Embark on a successful career in electrical work with our detailed guide to the Best Electrician Schools in Arizona in 2023. Find top-rated institutions offering comprehensive training programs and hands-on experience. Discover the perfect school to shape your future in electrical work at the Best Electrician Schools in Arizona.
Most Arizona schools, colleges, and universities are open to individuals with the proper requirements to apply to any programs and train to become professional electricians.Â
A career as an electrician is a smart choice due to the job security and the excellent income it affords. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), job opportunities for electricians in Arizona will grow by 18% between 2018 and 2028, which will create about 1,000 new jobs.
This makes it a good time for anyone to train on any career path as an electrician in Arizona. However, in Arizona, you have to be an electrician contractor before you are licensed to practice.
Let’s get started.
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An Overview of Working as an Electrician in Arizona
Electricians in Arizona have promising career opportunities and good incomes. So for anyone wondering if Arizona is an excellent place to work as an electrician, think no more; it is.
However, unlike electricians in other parts of the USA, there’s only one approved license to become an electrician is that of an electrician contractor.
Trained and licensed electrician contractors in Arizona own businesses or freelance contractors. Some work on residential or commercial buildings or both. Only a small percentage work for government agencies.
Whichever path you choose, Arizona affords you a wide range of options to excel in your career as an electrician.
What is the Job Outlook for Electricians in Arizona?
Due to the consistent increase in the use of electronic devices, systems, and electrically powered machines in the commercial industry and homes, the demand for electricians has skyrocketed in the state.
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, electricians in Arizona will experience an 18% increase between 2018 and 2028. This will result in the creation of 1,000 new jobs for electricians. This invariably will grow career opportunities year in and year out.
How Do I Become an Electrician in Arizona?
The journey to becoming an electrician in Arizona differs from most other states of the USA. To become an electrician in Arizona, you must first obtain your license from the Arizona Registrar of Contractors.
For the Arizona Registrar of Contractors to grant you a license, you must be an electrician contractor, either residential, commercial, or both.
The Arizona Registrar of Contractors does not grant licenses to journeyman electricians. Therefore you must be an electrician contractor to be granted access to practice in the state.
To obtain your electrician contractor license, you must;
- Enroll in an educational program in any electrician school, technical or vocational college, or university in Arizona.
- Complete an apprenticeship program to understand the theory, algebra, electrical calculations, safety code, how to read blueprints, soldering, welding, and other aspects of the job.
- Work for at least four years to qualify for contractor licensing.
- Apply for and pass the two licensing exams; one on the trade and the other on business management.
- Obtain your electrician contractor license.
- Renew your license every two years.
What are the Requirements to Apply to Electrician Schools in Arizona?
Before enrolling in any of the electrician schools in Arizona, you must first have the proper requirements to apply.
Having the proper requirements is school dependent as each of the schools, colleges, and universities in Arizona has specific requirements for students who want to apply to their electrician program.
Therefore before we let you on into the list of universities and colleges that offer electrician programs, we discuss the general requirements you need to apply to gain admission.
Here are the requirements to apply to the best electrician schools and universities in Arizona;
- Be at least 17 years of age.
- Be a high school graduate or have a GED.
- Must have proof of one year of algebra, applied mathematics, or secondary mathematics with a passing grade.
- Have 8,000 hours of on-the-job training and five years of related classroom instruction.
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Best Electrician Schools in Arizona in 2023
Many community colleges and vocational, career, and trade schools in Arizona offer programs for students interested in an electrician career path.
These are typically certificate or associate degree programs that prepare students for a hands-on apprenticeship. For more information, here is a list of some of the best schools:
#1. Northland Pioneer College
- Location: 2251 E. Navajo Blvd., Holbrook, Arizona 86025-0610
- Program: Electronics Technology Certificate Program
- Program Duration: Two Years
In 2 years, students who enroll in the Northland Pioneer College electronics technology program learn the basics, advanced skills, and technical know-how required to be an electronics technologist.
The North Central Association of Colleges and Schools, The Higher Learning Commission accredited the program, and classes are held at the Northland Pioneer College Holbrook campus with about 3,354 students.
