Best Electrician Trade Schools in the US

To become an electrician, you’ll need specialized training and key technical skills. This is where electrician trade schools come in.

At a trade school, you’ll learn to install electrical power systems, inspect circuit breakers, and repair wiring and other electrical equipment.

The best trade schools for electricians hone industry-focused skills and technical knowledge. You may even be able to attend an online electrician school. And once you complete your program, you can continue your hands-on training in an apprenticeship.

You should always choose an accredited trade school for electrician training.

Accredited colleges meet high standards for educating students. By choosing an accredited institution, you can also qualify for federal financial aid programs.

Look for community colleges that hold regional accreditation or trade schools accredited by national agencies such as the Accrediting Commission of Career Schools and Colleges and the Council on Occupational Education.

Learn how to check a school’s accreditation status before applying.

In addition to covering basic electrical skills and technologies, electrician trade school prepares you for an apprenticeship. Once you finish your apprenticeship, you can apply for state licensure.

In an electrician program (also called electrical technology), you’ll learn to master various electrical equipment, install hardware, and troubleshoot problems. A final project might involve working as a team to wire a simulated home.

Here are some common subjects you can expect to study at electrician trade school:

You can also pursue a specialization in electrical technology. Specializations involve advanced coursework in a single topic area, such as highway systems, automotive, or maintenance.

Many community colleges and trade schools offer online electrician programs. These programs offer online courses in subjects like electrical technology, circuitry, and safety practices.

The online learning format prioritizes flexibility for busy students and working professionals training for a new career path.

Once you complete your program, you’ll begin an apprenticeship to gain hands-on experience. Many online electrician programs connect students with apprenticeship opportunities so they can fulfill state licensure requirements.

Electricians earned a median annual salary of $61,590 in May 2023, according to the BLS.

Several industries hire electricians, including the public sector, manufacturing, and electrical contractors. The field also reports a 6% projected job growth between 2022 and 2032.

The highest-paying states for electricians include District of Columbia, Washington, and Hawaii. In these states, electricians earn an average salary of over $88,000 per year.

In most states, electricians need a license to work. The licensure process typically requires passing an exam and applying for a state-issued electrician license.

Licensure exams generally test candidates on electrical codes, professional standards, and safety practices.

After receiving your license, you may need to complete continuing education requirements to keep your credentials current. Continuing education courses cover topics such as updates to the electrical code and safety standards.

Most states offer several electrician licenses, depending on your experience and specialization. In addition to a general journey-level electrician license, some states offer electrical contractor and master electrician licenses.

Electricians can also pursue optional certifications to demonstrate specialized skills. Common electrician certifications include:

Electricians must generally train through apprenticeship programs, but some attend a trade school before starting their apprenticeship. Many community colleges and trade schools offer electrician certificate and associate programs, typically lasting six months to two years.

The cost of attending an electrician trade school varies depending on the program and school. Community college tuition and fees cost an average of $3,503 in 2020-2021, according to the National Center for Education Statistics. Private trade schools may charge higher tuition rates.

Electricians typically spend 4-5 years completing their training and experience requirements. An electrician certificate program takes about 6-12 months to complete, and an associate degree in electrical technology takes around two years.

After earning your certificate or degree, you can start an apprenticeship program to meet hands-on experience requirements for state licensure.

Online electrician courses can effectively prepare you for a hands-on apprenticeship program. By completing electrician courses online, you can work toward your apprenticeship requirements while benefiting from the flexibility of a distance-learning format.

Being an electrician may be difficult for some, as the career requires detailed fine motor skills and physical work, often in cramped spaces. Electricians must perform physical tasks often and follow safety procedures to protect themselves and others. That said, electricians report an above-average salary.