How to Become an Electrician in Puerto Rico

Working as an electrician is a great career option for young people who are open to spending a few years training. The work of an electrician is hands-on, it is physical and sometimes demanding, and it is always changing and interesting. As a bonus, the salaries are good and reflect the skill level that licensed electricians need in order to do the job. To start your career as an electrician in Puerto Rico, get a good understanding of the requirements and training.[En Español]

Requirements for Becoming an Electrician in Puerto Rico

In Puerto Rico the Board of Examiners of Expert Electricians licenses electricians. The levels of licensing include apprentices, expert electrician assistants and expert electricians. The assistant is equivalent to a journeyman license, while the expert license is much like a master electrician license. The first step in becoming licensed is to get into an apprenticeship and begin training.

The requirements for being a licensed apprentice in Puerto Rico include being at least 16 years of age, having a high school transcript and passing a physical medical exam. The license has to be renewed every two years. While working as an apprentice to get work experience and training, you also must take classes. To become a journeyman you need work experience as an apprentice as well as 500 hours or more of electrical coursework. You also must pass the journeyman exam.

After working as a journeyman and continuing training for at least one year, you can apply to become a licensed expert electrician. This requires passing another exam, at the master electrician level. To qualify, you also must have an additional 500 classroom hours, for a total of 1,000 hours in electrical-related topics.

Electrician Apprenticeship Programs in Puerto Rico

There is one union apprenticeship in Puerto Rico. If you qualify for and complete this program, you will have all the requirements needed to take the exam and get licensed as a journeyman. The International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers (IBEW) local 950 trains apprentices at its training center in Dorado. The program includes the required coursework as well as English language classes. Participants are placed as apprentices and by the end of the program have 8,000 hours or more in work experience.

Puerto Rico Schools for Electricians

There is only one IBEW apprenticeship program in Puerto Rico, but there is another way to meet the requirements for licensing: You can complete an electrical technology program at a community or technical college and find a master electrician willing to take you on as an apprentice.

• Polytechnic University, San Juan. Polytechnic in San Juan offers a four-year degree in electrical engineering. It is more coursework than is needed for electricians, but it opens the door to more opportunities for graduates who may choose to apprentice or become an engineer.
• Mech-Tech College, Caguas. Students in Caguas can choose between two associate degree programs here, one in electrical engineering and the other in industrial electrical systems. Both provide the required hours for apprentices and prepare students for apprenticeships and entry-level work.
• Universal Technology College of Puerto Rico, Aguadilla and Camuy. A two-year program at Universal Tech College offers students the classroom hours they need to work as electrical apprentices. The program is in electrical technology and includes topics in renewable energy.

Outlook and Salary Expectations

Unfortunately, the outlook for careers in Puerto Rico for electricians is not positive. In fact, growth is on a downward trend, with fewer jobs expected to be available in the coming years than there are now. Even with this decline, there are opportunities for qualified, trained and licensed electricians to earn a living here.

The average annual salary for an electrician in Puerto Rico in 2019 was $24,290, or $11.68 per hour, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS). The BLS also reports that the highest-earning electricians there were making an average of $42,300. While there is room to earn more with experience, it is also important to understand that Puerto Rico is under austerity measures with a minimum wage that has been lowered to $7.25. This may mean that starting salaries are lower than what is reflected in the BLS reports.

Salaries in Puerto Rico 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	1,640	$13.42	$27,910	$17,790	$20,380	$33,530	$42,300
Helpers--Electricians	1,310	$9.83	$20,450	$16,070	$16,970	$21,080	$31,490
Electrical and Electronics Installers and Repairers, Transportation Equipment	**	$11.61	$24,140	$16,300	$17,700	$29,730	$37,630
Electrical and Electronics Repairers, Commercial and Industrial Equipment	330	$15.56	$32,370	$19,670	$22,110	$40,990	$50,370
Electrical and Electronics Repairers, Powerhouse, Substation, and Relay	210	$13.96	$29,040	$20,210	$21,860	$36,220	$42,730
Electrical Power-Line Installers and Repairers	890	$19.85	$41,280	$33,520	$37,560	$46,490	$48,950

