Becoming an electrician is a solid career choice, offering stability, growth, and good pay. With the demand for skilled tradespeople on the rise, now is the perfect time to start your journey toward becoming a licensed electrician. But before you can begin wiring homes or installing commercial electrical systems, you’ll need the proper training. Choosing an affordable trade school is a smart first step. To help you make the best decision, here’s a list of the top 30 affordable electrician trade schools in America.
1. Florida International Training Institute
FITI’s electricity technician program prepares students for residential and commercial construction projects. To earn the diploma, students complete 400 hours of lectures and 500 hours of lab work. The program combines theory with practical training. Students gain knowledge of tools, equipment, and the fundamentals of electricity. The curriculum covers direct-current circuits, alternating-current circuits, and wiring for homes and businesses. Applicants must be at least 17 years old and hold a high school diploma or GED.
Program length: 11-18 months
Fee: $9,320
2. Orleans Technical College
Orleans Tech offers hands-on training in its Electrician Diploma program, equipping you with the skills to install, upgrade, maintain, and replace electrical systems in both residential and commercial settings. In the college’s shop and labs, you’ll practice wire testing, circuit breaking, and working with voltmeters. To enroll, you must be at least 18 years old, hold a high school diploma or GED, and have a driver’s license. Financial aid is available to those who qualify.
Program length: 6-13 months
Fee: $504
3. Michigan State University
This program trains apprentices in electrical work, focusing on wiring for residential, agricultural, commercial, and industrial settings. MSU welcomes first-year students, including current high school seniors and graduates. To transfer, applicants must have earned at least 24 college credits.
Programme length: 15 months
Fee: $250
4. Paris Junior College
PJC trains individuals to become licensed electricians, equipping them for jobs in residential, commercial, and industrial sectors. The program builds a strong foundation in basic electrical principles, motors and controls, schematics, and troubleshooting complex electrical systems. It also includes training in maintaining commercial and industrial facilities, covering areas such as lighting, security systems, fire alarms, elevators, and computerized irrigation systems.
Fee: $84-$184
Program Length: 10 months
5. Irvine Valley College
This fully online residential electrician course provides comprehensive training without the need for hands-on lab sessions. Students will dive into electrical theory, wiring and installation techniques, and safety practices, and learn to work with common hardware and materials, as well as read building plans. Additionally, you’ll gain access to over 30 virtual simulations for practical experience and complete 10 lessons focused on customer service, a vital soft skill for a successful residential electrician career.
Fee: $95
Programme length: 1-2 years
6. James Rumsey Technical Institute
The Electrical Technician course focuses on developing the academic, technical, and social skills needed for success in residential and commercial work. Students can also earn NCCER certification for each skill set they master. Additionally, the course prepares those interested in advancing to the second-year Electromechanical program.
Fee: $7,532
Programme length: 11 months
7. College of the Canyons
The Electronic Systems Technology Program prepares students for careers in automation systems and electrical services industries. This includes data network service, telecommunication service, audio-video service, and home security systems.
Fee: $46 per credit hour
Programme length: 1 year
8. Washburn Institute of Technology
The course delivers an intensive overview of the essential knowledge required for electrical maintenance. It covers key topics such as math, inspection, safety, quality, electrical systems, automation, motor controls, and assembly. In addition, throughout the electrical technician training, you will develop practical skills. These include metal cutting, circuit calculations, robot troubleshooting, manufacturing management, and using tools for threaded fasteners.
Fee: $2,560
Programme length: 12 months
9. Withlacoochee Technical College
WTC’s electrician certificate offers a comprehensive education that equips you to work with electrical systems while addressing management, labor issues, and finance. As you progress through the program, you’ll be evaluated through exams, job sheets, reviews, and quizzes. The lessons focus on key topics such as shop safety, electrical theory, and fundamental electrical skills, including conduit bending, sizing, motor circuit design, and control wiring.
Fee: $3,165
Programme length: 10 months
10. CET-Soledad
CET provides an electrician certificate that comes with toolkits, books, and uniforms, all included at no extra charge. The program integrates classroom learning with practical training, allowing you to plan, install, troubleshoot, and repair electrical systems. You’ll also learn about photovoltaic systems, commercial and residential electrical setups, and job readiness skills.
Fee: $15,375
Programme length: 8-9 months
11. Ivy Tech Community College of Indiana
Electrical Engineering Technology programs equip students with the skills needed for careers in computing, networking, communications, mechanical and electrical power systems, robotics, energy management, and transportation technologies. Graduates of the program can carry out engineering tasks such as data collection, analysis, interpretation, prototyping, and the installation, maintenance, and troubleshooting of various electrical wiring systems.
Fee: $2,577
12. Fox Valley Technical College
Here, you will learn to install new wiring, switches, motor controls, breaker boxes, and other fixtures. You’ll develop the skills to install equipment that generates, transforms, and distributes electricity through a combination of hands-on training and classroom instruction. The course also emphasizes designing and planning electrical systems for other trades.
Fee: $143 per credit hour ( in-state.)
(Out-of-state) $215 per credit hour
13. Mountainland Technical College
As an apprentice in this program, you’ll be learning essential electrician tasks, such as reading blueprints, installing systems, performing maintenance, conducting inspections, troubleshooting issues, ensuring compliance, and prioritizing safety. Experienced electricians often collaborate with building engineers, architects, construction experts, and other crew members to tackle complex projects. By working alongside these seasoned professionals, apprentices enhance their hands-on training through practical experience on the job.
Fee: $3,621
Programme length: 4 years
14. Texas State Technical College
This course prepares you for an entry-level career as an electrician by equipping you with essential skills like electrical theory, wiring, and installation, customer service best practices, understanding the National Electrical Code and local electrical codes, as well as learning different types of circuits and wiring methods.
