The electrical field is a promising sector that can lead to a rewarding profession, but the route to becoming a licensed electrician requires a significant investment in training and education.
Whether opting for traditional classroom education or hands-on apprenticeships, aspiring electricians must navigate various educational pathways, each with its own set of financial implications.
To help you make an informed decision on your educational choices, we will explore the various training options available for aspiring electricians in the US and provide you with a detailed outlook on the expenses involved with launching a career in this field.
Educational Pathways and Associated Costs
Becoming a licensed electrician involves passing the journeyman electrician licensing exam, which requires a solid educational foundation. Below, we detail the educational pathways that prepare candidates for this exam, as well as the costs associated with each of these options.
Technical and Trade Schools
Technical and trade schools are vocational education centers that provide structured and focused training specifically designed to cover the essential skills necessary for entering the electrical trade and setting the foundation for the journeyman licensing exam.
They typically last between one and two years and teach students practical skills like electrical theory, wiring practices, and safety compliance. Attending an electrician trade school involves comprehensive training with experienced instructors and hands-on experience with modern electrical systems and tools which justify its relatively hefty costs of between $10,000 and $20,000.
Although enrollment in a technical or trade school is not a mandatory requirement for licensure, this educational path offers a fast-track approach to gaining the necessary knowledge and skills required for passing the licensing exam. For this reason, it is one of the most popular choices for those who wish to quickly enter the professional workforce.
Apprenticeship Programs
Combining paid on-the-job training with structured classroom learning, electrical apprenticeship programs offer a practical alternative to becoming a licensed electrician. These programs generally extend over 4-5 years and are a direct path to acquiring the comprehensive skills and experience needed to pass the journeyman electrician licensing exam.
As an apprentice, you will get the chance to learn from seasoned professionals and gain expertise in areas like advanced electrical theory, complex wiring layouts, and safety protocols. What’s more, these programs are significantly more affordable, and typically cost between $1,000 and $2,000 for tools and textbooks, making them an attractive option for many cost-conscious aspiring electricians.
While it is not mandatory, especially for those who have completed electrician school training, taking an electrical apprenticeship program is highly recommended. It will enrich your understanding of the trade, give you a chance to earn while learning and solidify your skills in real-world settings before you enter the professional workforce.
Community Colleges
Community colleges provide an accessible route for individuals aiming to become licensed electricians through comprehensive associate’s degree programs in electrical technology. Typically spanning two years, these programs blend academic coursework with practical training and cover essential subjects like electrical theory, safety standards, and circuitry design.
As a student at a community college, you will benefit from a well-rounded education, which is especially valuable for those who seek a deeper theoretical foundation and broad-based knowledge of the electrical field. The cost of attending a community college is generally affordable, with tuition fees ranging from $4,000 to $8,000 per year, making it a viable option for budget-conscious students.
While not mandatory for licensure, obtaining an associate’s degree from a community college will enhance your qualifications and can significantly improve your job prospects in the competitive electrical industry. It will also provide you with a solid educational base, offer opportunities for advanced studies, and facilitate easier transitions into specialized or management roles within the trade.
Electrical Technology Certificate Programs
Electrical technology certificate programs serve as a targeted educational option for those looking to quickly enter the electrical trade or enhance specific skills. These programs, which can be completed in a few months to a year, focus on particular areas such as residential wiring, industrial electrical applications, or safety protocols.
Enrolling in a certificate program provides an accelerated path to learning essential electrical skills that are directly applicable to the job market. These programs typically cost between $2,000 and $5,000 and offer a cost-effective way for individuals to gain specialized knowledge without the extended time commitment of degree programs.
It is worth noting that even licensed electricians can benefit from getting additional certificates that can enable them to expand their expertise. By specializing in high-demand fields such as renewable energy, smart home technology, or commercial electrical systems, they can increase their marketability in the rapidly evolving electrical industry.
Additional Costs
While tuition covers the core costs of education and training to become an electrician, several additional expenses should be considered to fully prepare for a career in this field.
Tools and Equipment
Most educational and apprenticeship programs require students to purchase their own tools. An initial toolkit for an electrician can range from $500 to $1,000, with more specialized equipment required as one progresses in their career or specializes in certain areas.
Books and Materials
Educational programs, whether at trade or technical schools, community colleges, or through apprenticeships, often require the purchase of textbooks and other learning materials. These costs can add up to several hundred dollars each year.
Transportation
Apprentices and students may need to travel to different job sites or campuses, which means transportation costs such as fuel, public transit fares, or even the need for a reliable vehicle.
Protective Clothing and Safety Gear
Electricians must invest in appropriate safety gear, including protective clothing, safety glasses, and durable work boots. These items are essential for safety on the job and can cost several hundred dollars.
Exam Preparation Courses
Some aspiring electricians may choose to enroll in exam preparation courses to better prepare for the licensing exam. These courses can vary widely in cost, depending on the depth of material covered and the format of the course.
Licensing Fees
To become a licensed electrician, one must pass the journeyman electrician licensing exam, which involves a fee. These fees vary by state but typically range from $50 to $300. Additionally, maintaining licensure may require periodic renewal fees and continuing education courses, which also incur costs.
The Wrap Up
In summary, pursuing a career as an electrician involves a substantial investment in both time and money. Costs, including tuition, tools, books, and licensing fees, can range from about $5,000 to over $20,000, depending on the chosen educational path. This variance largely depends on whether one opts for certificate programs, associate degrees, apprenticeships, or a combination of these.
That said, becoming a licensed electrician can be a highly rewarding and lucrative profession, especially if you make it all the way to the top. Master electricians who pass advanced licensing exams and accumulate years of experience in the field often take leadership roles within the industry and enjoy the highest earnings and the most expansive opportunities for a successful career.
FAQ
What does it take to become an electrician?
To become an electrician, you need to complete educational training through trade or technical schools, community colleges, or apprenticeships, and pass licensing exams. Essential skills include electrical theory, practical wiring techniques, and safety knowledge.
How long does it take to become an electrician?
It typically takes 4 to 5 years to become a licensed electrician, including education and apprenticeship program training. To become a master electrician, on the other hand, can take up to 10 years.
How much do electricians make?
Electricians earn an average salary of approximately $56,000 per year. However, experienced electricians and those in specialized areas, such as master electricians, can earn significantly more.