The Best Training for
Electricians in 2021
Electrical work is one of the highest-paying trades in the United States. That’s why thousands of students graduate from electrician programs each year. To become an electrician, you need to enroll in a trade school, technical school, or apprenticeship program.
These types of programs combine theory with on-the-job training. If you’re interested in building an electrician career, check out this guide. You can learn more about the best electrician schools and programs.
Rundown: The Top 10 Electrician Programs in 2021
The following list will show you the best schools and electrician programs. These top schools are based on student reviews, tuition cost, and curriculum quality. All information below was sourced from the schools’ websites.
School | State | Programs and Cost | Certificates |
---|---|---|---|
Ashland Community and Technical College | KY | Associate in Applied Science in Electrical Technology Industrial Electrician Diploma $179/credit hour (in-state) $627/credit hour (out-of-state) |
Electrician Apprentice Electrician Construction Electrician Helper (Levels I & II) Motor Controls Electrician (Levels I & II) Residential Electrician (Levels I & II) Voice and Data Wiring Installer |
Big Sandy Community and Technical College | KY | Associate in Applied Science in Electrical Technology Electrical Technology Diploma $179/credit hour (in-state) $627/credit hour (out-of-state) |
Electrician Construction Electrician Trainee (Levels I & II) Residential Electricity (Levels I & II) Electrical Motor Control (Levels I & II) |
Bluegrass Community and Technical College | KY | Associate in Applied Science in Electrical Technology Automated Industrial Technician Diploma Construction Electrician Diploma Industrial Electrician Diploma $179/credit hour (in-state) $627/credit hour (out-of-state) |
Automated Industrial Controls Technician (Levels I & II) Construction Electrician (Levels I, II, & III) Industrial Electrician (Levels I & II) |
Central New Mexico Community College | NM | Associate of Applied Science in Electrical Technologies $56/credit hour (in-state) $296/credit hour (out-of-state) |
Electrical Trades Certificate of Completion Photovoltaic Systems Certificate of Completion Programmable Logic Controls (PLC) Systems Certificate of Completion Residential Wiring Certificate of Completion Solar Electric (PV) Certificate of Achievement |
Elizabethtown Community and Technical College | KY | Associate in Applied Science in Electrical Technology Construction Electrician Diploma Industrial Automation and Process Control Technician Diploma Industrial Automation and Robotics Technician Diploma Automated Industrial Controls Technician Diploma $179/credit hour (in-state) $627/credit hour (out-of-state) |
Electrical Construction Electrical Motor Control (Levels I & II) Electrician Trainee (Levels I & II) Residential Electricity (Levels I & II) |
Ivy Tech Community College of Indiana | IN | Associate of Applied Science in Industrial Electrical Technology $149.55/credit hour (in-state) $292.57/credit hour (out-of-state) |
None |
Los Angeles Trade Technical College | CA | Associate in Science or Arts in Electrical Construction and Maintenance $289/credit hour |
Electrician Certificate Construction Technician Certificate |
Owensboro Community and Technical College | KY | Associate in Applied Science in Electrical Technology Industrial Electrician Diploma Construction Electrician Diploma Motor Control Electrician Diploma $179/credit hour (in-state) $627/credit hour (out-of-state) |
Electrical Construction Electrical Motor Control (Levels I & II) Electrician Trainee (Levels I & II) Residential Electricity (Levels I & II) |
Richard J. Daley College | IL | Associate in Applied Science in Electrical Construction Technology $146/credit hour (in-state) $384.00/credit hour (out-of-state) |
Electrical Construction Technology, Basic Certificate Electrical Construction Technology, Advanced Certificate Overhead Electrical Line Worker, Advanced Certificate |
Southcentral Kentucky Community and Technical College | KY | Associate in Applied Science in Electrical Technology Construction Electrician Diploma Industrial Electrician Diploma $179/credit hour (in-state) $627/credit hour (out-of-state) |
Electrical Construction Electrical Motor Control (Levels I & II) Electrician Trainee (Levels I & II) Residential Electricity (Levels I & II) |
How to Pick the Best Electrician School for You
Choosing the right electrician school is the best way to start your career on the right foot. You need to consider certain factors like equipment, curriculum, and student success. Read below to learn more about how these factors can help you choose.
School Equipment and Labs
Electricians have a technical profession, so you need to use hands-on work to gain experience. That’s why it is crucial to check whether the school has enough equipment and qualified labs to practice what you learn.
Curriculum Quality
The curriculum quality is also vital when choosing an electrician school, especially if you are interested in a particular subject. Check your program in advance to make sure the curriculum is up to date with the current industry challenges.
Student Outcomes
Most schools publish annual reports about graduate outcomes. This is an excellent indicator of the school’s ability to provide high-quality education. High graduation and employment rates demonstrate that the program has exceptional standards.
The Best Electrician Schools of 2021
Now that you’re ready to start your career as an electrician, you should consider finding the best electrician schools. Below you will find a list of the top institutions and certificate programs in the United States.
