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.
In 2023, electricians in Georgia earned an average annual salary of $55,300. The top 10% of earners made an average of $80,020. 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 Programs
25 Georgia colleges report an electrician or electrical technology program to the National Center for Education Statistics (College Navigator export, July 2026). They are listed alphabetically by city. Tuition figures are the school’s own IPEDS filing for the program named, not a quote; confirm current costs with the school.
1704 South Slappey Boulevard, Albany, Georgia 31701
(229) 430-3500
Electrical Systems Technology – Certificate Program, Electrician – Certificate Program
Albany Technical College is a public 2-year institution in Albany, GA, with 2,761 students (all undergraduate). It is institutionally accredited by the Council on Occupational Education. Tuition and fees for 2024-2025 are $3,364 in-state and $5,932 out-of-state.
900 South GA Tech Parkway, Americus, Georgia 31709
(229) 931-2394
Electrical Maintenance Technician – Certificate Program, Electrical Technician – Certificate Program
South Georgia Technical College is a public 2-year institution in Americus, GA, with 1,725 students (all undergraduate). It is institutionally accredited by the Council on Occupational Education. Tuition and fees for 2024-2025 are $3,992 in-state and $7,202 out-of-state.
800 U.S. Hwy 29 North, Athens, Georgia 30601
(706) 355-5000
Commercial Electrical Technician – Certificate Program, Electrical Construction Systems Technology – Certificate Program, Electricians – Associate Program
Athens Technical College is a public 2-year institution in Athens, GA, with 4,169 students (all undergraduate). It is institutionally accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools, Commission on Colleges. Tuition and fees for 2024-2025 are $3,390 in-state and $5,958 out-of-state.
1560 Metropolitan Pkwy SW, Atlanta, Georgia 30310-4446
(404) 225-4400
Electrical Construction and Maintenance – Certificate Program, Electrical Technology – Certificate Program
Atlanta Technical College is a public 2-year institution in Atlanta, GA, with 3,493 students (all undergraduate). It is institutionally accredited by the Council on Occupational Education. Tuition and fees for 2024-2025 are $3,382 in-state and $5,950 out-of-state.
3200 Augusta Tech Drive, Augusta, Georgia 30906
(706) 771-4000
Electrical and Computer Engineering Technology – Associate Program, Electrical Contracting Technician – Certificate Program, Electrical Engineering Technology Fundamentals – Certificate Program
Augusta Technical College is a public 2-year institution in Augusta, GA, with 4,118 students (all undergraduate). It is institutionally accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools, Commission on Colleges. Tuition and fees for 2024-2025 are $4,282 in-state and $7,492 out-of-state.
1500 Georgia Hwy 197 N, Clarkesville, Georgia 30523
(706) 754-7700
Electrical Systems Technology – Certificate Program
North Georgia Technical College is a public 2-year institution in Clarkesville, GA, with 2,696 students (all undergraduate). It is institutionally accredited by the Council on Occupational Education. Tuition and fees for 2024-2025 are $3,330 in-state and $5,898 out-of-state.
495 N Indian Creek Dr, Clarkston, Georgia 30021-2397
(404) 297-9522 x1282
Electrical Control Systems – Certificate Program
Georgia Piedmont Technical College is a public 2-year institution in Clarkston, GA, with 2,977 students (all undergraduate). It is institutionally accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools, Commission on Colleges. Tuition and fees for 2024-2025 are $3,386 in-state and $5,954 out-of-state.
928 Manchester Expressway, Columbus, Georgia 31904-6572
(706) 649-1800
Industrial Electrician – Certificate Program
Columbus Technical College is a public 2-year institution in Columbus, GA, with 3,153 students (all undergraduate). It is institutionally accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools, Commission on Colleges. Tuition and fees for 2024-2025 are $4,052 in-state and $7,262 out-of-state.
2535 Lanier Tech Drive, Gainesville, Georgia 30507
(770) 533-7000
Electrical Systems Technology – Certificate Program, Electrician – Associate Program
Lanier Technical College is a public 2-year institution in Gainesville, GA, with 6,145 students (all undergraduate). It is institutionally accredited by the Council on Occupational Education. Tuition and fees for 2024-2025 are $3,980 in-state and $7,190 out-of-state.
