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What is an Electrician?

Electrician training programs are responsible for training professionals about the installation and maintenance of wiring and lighting systems. Individuals in this field will identify problems and provide solutions for shorts and wiring problems and other issues that may arise. Individuals should be able to read schematics and blueprints as well as maintain state standards regarding such systems. Though an electrician will primarily work alone, they may work with others during construction in order to devise special layouts or schematics per customer demand.

Career Summary

MEDIAN SALARY

$56,650

PERCENT ABOVE NATIONAL
INCOME AVERAGE

34.58%

TOTAL SECTOR EMPLOYMENT

607,120

Degree Median Salary vs Adjacent Degree Types

Source: BLS, US Census, and IPEDS

2024 Best Electrician Training

Michigan State University (East Lansing, MI) is a public research university. MSU offers more than 200 academic programs and comprises 17-degree granting colleges allowing students to choose from a variety of programs they want to pursue based on their career goals. MSU offers an Electrical Apprenticeship training program. Students can choose between campus-based training or online training. Campus-based training is focused on enhancing technical skills and successful students will earn a certificate. Online training is designed for an apprentice electrician who seeks to further their theoretical and technical knowledge. In terms of enrollment, MSU is one of the largest universities in the United States. Aside from a wide range of undergraduate programs, the school is also active in research. 

Acceptance Rate

71.12

Student to Faculty Ratio

16:1

Rosedale Technical Institute (Pittsburgh, PA) is a two-year career training institution. It aims to provide education and training to students and professionals to obtain employment across trade industries. Electrical Technology Training is offered in the institute. It is delivered through a comprehensive program facilitated by industry experts and professionals. Successful students of this training program will be granted with an Associate Degree in Specialized Technology or Diploma. 

Acceptance Rate

60.18

Student to Faculty Ratio

15:1

Mercer County Technical Education Center (Princeton, WV) is a public high school that provides technical education to prepare all students for a 21st Century career. Electrical Technician program is a 10-month program. The training design is aligned to the standards of the West Virginia State Fire Marshal. Students are provided with lectures, technical presentations, hands-on learning, collaborative work projects, and individualized instruction to fully equip them with skills and relevant knowledge before joining the workforce. After completing the program, students must pass the assessment exam given by the West Virginia State Fire Marshal.  

Acceptance Rate

80.43

Tuition

$5,517 / year

Student to Faculty Ratio

11:1

Laurel Business Institute (Union Town, PA) operates as an educational institution providing two-year career programs to students. It is under the Laurel Technical School & Laurel Business School Programs are designed to provide knowledge and train relevant skills to prepare students to achieve their career goals. Electrician degree training is provided at Laurel Business Institute as Associate Degree Program. Graduates are eligible to assume entry-level positions as residential, commercial and industrial electricians. Students are also given the opportunities for internships to gain more valuable real-world experience. 

Acceptance Rate

91.45

Student to Faculty Ratio

10:1

Orleans Technical Institute (Philadelphia, PA) is a private technical school that aims to provide skill training and give career opportunities to the community. The school has programs that help individuals who want to further their education and remain competitive. The school boasts the quality of the education they provide which is designed to meet and exceed industry standards. Orleans Technical Institute offers competitive programs that mold students to be qualified professionals in a variety of fields. The institute has a 6 or 13 months Trades Diploma program focused on Residential and Commercial Electricity. Graduates can assume entry-level employment in the industry. 

Acceptance Rate

60.69

Tuition

$14,938 / year

Student to Faculty Ratio

20:1

Laurel Technical Institute (Sharon, PA) operates as an educational institution providing two-year career programs to students. It is under the Laurel Technical School & Laurel Business School Programs are designed to provide knowledge and train relevant skills to prepare students to achieve their career goals. The Electrical Technician degree program is conferred as an Associate Degree Program. Graduates are eligible to assume entry-level positions as residential, commercial and industrial electricians. Students are also given the opportunities for internships to gain more valuable real-world experience. 

Acceptance Rate

91.86

Student to Faculty Ratio

9:1

New Castle School of Trades (New Castle, PA) is a career college. The school is accredited by the Accrediting Commission of Career Schools and Colleges of Technology. Students can choose from more than ten programs, among these programs are Electrical Maintenance and Repair Technology, Construction, Heavy Equipment Operation, and Welding. New Castle School of Trades also offers flexible programs and opportunities for all types of students who desire to learn new skills. The school has classes available at night and weekends, work-study style employment, career path counseling, and helping students to land jobs in their chosen field. 

