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Electricians work with electricity and all kinds of electrical devices.
Specifically, they understand the complex and various aspects of electricity, and how it can be generated and controlled in different electronic systems. From a more practical angle, they set things up so that our homes and workspaces can receive the power they need to use all of our favorite and essential electrical devices.
Electricians take care of installation and maintenance. If you want to start training for a career field in which you will be indispensable, then considering a future as an electrician is perfect. Maintenance is key to job security.
Electricians are needed to do routine maintenance checks and periodic testing in residential and commercial areas to make sure systems are running smoothly, and no interruption of operation will occur. Skilled electricians are, and always will be in demand.
Find out more about the steps to preparing for a career as an electrician and where to receive the highest quality education and training to start your journey.
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Is Electrical Work Right for You?
Do you love taking things apart, analyzing how they work, and then putting them back together again? Those who love gadgets and working with their hands will likely love to explore the field of electrical engineering and technology.
Getting an associate’s degree in the field is the perfect way to start! Majoring in an electrical tech program is both practical and rewarding.
Can you work well with others? Many people are surprised to find out that a job as an electrician involves a lot of social interaction! Throughout the process of becoming an electrician- student,
Don’t want to work at a desk, or an office?
Electricians are out on the job site daily, earning a paycheck by installing the wiring that brings electrical power into any building or structure, and then maintaining that electrical work as time goes on.
Are you responsible, with an eye for detail? Electricians have to work in accordance with important state safety rules and regulations to ensure that buildings have enough power to operate, and do so in a way that is safe to residents.
What are the best electrician schools?
Though an associate's degree is not required to begin a career as an electrician, earning one from the right school can significantly increase your career prospects. The return on investment in a degree program is high.
Strong electrical associate degree tracks share several commonalities: a well-rounded variety of required foundational courses in different electrical systems, opportunity to work on labs with different types of electrical tech and machinery, and the opportunity to specialize within their field through elective courses.
The best electrical associate's degree programs require students to take courses in arts such as motor control systems, residential electricity, and electrical construction. They offer skilled and experienced faculty who guide students in the process of learning both installation and maintenance techniques.
Finally, the best programs offer the valuable opportunity to specialize and hone a unique skill set within the field of electricity. Students can learn the skills of the trade that will make them marketable in the real-world workforce. Look for these hallmarks as you complete your research on potential degree programs.
To aid you in discerning which school and electrical program is the right fit for you, we have compiled our 2018 Rankings of the Best Electrician Schools, which takes into account several key factors to ensure that you get the best rate of return on your educational investment.
These factors include academic ranking, cost of tuition, and average first year salary. Our data came from the National Center for Educational Statistics, from the websites of the universities themselves, and publications like U.S. News and World Report and Payscale.com.
Best Electrician Schools
See our rankings methodology page.
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Ivy Tech Community College of IndianaLocation
Indianapolis, IN
Tuition$6094
Overview
Located in the thriving city of Indianapolis, Ivy Tech Community College services more than 98,000 students. The public institution offers open enrollment and as a unique feature, offers credit for life experiences. Founded in 1963, Ivy Tech has degrees and certificates in 23 different fields.
Program Features
Ivy tech offers a 60 credit hour Associate of Applied Science degree program. The program prepares students for careers and the opportunity to transfer to a four year college. Students can also specialize and obtain a certificate in Industrial Electrical Technology. Sample courses include:
- Technology in advanced manufacturing
- Industrial wiring principles
- Applied technical mathematics
Notables
Ivy Tech offers hands-on, engaging instruction, promising 20% or less of class time is spent on lecture. Students get experience on a variety of machines and hone their skills through practice. Ivy Tech partners with community business and industrial leaders to shape curriculum to meet the demands of the ever-evolving work environment.