Ashland Community and Technical College
Programs
Associate in Applied Science in Electrical Technology, Industrial Electrician Diploma, Electrician Apprentice Certificate, Electrician Construction Certificate, Electrician Helper Certificate (Levels I & II), Motor Controls Electrician Certificate (Levels I & II), Residential Electrician Certificate (Levels I & II), Voice and Data Wiring Installer Certificate
Accreditation
Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC)
Online Options
Yes
Ashland Community and Technical College, located in Kentucky, graduates more than 3,000 students each year. This school’s flagship program is an Associate in Applied Science in Electrical Technology. This is one of the best ways to become an electrician.
The program lasts two years and covers the core elements of the electrical work profession. You will learn about industrial, commercial, and residential wiring, electrician codes, voice and data installations, and electrical systems maintenance. At ACTC, you can also get an Industrial Electrician Diploma.
Associate in Applied Science in Electrical Technology Curriculum
Rotating machinery
Electrical motor control
Industrial electric safety protocols
Electrical systems design
Big Sandy Community and Technical College
Programs
Associate in Applied Science in Electrical Technology, Electrical Technology Diploma, Electrician Construction Certificate, Electrician Trainee Certificate (Levels I & II), Residential Electricity Certificate (Levels I & II), Electrical Motor Control Certificate (Levels I & II)
Accreditation
Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC)
Online Options
Yes
The BSCTC is an institution with more than 75 years of experience, and it’s currently home to over 5,000 students each year. The school offers an Associate in Applied Science in Electrical Technology that will allow you to become a construction or industrial electrician.
In this program, you will have access to state-of-the-art equipment and education facilities. This degree will prepare you for many different jobs in the field. It offers different certificates to help you get a job once you graduate.
Associate in Applied Science in Electrical Technology Curriculum
Electrical construction
Fluid electrical power
Rotating machinery
Electrical motor control
Bluegrass Community and Technical College
Programs
Associate in Applied Science in Electrical Technology, Automated Industrial Technician Diploma, Construction Electrician Diploma, Industrial Electrician Diploma, Automated Industrial Controls Technician Certificate (Levels I & II), Construction Electrician Certificate (Levels I, II, & III), Industrial Electrician Certificate (Levels I & II)
Accreditation
Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC)
Online Options
No
Bluegrass Community and Technical College offers several programs like engineering, cosmetology, and electrical technology. According to research conducted by the state of Kentucky, the median salary of BCTC graduates with a trade-based associate degree is $51,075. This number refers to workers three years removed from graduation.
The Associate Degree in Electrical Technology is an entry-level training program with three different specializations: motor control electrician, industrial electrician, and construction electrician. Each one can help you get a great job in the field.
Associate in Applied Science in Electrical Technology Curriculum
Electrical construction
Electrical capstone
Rotating machinery
National electric code
Central New Mexico Community College
Programs
Associate of Applied Science in Electrical Technologies, Electrical Trades Certificate of Completion, Photovoltaic Systems Certificate of Completion, Programmable Logic Controls (PLC) Systems Certificate of Completion, Residential Wiring Certificate of Completion, Solar Electric (PV) Certificate of Achievement
Accreditation
Higher Learning Commission
Online Options
No
Central New Mexico Community College is a good choice because it has several options. For the Associate of Applied Science in Electrical Technologies, you can specialize in Photovoltaic or Programmable Logic Controls. You can also get certificates in Electrical Trades, Programmable Logic Control Systems, Residential Wiring, and Photovoltaic Systems.
Most CNMCC’s electrical programs are accepted by the State of New Mexico as two years of experience for the Journeyman Electrical Certificate. The experience requirement for this certification is four years, but with one of these programs, you may reduce two of them. This school can prepare you for a job.
Associate of Applied Science in Electrical Technologies Curriculum
Residential wiring
Solar photovoltaic installation
Electrical codes
Elizabethtown Community and Technical College
Programs
Associate in Applied Science in Electrical Technology, Construction Electrician Diploma, Industrial Automation and Process Control Technician Diploma, Industrial Automation and Robotics Technician Diploma, Automated Industrial Controls Technician Diploma, Electrical Construction Certificate, Electrical Motor Control Certificate (Levels I & II), Electrician Trainee Certificate (Levels I & II), Residential Electricity Certificate (Levels I & II)
Accreditation
Higher Learning Commission
Online Options
Yes
Elizabethtown Community and Technical College offers an Associate in Applied Science in Electrical Technology. This program will give you the tools you need to troubleshoot, maintain, and install electrical systems.
With this program, you can specialize in electrical construction, industrial automation, robotics, and automated industrial controls. This is a good option if you already know which aspects of electrical technology interest you the most.
Associate in Applied Science in Electrical Technology Curriculum
Residential wiring
Electrical panel building
Pneumatic and hydraulic circuits
Programmable logic controllers
Ivy Tech Community College of Indiana
Programs
Associate of Applied Science in Industrial Electrical Technology
Accreditation
Higher Learning Commission of the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools
Online Options
No
The Ivy Tech Community College of Indiana offers an Associate of Applied Science in Industrial Electrical Technology, but you can also get a degree in general industrial technology. This program is practical, and only 20 percent of class time is spent in lectures.
