How to Become an Electrician in Arizona
The Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) reports a high demand for electricians in Arizona, with 18% job growth expected between 2018 and 2028—a significant increase compared to other careers. This makes electrician work a strong choice for those who enjoy hands-on jobs, seek job security, and want a steady income. Becoming an electrician requires trade school training and apprenticeship experience under a master electrician to gain licensing and certification. This page provides details on electrician schools, apprenticeship programs, and job opportunities in Arizona. [En Español]
Requirements for Becoming an Electrician in Arizona
Each state has its own training and licensing requirements for electricians. In Arizona, the Arizona Registrar of Contractors regulates the industry and determines who can become an electrician. The state does not have a statewide journeyman program and only licenses electrical contractors for residential, commercial, or both. Some municipalities or counties may offer a journeyman license, but at the state level, an electrician in training or one with experience but no contractor license may still be called a journeyman.
To qualify for electrician licensing in Arizona, you must complete several years of education and training. You can start by attending an electrician school at a technical or vocational college or go directly into an apprenticeship program. Many Arizona schools offer training programs that provide a strong educational foundation and help with entry-level job placement for hands-on experience. Training covers electrical theory, algebra, electrical calculations, safety codes, blueprint reading, soldering, welding, and other essential skills.
After completing an apprenticeship, you must gain work experience before applying for a contractor license. To qualify, you need at least four years of experience beyond apprenticeship or training, a unique company name, and passing scores on two exams—one covering the trade and the other on business management. The license must be renewed every two years.
Electrician Apprenticeship Programs in Arizona
If you choose an apprenticeship program instead of a certificate or degree, you have two options: union or non-union apprenticeship. Union apprenticeships in Arizona are available in Tucson and Phoenix through the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers (IBEW) and the National Electrical Contractors Alliance (NECA), Arizona chapter. These programs are managed by Joint Apprenticeship and Training Committees (JATC), including Globe-Miami Electrical JATC (no website), Phoenix Electrical JATC, and Tucson Electrical JATC.
To qualify, applicants must have a high school diploma or GED, basic math and algebra skills, and reliable transportation. The programs last five years, requiring 900 hours of classroom instruction and 8,000 hours of hands-on training.
Non-union apprenticeships in Arizona are available through the Arizona Builders Alliance and the Independent Electrical Contractors of Arizona. Both programs take four years to complete and include eight semesters of coursework along with 8,000 hours of hands-on training and work experience. All apprenticeship programs place students with a contractor to gain practical job experience.
Arizona Schools for Electricians
There are many community colleges, vocational, career, and trade schools in Arizona that 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 on the cost of electrician schools and training, see this page.
- Gateway Community College, Phoenix. This school has several campuses in the Phoenix area and offers both certificate and degree programs for future electricians. The cost for the certificate is $5,310 and for the degree is $7,626. Students may or may not already have an apprenticeship.
- Pima Community College, Tucson. Students in the Tucson area can earn an electrician certificate from the electrician school at Pima. It includes 57 credits of coursework including electrical courses as well as computer, math and communications classes. Students may get placement as an apprentice after completing the program or go on to earn an associate degree at Pima in building and construction.
- Mesa Community College, Mesa. In Mesa students can choose from several programs, including an associate degree in electronics technology or a certificate in electronics technology or the Salt River project relay apprenticeship. These electrician courses include basic math and algebra, and prepare students to work in entry-level electrical technician jobs or to be placed in an electrician apprenticeship.
To find affordable electrical schools and electrical training, including community college electrician programs near you, use the search box at the top of this page, or click here.
Penn Foster College – Residential Electrician Career Diploma
Nationally Accredited and Licensed School. Support from Expert Faculty and Success Coaches. Up-to-date Material That Complies with the National Electric Code (NEC)®. Snap-On Tool Discount for Trades Students.Call 1-800-851-1819 today.
Outlook and Salary Expectations
Growth in careers for electricians in Arizona is strong. In 2018, according to the BLS, there were 5,490 electricians working in the state. By 2028 there are expected to be almost 1,000 new jobs added to that number, so career opportunities will continue to be numerous in the coming years for those electricians with training and licensing.
The salary expectations are great for this career, too, because of the extensive training required. In 2019 the annual average salary for a licensed electrician was $48,300. There is room for electricians to earn more as the owners of businesses and with years of experience. The top 10 percent of earners in the state made an average salary of $68,490 in 2019.