In-state students applying to the electronics technology program at Northland Pioneer College get to pay $1,808 for tuition, and out-of-state students, on the other hand, pay around $8,360 plus an additional $1,400 for study materials.
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#2. Chandler-Gilbert Community College
- Location: 2626 E Pecos Rd, Chandler, Arizona 85225-2499
- Program: Electrical Technology Certificate Program.
- Program Duration: Two Years
Chandler-Gilbert Community College offers students a certificate program to train to become electrical technologists.
In all manner of skills and expertise, students learn the basics and advanced technical know-how on navigating the electrical construction industry upon graduation.
Classes are held at the Chandler-Gilbert Community College Chandler campus in Maricopa County. Currently, the school has a student population of about 14,654, all enrolled in a 2-year program.
As accredited by the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools, The Higher Learning Commission, Chandler-Gilbert Community College is one of the best electrician schools, colleges, and universities in Arizona that can train you to become a professional in the field.
Annual tuition for in-state students costs $2,094, and out-of-state students get to pay $7,878 plus an additional $1,390 for study supplies.
#3. GateWay Community College
- Location: 108 N. 40th Street, Phoenix, Arizona 85034
- Program: Electronics Technician (Certificate Program) and Electricity (Associate Program)
- Program Duration: Two Years
At GateWay Community College, students have two academic tracks of training to become an electrician in Arizona.
The certificate program prepares students to become professional electronics technicians, while the associate degree program focuses on all aspects of the field.
Classes for both programs are held at the GateWay Community College Phoenix campus, where there are about 5,637 students in total.
The North Central Association of Colleges and Schools, The Higher Learning Commission accredits the GateWay Community College electrician programs.
The annual tuition cost for in-state students is $2,094, while out-of-state students get to pay $7,878 plus an additional $1,390 for study supplies.
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#4. Refrigeration School Inc
- Location: 4210 E Washington Street, Phoenix, Arizona 85034-1816
- Program: Electrical Technologies Certificate Program
- Program Duration: 3 Months
Refrigeration School Inc is one of the top-rated institutions in our list of beta electrician colleges, schools, and universities in Arizona.
Through its electrical technologies certificate program, students are equipped with the skills and expertise required in the electrical construction industry.
Classes are taught in state-of-the-art facilities using modern technology in the Refrigeration School Inc phoenix campus, which has about 688 students.
Annual tuition for the electrical technologies program at Refrigeration School Inc is about $6,625 plus an additional $1,045 for study supplies.
Like most electrician schools in Arizona, the Refrigeration School Inc is accredited by the Accrediting Commission of Career Schools and Colleges.
#5. Yavapai College
- Location: 1100 E Sheldon St, Prescott, Arizona 86301
- Program: Electric Utility Technology (Certificate Program) and Electronic Technology (Associate Program)
- Program Duration: Two Years
Yavapai College offers two academic tracks to students enrolling to become an electrician. The first track prepares students on all they need to know about electric utility technology, while the other focuses on electronics and its technology.
Either the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools, The Higher Learning Commission accredits academic track.
Classes are held at the Prescott campus, with a student enrollment of about 7,385. Annual tuition for in-state students is $2,280 and $8,976 for out-of-state students, plus an additional $1,600 for study supplies.
#6. Cochise County Community College District
- Location: 4190 W Highway 80, Douglas, Arizona 85607-6190
- Program: Electronics Technology Certificate Program
- Program Duration: Two Years
The Electronics Technology Certificate program at Cochise County Community College District is one of the best programs in Arizona for electricians.
The North Central Association of Colleges and Schools, The Higher Learning Commission accredited the program.
Classes are offered at the Cochise County Community College District campus in Douglas, with a population of about 4,437 students.
Annual tuition for in-state students costs $1,968 and $6,240 for out-of-state students plus an additional $1,800 for books and supplies.
