How to Become an Electrician in Georgia
Georgia is a great place to train as a licensed electrician, with strong job growth in the field. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), electrician jobs in Georgia are growing by 11%, creating new opportunities. If you enjoy hands-on work, collaborating with others, and are willing to train for a few years, becoming an electrician could be a great career choice. Keep reading to explore the best electrician schools in Georgia to help you get started. [En Español]
Requirements for Becoming an Electrician in Georgia
In Georgia, the Construction Industry Licensing Board, under the Office of the Secretary of State, oversees electrician licensing. Unlike many states, Georgia does not issue licenses for apprentices or journeymen. To qualify for a licensed electrical contractor role or work without supervision, you must complete an apprenticeship or a vocational training program at an electrician trade school, along with 180 hours of classroom instruction and 8,000 hours of supervised work experience.
The first step to becoming an electrician in Georgia is enrolling in a union or non-union apprenticeship program or attending a vocational or trade school with an electrical technology program. An apprenticeship program provides all classroom hours and hands-on training, typically taking five years to complete. If you choose an electrician school with a degree or certificate program, you will fulfill the classroom hour requirement but must still complete an apprenticeship to gain the 8,000 work hours needed for licensing.
Electrician Apprenticeship Programs in Georgia
Georgia offers several union apprenticeship programs through local chapters of the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers (IBEW) in partnership with the National Electrical Contractors Association (NECA). Together, they form the Electrical Training Alliance. These programs are managed by Joint Apprenticeship and Training Committees (JATC) in Macon, Augusta, Albany, Savannah, and Atlanta.
Each program typically includes two nights of classroom instruction per week, while apprentices work full-time during the day under licensed electricians, gaining hands-on experience and earning a wage.
To qualify for union apprenticeship programs you have to be at least 18 years old and have finished high school or have a GED with one year of algebra. You also have to pass a general aptitude test and be interviewed by the local Joint Apprenticeship and Training Committee. See a list below.
Non-union apprenticeships in Georgia follow a structure similar to union programs and are available through the Independent Electrical Contractors (IEC) Georgia and Atlanta chapters. Both union and non-union programs meet national training standards and lead to journeyman status, even though Georgia does not require a journeyman license for electricians.
Georgia Schools for Electrical Training
An alternative to an apprenticeship program is completing an educational program at a community or technical college. Electrician schools provide the classroom hours required for licensing, but students must also work with licensed professionals to complete the 8,000 hours of on-the-job training needed to become an electrician.
- Augusta Technical College, Augusta. Augusta Tech offers students both a diploma option and an associate degree in electrical systems technology. The diploma program is 43 credit hours, while the degree includes 62 credits. Students are prepared for entry-level work in electrical jobs and to apprentice with electricians.
- Savannah Technical College, Savannah. In Savannah students may choose to complete a diploma program in electrical systems technology. It includes 54 credit hours of coursework and takes four terms to complete. Students at this electrician school can specialize in residential or industrial electrical systems.
- Georgia Piedmont Technical College, Clarkston. Georgia Piedmont has an associate degree program in electronics technology that includes 62 credit hours and prepares students for entry-level jobs and apprenticeships.
Outlook and Salary Expectations
The job outlook for electricians in Georgia is strong. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), there were 17,240 electricians in the state in 2023, with projections reaching 19,180 by 2033. This growth means that students training now will be well-positioned to fill these new job openings.
Electricians in Georgia earn an average annual salary of $61,090 (BLS May 2025 OEWS data). The top 10% earn $84,000 or more. Electricians can expect a steady income, with earnings increasing through experience and opportunities to become an electrical contractor or business owner.
Comparing pay or programme counts across states is the sort of thing worth seeing rather than reading. Pasting two columns into a bar chart you can download takes a few seconds and needs no sign-up.