Salaries in Arizona by Occupation
Occupation | Total Employment | Mean Hourly Wage | Mean Annual Wage | Annual Salary 10th Percentile | Annual Salary 25th Percentile | Annual Salary 75th Percentile | Annual Salary 90th Percentile |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Electricians | 13,810 | $23.73 | $49,350 | $32,220 | $38,520 | $58,870 | $68,490 |
Helpers--Electricians | 1,770 | $16.51 | $34,330 | $26,640 | $29,060 | $38,520 | $43,230 |
Electrical and Electronics Installers and Repairers, Transportation Equipment | 120 | $21.73 | $45,200 | $32,850 | $36,550 | $54,160 | $60,720 |
Electrical and Electronics Repairers, Commercial and Industrial Equipment | 740 | $26.98 | $56,110 | $34,420 | $41,780 | $66,530 | $77,930 |
Electrical and Electronics Repairers, Powerhouse, Substation, and Relay | 260 | $40.60 | $84,440 | $63,880 | $76,200 | $96,440 | $101,710 |
Electrical Power-Line Installers and Repairers | 890 | $38.50 | $80,080 | $46,980 | $63,040 | $97,880 | $104,450 |
Electrician Salaries in Arizona by Region
Area | Total Employment | Mean Hourly Wage | Mean Annual Salary | Hourly Wage 10th Percentile | Hourly Wage 25th Percentile | Hourly Wage 75th Percentile | Hourly Wage 90th Percentile |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Flagstaff, AZ | 210 | $21.81 | $45,360 | $15.48 | $17.30 | $24.81 | $30.04 |
Lake Havasu City-Kingman, AZ | 100 | $21.71 | $45,150 | $16.70 | $19.22 | $24.01 | $27.94 |
Phoenix-Mesa-Scottsdale, AZ | 11,130 | $23.59 | $49,070 | $15.40 | $18.44 | $28.10 | $31.92 |
Prescott, AZ | 250 | $26.91 | $55,960 | $17.50 | $22.10 | $31.15 | $36.16 |
Sierra Vista-Douglas, AZ | 120 | $22.68 | $47,170 | $13.68 | $16.87 | $28.99 | $34.34 |
Tucson, AZ | 1,180 | $22.76 | $47,340 | $16.60 | $19.51 | $26.67 | $29.71 |
Yuma, AZ | 240 | $18.10 | $37,650 | $12.61 | $14.76 | $20.10 | $24.39 |
Working as an Electrician in Arizona
Electrician careers in Arizona are expected to grow, creating more job opportunities. Licensed electrician contractors can work as freelancers, business owners, or for other contractors. Depending on their license type, they may work on residential, commercial, or both types of buildings. A smaller percentage find jobs with government agencies.
A career as an electrician offers job security and a steady income. In Arizona, training takes several years, but apprentices earn wages while gaining experience. The training period helps develop skilled workers in a field with high demand for electricians.
Electrician Organizations in Arizona You Should Know
- Arizona Registrar of Contractors, Licensing, Contractor Search
- National Electrical Contractors Alliance, Arizona chapter
- Arizona Builders Alliance
- IEC of Arizona (Independent Electrical Contractors Association)
- IBEW Local 640, Phoenix
- IBEW Local 387, Phoenix
- IBEW Local 570, Tucson
- IBEW Local 769, Gilbert
College Programs
- North Arizona Nonmetropolitan Area
- Phoenix-Mesa-Glendale, AZ
- Prescott, AZ
- Southeast Arizona Nonmetropolitan Area
- Tucson, AZ
- Yuma, AZ
- Yuma, AZ
North Arizona Nonmetropolitan Area Area
2251 E. Navajo Blvd., Holbrook, Arizona 86025-0610
(800) 266-7845
Electronics Technology – Certificate Program
Northland Pioneer College offers various Certificate program options for future professionals. All programs are imparted at their campus in Holbrook in Navajo County, Arizona. The college has round 3,354 students in total, with the majority of students on 2-year programs. The college is institutionally accredited by the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools, The Higher Learning Commission. The cost of tuition for students living in the state is in the order of $1,808 and for students from outside the state around $8,360 for each academic year, while study materials may cost roughly $1,400, depending on the program.
Phoenix-Mesa-Glendale, AZ Area
2626 E Pecos Rd, Chandler, Arizona 85225-2499
(480) 732-7000
Electrical Technology – Certificate Program
The Certificate program in Electrical Technology at Chandler-Gilbert Community College is offered at their campus in Chandler in Maricopa County. This public college has approximately 14,654 students in total, with the majority of students on 2-year programs. The college is accredited by the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools, The Higher Learning Commission. The cost of tuition for in-state students is usually around $2,094 and for out-of-state students in the order of $7,878 per year. Study materials can cost in the order of $1,390, depending on the program chosen.