Acceptance Rate

100

Tuition

$20,736 / year

Student to Faculty Ratio

11:1

Thaddeus Stevens College of Technology (Lancaster, PA) is a community college that offers both certificate and associate degrees. The college provides equal opportunities for learning to educational opportunities to both tuition-paying and economically disadvantaged students. The school aims to gear students with essential skills that can be their advantage in a diverse, ever-changing workforce. The college provides a major in Electrical Technology for individuals who want to gain the skills and knowledge to assume an entry-level employment. In 2018, Thaddeus Stevens College of Technology was ranked 9th for Top Two-Year Trade Schools by Forbes and considered the top technical school across the state. It has both academic and high-skill, high-wage technical programs. 

Acceptance Rate

88.73

Student to Faculty Ratio

16:1

Penn Commercial Business - Technical School (Washington, PA) provides quality education to students in Washington and nearby areas. Penn Commercial Business - Technical School has more than 20 programs students can choose from which can lead to an Associate degree. They offer additional programs that can help their employability and professional growth. The school has remedial classes, academic counseling, employment assistance, childcare, and others. The Electrician program provides essential knowledge, and abundant hands-on training to prepare students for a career in the demanding field. It is a nine-month program offered across Southwest Pennsylvania, and Wheeling to Morgantown, West Virginia.

Acceptance Rate

75.46

Student to Faculty Ratio

14:1

Dunwoody College of Technology (Minneapolis, MN) is a private technology school focused on providing undergraduate training and programs. The institute has partnered with various private industries through the years to provide experiential learning to its students. The Electrical Construction & Maintenance program offers both coursework and laboratory experience and practice to equip graduates with relevant trade knowledge and skills. After completing the two-year program, graduates can assume entry-level positions in the workforce. 

Acceptance Rate

96.88

Student to Faculty Ratio

11:1

Siena Heights University (Adrian, MI) is a nonprofit private institution offering a wide range of programs. The school values its Roman Catholic affiliation and it plays an important role in the school’s vision. Some popular programs in SHU are liberal arts and sciences, business and marketing, and public administration and social services. The university offers a bachelor’s degree in general engineering. Siena Heights partners with the University of North Dakota in allowing its students to earn a Mechanical or Electrical engineering degree under UND. 

Acceptance Rate

73.4

Student to Faculty Ratio

12:1

Lewis - Clark State College (Lewiston, ID) is a public college that offers a wide range of academic programs including social work, criminal justice, education, nursing, and technical programs. The college offers a four-year Electrical Apprentice program. It is a flexible program allowing students to be apprenticed to the employer of their choosing while completing the theory coursework. Students can join live classes or opt for correspondence when completing the coursework. 

Acceptance Rate

99.76

Student to Faculty Ratio

12:1

Champlain Valley Technical Education and Career Center (Plattsburgh, NY) is committed to serving the region’s many needs in a variety of industries. The school offers an outstanding nursing program. The training facility is affiliated with the North Country Community College. It gives opportunities for those who wish to continue their educational advancement to a Registered Nursing degree. Champlain Valley Technical Education and Career Center offers small class sizes allowing student-nurses to get hands-on experience. The 2-year electrician degree at CV- Tec helps students understand electrical basics, wiring, splicing, blueprint reading, and much more. 

Acceptance Rate

27.88

Tuition

$10,607 / year

Student to Faculty Ratio

2:1

Fred W. Eberle Technical Center (Buckhannon, WV) is a public high school that offers education and training to students and adults. The center aims to equip individuals with skills and knowledge in handling technical-oriented jobs. The top ranked Electrical Technology is an adult career training program. It prepares students to have a career as electricians, alarm system installers, and more. Upon completion of this two-semester course, graduates can take the Journeyman Electrician’s License exam. 

Acceptance Rate

-

Tuition

$2,500 / year

Student to Faculty Ratio

16:1

Washburn Institute of Technology (Topeka, KS) is a public institute of technology that offers education and training for students and adults. The programs offered lead to technical degrees which addresses the needs of the local economy. The top rated Electrical Technology program prepares students to work on electrical construction and maintenance. This two-semester program is open for high school and adult students. Upon completion, students will earn a technical certificate. 

