How to Become an Electrician in Georgia

Georgia is a great state to learn to become a licensed electrician. The growth in the industry is big everywhere, but in Georgia the number of jobs available is currently growing by about 9 percent, according to the U.S Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS). If you like to work with your hands and with other people, and you aren’t afraid to spend a few years learning a new trade, a career as an electrician may be a great option. Continue reading and we’ll help you find the best electrician schools in Georgia to get you started. [En Español]

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Requirements for Becoming an Electrician in Georgia

Each state has the responsibility for licensing electricians, and in Georgia it falls to the Construction Industry Licensing Board, which is a division of the Office of the Secretary of State. Unlike many other states, there is no Georgia electrical license for apprentices or journeymen. Once you have completed an apprenticeship program or a vocational training program at an electrician trade school and have 180 hours of classroom work and 8,000 hours of supervised work on the job, you can apply to become a licensed electrical contractor or work for a contractor without supervision.

The first step in this process is to enroll in either one of the state’s union or non-union apprenticeship programs or a vocational or trade school with an electrical technology program. In an apprenticeship program you will get all the required hours of classroom work and hands-on training, which takes five years to complete. Electrician schools with a degree or certificate program will give you the classroom hours, but you will still need to be placed in an apprenticeship to get the 8,000 work hours needed to become licensed.

Electrician Apprenticeship Programs in Georgia

There are several electrical union apprenticeship programs in Georgia, which are offered by local chapters of the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers (IBEW) in coordination with the National Electrical Contractors Association (NECA), that together make up the Electrical Training Alliance. You’ll find programs organized through the Joint Apprenticeship and Training Committees (JATC) of the chapters in Macon, Augusta, Albany, Savannah and Atlanta. The programs are similar and generally include two nights of classes per week, while daytime hours are devoted to working and earning money as an apprentice under licensed electricians.

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 are very similar to the union programs and are offered through the Independent Electrical Contractors Georgia and Atlanta chapters (IEC). Both these non-union programs and the union programs culminate in journeyman status as directed by national standards, even though becoming a journeyman is not required by the state of Georgia.

Georgia Schools for Electrical Training

An alternative to completing an apprenticeship program in becoming an electrician is to go through an educational program at a community or technical college. Electrician schools offer programs that provide the classroom hours needed to become an electrician, but students must also partner with licensed professionals to work and earn the 8,000 hours of on-the-job training required.

  • 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.
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Outlook and Salary Expectations

The outlook for jobs for qualified electricians in Georgia is on a positive trend. The BLS states that in 2014 there were 17,280 electricians working in the state and that by 2024 there will be 20,290. This indicates that students training now will be the ones to fill those new positions.

For salary, electricians in Georgia earned an annual average of $47,840 in 2017. Those electricians whose earnings were in the top 10 percent in the state made an average of $67,930 that year. You can expect to earn a great living as an electrician and to see your income rise with experience and if you become an electrical contractor and business owner.

Salaries in Georgia by Occupation

OccupationTotal EmploymentMean Hourly WageMean Annual WageAnnual Salary 10th PercentileAnnual Salary 25th PercentileAnnual Salary 75th PercentileAnnual Salary 90th Percentile
Electricians17,020$24.72$51,430$31,920$39,390$63,150$75,200
Helpers--Electricians5,350$14.94$31,070$22,240$25,760$35,910$42,170
Electrical and Electronics Installers and Repairers, Transportation Equipment**$23.44$48,750$36,180$41,170$54,290$68,750
Electrical and Electronics Repairers, Commercial and Industrial Equipment2,510$27.62$57,450$41,170$50,710$63,350$72,830
Electrical and Electronics Repairers, Powerhouse, Substation, and Relay1,100$39.63$82,430$59,350$70,680$95,140$102,260
Electrical Power-Line Installers and Repairers6,200$26.87$55,880$32,490$40,220$69,160$81,960

Electrician Salaries in Georgia by Region

AreaTotal EmploymentMean Hourly WageMean Annual SalaryHourly Wage 10th PercentileHourly Wage 25th PercentileHourly Wage 75th PercentileHourly Wage 90th Percentile
Columbus, GA-AL230$23.26$48,370$15.46$18.96$27.96$30.17
Chattanooga, TN-GA1,470$26.27$54,630$15.01$18.35$34.12$39.48
Augusta-Richmond County, GA-SC1,070$22.10$45,960$15.04$17.45$26.21$30.19
Albany, GA310$24.45$50,860$15.39$18.48$29.57$36.73
Athens-Clarke County, GA380$24.44$50,830$14.00$17.74$30.06$35.10
Atlanta-Sandy Springs-Roswell, GA11,080$25.99$54,060$15.41$20.16$32.31$37.17
Brunswick, GA190$23.08$48,010$14.37$16.95$30.87$36.12
Dalton, GA190$21.56$44,840$16.06$18.43$24.20$28.56
Gainesville, GA270$20.74$43,130$15.51$16.83$24.70$29.02
Hinesville, GA40$28.11$58,470$23.31$25.36$29.72$33.73
Macon, GA360$23.34$48,550$16.05$19.21$27.87$31.63
Rome, GA80$21.95$45,660$15.53$17.22$25.05$32.91
Savannah, GA710$23.63$49,160$16.74$19.06$27.75$32.50
Valdosta, GA240$22.36$46,500$15.90$18.19$25.26$29.73
Warner Robins, GA100$26.66$55,460$19.79$25.13$29.36$31.27

