Explore our detailed guide to the top 10 Electrician Schools in California in 2023. Discover the best institutions offering comprehensive training programs and hands-on experience. Find the perfect school to shape your future in electrical work at the Best Electrician Schools in California.
To become the best electrician in California, you need to be trained by the best hands in any of the city’s electrical schools, colleges, or universities. Still, first, you must have the proper application requirements.
Working in California as an electrician at this point in dispensation would be one of the best decisions you will ever make. By 2028 the bureau of Labour statistics of the United States projects about 10,300 job openings for electricians in California.
What does invariably mean is that anyone training to become an electrician in California will not be out of a job upon graduation.
However, the first step in becoming an electrician is to study in one of the best-unaccredited schools in the state that offer the best training to become an electrician.
There are about 89 electrician schools, colleges, and universities in California that the California Board has accredited to offer electrical degrees and certificates.
Making a choice can be daunting because there is a lot to choose from. So here in this guide, we have developed a detailed guide on the best schools, colleges, and universities that will train you on how to become a professional electrician in California.
We have also factored in the schools that offer apprenticeship programs just in case you prefer to go to a trade school because of his short-term for completion.
However, regardless of which electrician school you choose, you must fulfill the requirements to become an electrician in California before applying.
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Table of Contents
Working as an Electrician in California
A career as an electrician in California is a smart choice and a thriving one. Electricians focus on the electrical wiring of buildings, stationary machines, transmission lines, and other related equipment.
Most specialize in installing new electrical components or maintaining and repairing existing electrical systems infrastructure.
Those who want to take the profession up a notch can work as specialists in wiring airplanes, ships, and automobiles, as well as cabling lines for data which requires specific training and education.
Whichever career path you choose, working as a qualified electrician in California is a smart way to get into a career with job security and a high income.
Working as an electrician in California will mean you have a thriving career because the need for more electricians keeps rising by number; all you have to do is to have the proper requirements.
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What is the Job Outlook for Electricians in California?
The need for more electricians in California is growing, making now an excellent time to become an electrician in the state.
In 2018, there were 78,100 electricians in California; by 2028, the profession is projected to create about 10,230 jobs. This means all trained electricians have plenty of opportunities upon graduation.
What are the Requirements to Become an Electrician in California?
The requirements to become a professional electrician vary by city in California. However, a detailed piece will guide you to fulfill the demands of becoming a licensed electrician in California.
To become an electrician in California, here are the requirements;
#1. Enroll For An Electrician Education Program.
You must be taught foundational theory on how to join the electrician profession. Therefore you must enroll in any electrician schools, colleges, and universities in California.
This could be a vocational, technical school, union, or non-union apprenticeship program. Below you will find a list of schools accredited by the State’s Division of Labor Standards Enforcement. If you’re going for an apprenticeship program, ensure it is approved by The California Apprenticeship Council (CAC).
#2. Register As An Electrician Trainee
To register for any apprenticeship programs to do hands-on work during the program, you must be registered in the state as an electrician trainee.
To qualify as a registered electrical trainee (ET) and receive your trainee card, you must enroll in an approved electrician school or apprenticeship program.
Also, you have to pay an application fee of $25 and submit an application to the state’s Division of Labor Standards Enforcement.
#3. Complete Your Educational Program
To get your license, you must complete 150 hours of classroom work and 4,800 hours of developing skills on the job.
For general electricians, you will need 8,000 hours of supervised work experience and 150 hours of classroom work.
#4. Apply To Get Your License
Once you have fulfilled the educational requirements, the next is to apply to get your license to practice as a professional electrician in California.
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List Of The Best Electrician Schools in California
About 89 approved Electrician Schools and Colleges in California are recognized by the California Department of Industrial Relations.
To become a professional practicing in California, you may enroll to study and obtain your license.
Most of the programs include completing electrical projects in labs, studying NEC, analyzing power systems and electrical wiring, as well as algebra and basic mathematics.
Without further ado, here is a list of the best colleges, universities, and trade schools that can train you to become an electrician in California.