Acceptance Rate

50.35

Student to Faculty Ratio

17:1

Moore Norman Technology Center (Norman, OK) is a public career and technology education center. This institution offers 32 career programs facilitated by experts. Moore Norman Technology Center aims to help individuals to grow professionally in a particular field. MNT offers an electrical apprentice program for adults and high school juniors and seniors. Successful students who completed the program are eligible to take state electrical examinations. MNTC is affiliated with the Oklahoma State University and Rose State College allowing students to earn credit towards a degree in different areas. The school also works with business leaders to keep updates about the demands on skills of different industries. 

Acceptance Rate

-

Tuition

$2,625 / year

Student to Faculty Ratio

28:1

Washington-Holmes Technical Center (Chipley, FL) also known as the Florida Panhandle Technical College.  The center offers academic and technical training to students and adults. The programs are designed to equip students with relevant skills addressing the industry needs. Electrician program provides fundamentals of basic wirings and emphasis on theoretical courses and hands-on experience. 

Acceptance Rate

-

Tuition

$3,890 / year

Student to Faculty Ratio

10:1

InterCoast Colleges (Riverside, CA) is a private university that offers associates degrees and certificate programs on allied health, business, and skilled trade industries. The training programs are designed to meet the skills and knowledge expected for an entry level employment. The Electrical Technician training program provides instructions in Safety, Electrical Code, Equipment, Solar Panel setups and knowledge of the trade. The program is delivered both on-campus and online. Students will take 50 weeks/900 hours to complete this program. 

Acceptance Rate

-

Tuition

$20,400 / year

Student to Faculty Ratio

15:1

Tennessee College of Applied Technology - Morristown (Morristown, TN) is one of the technical centers strategically scattered in the state of Tennessee. The school aims to provide a wide range of opportunities for students to achieve higher education and employment. Automotive technology, business systems technology, drafting, HVAC, practical nursing, truck driving, and welding are just some of the programs offered by the schools. The Industrial Electricity provides training in basic theories, principles, practices, experiments, and hands-on experience related to a particular discipline. Moreover, TCT-Morristown also offers many supplemental programs. These are programs designed based on the demand of a particular industry. 

Acceptance Rate

-

Tuition

$4,236 / year

Student to Faculty Ratio

20:1

Manatee Technical Institute (Bradenton, FL) is a public school that provides technical education and training to Manatee county locals. The school provides programs for both high school students and adults. Students can choose from a wide range of programs. Every program aims to employ the students upon training completion. Electrician degree at MTI prepares students for employment or advanced training to pursue careers in various electrical industries. Graduates are eligible to take the National Center for Construction Education and Research (NCCER) certification. Manatee Technical Institute employs industry professionals to provide practical lessons and impart first-hand knowledge to the students. The length of programs may vary from one to two years. Also, the level of education and complexity of the field is considered on the timeline.  

Acceptance Rate

-

Tuition

$4,332 / year

Student to Faculty Ratio

9:1

Abraham Baldwin Agricultural College (Tifton, GA) is a public college under the University System of Georgia granting baccalaureate and associate degrees. The associate level programs allow students to pursue transfer opportunities to other colleges and universities. Most of the programs offered in the college focused on agriculture, business, arts and sciences, and nursing. 

Acceptance Rate

73.42

Student to Faculty Ratio

18:1

Carver Career and Technical Center (Charleston, WV) is a public high school offering post secondary education, college courses, and career education programs for students and adults. Some of the programs offered are Advanced Manufacturing Technology (Electrical), Electrical Engineering Technology, and Electrical Mechanical Instrumentation, Technology. The center also assists students on career counseling, on the job training, and interview preparations. 

Acceptance Rate

-

Tuition

$6,653 / year

Student to Faculty Ratio

16:1

Tennessee College of Applied Technology - McMinnville (McMinnville, TN) is one of the technical centers strategically scattered in the state of Tennessee. The school aims to provide a wide range of opportunities for students to achieve higher education and employment. Automotive technology, cosmetology, welding, and practical nursing are just some of the programs offered by the schools. The Industrial Electricity provides training in basic theories, principles, practices, experiments, and hands-on experience related to a particular discipline. Moreover, TCT-McMinnville also offers many supplemental programs. These are programs designed based on the demand of a particular industry. 

Acceptance Rate

-

Tuition

$5,248 / year

Student to Faculty Ratio

13:1

Triangle Tech Inc. (Pittsburgh, PA) is a for-profit system of technical schools providing training and education across the state. The schools offer 16-month programs granting Associate in Specialized Technology Degree in various technologies. Maintenance Electricity & Construction Technology program is designed to enhance the skills and provide knowledge to interested individuals who want to be residential, commercial or industrial electricians.