Electrician Salaries in Puerto Rico 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
Aguadilla-Isabela, PR	90	$14.11	$29,340	$8.09	$9.01	$15.33	$19.19
Arecibo, PR	**	$11.83	$24,610	$9.57	$10.06	$11.77	$17.25
Mayaguez, PR	60	$12.31	$25,600	$8.41	$10.10	$14.42	$16.55
Ponce, PR	70	$12.79	$26,610	$8.49	$9.68	$15.14	$18.20
San Juan-Carolina-Caguas, PR	1,270	$13.69	$28,460	$8.67	$9.93	$16.77	$21.15

Working as an Electrician in Puerto Rico

For those who have gone through the training and licensing steps to become an electrician in Puerto Rico, there is a variety of job types. You may work for a contractor or builder, working on electrical systems in new residential or commercial buildings. You may also work for the government or for industrial companies or power plants. With a commitment to four or five years of training and learning you can qualify to become a licensed Puerto Rico electrician.

College Programs

• Aguadilla-Isabela, PR
• Arecibo, PR
• Coamo, PR
• Guayama, PR
• Ponce, PR
• San Germán, PR
• San Juan-Carolina-Caguas, PR

Aguadilla-Isabela, PR Area

Parque Industrial La Montana Km09 Edif932, Aguadilla, Puerto Rico 00605
(787) 882-2828
Technology in Electrical and Electronic Systems in Security and Sound – Certificate Program

Automeca Technical College offers various Certificate program options for future opticians. Classes are taken at their Aguadilla campus in Aguadilla in Aguadilla County, PR. This private, for-profit college has about 235 students in total, with most students on programs that last under 2 years. The college is accredited by the Accrediting Commission of Career Schools and Colleges. The cost of tuition is in the order of $7,441 per year, while study materials may cost in the order of $300, depending on the program.

Carr 4416 Km 2.5 Int. Bo Laguna, Aguada, Puerto Rico 00602
(787) 252-0922
Electricity – Certificate Program

The Electricity Certificate program in Electricity at Colegio Tecnico de Electricidad Galloza can be taken at their campus in Aguada in Aguada County, PR. The majority of of the school’s 54 students are on diploma programs of under two years. The college is institutionally accredited by the Accrediting Commission of Career Schools and Colleges. The retention rate of full-time students at this college is 88%. Fees for tuition are likely to be about $6,990 for each academic year. Learning materials may cost roughly $566, although this will vary with the program.

Ave. Agustin Ramos Calero Calle Surinam 1059 P.R. 112 Norte, Isabela, Puerto Rico 00662
(787) 872-1747
General Electricity – Certificate Program

The Certificate program in General Electricity at Escuela de Peritos Electricistas de Isabela Inc can be taken at their campus in the city of Isabela, PR. The majority of of the school’s 91 students are on diploma programs of under two years. The college is institutionally accredited by the Accrediting Commission of Career Schools and Colleges. Fees for tuition are likely to be about $7,423 for each academic year. Learning materials may cost roughly $1,100, although this will vary with the program.

111 Comercio St, Aguadilla, Puerto Rico 00603
(787) 882-2065 x239
Electricity with Renewable Energy – Certificate Program

The Certificate program in Electricity with Renewable Energy at Universal Technology College of Puerto Rico can be taken at their campus in Aguadilla in Aguadilla County. The majority of of the school’s 374 students are on 4-year programs. The Universal Technology College of Puerto Rico has institutional accreditation from the Accrediting Commission of Career Schools and Colleges. Tuition fees for the Electricity with Renewable Energy program are likely to be about $9,705 for each academic year. Learning materials may cost roughly $325. Program completion is usually 24 months.

Arecibo, PR Area

Calle Eugenio Maria de Hostos #175, Esq, Puro Girau, Arecibo, Puerto Rico 00612
(787) 879-3300
Electricidad – Certificate Program

The Electricidad Certificate program in Electricidad at Colegio Educativo Tecnologico Industrial Inc can be taken at their campus in the city of Arecibo. This private, not-for-profit college has around 183 students in total, with the majority of students on programs that last under 2 years. The college is accredited by the Council on Occupational Education. Tuition fees for the Electricidad program are about $6,800 for each academic year. Learning materials may cost roughly $250. Program completion is usually 13 months.

