Jacob Palmer wasn't supposed to be crawling through attics in North Carolina. Like a lot of kids in his generation, he was told the same thing we’ve all heard: get the degree, get the office job, and you’re set for life. But by 2024, the script flipped. He became the face of a new kind of "dropout" story—one where the ending isn't about failure, but about a $150,000-a-year business called Palmer Electrical.
He didn't just walk away from a lecture hall because he was bored.
Why the Classroom Failed
When the pandemic hit, Jacob found himself stuck in the "Zoom university" loop. It’s a story that sounds familiar now, but back then, it felt like a crisis of purpose. He realized that paying for a degree while sitting in his bedroom didn't make sense. He didn't want a debt-heavy piece of paper; he wanted to build things.
Actually, it wasn't a snap decision.
Before he ever touched a wire, he worked at a FedEx warehouse. He did a stint in a factory. He was basically testing the waters of manual labor to see if he had the stomach for it. Turns out, he did. He had a background in AP Physics from high school, so the theory of electricity wasn't scary to him. It was just a puzzle he hadn't learned to solve yet.
The Jacob Palmer Electrician College Dropout Journey
The transition wasn't glamorous. He started as an apprentice in Charlotte, making $15 an hour. Think about that for a second. You go from the "prestige" of being a college student to being the guy carrying heavy ladders and getting yelled at on a job site for the price of a fast-food meal.
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Most people quit there.
He stayed. He spent two years learning the National Electrical Code (NEC) like it was a holy text. By the time he was 21, he had passed his licensing exam. That’s an incredibly fast turnaround. In North Carolina, getting that license is no joke—it requires documented hours and a test that humbles most veterans.
By January 2024, Palmer Electrical was officially a thing.
He started with one truck. He didn't have a massive marketing budget. Instead, he leaned into what he knew: social media. While older contractors were still relying on Yellow Pages or outdated websites, Jacob was on YouTube and TikTok showing exactly how he worked.
Cracking the Six-Figure Code
Here is the part that makes people do a double-take. In his first year, he grossed nearly $90,000. For a 22-year-old with zero student debt, that’s life-changing. But by 2025, he had already blown past that, on track to top $150,000 in annual revenue.
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He does it all solo.
He’s the one answering the phone. He’s the one driving the van. He’s the one crawling under your house to find that short circuit. He’s basically proven that "low overhead" is the ultimate competitive advantage. While the "big guys" have to charge $300 just to show up because they have a fleet of 50 trucks and a massive office to pay for, Jacob can be agile.
The Realities of Being a Young Boss
It’s not all "hustle culture" and easy money, though. Jacob has been vocal about the "youngest guy in the room" syndrome. When he shows up to an estimate and looks like he just finished high school, homeowners are skeptical. He’s had to work twice as hard to prove he’s not just a "kid with a screwdriver."
His strategy? Extreme professionalism.
- He shows up in person for every estimate.
- He wraps his van so it looks like a real company, not a side hustle.
- He obsesses over Google reviews, knowing that one bad one can sink a solo operation.
Honestly, the "Jacob Palmer electrician college dropout" label is kinda a misnomer now. He’s more of an educator. His YouTube channel (Palmer Electrical) has become a hub for other Gen Z kids who are looking at $100k in student loans and thinking, "There has to be a better way."
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Is This the New Normal?
Experts are starting to notice. Recent data from Jobber’s Blue Collar Report suggests that only 16% of Gen Z parents think a degree is the only way to be "secure." With AI threatening white-collar entry-level jobs—the kind of jobs college dropouts used to fear losing—the trades are looking like the ultimate safe haven. You can’t automate a rewire on a 1920s bungalow.
Jacob’s story isn't just about him.
It’s about a massive shift in how we value work. He’s proving that being a "tradesman" isn't a fallback plan. It's a first-choice career for someone who wants independence, high income, and a job that actually exists in the physical world.
If you're looking to follow a similar path, here are the actual steps based on how Jacob did it:
1. Don't just quit—pivot. Jacob didn't sit on the couch. He moved immediately into a warehouse and then an apprenticeship.
2. Master the "Boring" Stuff. He didn't just learn to twist wires; he learned the NEC code and the business side (billing, insurance, licensing).
3. Use the Tools of Your Generation. He didn't wait for word-of-mouth. He used video and social proof to build a brand before he even had a second employee.
The path from Jacob Palmer electrician college dropout to successful business owner is basically a blueprint for anyone who feels stuck in the traditional education system. It requires a lot of sweat, a high tolerance for dirt, and the willingness to be the "uncool" kid who works with his hands—until the paycheck arrives.
Actionable Next Steps for Aspiring Tradespeople
- Research your state’s licensing requirements. Every state is different. Look up the "Electrical Board" in your specific state to see how many apprentice hours you need.
- Find a local mentor. Don't just apply to big companies; look for a solo "one-truck" operator like Jacob was and ask to help on weekends.
- Study the NEC (National Electrical Code). If you can understand the "why" behind the wiring, you'll be worth three times as much to any employer.
- Start a "Business Savings" now. Even $50 a week can help you buy the specialized tools (like a $500 hole saw kit or a $1,000 tester) you'll need when you eventually go solo.