Salaries in Georgia 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 | 17,020 | $21.97 | $55,300 | $36,920 | $45,700 | $69,350 | $80,020 |
| Helpers--Electricians | 5,530 | $17.45 | $36,300 | $29,170 | $31,680 | $40,210 | $46,950 |
| Electrical and Electronics Installers and Repairers, Transportation Equipment | ** | $33.01 | $68,670 | $43,080 | $60,710 | $74,560 | $93,610 |
| Electrical and Electronics Repairers, Commercial and Industrial Equipment | 2,400 | $31.69 | $65,910 | $49,200 | $57,860 | $75,880 | $89,370 |
| Electrical and Electronics Repairers, Powerhouse, Substation, and Relay | 1,010 | $55.30 | $115,030 | $55,990 | $89,760 | $121,670 | $133,050 |
| Electrical Power-Line Installers and Repairers | 4,250 | $36.98 | $76,930 | $44,470 | $51,390 | $95,020 | $110,750 |
Electrician Salaries in Georgia 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Columbus, GA-AL | 230 | $22.73 | $47,280 | $17.21 | $18.26 | $26.70 | $30.77 |
| Chattanooga, TN-GA | 1,470 | $24.81 | $51,610 | $17.40 | $19.73 | $33.55 | $36.18 |
| Augusta-Richmond County, GA-SC | 1,070 | $31.56 | $65,650 | $18.18 | $23.06 | $38.47 | $38.47 |
| Albany, GA | 310 | $23.21 | $48,270 | $17.06 | $21.59 | $28.91 | $38.00 |
| Athens-Clarke County, GA | 380 | $24.25 | $50,450 | $17.72 | $21.41 | $30.08 | $36.18 |
| Atlanta-Sandy Springs-Roswell, GA | 11,080 | $27.09 | $56,350 | $17.85 | $22.48 | $36.27 | $39.52 |
| Brunswick, GA | 190 | $22.63 | $47,070 | $17.27 | $19.14 | $29.07 | $35.37 |
| Dalton, GA | 190 | $25.71 | $53,470 | $17.82 | $21.98 | $34.94 | $47.21 |
| Gainesville, GA | 270 | $24.59 | $51,150 | $18.16 | $22.61 | $29.20 | $34.84 |
| Hinesville, GA | 40 | $28.61 | $59,510 | $18.29 | $23.37 | $32.40 | $37.60 |
| Macon, GA | 360 | $23.70 | $49,290 | $17.18 | $20.76 | $29.34 | $38.60 |
| Rome, GA | 80 | $27.76 | $57,730 | $18.58 | $22.24 | $36.94 | $37.85 |
| Savannah, GA | 710 | $24.39 | $50,730 | $18.00 | $22.08 | $29.86 | $37.13 |
| Valdosta, GA | 240 | $22.07 | $45,900 | $14.68 | $18.05 | $25.03 | $31.24 |
| Warner Robins, GA | 100 | $26.40 | $54,910 | $19.73 | $23.50 | $28.58 | $30.79 |
Working as an Electrician in Georgia
Job opportunities for electricians in Georgia are growing, offering many career paths. With no additional licensing requirements beyond completing training and work experience, you can start working and earning immediately after an apprenticeship. Electricians find jobs with contracting companies, construction firms, government agencies, developers, and builders. Many trade schools offer job boards to help apprentices secure their first placement.
If you choose to become licensed as an independent contractor you can also start your own business and offer your services while hiring other electricians to work for you. As long as you are prepared to spend a few years learning and training, a career as an electrician could be right around the corner.