#1. Imperial Valley College
- Location: 380 E. Aten Road, Imperial, CA 92251-0158
- Tuition Cost: $1,142 (In-state) and $5,774 (Out-state) plus $1,746 for supplies.
- Program Offered: Electrical Technology – Certificate Program and Electrical Technology – Associate Program
At Imperial Valley College, all students who enroll in the electrical technology program can either earn a certificate degree or an associate degree upon graduation.
The certificate program in electrical technology is short and can be completed within a few months, whereas the Associate degree track takes two years.
All classes are taken at the campus in Imperial in Imperial County.
#2. Fresno City College
- Location: 1101 E. University Ave, Fresno, CA 93741
- Tuition Cost: $1,304 (In-state) and $6,944 (Out-state) plus $1,000 for supplies.
- Program Offered: Electrical Systems Technology: Introduction to Industrial Controls – Certificate Program and Electrical Systems Technology: Cisco CCNA Preparation – Associate Program
Fresno City College is one of the electrician colleges in California that offers two academic tracks, either of which leads you to become an electrician in the state.
The certificate program focuses on studying Electrical Systems Technology and Industrial Controls, while on the other hand, the associate program aims at understanding Electrical Systems Technology via Cisco CCNA Preparation.
Upon graduation, graduates from Fresno City College can take up roles as professional Electricians in California.
#3. Antelope Valley College
- Location: 3041 West Ave K, Lancaster, CA 93536-5426
- Tuition Cost: $1,124 (In-state) and $6,500 (Out-state) plus $975 for supplies.
- Program Offered: Electrical Technology – Certificate Program
Antelope Valley College is one of the best colleges and trade schools that train students using cutting-edge technology and facilities to become professional electricians in California.
The college offers just a track: the certificate program to gain a degree to practice electrical engineering in California.
#4. Baldwin Park Adult & Community Education
- Location: 4640 N. Maine Ave, Baldwin Park, CA 91706-4221
- Tuition Cost: $1,165 both in and Out-state plus $1,165 for supplies.
- Program Offered: Electrician – Certificate Program
If you’re looking to study in one of the accredited electrician trade schools in CA, then you should enroll in the Baldwin Park Adult & Community Education electrical program.
The Council on Occupational Education accredits Baldwin Park Adult & Community Education Certificate-level Electrician program. The Baldwin Park Adult & Community Education electrical program trains students to be job ready upon graduation.
#5. East Los Angeles College
- Location: 301 Avenida Cesar Chavez, Monterey Park, CA 91754-6099
- Tuition Cost: $1,220 (In-state) and $7,016 (Out-state) plus $1,854 for supplies.
- Program Offered: Electrical Engineering – Certificate Program
East Los Angeles College Certificate-level Electrical Engineering program is one of the best electrician programs in California, hence why it is one of the state’s top-rated electrical schools and colleges.
Experts teach students the skills and expertise required to function in the electrical engineering industry using state-of-the-art facilities and technology.
#6. El Camino Community College District
- Location: 16007 Crenshaw Blvd, Torrance, CA 90506
- Tuition Cost: $1,142 (In-state) and $5,846 (Out-state) plus $1,848 for supplies.
- Program Offered: Industrial Computer Control Technician – Certificate Program, Electronics Engineering Technician – Associate Program
One of the community colleges in California best rated for its electrician program is the El Camino Community College District.
El Camino Community College District offers two academic tracks to earn an electrical degree. First is the Certificate program, which is specifically for future professionals. Following this is the Associate program, which is a 2-year program.
Upon graduation, students have the required skills to start a career as an electrician in California.
#7. Glendale Community College
- Location: 1500 N Verdugo Rd, Glendale, CA 91208-2894
- Tuition Cost: $1,175 (In-state) and $6,335 (Out-state) plus $1,854 for supplies.
- Program Offered: Electronics Technology Technician – Certificate Program
If you’re looking for a short program to study to become an electrician in California, then you should enroll in Glendale Community College.
Glendale Community College offers a certificate program in Electronics Technology Technician which can be completed in a few months.