501 Varsity Rd, Griffin, Georgia 30223-2042
(770) 229-3327
Electrical Systems Technology – Certificate Program
Southern Crescent Technical College is a public 2-year institution in Griffin, GA, with 5,804 students (all undergraduate). It is institutionally accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools, Commission on Colleges. Tuition and fees for 2024-2025 are $3,516 in-state and $6,084 out-of-state.
5150 Sugarloaf Parkway, Lawrenceville, Georgia 30043-5702
(770) 962-7580 x0
Electrical Technician – Certificate Program, Electrician – Certificate Program
Gwinnett Technical College is a public 2-year institution in Lawrenceville, GA, with 9,726 students (all undergraduate). It is institutionally accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools, Commission on Colleges. Tuition and fees for 2024-2025 are $3,524 in-state and $6,092 out-of-state.
980 S Cobb Drive Dr SE, Marietta, Georgia 30060
(770) 528-4545
Electrical Maintenance Technician – Certificate Program, Industrial Maintenance and Electrical Technology – Associate Program, Electrician – Certificate Program
Chattahoochee Technical College is a public 2-year institution in Marietta, GA, with 9,842 students (all undergraduate). It is institutionally accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools, Commission on Colleges. Tuition and fees for 2024-2025 are $3,540 in-state and $6,108 out-of-state.
2359 Windy Hill Road, Marietta, Georgia 30067
(770) 226-0056
Electrical and Electronic Systems Technology – Certificate Program, Electrician – Associate Program
Lincoln College of Technology-Marietta is a private for-profit 2-year institution in Marietta, GA, with 438 students (all undergraduate). Its Electrical and Electronic Systems Technology program runs 65 credit hours and is typically completed in 18 months, with tuition and fees of $34,483 and books and supplies of $847.
1564 Southlake Parkway, Morrow, Georgia 30260-2941
(678) 422-4500
Electrician Technician – Certificate Program
United Education Institute-Morrow is a private for-profit under-2-year institution in Morrow, GA, with 1,119 students (all undergraduate). It is institutionally accredited by the Accrediting Council for Continuing Education and Training. Its Electrician Technician program runs 36 credit hours and is typically completed in 9 months, with tuition and fees of $21,500.
One Maurice Culberson Drive, Rome, Georgia 30161
(706) 295-6963
Electrical Systems Technology – Certificate Program, Electrical Technician – Certificate Program
Georgia Northwestern Technical College is a public 2-year institution in Rome, GA, with 6,742 students (all undergraduate). It is institutionally accredited by the Council on Occupational Education. Tuition and fees for 2024-2025 are $3,300 in-state and $5,868 out-of-state.
1189 Deepstep Rd, Sandersville, Georgia 31082
(478) 553-2050
Electrical Control Systems – Certificate Program, Industrial Electrician Technical – Certificate Program
Oconee Fall Line Technical College is a public 2-year institution in Sandersville, GA, with 2,000 students (all undergraduate). It is institutionally accredited by the Council on Occupational Education. Tuition and fees for 2024-2025 are $3,380 in-state and $5,948 out-of-state.
5717 White Bluff Rd, Savannah, Georgia 31405-5594
(912) 443-5700
Electrical Technology – Certificate Program, Electrical Utility Technology – Certificate Program, Electrician – Associate Program
Savannah Technical College is a public 2-year institution in Savannah, GA, with 3,581 students (all undergraduate). It is institutionally accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools, Commission on Colleges. Tuition and fees for 2024-2025 are $3,336 in-state and $5,898 out-of-state.
One Joseph E. Kennedy Blvd, Statesboro, Georgia 30458
(912) 681-5500
Electrical & Industrial Systems Technology – Certificate Program
Ogeechee Technical College is a public 2-year institution in Statesboro, GA, with 2,264 students (all undergraduate). It is institutionally accredited by the Council on Occupational Education. Tuition and fees for 2024-2025 are $3,388 in-state and $5,956 out-of-state.