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Richard J. Daley CollegeLocation
Chicago, IL
Tuition$3695
Overview
Looking for the best in the midwest? Based in the urban and vibrant Chicago, Illinois, Richard J Daley College is part of the City Colleges of Chicago network. The public institution’s campus is in the heart of the city, and is home to just over 9,000 students. Students at Richard J Daley College can earn degrees and certificates in 13 different fields.
Program Features
Richard J. Daley offers an advanced certificate program in Electrical Construction Technology. The program is designed to teach students how to assemble, install, maintain, and test electrical equipment and wiring systems in residential, commercial, and industrial settings. The 35.5 credit hour program prepares student to be career-ready. Sample courses include:
- Electrical circuitry
- Motor control systems
- Low voltage systems
Notables
This program requires students to submit a separate application and other action before enrolling. Interested applicants should contact an admissions advisor. Going back to school and already have considerable work experience? Richard J Daley College offers special credit for life experience!
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Central New Mexico Community CollegeLocation
Albuquerque, NM
Tuition$4118
Overview
Located in beautiful Albuquerque, New Mexico, Central New Mexico Community College is a public institution with an open enrollment policy. Central New Mexico Community College offers a great staff-student ratio and quality academic advising. Students can choose from 24 different degree and certificate programs.
Program Features
Central New Mexico Community College’s Electrical Trades department offers students a chance to specialize with six different electrical associate’s or certificate concentrations to choose from. Popular programs include: Photovoltaic concentration, Programmable Logic Controls (PLC) Concentration, and Residential Wiring. Check out sample courses:
- NM Electrical Code (NMEC)
- Electrical circuitry
- Motor operation and troubleshooting
Notables
Want to start your career in New Mexico? A certificate at Central New Mexico Community College is accepted by the State of New Mexico Construction Industries Division as two years experience toward the four-year experience requirement for the State of New Mexico Journeyman Electrical Certificate. Students also receive Occupational Safety Hazard Administration (OSHA) compliance safety training, and application of the National Electrical Code (NEC) and local electrical codes. Graduates are career-ready!
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Big Sandy Community and Technical CollegeLocation
Prestonsburg, KY
Tuition$5233
Overview
Part of the Kentucky Community and Technical College System, Big Sandy Community and Technical College is a two year institution with open enrollment. Located in Prestonsburg, Kentucky, Big Sandy is close knit community school, with just 5,360 students. For more than 75 years, Big Sandy has been offering quality education in 30 academic and technical programs.
Program Features
The Electrical Technology Program is perfect for students who want to prepare for various entry-level electrician positions for employment in industry and construction fields. Students will receive a mix of theory courses and hands-on experience. The program takes 4 semesters to complete and students will earn an Associate’s in Applied Science Electrical Technology. Sample courses include:
- Residential electricity
- Electrical motor control
- Electrical construction
Notables
Graduates of Big Sandy often go on to be employed as Construction electricians, industrial electricians, and manufacturing technicians. Big Sandy does have distance learning options, for students looking for flexibility in scheduling. You can expect quality instruction and advising as a part of all degree and certificate programs.
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Ashland Community and Technical CollegeLocation
Ashland, KY
Tuition$6451
Overview
Located in the hills of Ashland, Kentucky, Ashland Community and Technical College is a small public university. Home to just over 3,000 students, Ashland is known for it’s commitment to student services. They offer a 15-to-1 student faculty ratio and 14 programs of study.
Program Features
The Electrical Technology department at Ashland offers an Industrial Electrician program with an Associate of Applied Science degree. This program takes two years to complete and there are several options for specialization within the program. Sample courses include:
- Residential electricity
- Motor Controls
- Voice and data writing
Notables
Ashland maintains high expectations for their students. Students enrolled in the Electrical Technology program must achieve a minimum grade of C in their technical core courses and technical electives to successfully complete the program. Graduates are often employed in electrical maintenance, electrical construction, and residential or commercial construction.
