Traveling Industrial Journeyman Electrician

Own Your Next Step—Travel, Work Hard, Grow Together

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Two construction workers wearing safety gear stand together on an orange lift inside a large industrial building. Both are smiling and giving a thumbs-up. The worker on the left wears an orange high-visibility jacket, yellow hard hat, safety glasses, and gloves. The worker on the right wears a bright yellow high-visibility jacket, yellow hard hat covered in stickers, safety glasses, gloves, and a fall-protection harness.

You’ve earned your Journeyman license and proven your craft. Now put those skills to work with Interstates. You’ll tackle jobs of every size across America’s heartland—backed by a crew that values safety and takes pride in doing the job right. 

Why Choose Interstates

Here’s what makes traveling with Interstates worth it:  

Life on the National Traveling Team 

  • Consistent, steady assignments across: Nebraska, Iowa, Oklahoma, Minnesota, North Dakota, South Dakota, Arkansas, Wyoming, Utah, California, and more.
  • Enjoy the camaraderie and trust that comes with working alongside a dedicated crew.
  • Higher per diem and performance bonuses year to year.
  • For information on our rewarding regional roles with localized projects and less frequent travel, please refer to our FAQ section.

Crew Culture You Can Count On 

  • Safety-first approach committed to your “Zero-Injury Career.” Every team member has the full authority—and responsibility—to stop work anytime something feels unsafe. Your safety and the safety of your crew always come first.
  • A crew that has your back—on the job and off it. Expect real friendships, shared meals, and the kind of teamwork that lasts.
  • Your skills, ideas, and commitment are truly valued here. 

Real Growth Opportunities

  • Defined career progression: Journeyman → Foreman → Superintendent.
  • Dedicated mentorship and our Field Leader Excellence (FLE) program, explicitly designed to boost your confidence and leadership skills in the field. 

Competitive Pay & Benefits

  • Journeyman wages typically start around $40/hour, with opportunities to earn up to $43+ based on location, experience, and project needs. 
    (Interstates reviews wage scales annually for competitive market alignment.)
  • Up to $140 per diem for each day worked.
  • Double pay if Sunday work is requested and triple pay for holiday work.
  • Comprehensive benefits and stable, consistent work.
  • Interstates covers all state licensing application fees and renewals, ensuring you stay credentialed without the financial burden. 
Four team members in construction PPE smiling at the camera while in line getting food.
A construction worker wearing a yellow hard hat, safety glasses, gloves, and a high-visibility vest with the word “INTERSTATES” on the back stands in front of an open electrical panel inside an industrial room.
Four construction workers sit close together on a blue equipment box, smiling at the camera. They are wearing worn, muddy work boots, hoodies, and brightly colored safety vests—two in orange and two in yellow.
Two workers wearing hard hats and protective gear stand beside an open electrical cabinet at an outdoor industrial jobsite. They handle cables and components while performing electrical work.
Four adult men stand side by side indoors at a mini golf venue, each holding a putter and smiling at the camera.
Two construction workers wearing safety vests, hard hats, gloves, and safety glasses stand inside an industrial facility.

From the Field: Projects You Could Lead Next

Utah Flour Mill, Richmond, UT  Building the Systems Behind a National Snack Brand

Project: Flour Mill for a national snack food producer 

Your Role: Led electrical construction, automation, instrumentation, and calibration. 

Impact: Enabled seamless flour production vital for a popular national snack brand. 

Personal Growth: "Utah was my second flour mill with Interstates, and I enjoyed learning more about the process of flour mills. It was fun working with such a young crew because we had a lot of fun while still getting a lot done and learning a ton." — Tristan A, Journeyman Electrician

Aerial view of a flour mill in Utah. There is snow on the ground and mountains in the background.

California Dairies, Bakersfield, CA A Journeyman’s Impact on a High-Precision Bottling Facility

Project: Milk Bottling Facility  

Your Role: Managed critical electrical construction to ensure efficient bottling processes.  

Impact: Significantly boosted operational reliability, helping deliver quality milk to customers.  

Aerial view of a California dairy facility.

Tyson Pork Processing Facility, Bowling Green, KY Building the Electrical Backbone of a Major Food Processing Facility

Project: Pork Processing Facility 

Your Role: Installed power distribution, cable tray, electrical gear, motors, panels, refrigeration starters, and automation systems supporting large-scale food processing operations.

Impact: Helped power a new Tyson facility built for efficient, reliable production with room to grow as operations evolve.

Personal Growth: “My experience at Bowling Green felt very positive. I got to be part of a lot of the progress through the different phases of the job which helped round out my experience, and the leadership on site gave me plenty of the growth opportunities that I sought after to help me advance in my career.” — Jocelyn, Former Journeyman Electrician (now Foreman)

An electrician wearing a hard hat and high-visibility safety vest works inside an industrial electrical room.

Who Thrives Here?

Licensed Journeymen Electricians (5–10 years’ industrial experience or strong heavy commercial experience preferred—including work on large-scale facilities such as data centers) who:

  • Embrace challenges and teamwork
  • Want career advancement with supportive mentorship
  • Prioritize safety, quality, and authentic camaraderie 

A valid state Journeyman license is required for all national traveling Journeyman roles, even in states without a licensing requirement.