Trade Organizations You Should Know
- IBEW Local 1316, Macon JATC
- IBEW Local 1531, Albany
- IBEW Local 1579, Augusta and associated JATC
- IBEW Local 613, Atlanta and associated Atlanta Electrical Training Center JATC, Norcross
- IBEW Local 508, Savannah
- Independent Electrical Contractors (IEC), Atlanta and Georgia Chapters
- Associated Builders and Contractors of Georgia (ABC)
College Listings
| School | Type | Tuition and fees per year | Net price per year | Electrician programs |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Albany Technical CollegeAlbany, GA(229) 430-35001704 South Slappey Boulevard2,761 undergraduates, fall 2023Accredited by Council on Occupational Education | Public | $3,3642024-25 | $3,928 to $7,356by family income, 2022-23. Calculate your own net price |
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Athens Technical CollegeAthens, GA(706) 355-5000800 U.S. Hwy 29 North4,169 undergraduates, fall 2023Accredited by Southern Association of Colleges and Schools, Commission on Colleges | Public | $3,3902024-25 | $4,500 to $8,745by family income, 2022-23. Calculate your own net price |
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Atlanta Technical CollegeAtlanta, GA(404) 225-44001560 Metropolitan Pkwy SW3,493 undergraduates, fall 2023Accredited by Council on Occupational Education | Public | $3,3822024-25 | $2,153 to $7,365by family income, 2022-23. Calculate your own net price |
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Augusta Technical CollegeAugusta, GA(706) 771-40003200 Augusta Tech Drive4,118 undergraduates, fall 2023Accredited by Southern Association of Colleges and Schools, Commission on Colleges | Public | $4,2822024-25 | $7,668 to $12,309by family income, 2022-23. Calculate your own net price |
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Central Georgia Technical CollegeWarner Robins, GA(478) 757-340080 Cohen Walker Drive10,710 undergraduates, fall 2023Accredited by Southern Association of Colleges and Schools, Commission on Colleges | Public | $3,4482024-25 | $4,141 to $10,566by family income, 2022-23. Calculate your own net price |
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Chattahoochee Technical CollegeMarietta, GA(770) 528-4545980 S Cobb Drive Dr SE9,842 undergraduates, fall 2023Accredited by Southern Association of Colleges and Schools, Commission on Colleges | Public | $3,5402024-25 | $3,946 to $8,494by family income, 2022-23. Calculate your own net price |
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Coastal Pines Technical CollegeWaycross, GA(912) 287-58181701 Carswell Ave4,137 undergraduates, fall 2023Accredited by Southern Association of Colleges and Schools, Commission on Colleges | Public | $3,2682024-25 | not published |
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Columbus Technical CollegeColumbus, GA(706) 649-1800928 Manchester Expressway3,153 undergraduates, fall 2023Accredited by Southern Association of Colleges and Schools, Commission on Colleges | Public | $4,0522024-25 | $4,528 to $7,209by family income, 2022-23. Calculate your own net price |
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Georgia Northwestern Technical CollegeRome, GA(706) 295-6963One Maurice Culberson Drive6,742 undergraduates, fall 2023Accredited by Council on Occupational Education | Public | $3,3002024-25 | $287 to $8,915by family income, 2022-23. Calculate your own net price |
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Georgia Piedmont Technical CollegeClarkston, GA(404) 297-9522495 N Indian Creek Dr2,977 undergraduates, fall 2023Accredited by Southern Association of Colleges and Schools, Commission on Colleges | Public | $3,3862024-25 | $6,566 to $14,732by family income, 2022-23. Calculate your own net price |
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Gwinnett Technical CollegeLawrenceville, GA(770) 962-75805150 Sugarloaf Parkway9,726 undergraduates, fall 2023Accredited by Southern Association of Colleges and Schools, Commission on Colleges | Public | $3,5242024-25 | $11,156 to $18,207by family income, 2022-23. Calculate your own net price |
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Lanier Technical CollegeGainesville, GA(770) 533-70002535 Lanier Tech Drive6,145 undergraduates, fall 2023Accredited by Council on Occupational Education | Public | $3,9802024-25 | $4,969 to $9,173by family income, 2022-23. Calculate your own net price |
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Lincoln College of Technology-MariettaMarietta, GA(770) 226-00562359 Windy Hill Road438 undergraduates, fall 2023Accredited by Accrediting Commission of Career Schools and Colleges | Private for-profit | priced per program | $28,958 to $33,318by family income, 2022-23. Calculate your own net price |