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Owensboro Community and Technical CollegeLocation
Owensboro, KY
Tuition$7144
Overview
Part of the Kentucky Community and Technical College network, Owensboro Community and Technical College is a public institution with open enrollment. Located in Kentucky’s fourth Largest city, Owensboro, OCTC is home to over 7,000 students. Students from all over the state are attracted to OCTC’s distinctive Advanced Technology Center and cutting edge training in alternative fuels.
Program Features
Owensboro Community and Technical College’s Electrical Technology program offers Associate in Applied Science with three program tracks: Industrial Electrician, Construction Electrician, Motor Controls Electrician. Depending on your concentration of choice, programs take between 60-68 credit hours to complete. Sample courses include:
- Residential Electricity
- Electrical trainee
- Motor controls
Notables
Want to earn your degree quickly? Students at OCTC can earn an associate of applied science degree in two years if they maintain full-time status. Owensboro Community and Technical College also has an active student life. Get involved in clubs or a student organization to maximize your OCTC experience!
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Elizabethtown Community and TechnicalLocation
Elizabethtown, KY
Tuition$7499
Overview
Set in urban Elizabethtown, Kentucky, Elizabethtown Community and Technical College is an open enrollment institution that is committed to providing quality education at an affordable price. Home to just under 7,000 students, ECTC offers degrees and certificates in 15 different fields. Meet with one of their friendly advisors to a find a program that suits your career goals.
Program Features
The Electrical Technology Program at ECTC offers tracks for associate’s degree, certificates, and diplomas. If you plan to work in industrial, commercial or residential electricity, then the Electrical Technology program is for you. There are two main concentrations: Industrial Electrician or Construction Electrician. Sample courses include:
- Rotating Machinery
- Electrical Construction
- Electrical Motor Controls
Notables
With so many program options to choose from you can customize your educational experience at ECTC to fit your career goals and timeframe. High quality courses and skilled instructors are what you can expect at Elizabethtown Community and Technical College. They’ll even work with you to find the best financial aid and scholarship packages available.
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Bluegrass Community and Technical CollegeLocation
Lexington, KY
Tuition$7739
Overview
The right in the middle of the vibrant city of Lexington, KY, is where you’ll find the Bluegrass Community and Technical College campus. BCTC is a public open-admissions, 2 year college. With a thriving student life and over 30 programs of study, Bluegrass Community and Technical College is 14,000 students strong- and growing!
Program Features
Bluegrass Community and Technical College offers three degree programs focused on three major areas in electrical wiring and construction. The three areas of specialization are: Industrial Electrician, Construction Electrician, and Motor Control Electrician. If your goal is the be a professional electrician, start your journey at BCTC and get all the skills and training you’ll require. Sample courses include:
- Circuits
- Electrical construction
- Rotating machinery
Notables
Bluegrass Community and Technical College is focused on quality instruction, with low student-faculty ratios and skilled instructors. Be career ready with an electrical degree from BCTC. Graduates go on to work as Electrical contractors, residential and commercial electricians. With rolling admissions, you can get started today!
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Southcentral Kentucky Community and Technical CollegeLocation
Bowling Green, KY
Tuition$7106
Overview
With 19 programs of study, Southcentral Kentucky Community and Technical College is helping students build an educational foundation for success. SKYCTC is an exclusively two-year degree institution with open-enrollment. Students receive outstanding support in career and academic advising. Located in Bowling Green, Kentucky, SKYCTC offers both online and evening classes for students pursuing a more flexible schedule.
Program Features
The Electrical Technology program at SKYCTC provides a solid foundation of electrical theory and related practical applications. Degree specialization are offered in both industrial electrician and construction electrician. Students can choose to obtain an Associate in Applied Science (AAS) in Electrical Technology, a Diploma in Construction Electrician or Industrial Electrician, or one of seven electrician Certificates. Programs range from 48-68 credit hours. Sample courses include:
- Motor control
- Electrical circuits
- Rotating machinery
Notables
SKYCTC provides rigorous instruction to prepare students for real world demands. Class and laboratory instruction includes electrical theory and systems design; residential and commercial wiring, conduit bending; and advanced training in motor controls and programmable logic controllers.