108 N. 40th Street, Phoenix, Arizona 85034
(602) 392-5000
Electronics Technician – Certificate Program, Electricity – Associate Program
GateWay Community College offers multiple training options, including a Certificate program and an Associate program. Classes are taken at their campus in the city of Phoenix, AZ. The college has about 5,637 students in total, with the majority of students on 2-year programs. The college is institutionally accredited by the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools, The Higher Learning Commission. Tuition fees for in-state students are around $2,094 and for out-of-state students approximately $7,878 annually. Books and supplies can cost around $1,390, although this will depend on the program.
4210 E Washington Street, Phoenix, Arizona 85034-1816
(602) 275-7133
Electrical Technologies – Certificate Program
The Electrical Technologies Certificate program in Electrical Technologies at Refrigeration School Inc is offered at their campus in the city of Phoenix, AZ. The majority of of the school’s 688 students are on 2-year programs. The college is accredited by the Accrediting Commission of Career Schools and Colleges. Tuition fees for the Electrical Technologies program are in the order of $6,625 for each academic year. Learning materials may cost roughly $1,045. Program completion is usually 3 months.
Prescott, AZ Area
1100 E Sheldon St, Prescott, Arizona 86301
(928) 445-7300
Electric Utility Technology – Certificate Program, Electronic Technology – Associate Program
Yavapai College offers multiple training options, including a Certificate program and an Associate program. Classes are taken at their campus in the city of Prescott, Arizona. The majority of of the school’s 7,385 students are on 2-year programs. The college is institutionally accredited by the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools, The Higher Learning Commission. Fees for tuition for in-state students are about $2,280 and for students from other states likely to be about $8,976 yearly. Learning materials may cost about $1,600, although this will vary with the program.
Southeast Arizona Nonmetropolitan Area Area
4190 W Highway 80, Douglas, Arizona 85607-6190
(520) 515-0500
Electronics Technology – Certificate Program
The Electronics Technology Certificate program in Electronics Technology at Cochise County Community College District is offered at their campus in Douglas in Cochise County, Arizona. The majority of of the school’s 4,437 students are on 2-year programs. The college is institutionally accredited by the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools, The Higher Learning Commission. Fees for tuition for in-state students are about $1,968 and for students from other states likely to be about $6,240 yearly. Books and supplies can cost about $1,800, although this will depend on the program.
Tucson, AZ Area
4905C East Broadway Blvd., Tucson, Arizona 85709-1275
(520) 206-4500
Electrician – Certificate Program, Electrician – Associate Program
Pima Community College offers various Certificate program options for future opticians, a Certificate program and an Associate program. All programs are imparted at their campus in the city of Tucson. The majority of of the school’s 26,880 students are on 2-year programs. The college is institutionally accredited by the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools, The Higher Learning Commission. Fees for tuition for in-state students are likely to be in the order of $2,118 and for students from outside the state likely to be about $7,434 yearly. Learning materials may cost about $1,920, although this will vary with the program.
Highway 86, Mile Post 125.5, Sells, Arizona 85634-3129
(520) 383-8401
Electrical – Certificate Program, Electrical – Associate Program
Tohono O’Odham Community College offers multiple training options, including a Certificate program and an Associate program. All programs are imparted at their campus in Sells in Pima County, Arizona. Most of the school’s 212 students are on 2-year programs. The college is institutionally accredited by the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools, The Higher Learning Commission. The cost of tuition is likely to be in the order of $932 annually. Learning materials may cost around $1,000, although this will vary with the program.
Yuma, AZ Area
2020 S. Avenue 8E, Yuma, Arizona 85365-8834
(928) 317-6000
Basic Electrical – Certificate Program
Arizona Western College offers various Certificate program options for future opticians. All programs are taught at their campus in the city of Yuma, AZ. This public college has about 7,514 students in total, with the majority of students on 2-year programs. The college is accredited by the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools, The Higher Learning Commission. The cost of tuition for students living in the state is roughly in the order of $2,660 and for students from outside the state around $9,650 for each academic year, while books and supplies may cost roughly $2,000, although this varies from program to program.
* College accredition status and tuition fees and are, to our best knowledge, correct at the time of writing, and sourced from the National Center for Education Statistics (http://nces.ed.gov/). Check all details directly with college before applying.
Neighbor States
See also the neighbor states of California, Nevada, Utah, Colorado and New Mexico.
FAQs
How much do electricians earn in the state of Arizona?
According to the U.S Bureau of Labor Statistics, electricians in the state of Arizona made an average of $49,350 per year in 2019. Entry-level electricians earned around $32,220 and some experienced professionals earned salaries as high as $68,490.