Coamo, PR Area

Calle Ramón Power #5, Coamo, Puerto Rico 00769
(787) 825-0370
Electricity – Certificate Program

Educational Technical College’s Certificate-level Electricity program is offered at their Coamo campus in the town of Coamo. The college has about 253 students in total, with the majority of students on programs that last under 2 years. The college is accredited by the Accrediting Commission of Career Schools and Colleges. Fees for tuition are about $11,650 for each academic year. Books and supplies can cost around $421, although this will depend on the program.

Calle Hosto #20, San Sebastian, Puerto Rico 00769
(787) 896-7655
Electricity – Certificate Program

The Certificate program in Electricity at Educational Technical College is offered at their San Sebastian campus in San Sebastian in Coamo County. The majority of of the school’s 193 students are on diploma programs of under two years. The college is institutionally accredited by the Accrediting Commission of Career Schools and Colleges. Tuition fees for the Electricity program are around $9,790 annually. Books and supplies can cost around $353. The typical program completion time is 12 months.

Guayama, PR Area

151, Morse Street, Arroyo, Puerto Rico 00714-0270
(787) 839-5266 x201
Electricity Technician – Certificate Program

Colegio Mayor de Tecnologia Inc’s Certificate-level Electricity Technician program is offered at their campus in Arroyo in Arroyo County. The majority of of the school’s 140 students are on diploma programs of under two years. The college is accredited by the Accrediting Commission of Career Schools and Colleges. Tuition fees are around $12,834 annually. Books and supplies can cost around $900, although this will depend on the program.

Ponce, PR Area

Calle Villa No.452, Ponce, Puerto Rico 00731
(787) 840-7880
Technology in Computerized Electronic Electronics – Certificate Program

Automeca Technical College offers various Certificate program options for future professionals. Classes are taken at their Ponce campus in the city of Ponce, PR. The majority of of the school’s 210 students are on diploma programs of under two years. The college is accredited by the Accrediting Commission of Career Schools and Colleges. Tuition fees are generally around $7,441 annually. Books and supplies can cost around $300, although this will depend on the program.

San Germán, PR Area

Rd. 102 Km. 30.6, San German, Puerto Rico 00683
(787) 264-1912
Electronic Technology – Associate Program

Inter American University of Puerto Rico’s Associate-level Electronic Technology program is based at their San German campus in the city of San German, Puerto Rico. Of the 4,999 students, about 100% are postgraduates. The university is institutionally accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education. The cost of tuition is in the order of $5,898 for each academic year. Learning materials may cost roughly $1,372, although this will vary with the program.

San Juan-Carolina-Caguas, PR Area

Carr.No.2 Km14.0 Hato Tejas, Bayamon, Puerto Rico 00961
(787) 779-6161
Technology in Electrical and Electronic Systems in Security and Sound – Certificate Program

Automeca Technical College offers various Certificate program options for future professionals. All programs are imparted at their Bayamon campus in Bayamon in Bayamon County. The college has about 444 students in total, with the majority of students on programs that last under 2 years. The college is accredited by the Accrediting Council for Continuing Education and Training. The cost of tuition is likely to be in the order of $7,441 for each academic year. Learning materials may cost roughly $300, although this will vary with the program.

Calle Munoz Rivera No.69, Caguas, Puerto Rico 00725
(787) 746-3468
Technology in Electrical and Electronic Systems in Security and Sound – Certificate Program

Automeca Technical College offers various Certificate program options for future professionals. All programs are imparted at their Caguas campus in the city of Caguas, PR. The majority of of the school’s 169 students are on diploma programs of under two years. The college is accredited by the Accrediting Commission of Career Schools and Colleges. The cost of tuition is likely to be in the order of $7,441 for each academic year. Learning materials may cost roughly $300, although this will vary with the program.