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Los Angeles Trade Technical CollegeLocation
Los Angeles, CA
Tuition$7330
Overview
Located in sunny Los Angeles, the Los Angeles Trade Technical College is a public institution that offers academic courses towards 4-year colleges and numerous vocational training programs. Want to start a rewarding career in California? LATTC is focused to providing state approved degrees that give you the skills and training you need to be gainfully employed. Join the 18,000 students at LATTC who are taking advantage of these great programs and low tuition costs.
Program Features
The Electrical Construction & Maintenance program at Los Angeles Trade Technical College offers two different associate’s tracks and two different certificate options for students. Students can choose to concentrate on Electrical Construction & Maintenance or Electrical Construction Technologies. Day and evening courses are offered. Sample courses include:
- Hand Tools and Wiring Practices
- Principles of Industrial Electrical Power
- Installation of Electrical Wiring
Notables
Associates degrees in the Electrical Construction & Maintenance program are approximately 48 credit hours and can be completed in two years time. Key skills mastered in the program are: Electrical theory, electrical controls, conduit installation, blueprints, low voltage systems, maintenance practices, and equipment installation. To become highly skilled and career-ready check out LATTC!
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University of North GeorgiaLocation
Dahlonega, GA
Tuition$9608
Overview
Set on a gorgeous 630 acre campus in the small town of Dahlonega, University of North Georgia ties for #61 in Regional Universities South as ranked by U.S. news and world report. Founded in 1873. The public school is home to 17,704 students. Surrounded by the Chattahoochee National Forest, there is no shortage of outdoor adventures to be had.
Program Features
University of North Georgia offers two associate degree tracks in electrical: an Applied Technical Management Degree and and a Advanced Manufacturing Systems Degree. Programs are led by skilled instructors with real-world experience. Sample courses include:
- Industrial wiring
- Industrial motor control
- Fluid power
Notables
UNG’s electrical programs provide skills for technician careers, including electronics, industrial wiring, motors, controls, and computers. Interested in pursuing a four year degree? Students will be prepared to move on to obtain a Bachelor of Science in Manufacturing Operations or Bachelor of Science in Supply Chain Logistics.
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Somerset Community CollegeLocation
Somerset, KY
Tuition$5783
Overview
Well known for its technical programs, Somerset Community College is a public institution with open enrollment. Located in Somerset, Kentucky, SCC offers over 15 programs of study to 7,500 students. With an exciting student life and great student-faculty ratio, Somerset Community College could be the perfect school to start your educational journey.
Program Features
The Electrical Technology Program at SCC offers an associate’s degree that is perfect for those who want to work in electrical construction. Students can choose from the Industrial Electrician option which leads to Associate in Applied Science Degree, or the Construction Electrician option that leads to Associate in Applied Science Degree. Both programs are 42 credit hours. Sample courses include:
- Motor controls
- Industrial wiring
- circuits
Notables
The Electrical Technology Program is designed to meet the training needs of students who plan to work in electrical construction, industrial maintenance, or related fields. I addition to the associate degrees offered, Somerset also confers electrical certificates and diplomas. If you want multiple options and pathways to obtain your educational goals, Somerset could be a great fit for you.
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SOWELA Technical Community CollegeLocation
Lake Charles, LA
Tuition$7890
Overview
Located in scenic Lake Charles, Louisiana, SOWELA Technical Community College is public open enrollment institution. They specialize in offering degrees and certificates in just 11 different fields, focusing on quality over quantity. At SOWELA Students enjoy learning from experienced staff and benefit from caring academic advisors.
