50-State Career Wage & Licensing Simulator (2026)

50-State Career Wage & Licensing Hours Simulator

Compare verified median salaries, entry apprentice hourly pay rates, and mandatory classroom or on-the-job training (OJT) hours across licensed technical professions in the United States.

📊 Model: US Dept. of Labor (BLS OEWS) & State Boards ⚙ Output: Median Pay • Entry Wage • Licensing Authority

⚙ Configure Your Career & State Parameters

Licensed Profession:

Select Target US State:

State Median Annual Wage $62,400

Entry / 1st Year Apprentice $39,200

Required Experience / Hours 8,000 hrs (4-5 yrs)

Governing Board: Ohio Construction Industry Licensing Board (OCILB)

How the Calculations Are Structured

Our simulation engine draws upon official Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) released by the US Bureau of Labor Statistics, weighted against regional consumer price indexes (CPI) and verified statutory apprenticeship ratios published by registered state apprenticeship agencies (SAA).

Understanding Apprentice Wage Progression

In federally registered apprenticeships (such as the IBEW electrical or UA plumbing programs), wages are tied directly to the licensed journeyman rate through fixed percentages:

1st Year: 45% – 50% of Journeyman Scale (focus on safety and hand tools).
2nd Year: 60% – 65% of Scale (intermediate installations, conduit bending).
3rd Year: 70% – 75% of Scale (blueprint reading, circuitry, service equipment).
4th Year: 80% – 85% of Scale (troubleshooting, motor controls, commercial power).
Journeyman: 100% Full Scale + full employer health & pension contribution.

Frequently Asked Questions

Are state wage figures adjusted for overtime?

No. BLS median wage numbers reflect straight-time base earnings over a standard 2,080-hour work year. In heavy industrial, linehaul trucking, and emergency storm restoration, tradespeople routinely log 10 to 20 hours of weekly overtime paid at 1.5x to 2x rates, which can increase annual gross pay by 30% to 60%.

Can you transfer apprentice hours from one state to another?

If your program is registered with the US Department of Labor Office of Apprenticeship (OA) or a recognized State Apprenticeship Agency (SAA), your recorded hours and Monthly Progress Reports (MPRs) are usually transferable upon approval by the receiving state's apprenticeship council.