the bank.
Whether you’re wiring a house or coding a website, Tennessee offers clear paths to a solid career. Use the guides above, take the first step, and you’ll be on your way to earning a good income in the Volunteer State.
In Tennessee, aspiring electricians can find themselves on a lucrative career path, especially with the right training and certification. This article explores why becoming an electrician is a highly rewarding trade in the state, highlighting the factors contributing to its status as a top-paying career. It dives into the various aspects of the trade, such as education, licensing, and job opportunities. Readers will discover tips for pursuing a successful career in this field.
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