Program Features
The Industrial Electrician program at SOWELA is focused on preparing individuals to install, troubleshoot, and repair wiring, electrical equipment, and other electrical devices. If your goal is to be an expert in the field of industrial electricity, this program is for you! There are three certificate options students can pursue and they range from 10-21 credit hours each. Sample courses include:
- National Electric Code
- Generator and Transformer Operations
- Residential Wiring
Notables
Please note that SOWELA Technical Community College only offers electrician certificates in the industrial electrician program, there is not an Associate’s available for this track. If you want to become skilled quickly to enter the workforce, this could be ideal for you. Areas of study in the program each include all applicable codes and standards of blueprint reading and wiring diagram interpretations, which help prepare candidates to be career ready.
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Gateway Community and Technical CollegeLocation
Florence, KY
Tuition$8968
Overview
Gateway Community and Technical College is a public 2 year institution that is home to more than 4,000 students. Located in the quiet suburb of Florence, Kentucky, Gateway offers incredible attention to student learning, with a student-faculty ratio of 13-to-1. If you are going back to school after years in the field, you’ll be excited to learn that Gateway offers credits for life experience!
Program Features
The Electrical Technology program at Gateway is all about the maintenance, installation, testing and connection of electrical systems. You can choose between two tracks: Associate in Applied Science in Electrical Technology or Certificate of Completion in Electrical Technology. Students will learn how to work with the electrical systems of mechanical equipment used in businesses and industries. Sample courses include:
- Motor controls
- Installation of Electrical Wiring
- Electrical Construction
Notables
At Gateway Community and Technical College providing students with the opportunity to specialize is a top priority in the Electrical Technology program, and students graduate ready to be competitive in their specialized trade. Their graduates are employed in all industries, including construction and maintenance.To get a better idea of the high quality programs Gateway CTC has to offer, consider taking a campus tour and meeting some of the program faculty!
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Randolph Community CollegeLocation
Asheboro, NC
Tuition$8120
Overview
Randolph Community College calls Asheboro, North Carolina home. This affordable public two year institution offers degrees and certificates in 15 different fields including Health Professions and Related Programs, Law Enforcement, and even Homeland Security. Their student-faculty ratio is 15-to-1, ensuring you’ll get the attention in the classroom that you deserve. If you’re looking for a small school, with a close knit community, Randolph Community College could be for you.
Program Features
Randolph’s Electrical Program is specifically geared towards those who plan to start a career in North Carolina. Their courses cover all the Electrical Code of the North Carolina State Building Code and students will be able to apply the Code in the inspection field. Sample courses include:
- Basic Electrical technician I
- Electrical Level I Standard Inspection Course
- Electrical Level II Standard Inspection Course
Notables
With the successful completion of the program courses, in addition to other experience and requirements specified by the North Carolina Code Officials Qualification Board, students will be eligible to take the state examinations for inspector certification. If you want to be highly qualified in the state of North Carolina, RCC is a great place to prepare! Their skilled instructors and attention to code requirements will help you be career-ready quickly.
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Hinds Community CollegeLocation
Raymond, MS
Tuition$4586
Overview
Home to more than 11,000 students, Hinds Community College is located in Raymond, Mississippi. Want to experience the amenities of a larger two year public institution? Hinds offers for than 25 programs of study, high quality academic advising and a student-faculty ratio of 19-to-1. This year Hinds is celebrating 100 years of education! Visit and take a tour to see what makes Hinds special.
Program Features
In the Electrical Technology program at Hinds you can choose a Career or Technical Certificate or an Associate in Applied Science Degree track. Want to specialize in your field? HCC offers 15 different areas of specialization in the Electrical Tech department! Sample courses include:
- Motor Control Systems
- Programmable Logic Controls
- A.C. Circuits
Notables
Classes in the Electrical Technology program are held on the Raymond and Vicksburg-Warren Campuses and include instruction with laboratory exercises using industry grade equipment. To successfully complete the three-semester program students need to complete a post-test to show academic gain and participate in graduation exercises to receive their certificate or degree.
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Northwest Louisiana Technical CollegeLocation
Ruston, LA
Tuition$10322
Overview
Founded in 1894, Northwest Louisiana Technical College is tied at #216 in National Universities by U.S. news and world report. Located in rural Ruston, Louisiana, Northwest Louisiana Technical College’s motto is “At Tech you’ll belong. Tech is family.” Join a strong higher education community dedicated to student success.