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#7. Pima Community College
- Location: 4905C East Broadway Blvd., Tucson, Arizona 85709-1275
- Program: Electrician (Certificate Program) and Electrician (Associate Program)
- Program Duration: Two Years
Suppose you’re looking for a school that covers theory and practical learning in the electrical field. In that case, Pima Community College is one of the schools or colleges you should look out for in Arizona.
Pima Community College offers two academic tracks for students to earn a degree as an electrician. Both the certificate and associate degree programs are designed for future opticians.
Classes for the electrician program at Pima Community College are held at the Tucson campus, with about 26,880 students enrolled.
Annual tuition for in-state students is approximately $2,118 and $7,434 for out-of-state students plus an additional $1,920 for study supplies.
#8. Tohono O’Odham Community College
- Location: Highway 86, MilePost 125.5, Sells, Arizona 85634-3129
- Program: Electrical Certificate Program and the Electrical (Associate Program)
- Program Duration: Two Years
Tohono O’Odham Community College is one of the schools, colleges, and universities in Arizona that has multiple academic tracks and degree pathways to becoming an electrician in Arizona.
Enrolling in the certificate or associate program will earn a degree and quality training in electrical engineering.
Tohono O’Odham Community College electrical programs are offered on its Sells campus, with about 212 students. The fewer number of students makes it conducive for one-on-one coaching and mentoring.
As accredited by the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools, The Higher Learning Commission, Tohono O’Odham Community College is one of Arizona’s best electrician colleges and universities.
Tuition costs are about $932 for all students and an additional $1,000 for supplies.
#9. Arizona Western College
- Location: 2020 S. Avenue 8E, Yuma, Arizona 85365-8834
- Program: Basic Electrical Certificate Program
- Program Duration: Two Years
In the Arizona Western College Yuma campus, students who enroll in the primary electrical certificate program are taught in state-of-the-art facilities using modern technology to become future opticians.
As accredited by the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools, The Higher Learning Commission, Arizona Western College is ranked as one of the best electrician schools and universities that train students to become professionals in the field.
Annual tuition for in-state students costs $2,660 and $9,650 for out-of-state students, plus an additional $2,000 for study supplies.
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Frequently Asked Questions About How To Become An Electrician In Arizona.
How Much Do Electricians Earn In Arizona?
And prominent electricians in Arizona earn above the national average.Â
Following the report by the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, in 2019, electricians in Arizona made an average of $49,350 annually.Â
Entry-level electricians in 2019 earned $32,220, while experienced professionals earned about $68,490.
Therefore, the average salary structure of electricians in Arizona ranges between $32,220 – $68,490.
How Much Do Electricians Make In Arizona According To Region?
Another factor influencing your salary as an electrician in Arizona is your city or region of practice. Depending on what area you offer your expertise in, you may earn higher or lower than the average state salary for electricians.
Some cities in Arizona pay much higher salaries than others. Here are some of the major cities in Arizona and how much electricians earn in the region.
Region/Area Mean Hourly Wage
Flagstaff $21.81
Lake Havasu City-Kingman $21.71
Phoenix-Mesa-Scottsdale $23.59
Prescott $26.91
Sierra Vista-Douglas $22.68
Tucson $22.76
Yuma $18.10
What Can Electrician Organizations in Arizona Identify With?
Living and working in Arizona as an electrician requires that you mingle with people of the same profession. By doing so, you understand the ropes of the business in Arizona and can also be recommended for jobs within or outside the States.
One way to get in touch with professionals of the same carrier is to identify with the electrician organizations in Arizona.
Below is a list of some of Arizona electrician organizations that serve as a platform to meet electricians of all specializations, caliber, levels, and years of practice.
Arizona Builders Alliance
Gilbert, IBEW Local 769
Phoenix, IBEW Local 640
Tucson, IBEW Local 570
Phoenix, IBEW Local 387
Arizona Registrar of Contractors, Licensing, Contractor Search
National Electrical Contractors Alliance, Arizona chapter
IEC of Arizona (Independent Electrical Contractors Association)
References
- https://electricalschool.org/az/ – How to Become an Electrician in Arizona
- https://www.onlytradeschools.com/ – Best Electrician Schools In Arizona
