Best Electrical Trade Schools

Nearly 740,000 electricians work across the U.S., and projection data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) indicates that the field will grow by 8% from 2019-2029, doubling the average for all occupations. The highest-paid licensed electricians earn over $96,000 per year.

By enrolling in electrical trade school, students can train for careers in this growing field. During an electrician program, students complete technical instruction and experiential learning requirements, earning a vocational certificate or diploma.

Electricians manage electrical power systems for residential and commercial buildings. They install lighting systems in homes, conduct repairs in businesses, and inspect electrical parts in industrial buildings. When electricians identify faulty equipment through testing, they must troubleshoot to find repairs or replacements. They use tools like conduit benders and wire strippers to perform their job duties.

While working, electricians must follow safety procedures and building regulations, using the National Electrical Code to make sure electrical systems meet safety requirements. Electricians either work alone or as part of a crew. They also work with engineers, architects, and clients. Experienced electricians may also train apprentices.

Electricians work in different settings depending on their specialty. Residential electricians often work in clients’ homes, while commercial electricians typically ply their trade in office buildings. These workers can also install wiring in construction sites and test electrical equipment in factories.

Depending on their job tasks, electricians may work indoors or outdoors. Some perform their tasks in cramped or elevated spaces. Several industries hire electricians, including electrical contractors, manufacturing organizations, and the government. Some electricians are self-employed contractors.

Electricians need critical skills. The career requires strong critical thinking and troubleshooting skills to determine problems and develop solutions.

Electricians also need physical abilities, like color vision to distinguish between electrical wires, physical stamina to perform job tasks for long hours, and the strength to move heavy equipment. Since electricians work closely with clients, customer service skills can also help electricians succeed.

During electrician trade school, students learn how to problem-solve electrical issues, complete technical tasks, and navigate the business side of being an electrician.

Electricians typically train for several years before entering the field. While some electricians complete apprenticeships, others attend electrician trade schools. An apprenticeship can take four or more years, while a vocational program typically takes 1-2 years and includes practical training. Both routes prepare electricians for licensure and certification.

This section offers a step-by-step overview of how to become an electrician, including the educational and licensure requirements.

A high school diploma meets the entry-level education requirement for electrician careers. However, many electricians complete additional training through a vocational program or an electrical trade school. During trade school, enrollees explore electrical theory and learn to read electrical blueprints. Other common courses include electrical code regulations, safety practices, and mathematics.

Students in electrician programs can specialize their training by taking courses in specific fields, like elevators, fire alarm systems, LEED certification, and other niche fields.

While earning a vocational certificate or diploma, enrollees also strengthen their practical skills through laboratory and practicum requirements. One of the most common covered skills is soldering, which students learn in a supervised setting with experienced, licensed electricians on hand for apprenticeship-style training.

The other route to an electrician career is through an apprenticeship. Apprentices work under a master electrician for 4-5 years, during which time they complete 2,000 hours of on-the-job training each year. In addition to paid work experience, apprentices develop their skills through technical instruction.

Graduates from training programs or apprenticeships typically meet the requirements for electrician licensure, though requirement details vary by location. With work experience, electricians can become master electricians or take on supervisory responsibilities. Electricians can also complete training to qualify for specialized professional certifications.

In most states, an electrician must hold a license to work independently. Each state and municipality sets specific requirements, so prospective electricians should carefully review the requirements in their area.

Electricians-in-training may need an electrical apprenticeship license while completing their on-the-job training. After meeting training requirements, electricians can apply for a journeyman license. This step typically requires passing scores on an electrical journeyman exam.

Experienced electricians who work as journeymen for several years can apply for master electrician licenses in most states. The license requires passing scores on the state’s master electrician exam.

For example, in Washington state, electricians apply for licenses with the Department of Labor and Industries. The trainee license recognizes apprentices or students working under certified electricians. Each certified general journeyman-level electrician in the state must complete at least 8,000 hours of supervised work experience and 96 hours of classroom instruction. Master electricians need 2-4 years of professional experience as a licensed electrician.

Many states also offer specialty licenses, such as electrical administrator or electrical contractor. Contractors operate electrical businesses that employ electricians. In addition to licensure, electricians can apply for professional certifications in areas like lighting systems or solar photovoltaic systems.

When choosing an electrical trade school, applicants should consider several factors. First, determine the program’s requirements and length. How do students gain practical experience? Second, check whether the program will meet licensure and certification requirements in your state.

Finally, aspiring electricians should check the accreditation status of their prospective programs. Electrical trade schools are usually considered vocational, which means they should be nationally accredited by an approved accrediting organization. Learn more about accreditation here.

Electricians benefit from above-average salaries and strong employment forecasts. The average salary for an electrician is $56,180, according to the BLS. However, in many cities, electricians earn even higher salaries than the national average.

The BLS projects a positive job outlook for electricians over the next decade, with growth increasing 8% in the next decade.

Maintenance technicians perform repairs in commercial or residential facilities. They inspect buildings, repair electrical systems, and schedule repairs. Maintenance technicians also create preventative maintenance plans and manage inventory records. While electrical training can help maintenance technicians, the job typically does not require a postsecondary education.

These professionals install and repair electronic equipment, including transmitters, automobile electronics, and industrial electronics. They also conduct tests to determine whether equipment needs to be repaired or upgraded. Electronics technicians may specialize in commercial or industrial electronics, automotive electronics, audio systems, navigation systems, or security systems.

Electrical foremen oversee electrical crews, making sure they correctly install and repair electrical equipment. Foremen set schedules and provide cost estimates to clients. They also follow electrical blueprints and make sure the work complies with building codes. Most positions require an electrician’s license and supervisory experience.

Ask An Expert

To better understand what a career as an electrician looks like, we interviewed industry veteran, Erik Truxon. Truxon has 30+ years of experience as an electrician. Read about his experience below.

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