Electrician Schools & Programs

Electricians earn a median salary of $60,040 per year, and the field sees approximately 79,900 job openings annually (BLS, OEWS, May 2024). Electrician training programs teach students to install, maintain, and repair electrical wiring, circuits, panels, and control systems in compliance with the National Electrical Code (NEC). With growing demand driven by new construction, renewable energy installations, electric vehicle charging infrastructure, and data center expansion, electricians remain among the highest-paid and most sought-after tradespeople in the country.

What Is an Electrician Program?

An electrician program trains students to install, maintain, and repair electrical systems in residential, commercial, and industrial settings. Coursework covers electrical theory, wiring methods, circuit design, motor controls, and the National Electrical Code (NEC). Programs may be accredited by NCCER (National Center for Construction Education and Research) or aligned with IBEW/NJATC apprenticeship standards, both of which are widely recognized by employers. Unlike general construction training, electrician programs focus specifically on electrical systems, from service entrances and branch circuits to complex industrial controls. Graduates are prepared to begin apprenticeships or entry-level electrical work, with a clear path toward journeyman and master electrician licensure.

What You’ll Learn

• Electrical theory including Ohm’s law, series and parallel circuits, and AC/DC fundamentals
• National Electrical Code (NEC) requirements and code compliance
• Residential wiring, including service entrance, branch circuits, and grounding
• Commercial and industrial wiring systems, including conduit bending and raceway installation
• Motor controls, variable frequency drives (VFDs), and programmable logic controllers (PLCs)
• Electrical testing and troubleshooting using multimeters, megohm meters, and clamp meters
• Low-voltage systems including fire alarm, data/communications, and security wiring
• Electrical safety practices, lockout/tagout (LOTO) procedures, and arc flash awareness
• Renewable energy and solar photovoltaic system basics
• Blueprint and electrical schematic reading and interpretation

How Long Does Training Take?

Certificate programs in electrical technology typically run 10 to 12 months and cover foundational wiring skills and NEC basics. Tuition for certificate programs may range from $3,000 to $15,000 depending on the institution; check with individual schools for current pricing. Associate degree programs take about 2 years and include more advanced topics like industrial controls, renewable energy systems, and building automation. Most states require completion of a formal apprenticeship (typically 4 to 5 years) combining 8,000 hours of on-the-job training with 576 or more hours of related classroom instruction before a candidate can sit for the journeyman electrician exam. Trade school training can often count toward the classroom portion of an apprenticeship, giving students a significant head start.

Admissions & Requirements

• High school diploma or GED is required by most programs
• Strong math skills, especially algebra and basic trigonometry
• Good color vision (ability to identify wire colors is essential for safety)
• Physical ability to climb ladders, work in confined spaces, and lift up to 50 lbs
• Valid driver’s license (required for most apprenticeship and employment positions)
• Some apprenticeship programs require aptitude testing through the NJATC/IBEW or local joint apprenticeship committee

Licensing & Certification

Every state regulates electricians, though the specific requirements vary. Most states require electricians to hold a journeyman license after completing an apprenticeship (typically 4-5 years of supervised work plus classroom hours) and passing a licensing exam. The journeyman exam typically covers the NEC, electrical theory, and state-specific regulations; exam fees generally range from $50 to $200 depending on the state. Master electrician licensure requires additional years of experience beyond the journeyman level, typically 2 to 4 more years, plus a separate exam. License renewal periods vary by state but are commonly every 1 to 3 years, often requiring continuing education credits. Some states accept NCCER electrical certifications or reciprocal licenses from other states. Always verify current requirements with your state’s electrical licensing board.

Career Outlook & Salary

The Bureau of Labor Statistics reports a median annual wage of $60,040 for electricians as of May 2024. Entry-level electricians at the 10th percentile earn approximately $36,024, while experienced electricians at the 90th percentile earn around $90,060 per year. The middle 50% of earners fall between $48,032 and $72,048 annually. Employment of electricians is projected to grow 6% from 2022 to 2032, about as fast as the average for all occupations, with an estimated 79,900 openings each year from growth and replacement needs. Total employment is expected to rise from 739,200 to approximately 783,552 over the projection period. Electricians who specialize in industrial controls, renewable energy systems, or high-voltage work often earn above the median. Advancement to electrical contractor, project manager, or estimator roles can push earnings well beyond the 90th percentile (BLS, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics, May 2024).