Program Features
Northwest Louisiana Technical College’s Industrial Electrician program is focused on preparing individuals to install, maintain, troubleshoot, and repair electrical devices, components, and equipment. Students may chose to pursue a Technical Diploma (TD), a Certificate of Technical Studies (CTS), or Technical Competency Area (TCA). Sample courses include:
- National Electrical Code
- Motor Controls
- Blueprint Interpretation
Notables
Northwest Louisiana Technical College has laso earned a spot at #122 in Top Public Schools. Graduates of the program regularly find employment in industrial, residential, and commercial electrical positions. With rolling admissions, you can get started at Northwest Louisiana Technical College today!
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West Kentucky Community and Technical CollegeLocation
Paducah, KY
Tuition$7441
Overview
For a hometown feel, check out West Kentucky Community and Technical College, located in Paducah, Kentucky. The medium sized public institution hosts 7,000 students and offers a wide variety of rigorous programs in 22 different fields. Students at WKCTC enjoy affordable tuition rates and quality classroom attention with an impressive student-faculty ratio of 13-to-1.
Program Features
The electrical technology program at WKCTC offers and Associates degree in applied science. Students can choose three specialization tracks: Construction Electrician Track, Industrial Electrician Track, Motor Controls Electrician Track. Numerous electrical diplomas and certificates are available as well. Sample courses include:
- Programmable logic controllers
- Electrical capstone
- Circuits
Notables
While there are no special admission requirements for this program, students enrolled in the Electrical Technology program are required to achieve a C or better in the technical core and in those courses selected as technical electives to successfully complete the program. The Associate in Applied Science degree can complete in 60-68 credit hours. Alternatively, if you want to get into the workforce more quickly, a diploma can be completed in 45-60 credit hours.
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Jones County Junior CollegeLocation
Ellisville, MS
Tuition$6017
Overview
Looking for quality technical education down south? Located in Ellisville, Mississippi, Jones County Junior College is a public two year college with open admissions. They offer 14 different programs and a student-faculty ratio of 24-to-1. With a student body of just over 4,000, you can join a close knit community where you can get to the quality attention and training you seek. Construction trades is one of their most popular programs.
Program Features
The electrical division of JCJC gives you several options of study, with an associate’s track, technical certificate, and career certificate track. Electrical faculty bring real-world experience to the classroom and prepare students to be career ready with the newest technology. Sample courses include:
- Commercial and Industrial Wiring
- Motor Maintenance and Troubleshooting
- Fundamentals of Robotics for Electrical Technology
Notables
The admissions process at JCJC is quick and easy. Just an application, transcripts, and SAT/ACT score are required. Start your program today! The Associates track can be completed in just four semesters. The program is designed to give you the knowledge necessary to succeed in the electrical field. Installing and maintaining electrical systems, as well as the ability to troubleshoot and repair these systems.
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Utah State UniversityLocation
Logan, UT
Tuition$13037
Overview
Ranked #216 in National Universities, by U.S. news and world report Utah State University is home to more than 25,000 students. Founded in 1888, the public institution is located in the city of Logan , UT. The student-faculty ratio at Utah State University is 21:1, and The average freshman retention rate is 70 percent.
Program Features
Utah State University’s Electrical Apprenticeship program is offered at their Eastern campus. It is designed for students working as apprentice electricians to advance to journeyman electrician. All of the classroom and lab experience necessary to advance from apprentice to journeyman can be obtained four years. If your career goals lie within Utah, his program could be a perfect fit for you. Sample courses include:
Notables
Working and trying to go back to school? The program offers all coursework in the evening to allow students to complete their required on-the-job training while also completing the classroom requirements. Get rigorous and quality instruction. All class and lab work is supervised by certified master and journeyman electricians.
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