180 Jose Oliver St Tres Monjitas Ind. Park, San Juan, Puerto Rico 00918
(787) 480-2400
Electronic Engineering Technology – Associate Program

Colegio Universitario de San Juan’s Associate program in Electronic Engineering Technology is offered at their campus in the city of San Juan. Most of the school’s 1,430 students are on 4-year programs. The college is accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education. Tuition fees are around $2,370 per year, while study materials may cost in the order of $1,130, depending on the program.

Industrial Park Corujo 2446 Rd #2, Bayamon, Puerto Rico 00959-0000
(787) 778-1200
Electricity Technology and Photovoltaic System – Certificate Program

The Electricity Technology and Photovoltaic System Certificate program in Electricity Technology and Photovoltaic System at Dewey University is based at their Bayamon campus in Bayamon in Bayamon County, PR. Most of the school’s 165 students are on 2-year programs. The university is accredited by the Accrediting Council for Independent Colleges and Schools. Tuition fees are broadly around $7,495 per year, while study materials may cost in the order of $1,500, depending on the program.

Road 3 Compound 11 Lot 7 Carolina Industrial Park, Carolina, Puerto Rico 00986
(787) 753-1515
Electricity Technology and Photovoltaic System – Certificate Program

Dewey University’s Certificate program in Electricity Technology and Photovoltaic System is offered at their Carolina campus in the city of Carolina. The college has in the order of 430 students in total, with most students on 4-year programs. The university is institutionally accredited by the Accrediting Council for Independent Colleges and Schools. Tuition fees are around $7,495 per year, while study materials may cost in the order of $1,500, depending on the program.

267 Valero St, Fajardo, Puerto Rico 00910
(787) 860-1212
Tecnología de Electricidad y Sistema Fotovoltaico – Certificate Program

Dewey University’s Certificate program in Tecnología de Electricidad y Sistema Fotovoltaico is taught at their Fajardo campus in Fajardo in San Juan County. The majority of of the school’s 141 students are on 2-year programs. The university is institutionally accredited by the Accrediting Council for Independent Colleges and Schools. Tuition fees are about $7,495 yearly. Study materials can cost about $1,500, depending on the program chosen.

Bo. Lomas, Road 149, Km. 67.02, Juana Diaz, Puerto Rico 00910
(787) 260-1023 x0
Technology of Electricity and Photovoltaic Systems – Certificate Program

The Technology of Electricity and Photovoltaic Systems Certificate program in Technology of Electricity and Photovoltaic Systems at Dewey University is taught at their Juana Dí­az campus in Juana Diaz in San Juan County, PR. The majority of of the school’s 214 students are on 4-year programs. The university is institutionally accredited by the Accrediting Council for Independent Colleges and Schools. Fees for tuition are usually about $7,495 yearly. Study materials can cost about $1,500, depending on the program chosen.

Road 604, Km. 49.1, Barrio Tierras Nuevas Saliente, Manati, Puerto Rico 00674-0000
(787) 854-1899
Electrical Technology and Photovoltaic Systems – Certificate Program

The Electrical Technology and Photovoltaic Systems Certificate program in Electrical Technology and Photovoltaic Systems at Dewey University is taught at their Manati campus in Manati in Manati County. The majority of of the school’s 508 students are on 4-year programs. The university is accredited by the Accrediting Council for Independent Colleges and Schools. Fees for tuition are usually about $7,495 yearly. Study materials can cost about $1,500, depending on the program chosen.

Carr 156 Km 17.1 Bo Honduras Ste 215 Centro Comercial, Barranquitas, Puerto Rico 00794
(787) 263-0353 x1021
Electricity with PLC and Renewable Energy – Certificate Program

The Certificate program in Electricity with PLC and Renewable Energy at D’Mart Institute is taught at their campus in Barranquitas in Barranquitas County. The majority of of the school’s 1,512 students are on diploma programs of under two years. The college is accredited by the Accrediting Commission of Career Schools and Colleges. Fees for tuition are usually about $10,043 yearly. Study materials can cost about $450, depending on the program chosen.