With this degree, you’ll be able to practice vital electrician tasks like troubleshooting electrical systems, prototyping, and analyzing data from the electrical system. You can also apply for certificates throughout your time in the program.
Associate of Applied Science in Industrial Electrical Technology Curriculum
Microcontrollers
Electrical machines
Digital fundamentals
Capstone electrical project
Los Angeles Trade Technical College
Programs
Associate in Science or Arts in Electrical Construction and Maintenance, Electrician Certificate, Construction Technician Certificate
Accreditation
Accrediting Commission for Community and Junior Colleges
Online Options
No
Los Angeles Trade Technical College’s electrical construction and maintenance degree is a hands-on experience program. It will provide you with laboratory training in electrical construction. By the end of the program, you will be able to get a great job in the field.
The program is full-time, so you should be able to commit to 36 to 40 hours a week. You will learn how to interpret data, understand national electrician codes, and perform maintenance activities. You can also opt for an arts or science degree, which each offer slightly different benefits.
Associate in Science or Arts in Electrical Construction and Maintenance Curriculum
General education subjects
Electrician codes
Electrical construction
Owensboro Community and Technical College
Programs
Associate in Applied Science in Electrical Technology, Industrial Electrician Diploma, Construction Electrician Diploma, Motor Control Electrician Diploma, Electrical Construction Certificate, Electrical Motor Control Certificate (Levels I & II), Electrician Trainee Certificate (Levels I & II), Residential Electricity Certificate (Levels I & II)
Accreditation
The Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC)
Online Options
Yes
Owensboro Community and Technical College offers an Associate in Applied Science in Electrical Technology that combines classroom lectures with laboratory practices. You will learn fundamentals like industrial electronics, residential wiring, and maintenance services.
This program offers three specialty options: motor controls electrician, construction electrician, and industrial electrician. These can help you get a more specialized job and earn a higher salary.
Associate in Applied Science in Electrical Technology Curriculum
Electrician codes
Electrical construction
Conduit bending
Motor controls
Programmable logic controllers
Richard J. Daley College
Programs
Associate in Applied Science in Electrical Construction Technology, Electrical Construction Technology Basic Certificate, Electrical Construction Technology Advanced Certificate, Overhead Electrical Line Worker Advanced Certificate
Accreditation
North Central Association of Colleges and Schools
Online Options
No
Richard J. Daley College is mainly known for its technical manufacturing department. This school offers programs in 13 different degrees, including general science, hospitality, and electrical construction. RJDC has over 9,000 students annually, making it one of the most famous colleges in the northern United States.
This school offers an Associate in Applied Science in Electrical Construction Technology.
It is offered in partnership with the Electrical Joint Apprenticeship and Training Trust (EJATT). This means that you can get industry-specific training for when you want to get a job.
Associate in Applied Science in Electrical Construction Technology Curriculum
Residential, commercial, and industrial wiring
Electrical systems installation
Electrical systems maintenance
Southcentral Kentucky Community and Technical College
Programs
Associate in Applied Science in Electrical Technology, Construction Electrician Diploma, Industrial Electrician Diploma, Electrical Construction Certificate, Electrical Motor Control Certificate (Levels I & II), Electrician Trainee Certificate (Levels I & II), Residential Electricity Certificate (Levels I & II)
Accreditation
Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC)
Online Options
No
This Kentucky-based school offers programs in 19 different fields, including an Associate in Applied Science in Electrical Technology. This program can teach you everything you need to know about how to become an electrician.
This associate degree allows you to specialize as a construction electrician or industrial electrician. This can give you more job options later on. Some of the things you can learn at this program include commercial wiring and electrical systems design.
Associate in Applied Science in Electrical Technology Curriculum
Commercial and residential wiring
Conduit bending
Programmable logic controllers
How Much Can You Earn as an Electrician?
The Bureau of Labor Statistics says the average electrician salary is $56,900, and the demand for electricians is expected to grow by eight percent by 2029. This is because of the increased production of electrical devices that need wiring. Electricians are the ones that install these components. This job is here to stay.
The Highest-Paying Electrician Roles
Role | Required Education | Approx. Average Salary |
---|---|---|
Substation Electrician | Apprenticeship | $68,093 |
Oil Rig Electrician | Vocational diploma or certificate | $65,669 |
Industrial Electrician | Bachelor’s degree | $53,389 |
Construction and Maintenance Electrician | Apprenticeship | $49,271 |
Commercial Electrician | Vocational diploma or certificate | $47,754 |
Why You Should Be an Electrician in 2021
You should become an electrician in 2021 because it is a steady, high-paying trade job. The average salary is higher than the national median income. This makes it one of the highest-paying careers among all technical professions.
However, electrician jobs are usually dangerous, especially if you have to work up high. You should become an electrician if you’re prepared to take the risk. If you enjoy this kind of work, becoming an electrician is right for you.