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.
Best Electrician Schools
How We Rank Schools
Accredited Schools Online uses trusted data from sources like the U.S. Department of Education to evaluate schools based on quality, affordability, and reputation. When ranking schools, we look at factors like graduation rate, admission rate, tuition and other costs, financial aid, and program offerings. All our ranked schools hold institutional accreditation.
This list is from 2024. Explore our ranking methodology to learn more about how we rank schools.
Reasons to Attend Electrician Trade School
- Electricians report an above-average median salary and growing demand, making electrician trade school a good career investment.
- Trade school prepares you for hands-on training through an apprenticeship to meet state licensure requirements.
- Electricians can see a high return on investment if they choose an affordable trade school for their electrician coursework.
- Electrician trade school can take as little as six months before apprenticeship training.
- You can attend an online electrician school for the greatest flexibility while completing coursework.
Did You Know…
Electricians earned a median salary of $62,350 in 2024, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) — that's much higher than the national median salary.
Why Accreditation Matters for Electrician Trade School
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.
How To Become An Electrician
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:
- AC/DC theory
- Blueprint reading
- Electronics
- Motor controls
- Residential and commercial installations
- Solar power
- Transformers
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.
Can You Attend Online Electrician School?
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.
Did You Know…
Electricians are projected to see around 81,000 job openings every year from 2024-2034, according to the BLS.
How Much Do Electricians Make?
Electricians earned a median annual salary of $62,350 in May 2024, according to the BLS.
Several industries hire electricians, including the public sector, manufacturing, and electrical contractors. The BLS also projects a 9% job growth rate between 2024 and 2034.
The highest-paying states for electricians include Oregon, Washington, and Illinois. In these states, electricians earn a median wage of over $90,000 per year.
Licensure for Electricians
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:
- Solar photovoltaic systems
- Video security systems
- Electrical generating systems
- Electrical power testing