Acceptance Rate

-

Student to Faculty Ratio

5:1

Perry Technical Institute (Yakima, WA) a private, non-profit technical school. The school offers hands-on training programs that are in demand in a variety of industries today. It has several vocational programs for students who want to be part of the workforce geared with the required skills and knowledge. Electrical, Business Technology and Accounting, and Graphic Technology are just some of the programs offered. Electrical Technology is a two-year program preparing students for an entry-level position in the industry. Every program is facilitated by an industry expert or professional to achieve the most comprehensive and quality education possible. 

Acceptance Rate

-

Tuition

$42,175 / year

Student to Faculty Ratio

16:1

What Does an Electrician Do?

An electrician is a critical trade in our modern world as they repair, install, and maintain electric power in industries near and far. An electrician can work in disparate industries such as telecommunications, residential control system, commercial lighting, airplane factories, and clinical research labs. In fact, they can work indoors or outdoors across every sector imaginable across the United States. While the industries may vary along with the areas of specialization, a core set of job duties typically include:

  • Maintaining a safe work environment
  • Understanding and applying proper electrical codes for each situation
  • Working with cross-functional teams to properly design and install electric systems
  • Assembling, installing, and testing electrical equipment and appurtenances
  • Installation of replacement or new electrical components
  • Repairing and maintaining existing electrical infrastructures
  • Inspecting existing electrical systems, components, and equipment to safeguard against hazards and ensure code compliance
  • Mastering electrical systems associated with circuit breakers, j-boxes, and transformers
  • Manipulating a variety of tools to repair electrical equipment or motors
  • Understanding the basics of wiring, voltage, wattage, and fixtures
  • Testing electric systems through the use of voltmeters, ohmmeters, and oscilloscopes

How to Find the Best Electrician School?

Finding the best electrician school requires the right tools. The ready access to top electrician trade school and the best electrician schools for you starts with knowing your priorities. Having performed an analysis of your strengths, proclivities, learning style, and schedule will help you narrow down your options. Using MatchCollege to help gather information from accredited schools is a wise choice as you get unbiased, comprehensive tools to help you get properly matched. In addition to prioritizing personal elements specific to you, consider the following set of questions to help find the right electrician trade school for you:

  1. Consider placing schools with electrician apprenticeship programs at the top of your list. These schools provide you with the education and real-world experience needed for career minded, long-term employment opportunities.
  2. Balance your career aspirations with the program you select. In other words, choosing between a certificate program and an associate degree comes down to your career objectives.
  3. After performing your self-analysis, make sure to include any/all disciplines that interest you most. If you desire to become a marine electrician, engage schools that provide this area of specialty instead of a program for construction electricians.
  4. A certificate program that offers students the benefit of completion inside a year may be appealing but make sure not to sacrifice content if your area of specialty is outside the scope of a certificate program.

Top Electrician Degree and Certificate Programs

As with most things in life, there are overt and covert tradeoffs with virtually everything. Some tradeoffs are consequential while others are less impactful. When considering if an electrician certificate program or associate degree make the most sense for you, consider the following aspects of each track as you search electrician programs in your research.

Electrician Certificate Course

The electrician certificate programs consist of three primary types of tracks for students to consider pursuing. These certificate programs include a general certificate program, a specialized track, and an apprenticeship program. We will tackle each in succession to give you a better understanding of what is involved in each type of certificate alternative.

  1. General Electrician Certificate The general certificate track provides students with a set of shorter courses in an effort to provide a broad overview of the field. An electrician course is specifically designed to ensure students have the foundational knowledge and active learning opportunities to step into an entry-level position as an electrician.
  2. Specialized Electrician Certificate A specialized certificate provides a special set of skills and working knowledge not typically found in other programs. Growing demand from employers has helped redefine these specialized certificate programs as graduates were spending months getting up to speed and employers were investing substantial resources training students for a specific trade. Today, students pursuing a specialized certificate program can receive apprenticeship training for a technical craft within the electrical field such as data cabling, mechatronics, or process control implementation specialist.
  3. Electrician Apprenticeship An apprenticeship certificate programs are designed to be completed inside two years time with the apprenticeship portion of the program lasting around 5 years. Much like other apprentice programs, graduates are paid to work alongside an experienced electrician, known as journeyman, to gain proper experience in the field. A number of apprenticeships are administered by state agencies or local unions to help strengthen the pool of qualified candidates. In addition, a number of private companies hire and sponsor apprentices thus providing another means to help with the transition from student to working professional. It is worth noting that some certificate programs allow students to begin an apprenticeship program at a higher level so make sure to ask how this works during your admissions process.