Where You’ll Work

Electricians work across a broad range of settings. Common employers include electrical contractors (residential and commercial), industrial manufacturing plants, utility companies, data centers, government agencies, and self-employment. The work environment varies: residential electricians move between customer homes, commercial electricians work on construction sites and in existing buildings, and industrial electricians may be stationed at a single plant or facility. The work is physically active and may involve heights, confined spaces, and exposure to weather on outdoor job sites. Most electricians travel to job locations, and some specialties require regional or long-distance travel.

Online vs In-Person Options

Electrical training is a hands-on discipline. Wiring circuits, bending conduit, pulling wire, and using testing instruments must be practiced in person in a lab or shop environment. Some programs offer hybrid formats where electrical theory, NEC code study, and math courses are delivered online, but the practical skills training requires on-site attendance. When evaluating programs, look for well-equipped electrical labs with residential and commercial training panels, motor control stations, and current NEC code books.

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Career Guide

Ready to learn more about what electricians do day-to-day, salary expectations, and advancement opportunities? Our career guide covers the full electrician career path, from apprentice to master electrician, including specialization options in industrial, commercial, and renewable energy sectors.

Career Guide: Electrician →

FAQs

What is the difference between a journeyman and a master electrician?

A journeyman electrician has completed a full apprenticeship (typically 4-5 years) and passed a state licensing exam, which qualifies them to perform electrical work independently under a master electrician’s permit. A master electrician has additional years of experience (usually 2-4 more years as a journeyman) and has passed a more advanced licensing exam. Master electricians can pull their own permits, supervise other electricians, and run their own electrical contracting businesses.

Do I need to complete an apprenticeship to become a licensed electrician?

In most states, yes. The apprenticeship path, which combines paid on-the-job training with classroom instruction, is the standard route to journeyman licensure. Trade school or technical college programs can give you a head start by covering electrical theory and NEC code, and many states allow this classroom time to count toward apprenticeship requirements. However, the supervised on-the-job hours are typically still required before you can sit for the journeyman exam.

Are electrician licenses transferable between states?

Electrical licensing varies significantly by state, and there is no universal national license. Some states have reciprocity agreements that allow licensed electricians from one state to transfer their credentials more easily. Others require a new exam or additional documentation. Several states accept NCCER certifications as partial credit toward licensing requirements. Before relocating, check with the destination state’s electrical licensing board for their specific reciprocity policies.

How much does electrician training cost?

The cost of electrician training depends on the program type. Certificate programs at trade schools typically range from $3,000 to $15,000, while associate degree programs at community colleges may cost $8,000 to $25,000 or more. Union apprenticeships through the IBEW generally provide paid on-the-job training at no tuition cost to the apprentice, making them one of the most affordable paths into the trade. Additional expenses may include tools, textbooks, and exam fees. Financial aid is available at most accredited institutions.

What is the job outlook for electricians?

The BLS projects 6% employment growth for electricians from 2022 to 2032, about average for all occupations. With approximately 79,900 annual openings due to growth and replacement needs, job prospects for qualified electricians are generally strong. Demand is supported by ongoing construction activity, electrical system upgrades in aging buildings, and expanding infrastructure for renewable energy and electric vehicle charging. Electricians with experience in these emerging areas may find particularly favorable opportunities.

Can I specialize within the electrical trade?

Yes, electricians can specialize in several areas after gaining foundational experience. Common specializations include residential wiring, commercial construction, industrial controls and automation, renewable energy and solar panel installation, low-voltage systems (fire alarm, security, data cabling), and high-voltage utility work. Some specializations require additional training or certifications. Specializing often leads to higher pay and more targeted career opportunities compared to general electrical work.

What tools will I need for an electrician program?

Most programs require students to have basic hand tools such as wire strippers, pliers (lineman’s, needle-nose, and channel-lock), screwdrivers, a voltage tester, and a tape measure. Some programs include tool kits in the tuition cost, while others require students to purchase their own. A quality digital multimeter is essential for testing and troubleshooting. As you progress in your career, you will accumulate specialized tools including conduit benders, fish tapes, and power tools specific to electrical work.

Salary data reflects U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) for May 2024. Actual salaries vary by location, experience, and employer. Program availability and tuition costs vary by school.

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