Find Opportunities

Real Words from Our Field Leaders

“Interstates recognizes hard work from driven individuals. Within two years of starting as a journeyman, I was given the opportunity to become a superintendent. In seventeen years with the company, I am now the Vice President of our National Construction and Design Services team. The opportunities for growth at Interstates are incredible.”

Bill Klement, Vice President of National Construction & Design Services

“I started at Interstates when I was 19, and every year has brought new opportunities to grow. Working on the national traveling crew keeps things fresh — every job is different, every team is unique, and there’s always something new to learn. You’re constantly building your skills and finding better ways to lead and work together.”

Grant Costello, Superintendent

“Interstates really invests in you. They want you to do well and keep growing, both on the job and in your career. If you put in the effort, they’ll match it and surround you with people who truly want to see you succeed.”

Jocelyn W, Foreman

“Interstates leaders took the time to invest in my development once they understood I wanted to grow quickly. I worked smart and found ways to save labor through detailed planning and prefabrication of work. Within 5 years of getting my first Journeyman License, I was given the opportunity to start our Planning Team which led to planning and layout standards, as well as consistent prefabrication practices for the entire company.”

Dave Taylor, Regional Operations Director

“The team atmosphere at Interstates is one of the biggest things I love about working here. We do fun things together, like hunting trips and team events, but what really stands out is the support. When my father passed away, people from all across the company drove hours to show up for me. From apprentices to project managers, even those who didn’t know him came to pay their respects. That meant a lot.”

Cody Pommer, Superintendent

Common Questions About Working as a National Traveling Electrician

Get quick answers to the most frequently asked questions about becoming a journeyman electrician at Interstates.

About the Role

Explore the work, travel, and opportunities that come with this role.

Traveling journeyman electricians at Interstates play a key role in building, powering, and maintaining large-scale industrial facilities across the United States. You’ll work on complex electrical systems for food production plants, beverage production facilities, dairy processing plants, flour mills, data centers, and other essential industrial operations.

Daily responsibilities include:

  • Measuring, cutting, threading, and installing rigid conduit
  • Measuring, cutting, and installing cable tray and basket tray
  • Pulling and terminating wire
  • Powering and wiring motors, equipment, and industrial systems
  • Troubleshooting electrical issues across 24v–480v systems
  • Working with PLCs, relays, and control systems
  • Plan and complete daily tasks and project phases
  • Track labor and material installation and support job progress updates
  • Lead and mentor 2-3 apprentices as they build their skills
  • Follow strong safety practices and help set the tone for the crew

You’ll also use Building Information Modeling (BIM)/ Virtual Design & Construction (VDC) tools to support planning and coordination, with training available if you’re new to that technology.

This role is ideal for electricians who want hands-on, meaningful work that utilizes the latest in construction technology and that directly impacts how America’s industrial facilities operate.

Interstates offers two career paths, each with its own advantages:

National Traveling Roles (This job)

  • 100% travel to job sites across the U.S
  • Typically remain on national projects for months at a time
  • Build strong connections and a sense of camaraderie as you work on different projects
  • Higher earning potential with up to $140/day worked per diem, travel stipends, and overtime
  • Exposure to a wide range of industrial projects and technologies
  • Ideal for electricians who enjoy variety, adventure, and steady work

Regional Roles

  • Less travel; home more often
  • Consistent local project assignments, typically within 200 miles of the regional office
  • Same culture and safety standards
  • Ideal for electricians who want a home routine and local project work

Both offer strong benefits, leadership support, and a family-focused culture. The main difference is how much you want to travel and the type of project experience you’re seeking. There is flexibility to move between career paths. Team members often shift from traveling to regional positions as their home life changes, and others move from regional roles into traveling positions for broader experience.

This position requires 100% travel. You’ll work on industrial job sites across the U.S., moving from project to project with your crew. Assignments vary in length but often run multiple months.

Interstates provides:

  • Per diem to offset living and food expenses while traveling
  • Mileage or travel pay according to policy
  • Strong communication about upcoming projects, supported by a large workforce planning team that assists with project notifications
  • Strong communication about upcoming projects

If you enjoy traveling, exploring new places, this role is an excellent fit.

You’ll support projects in industries that keep America running, such as:

  • Food processing plants
  • Flour mills
  • Dairies and bottling facilities
  • Industrial bakeries
  • Grain handling and storage
  • Packaging and conveying systems
  • Data centers and high-tech facilities
  • Industrial automation and controls
  • And more!

This role exposes you to advanced electrical and automation technologies, complex equipment, and high-precision installations. To learn more about the type of work we do, view the industries we serve. 

Work hours depend on the project, but most traveling teams work:

  • More than 40 hours per week
  • No more than 60 hours, per safety commitment
  • Occasional weekend work based on project needs
  • Variable start times and break times depending on site operations

This schedule provides strong earning potential while protecting crew well-being.