Fee: $2,595
Programme length: 12 months
15. Big Sandy Community and Technical College
It offers an AAS in Electrical Technology for students aiming to enter the electrical field in construction and industry. The program spans four semesters, combining theory and hands-on learning. Courses include electrical construction, residential electricity, and motor control. Graduates are prepared for entry-level jobs in various sectors like manufacturing, maintenance, and healthcare.
Fee: $2845
16. Ashland Community and Technical College
Ashland Community and Technical College offers an AAS degree in Electrical Technology, with specializations such as Electrician Construction and Motor Controls. The two-year program focuses on electrical theory and hands-on practice, preparing students for entry-level jobs in residential, commercial, and industrial sectors. A grade of C or higher is required in core courses. Graduates may also transfer credits toward a four-year degree in electrical engineering.
Fee: $6451
17. Southeast Technical College
Southeast Technical College (STC) trains electricians for careers in residential, commercial, agricultural, and industrial projects. You’ll learn to install wiring, design circuits, read blueprints, and use power tools. After two years at STC, you’ll be prepared to enter the Electrician’s apprenticeship program, with 2,000 hours toward certification.
Fee: $255/credit hour
18. Stanly Community College
The curriculum trains students to design, build, install, test, troubleshoot, repair, and modify various electronic components and systems. This includes industrial drives, computer control systems, manufacturing systems, communication systems, and power electronics.
Fee: $603.50
19. Mitchell Technical College
Students enrolled in the full-time Electrical Construction and Maintenance program start as apprentices, accumulating 2,000 of the 8,000 hours required for licensing upon graduation. Prospective electricians must complete an additional 6,000 hours of industry work over three years, along with required classroom sessions.
Fee: $7,524
20. Houston Community College
The Electrical Technology program equips students for employment in the electrical industry. In this program, students learn to interpret, decode, and apply information from electrical codes, blueprints, schematics, wiring diagrams, specifications, and relevant documents to perform, test, and troubleshoot wiring projects.
Fee: $33.00 per hour
21. Michigan State University
This program offers electrical apprenticeship training focused on residential, agricultural, commercial, and industrial wiring. The U.S. Department of Labor, Bureau of Apprenticeship and Training, and the State of Michigan Bureau of Construction Codes recognize the Electrical Technology program.
Fee: $250 per course fee
22. College of Southern Nevada
The College of Southern Nevada offers a comprehensive electrician training program that equips students with the skills and knowledge necessary for a successful career in the electrical field. This program covers various topics, including electrical theory, wiring techniques, safety practices, and the National Electrical Code. Students gain hands-on experience through practical training and have opportunities to participate in internships or apprenticeships.
Fee: $3,285 per year(in-state)
$10,063(Out-state)
23. American River College
This program teaches you how to install, operate, and maintain electrical distribution systems for both residential and commercial settings. You will learn about safety training, AC/DC electrical theory, metering, electronics, the application of electrical codes, raceways, conductors, grounding, motors, transformers, fire alarm systems, fiber optics, and Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning (HVAC) systems.
Fee: $12,000 per year
24. Salt Lake Community College
Salt Lake Community College (SLCC) offers a comprehensive electrician training program designed to prepare students for an entry-level career in the electrical field. The program emphasizes practical skills necessary for success, covering essential topics such as electrical theory, wiring techniques, installation processes, customer service, and compliance with the National Electrical Code and local codes.
Fee: $4257
25. Tidewater Community College
The electrical technology program provides a comprehensive education designed to equip students with the practical skills needed in various electrical fields, including residential, commercial, and industrial settings. The curriculum covers essential topics such as electrical theory, installation practices, and safety regulations, preparing students for careers as electrical technicians.
Fee: $5,171 (in-state)
$11,009 (out-of-state).
26. Palomar College
Palomar College offers a comprehensive electrician training program designed to equip students with the necessary skills for a successful career in the electrical field. The training covers essential topics such as electrical theory, wiring, installation techniques, safety practices, and relevant codes
Fee: $1,338 per year
27. El Paso Community College
The Electrical Technology Program offers a one-year course that prepares students for meaningful employment as Electrical Apprentices. Students will receive comprehensive training to size, install, and maintain electrical wiring across residential, commercial, and industrial sectors. Their electrical licenses, regulated by the Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation, are valid throughout the State of Texas. Additionally, the program includes OSHA 30 Certification.
Fee: $116 per credit hour
28. Palm Beach State College
Palm Beach State College (PBSC) offers a comprehensive electrician training program designed to prepare students for a successful career in the electrical field. Students participate in hands-on training through workshops and labs, where they work with real-world electrical systems and tools.
Fee: $4,638
29.Richard J Daley College
Richard J. Daley provides an advanced certificate program in Electrical Construction Technology, focusing on equipping students with the skills to assemble, install, maintain, and test electrical equipment and wiring systems across residential, commercial, and industrial environments. This comprehensive program, consists of 35.5 credit hours. Courses within the program cover topics such as electrical circuitry, motor control systems, and low-voltage systems.
Fee: $3695
30. Central New Mexico Community College
Central New Mexico Community College’s Electrical Trades department provides students the opportunity to specialize in six distinct associate’s or certificate programs. Among the most sought-after options are the photovoltaic concentration, Programmable Logic Controls (PLC) concentration, and residential wiring. Students can explore a variety of courses, including NM Electrical Code (NMEC), electrical circuitry, and motor operation and troubleshooting.
Fee: $4118
Finally, as you embark on the journey to becoming an electrician, remember that you’ve chosen a career filled with opportunities and stability. Now that you’re equipped with knowledge about the top 30 affordable electrician trade schools in America, you can make the best choice for your career.