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North Georgia Technical CollegeClarkesville, GA(706) 754-77001500 Georgia Hwy 197 N2,696 undergraduates, fall 2023Accredited by Council on Occupational Education | Public | $3,3302024-25 | $3,119 to $7,119by family income, 2022-23. Calculate your own net price |
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Oconee Fall Line Technical CollegeSandersville, GA(478) 553-20501189 Deepstep Rd2,000 undergraduates, fall 2023Accredited by Council on Occupational Education | Public | $3,3802024-25 | $1,126 to $7,303by family income, 2022-23. Calculate your own net price |
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Ogeechee Technical CollegeStatesboro, GA(912) 681-5500One Joseph E. Kennedy Blvd2,264 undergraduates, fall 2023Accredited by Council on Occupational Education | Public | $3,3882024-25 | $4,514 to $12,384by family income, 2022-23. Calculate your own net price |
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Savannah Technical CollegeSavannah, GA(912) 443-57005717 White Bluff Rd3,581 undergraduates, fall 2023Accredited by Southern Association of Colleges and Schools, Commission on Colleges | Public | $3,3362024-25 | $5,083 to $9,900by family income, 2022-23. Calculate your own net price |
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South Georgia Technical CollegeAmericus, GA(229) 931-2394900 South GA Tech Parkway1,725 undergraduates, fall 2023Accredited by Council on Occupational Education | Public | $3,9922024-25 | $387 to $4,383by family income, 2022-23. Calculate your own net price |
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Southeastern Technical CollegeVidalia, GA(912) 538-31003001 E First St1,887 undergraduates, fall 2023Accredited by Council on Occupational Education | Public | $3,4002024-25 | $5,513 to $9,275by family income, 2022-23. Calculate your own net price |
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Southern Crescent Technical CollegeGriffin, GA(770) 229-3327501 Varsity Rd5,804 undergraduates, fall 2023Accredited by Southern Association of Colleges and Schools, Commission on Colleges | Public | $3,5162024-25 | $3,445 to $12,732by family income, 2022-23. Calculate your own net price |
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Southern Regional Technical CollegeThomasville, GA(229) 225-409615689 US Hwy 19 North5,072 undergraduates, fall 2023Accredited by Southern Association of Colleges and Schools, Commission on Colleges | Public | $3,0072024-25 | $366 to $8,501by family income, 2022-23. Calculate your own net price |
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United Education Institute-MorrowMorrow, GA(678) 422-45001564 Southlake Parkway1,119 undergraduates, fall 2023Accredited by Accrediting Council for Continuing Education and Training | Private for-profit | priced per program | $34,259 to $35,276by family income, 2022-23. Calculate your own net price |
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United Education Institute-Stone MountainStone Mountain, GA(877) 463-4472971 North Hairston Road785 undergraduates, fall 2023Accredited by Accrediting Commission of Career Schools and Colleges | Private for-profit | priced per program | $33,085 to $34,659by family income, 2022-23. Calculate your own net price |
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West Georgia Technical CollegeWaco, GA(678) 821-3800176 Murphy Campus Blvd.6,722 undergraduates, fall 2023Accredited by Southern Association of Colleges and Schools, Commission on Colleges | Public | $3,4102024-25 | $717 to $8,791by family income, 2022-23. Calculate your own net price |
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Wiregrass Georgia Technical CollegeValdosta, GA(229) 333-21004089 Val Tech Rd4,380 undergraduates, fall 2023Accredited by Council on Occupational Education | Public | $3,4802024-25 | $365 to $4,514by family income, 2022-23. Calculate your own net price |
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Tuition and fees are from the U.S. Department of Education (IPEDS) for the year shown. Net price is the range of the average net prices each school published for different family incomes, from CareerSpy; it covers first-time, full-time students who received federal aid, so yours may differ. Schools that have closed are not listed.
Neighbor States
Residents of Georgia may also wish to review their options in Tennessee, Alabama, Florida, South Carolina and North Carolina.
FAQs
How much do electricians earn in the state of Georgia?
According to the U.S Bureau of Labor Statistics, electricians in the state of Georgia made an average of $51,430 per year in 2019. Entry-level electricians earned around $31,920 and some experienced professionals earned salaries as high as $75,200.