Francisco Vega No. 15, Humacao, Puerto Rico 00791
(787) 656-8555
Industrial Equipment Maintenance – Certificate Program

Industrial Technical College’s Certificate program is taught at their campus in Humacao in Humacao County. This private, for-profit college has in the region of 202 students in total, with the majority of students on programs that last under 2 years. The college is institutionally accredited by the Accrediting Commission of Career Schools and Colleges. Fees for tuition are usually about $6,480 yearly. Learning materials may cost in the order of $150, although this will vary with the program.

104 Loaiza Cordero St, San Juan, Puerto Rico 00918-3325
(787) 767-8389
Electronic Technician – Certificate Program

International Technical College offers various Certificate program options for future opticians. Classes are taken at their campus in the city of San Juan, Puerto Rico. The college has around 103 students in total, with most students on programs that last under 2 years. The college is accredited by the Accrediting Commission of Career Schools and Colleges. Tuition fees for the Electronic Technician program are likely to be around $9,850 per year. Learning materials may cost in the order of $450. Program completion is usually 13 months.

405 Ponce de Leon Ave., San Juan, Puerto Rico 00917
(787) 999-2473 x2246
Electricity with Renewable Energy – Certificate Program

The Certificate program in Electricity with Renewable Energy at Liceo de Arte y Tecnologia is based at their campus in the city of San Juan, Puerto Rico. Most of the school’s 1,519 students are on diploma programs of under two years. The college is accredited by the Accrediting Commission of Career Schools and Colleges. Tuition fees are around $11,803 per year. Learning materials may cost in the order of $2,982, although this will vary with the program.

Num 39-40 B St W Industrial Pk, Caguas, Puerto Rico 00725-0000
(787) 744-1060 x1000
Electrical Engineering – Certificate Program, Electrical Engineering – Associate Program

Mech offers multiple training options, including a Certificate program and two Associate programs. All programs are taught at their Tech College campus in the city of Caguas. This private, for-profit college has in the region of 2,975 students in total, with the majority of students on 2-year programs. The college is accredited by the Accrediting Council for Continuing Education and Training. Tuition fees are likely to be around $9,042 yearly. Study materials can cost about $400, depending on the program chosen.

3 Ramos Velez St, Manati, Puerto Rico 00674
(787) 854-4776
Electricidad – Certificate Program

The Certificate program in Electricidad at Professional Electrical School Inc is taught at their campus in Manati in Manati County. The college has in the order of 44 students in total, with the majority of students on programs that last under 2 years. The college is institutionally accredited by the Accrediting Commission of Career Schools and Colleges. Fees for tuition are about $7,275 yearly. Study materials can cost about $1,100, depending on the program chosen.

Calle Comerio Final 20.5 La Aldea, Bayamon, Puerto Rico 00959
(787) 740-6810
Electricidad con electrónica industrial – Certificate Program

Professional Technical Institution Inc’s Certificate-level Electricidad con electrónica industrial program is taught at their campus in Bayamon in Bayamon County, Puerto Rico. This private, for-profit college has in the order of 244 students in total, with the majority of students on programs that last under 2 years. The college is institutionally accredited by the Accrediting Commission of Career Schools and Colleges. Tuition fees for the Electricidad con electrónica industrial program are about $10,050 for each academic year. Study materials can cost roughly $700. Typically, the program is completed in 15 months.

Carr. # 189 Km 3.3, Gurabo, Puerto Rico 00778-3030
(787) 743-7979 x4000
Electrical Technology and Renewable Energy – Associate Program

Universidad del Turabo’s Associate program in Electrical Technology and Renewable Energy is taught at their campus in Gurabo in Gurabo County. This is a full, 4-year private college with 17,509 students, of which 0% are undergraduates. The Universidad del Turabo has institutional accreditation from the Middle States Commission on Higher Education. Fees for tuition are about $5,820 for each academic year. Study materials can cost roughly $1,700, depending on the program chosen.

* 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.

FAQs

How much do electricians earn in the state of Puerto Rico?

According to the U.S Bureau of Labor Statistics, electricians in the state of Puerto Rico made an average of $27,910 per year in 2019. Entry-level electricians earned around $17,790 and some experienced professionals earned salaries as high as $42,300.

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