The electrical program is focused on producing efficient students who can take up entry-level jobs upon completion, hence why it is one of the best electrician schools or universities in California.
#8. InterCoast Colleges-West Covina
- Location: 2235 East Garvey Ave. North, W. Covina, CA 91791
- Tuition Cost: $19,200 for both in-state and out-of-district students.
- Program Offered: Electrical Training – Certificate Program
One of the universities or colleges in California that has some of the best electrician programs is the InterCoast Colleges-West Covina.
InterCoast Colleges-West Covina offers a certificate program in Electrical Training where students understand the foundational and professional skills needed in the electrical industry.
Also, the InterCoast Colleges-West Covina is accredited by the Accrediting Council for Continuing Education and Training, making it credible.
#9. Long Beach City College
- Location: 4901 E. Carson St., Long Beach, CA 90808-1706
- Tuition Cost: $1,188 (In-state) and $7,500 (Out-state) plus $1,854 for supplies.
- Program Offered: Solar Photovoltaic Installation and Design – Certificate Program, Traffic Signal Systems – Associate Program
Long Beach City College offers various Certificate program options for future electricians, including a Certificate program, and an Associate program.
Working with industry experts in state-of-the-art facilities and technology environments, students learn foundational and professional skills in theory and practical at Long Beach City College.
#10. Los Angeles City College
- Location: 855 N Vermont Ave, Los Angeles, CA 90029
- Tuition Cost: $1,220 (In-state) and $7,538 (Out-state) plus $1,854 for supplies.
- Program Offered: Electronics – Certificate Program, Electronics – Associate Program
Los Angeles City College offers a certificate program track to earn a degree in electronics and an associate degree track.
Students focus on understanding electronics and elements used in the electrical engineering industry.
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Frequently Asked Questions About How To Become An Electrician In California
How Much Do Electricians Earn In California?
According to the U.S Bureau of Labor Statistics, electricians in 2019 earned an annual salary of about $70,460 on average.
Newbies earned about $36,050 annually, and experienced professionals earned $116,840.
What Is The Salary Structure Of Electricians According To Specializations?
Depending on your California electrician specialization, your salary structure might be higher or lower than the state average.Â
For instance, people that work as journeyman electricians in California earn about $33.87 per hour, while helper electricians earn just about $19.13 per hour.Â
This is to say that depending on your specialization; your salary structure may be higher or lower here is a sneak peek into the salary structure of electricians based on their specialization in California.
Electrician Specialization Mean Hourly Wage
Electricians $33.87
Helpers–Electricians $19.13
Electrical and Electronics Installers and Repairers, Transportation Equipment $37.50
Electrical and Electronics Repairers, Commercial and Industrial Equipment $31.10
The Electrical and Electronics Repairers, Powerhouse, Substation, and Relay $46.83
Some Electrical Power-Line Installers and Repairers $46.78
What Are Electrician Salaries by Region In California?
Also, one factor that affects the salary structure of electricians in California is the region in which they work. For instance, some areas in California pay higher salaries to electricians for their services, while in some parts, electricians earn a meager wage per hour. In this table, we have picked the top 10 locations in California and the average salary for electricians per hour.
California Area Mean Hourly Wage
Bakersfield, CA $34.47
Chico, CA $30.26
El Centro, CA $34.52
Fresno, CA $29.51
Hanford-Corcoran $29.07
Los Angeles-Long Beach-Anaheim, CA $32.79
Madera, CA $35.16
Modesto, CA $29.27
Napa, CA $36.67
Oxnard-Thousand Oaks-Ventura, CA $30.91
What Board Licenses Electrician In California?
The Contractors State License Board provides licensing for all construction trades in California. The Board, part of the Department of Consumer Affairs, approves residential and general electricians, fire and life safety technicians, voice, data, video technicians, and non-residential lighting technicians. The Board maintains a list of licensed electricians in the state for consumers to consult.
References
- https://www.electricianclasses.com Electrician Classes in California (Top Schools)
- https://electricalschool.org How to Become an Electrician in California
