What IQ Do You Need to Be a Electrician (Master)?
Typical IQ Range (Estimate)
105–115
IQ Classification
Average range
IQ is not a job requirement. The range above is a rough estimate of the group average observed in studies of people already working in this field — it is not a minimum score, and employers do not screen candidates with IQ tests (narrow exceptions like military aptitude batteries test job-relevant skills, not IQ per se). People succeed in every career across a wide range of scores; training, experience, interest, and persistence matter far more than any test number.
Typical Cognitive Demands
Master electricians represent the highest level of the electrical trade, with the knowledge and licensure to design electrical systems, pull permits, train apprentices, and run electrical contracting businesses. The cognitive demands exceed those of journeyman electricians — master electricians must understand the full National Electrical Code, perform complex load calculations, and design systems for commercial and industrial buildings.
Where These Numbers Come From
Occupational IQ estimates trace back to studies that measured cognitive test scores across professions — most famously mid-20th-century military induction data (such as Harrell & Harrell's 1945 occupational tables) and later research linking standardized admission tests (MCAT, LSAT, GRE, ASVAB) to general cognitive ability. These sources are dated, based on group averages, and vary between studies, so treat the range above as an approximation of central tendency — not a measured fact about today's workforce, and never a cutoff for any individual.
To understand what these IQ ranges mean, see our complete IQ score ranges guide. You can also check where specific scores fall: Is 110 IQ Good?
Education Path
Becoming a master electrician requires completing a 4-5 year apprenticeship, working as a journeyman for 2-4 additional years, and passing a comprehensive master electrician exam covering the full National Electrical Code. The total path is 6-9 years. Many master electricians earn $80,000-$120,000+.
How Does This Compare to Other Careers?
Career IQ Comparison
| Career | Average IQ Range |
|---|---|
| Electrician (Master) | 105–115 |
| Electrician | 100–110 |
| Plumber | 95–110 |
| Engineer | 115–128 |
Frequently Asked Questions
What IQ do master electricians have?
Master electricians typically have IQs between 105 and 115 — slightly higher than journeyman electricians. The master's exam requires deep understanding of the entire National Electrical Code, complex load calculations, and system design ability.
How much do master electricians earn?
Master electricians earn $80,000-$120,000+, with business owners potentially earning much more. It's one of the highest-paying trade careers and doesn't require college — just years of progressive skill development.
Is becoming a master electrician worth it?
For people with practical-analytical intelligence, absolutely. The 6-9 year path from apprentice to master pays well throughout (even apprentices earn while learning), and master electricians have excellent job security and entrepreneurial opportunities.
Explore More Careers
Learn more about what IQ measures, or take our free IQ test to see where you stand.