971 North Hairston Road, Stone Mountain, Georgia 30083-2871
(877) 463-4472
Electrician – Certificate Program
United Education Institute-Stone Mountain is a private for-profit under-2-year institution in Stone Mountain, GA, with 785 students (all undergraduate). It is institutionally accredited by the Accrediting Commission of Career Schools and Colleges. Its Electrician program runs 36 credit hours and is typically completed in 9 months, with tuition and fees of $21,500.
15689 US Hwy 19 North, Thomasville, Georgia 31792
(229) 225-4096
Electrical Systems Technology – Certificate Program, Electrician – Associate Program
Southern Regional Technical College is a public 2-year institution in Thomasville, GA, with 5,072 students (all undergraduate). It is institutionally accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools, Commission on Colleges. Tuition and fees for 2024-2025 are $3,007 in-state and $5,575 out-of-state.
4089 Val Tech Rd, Valdosta, Georgia 31602-0929
(229) 333-2100
Commercial Electrical Construction Technology – Certificate Program, Commercial Electrical Construction Technology – Associate Program, Industrial Electrical Assistant – Certificate Program
Wiregrass Georgia Technical College is a public 2-year institution in Valdosta, GA, with 4,380 students (all undergraduate). It is institutionally accredited by the Council on Occupational Education. Tuition and fees for 2024-2025 are $3,480 in-state and $6,048 out-of-state.
3001 E First St, Vidalia, Georgia 30474
(912) 538-3100
Electrical – Certificate Program, Electrical Contracting Technician – Certificate Program
Southeastern Technical College is a public 2-year institution in Vidalia, GA, with 1,887 students (all undergraduate). It is institutionally accredited by the Council on Occupational Education. Tuition and fees for 2024-2025 are $3,400 in-state and $5,968 out-of-state.
176 Murphy Campus Blvd., Waco, Georgia 30182
(678) 821-3800
Electrical Construction and Maintenance – Certificate Program, Electrician – Certificate Program
West Georgia Technical College is a public 2-year institution in Waco, GA, with 6,722 students (all undergraduate). It is institutionally accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools, Commission on Colleges. Tuition and fees for 2024-2025 are $3,410 in-state and $5,978 out-of-state.
80 Cohen Walker Drive, Warner Robins, Georgia 31088
(478) 757-3400
Electrical Systems Technology – Certificate Program
Central Georgia Technical College is a public 2-year institution in Warner Robins, GA, with 10,710 students (all undergraduate). It is institutionally accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools, Commission on Colleges. Tuition and fees for 2024-2025 are $3,448 in-state and $6,016 out-of-state.
1701 Carswell Ave, Waycross, Georgia 31503
(912) 287-5818
Electrical Systems – Certificate Program, Electrician – Certificate Program
Coastal Pines Technical College is a public 2-year institution in Waycross, GA, with 4,137 students (all undergraduate). It is institutionally accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools, Commission on Colleges. Tuition and fees for 2024-2025 are $3,268 in-state and $5,836 out-of-state.
Registered electrical apprenticeship sponsors in Georgia
Apprenticeship is how most Georgia electricians train, and the programs below are registered with the US Department of Labor Office of Apprenticeship (partner sponsor file dated 2026-09-09). Only training providers are listed: employer sponsors that register their own apprentices are not, and the file names sponsors without listing their occupations, so a sponsor whose name does not say electrical is not caught.
| Sponsor | City | Type | Registered since |
|---|---|---|---|
| ATL ELECTRICAL JATC | Norcross | IBEW/NECA JATC | 1945 |
| Albany Electrical JATC | Albany | IBEW/NECA JATC | 1947 |
| Macon Electrical JATC | Macon | IBEW/NECA JATC | 1947 |
| CSRA ELECTRICAL JATC | Augusta | IBEW/NECA JATC | 1947 |
| Savannah Electrical Training Alliance | Savannah | IBEW/NECA JATC | 1948 |
| IEC ATLANTA CHAPTER | Peachtree Corners | IEC chapter | 1972 |
| ATLANTA ELECTRICAL JATC | Norcross | IBEW/NECA JATC | 2001 |
| National Electrical Contractors Association (NECA) and Atlanta Electrical Contractors Association | Atlanta | IBEW/NECA JATC | 2023 |
| Southeast Lineman Training Center | Trenton | lineman college | 2025 |
How to apply to each Georgia program
Read from each program’s own site or the state apprenticeship registry on 2026-09-16. Application windows, fees and wage rates change every year, so confirm them with the program before you rely on them; a posted wage is the sponsor’s figure on that date, not a promise of what you will earn.