As a traveling journeyman, you’ll work in industrial environments that may include:

  • Heights
  • Ladders and scaffolding
  • Confined spaces
  • Outdoor conditions (heat, cold, weather)
  • Dust, noise, and active construction zones
  • High-voltage areas
  • PPE is required and provided

Safety training prepares you for these conditions, and crews support each other to ensure everyone works confidently and safely.

Pay, Per Diem & Benefits

Pay, benefits, and support designed for traveling electricians.

Your earnings come from a blend of:

  • Competitive hourly pay
    • $40 - $43+ per hour (based on experience & licensing)
    • Field leaders will be at a higher range
  • Overtime (40–60 hours/week)
  • $140/day worked per diem
  • Relocation pay (per policy)
  • Bonus incentives including:
    • End-of-year incentives
    • Merit increases

You can also earn double pay on Sundays. Earn triple pay if working an occasional holiday (double-time pay for hours worked + holiday pay). Eligible exempt team members who work on an observed holiday will be given a floating holiday. 

Yes. Interstates provides a $140 per diem for every day you work on a travel project.

This covers daily living expenses like meals and incidentals while you're away from home. It’s paid consistently and predictably, making travel much easier financially. Travel pay or mileage reimbursement may also apply, depending on assignment.

Interstates offers a comprehensive benefits package, including:

  • 401(k) with company match
  • Health, dental, and vision insurance
  • Short- and long-term disability
  • Group life insurance
  • Paid time off and holiday pay
  • Travel pay or mileage stipends
  • Company-sponsored events and celebrations
  • Flexible schedules for work-life balance
  • Bonus incentives and merit increases
  • Company-issued Milwaukee cordless tool kit
  • Continuing education + licensing renewal assistance
  • Double pay on Sundays
  • Holiday Pay (double-time pay for hours worked + holiday pay)
  • Eligible exempt team members who work on an Observed Holiday will be given a floating holiday
     

These benefits support not just your work—but your whole life.

Safety is foundational to the company’s identity. Interstates promotes a Zero-Injury Career and empowers every team member to act as a “safety shareholder.”

You can expect:

  • Daily safety briefings
  • Job hazard analysis
  • PPE provided
  • Strong communication on every job
  • Leadership involvement
  • A culture that supports speaking up and watching out for one another

Electricians often highlight these standout advantages:

  • Stable, year-round employment—we move you to the next job with no reapplying
  • Strong, tight-knit crew culture
  • Excellent safety standards
  • Above-average per diem
  • Real leadership opportunities
  • Meaningful projects in essential industries
  • Training and technology investment (including BIM/VDC)
  • Double and triple pay opportunities
  • Company-provided tool kit and licensing support

Interstates combines high-level industrial work with a team that genuinely cares about each other.

Requirements & Qualifications

The experience and qualifications needed to apply.

To qualify for this role, you’ll need:

  • A state-issued journeyman electrician license*
  • Industrial electrical experience
  • Ability to read blueprints and wiring diagrams
  • Experience with conduit, cable tray, and equipment connections
  • Comfort working at heights, in confined spaces, and in outdoor conditions
  • Willingness to mentor apprentices
  • Desire to learn or use BIM/VDC technology for planning and coordination
  • You must also have a valid driver’s license and reliable transportation.

*If you do not have a state-issued license, see the next question.

Interstates generally requires a state-issued journeyman license. 

However, if you hold a recognized equivalent credential or have extensive industrial experience, it may be worth connecting with a recruiter—they can determine the appropriate role for you.

We hire both! While this specific role is for industrial journeyman electricians, we also hire apprentices, interns, and early-career electricians for other positions across our field teams. Apprentices work alongside journeymen, learning industrial skills, supporting complex installs, and gaining experience toward their licensing requirements.

If you're not yet a journeyman but want to build a long-term career in industrial electrical work, there are pathways here for you—just explore our other open roles or connect with our recruiting team.

Career Growth & Culture

How you can grow your career at Interstates.

Interstates provides a clear advancement path:

Journeyman → Foreman → Superintendent

You can also progress into specialized roles in:

  • Instrumentation & Electrical (I&E)
  • Automation and controls
  • Service and maintenance
  • Planning and coordination (BIM/VDC roles)

The Field Leader Excellence (FLE) program and one-on-one mentoring help prepare you for leadership positions at your pace.

These jobs matter because you can see the difference your work makes. When you wire a system, bring equipment to life, or solve a problem that gets a plant running again, you know you played a real part in keeping food on shelves, products moving, and communities supplied.

There’s also meaning in the people you work with. You travel with a crew that supports each other, shares the hard days and the good ones, and takes genuine pride in doing the job right. You build trust, friendships, and a sense of belonging that’s hard to find elsewhere.

In the end, you're not just installing conduit or wiring equipment—you’re contributing to work that matters while growing your craft alongside a team that has your back.

The hiring process for traveling journeyman electricians at Interstates can move very quickly—often in just a few days when project needs are high.

Take Your Next Step with Confidence

Ready to get to work with a team that's got your back? Apply now and build what’s next with Interstates. 

Apply Today