Electrician Associate’s Degree

The associate degree track for a prospective electrician is designed for students looking for a more comprehensive set of academic exposure via an electrician training course. Students pursuing an associate degree receive substantive classroom time plus a series of hands-on labs or workshops. By blending both learning modalities together, students receive trade-specific information by learning and doing. An associate degree is often a two-year program with an Associates of Applied Science (AAS) as the degree conferred.

Educational Requirements for Electricians

Though not necessary to enter the field, electrician programs generally take two years to complete and are offered through community colleges or trade schools. Certified programs offer credit toward the four-year apprenticeship necessary to become a licensed professional. Upon completion of an apprenticeship under a qualified electrician, individuals are considered journey workers capable of taking on tasks on their own. Any specialty electrician license and journeyman electrician license requirements will vary by state and should be researched by interested individuals.

A brief electrician curriculum may include:

  • Schematics
  • Blueprints
  • Algebra
  • Wiring
  • Electrical Codes

Specialty Electrician License

After you have successfully moved from an undergraduate program through the apprenticeship program and become a licensed journeyman electrician, the next rung in the ladder may be to earn a master electrician designation. The path to earning a designation for a master electrician varies by state and/or municipality so further research will be needed by contacting your local licensing board via electrician license requirements. Check your state electrician requirements for additional information.

Generally speaking, you will need to have four to seven years of work experience as a licensed journeyman electrician prior to taking the examination. That being said, there are states that allow an electrician to bypass part of the field work with a bachelors degree in a related field like electrical engineering. Upon successful completion of the master electrician certificate examination, you will be qualified to participate in more advanced projects and potentially step into an electrician project managerial role.

Electrician Job Opportunities & Job Growth

Individuals in this field will work in buildings and other locales requiring electrical and lighting systems to be put in place or maintained. Individuals with additional training and skills in alarm systems, soldering, communications or other specialties will be able to find consistent work. Overall job growth is expected to increase due to the high demand for wiring installation and the need for newer and more efficient systems to be placed or replaced, though opportunities may be limited based on region or area.

Ten percent of employed electricians work independently and are able to set their own schedules rather than adhering to established full time positions.  The median electrician pay is $52,720 annually which equates to $25.35 per hour. 14% growth through 2024 and adding 85,900 jobs during that time.

States Employing the Most Electricians
  • California           $60,620
  • Texas                  $57,540
  • New York           $40,300
  • Florida                $35,080
  • Ohio                   $22,650
Top 5 Best Paying States for an Electrician
  1. Alaska
  2. Hawaii
  3. Illinois
  4. New York
  5. District of Columbia

Salary and Related Electrical Trades

An electrician can earn approximately $48,000 annually, though experienced electricians can earn as high as $80,000 per year. Most electricians work full time, and may be required to work overtime, particularly on jobs requiring strict adherence to deadlines. Apprentices will typically earn between 30-50% less than licensed professionals during the years of their apprenticeship. Individuals interested in becoming an electrician may also be interested in a career as a lineworker, welder, electrical engineer, mechanic, or power transmission installation.

Top Trade Associations for Electricians

Below you will find a list of the top ranked association and trade groups for electricians. Each group offers unique tools, resources, and vocational opportunities for its members. Students serious about the trade can research specific organizations that suit them best by starting with this list of associations.

  • Lightning Protection Institute (LPI)
  • National Lighting Bureau (NLB)
  • Electronic Industries Association (EIA)
  • Illuminating Engineering Society (IES)
  • Electrical Generating Systems Association (EGSA)
  • Association of Edison Illuminating Companies (AEIC)
  • Association of Energy Engineers (AEE)
  • Edison Electric Institute (EEI)
  • Fuel Cell &Hydrogen Energy Association (FCHEA)
  • International Association of Lighting Designers (IALD)
  • Electric Power Research Institute (EPRI)
  • International Association of Electrical Inspectors (IAEI)
  • Electrical Apparatus Service Association (EASA)
  • Electrical Equipment Representatives Association (EERA)
  • International Electrical Testing Association (NETA)
  • Lighting Controls Association (LCA)
  • North American Electric Reliability Council (NAERC)

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