Atlanta Electrical JATC. Inside Wireman and Telecommunications apprenticeships, and a Construction Electrician program for people with at least one year of documented electrical wiring work. How to apply: online through the JATC's TradeSchool portal; $23 application processing fee per program plus a $23 aptitude test fee for Inside Wireman and Telecommunications ($46 in all); applications for the April 2027 classes closed, and fall 2027 applications open in 2027. Requirements: high school diploma or GED; resident of the IBEW Local 613 jurisdiction (Georgia and part of Alabama). 6601 Bay Circle, Norcross, GA 30071, (404) 523-5400.
Macon Electrical Training Center (JATC). Inside electrical apprenticeship with IBEW Local 1316. How to apply: in person at 1046 Patterson Street with the documents listed under requirements and a $30 application fee; a proctored aptitude test (reading and math) is scheduled afterwards. Requirements: birth certificate, valid driver's license, Social Security card, high school diploma or GED, official transcript showing one algebra credit, DD-214 for veterans; able to climb ladders, poles and towers, work in confined spaces and travel to job sites. Cost: tuition free. 1046 Patterson Street, Macon, GA 31204, (478) 743-7017.
Savannah Electrical Training Alliance. Inside electrical apprenticeship with IBEW Local 508's signatory contractors. Length: four years; class one night a week, 6:00 to 10:00 pm. How to apply: call (912) 964-1989 for an appointment to complete the application; $40 non-refundable fee; background check, aptitude test (reading comprehension and math), then an interview with the apprenticeship committee. Requirements: 18 or older, valid driver's license, Social Security card, birth certificate, high school diploma or GED with an official transcript showing one year of algebra passed, OSHA 10 card. Pay: posted first-year rate $18.34 an hour (55% of journeyman). 1526 Dean Forest Road, Savannah, GA 31408, (912) 964-1989.
IEC Atlanta & Georgia Chapters. IEC electrician apprenticeship (non-union; apprentices work for member contractors), with online and classroom options across Georgia. Length: four years: 8,000 hours on the job and 576 classroom hours. How to apply: enrolment year round through iecatlantaga.org. Requirements: high school diploma or GED, reliable transportation, a computer or smart device with internet; youth apprentices from 16 through a school work-based learning program. Cost: tuition $1,495 a year for employees of member contractors, plus $600 to $900 a year for books. Pay: entry wages set by the employer, which the chapter says average $17 to $20 an hour. 330 Research Court, Peachtree Corners, GA 30092, (770) 242-9277.
Atlanta Electrical Contractors Association (NECA). The contractor side of the Atlanta Electrical JATC program; its apply page sends applicants to the same JATC portal. How to apply: through the Atlanta Electrical JATC portal above. 4221 N Peachtree Road, Atlanta, GA 30341, (770) 454-6400.
Southeast Lineman Training Center. Electrical Lineworker Program: a tuition-funded pre-employment school for utility line work, not an electrician apprenticeship. Length: 15 weeks, 500 hours (320 field, 180 classroom); 2027 classes start January 7, May 24 and September 2. How to apply: online at lineworker.com. Cost: $24,555 all in: $17,920 tuition, $75 application fee, $980 lab fee, $230 training manual, $3,110 boots and tools, $2,240 Class A CDL. 9481 Highway 11, Trenton, GA 30752.
College details are from the National Center for Education Statistics College Navigator (nces.ed.gov/collegenavigator), as exported in July 2026; apprenticeship sponsors are from apprenticeship.gov as of 2026-09-09. Program links were checked on 2026-09-16. Check all details directly with the school or sponsor before applying.
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.