Working as an Electrician in Georgia

The job opportunities in Georgia are numerous and continue to grow. With no licensing requirements beyond completing your training program and work experience hours, you will be ready to work and earn a full income as soon as you complete an apprenticeship. You may work for another electrician with a contracting company, for construction contractors, for government agencies or for developers and builders. Your local trade schools may have job boards to help in getting your 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

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College Programs

Albany, GA Area

Albany Technical College

1704 South Slappey Boulevard, Albany, Georgia 31701
(229) 430-3500 x0656
Electrical Construction Technology – Certificate Program

Albany Technical College offers various Certificate program options for future opticians. All programs are taught at their campus in the city of Albany. The majority of of the school’s 3,331 students are on 2-year programs. The college is accredited by the Council on Occupational Education. Tuition fees for in-state students are generally around $2,712 and for out-of-state students approximately $4,848 annually. Study materials can cost around $800, depending on the program chosen.

Athens-Clarke County, GA Area

Athens Technical College

800 U.S. Hwy 29 North, Athens, Georgia 30601
(706) 355-5000
Electrical Construction Systems Technology – Certificate Program, Electrical Construction Systems Technology – Associate Program

Athens Technical College offers various Certificate program options for future professionals, a Certificate program and an Associate program. All programs are imparted at their campus in the city of Athens, GA. This public college has about 4,199 students in total, with the majority of students on 2-year programs. The college is institutionally accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools, Commission on Colleges. The cost of tuition for in-state students is around $2,794 and for out-of-state students in the order of $4,930 per year. Study materials can cost in the order of $900, depending on the program chosen.

Atlanta-Sandy Springs-Marietta, GA Area

Atlanta Technical College

1560 Metropolitan Pkwy SW, Atlanta, Georgia 30310-4446
(404) 225-4400
Electrical Systems Technology – Certificate Program

Atlanta Technical College offers various Certificate program options for future opticians. Classes are taken at their campus in the city of Atlanta, GA. The college has approximately 3,789 students in total, with the majority of students on 2-year programs. The college is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools, Commission on Colleges. The cost of tuition for students living in the state is roughly about $2,816 and for students from other states around $4,952 for each academic year. Learning materials may cost roughly $1,250, although this will vary with the program.

Chattahoochee Technical College

980 S Cobb Drive Dr SE, Marietta, Georgia 30060
(770) 528-4545
Electrical and Computer Engineering Technology – Certificate Program

Chattahoochee Technical College offers various Certificate program options for future professionals. All programs are imparted at their campus in Marietta in Cobb County. Most of the school’s 9,817 students are on 2-year programs. The college is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools, Commission on Colleges. The cost of tuition for in-state students is in the order of $2,782 and for students from outside the state in the order of $4,918 per year. Learning materials may cost in the order of $1,050, although this will vary with the program.

Georgia Piedmont Technical College

495 N Indian Creek Dr, Clarkston, Georgia 30021-2397
(404) 297-9522
Electronics Fundamentals – Certificate Program

Georgia Piedmont Technical College offers various Certificate program options for future opticians. Classes are taken at their campus in Clarkston in Dekalb County. The college has approximately 3,908 students in total, with the majority of students on 2-year programs. The college is institutionally accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools, Commission on Colleges. The cost of tuition for students living in the state is about $2,920 and for students from other states around $5,056 for each academic year, while study materials may cost roughly $2,970, depending on the program.

Interactive College of Technology-Chamblee

5303 New Peachtree Rd, Chamblee, Georgia 30341
(770) 216-2960
Electronics Repair Technology – Associate Program

Interactive College of Technology’s Associate program in Electronics Repair Technology is offered at their Chamblee campus in Chamblee in Dekalb County. The college has in the order of 467 students in total, with most students on 2-year programs. The college is institutionally accredited by the Council on Occupational Education. Fees for tuition are usually about $9,890 for each academic year, while study materials may cost roughly $1,800, depending on the program.

Lincoln College of Technology-Marietta

2359 Windy Hill Road, Marietta, Georgia 30067
(770) 226-0056
Electrical / Electronics – Certificate Program, Electrical / Electronics – Associate Program

Lincoln College of Technology offers multiple training options, including a Certificate program and an Associate program. All programs are offered at their Marietta campus in Marietta in Cobb County, GA. This private, for-profit college has approximately 275 students in total, with most students on 2-year programs. The college is accredited by the Accrediting Council for Independent Colleges and Schools. Tuition fees for the Electrical / Electronics program are around $25,365 yearly. Study materials can cost about $661. Typically, the program is completed in 16 months.

Southern Crescent Technical College

501 Varsity Rd, Griffin, Georgia 30223-2042
(770) 228-7348
Electrical Systems Technology – Certificate Program

Southern Crescent Technical College offers various Certificate program options for future professionals. All programs are imparted at their campus in Griffin in Spalding County. Most of the school’s 4,867 students are on 2-year programs. The college is institutionally accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools, Commission on Colleges. The cost of tuition for students living in the state is in the order of $2,840 and for students from outside the state around $4,974 for each academic year. Study materials can cost roughly $3,000, depending on the program chosen.

West Georgia Technical College

176 Murphy Campus Blvd., Waco, Georgia 30182
(770) 537-6000
Photovoltaic Systems Installation and Repair Technician – Certificate Program

West Georgia Technical College offers various Certificate program options for future professionals. All programs are imparted at their campus in Waco in Haralson County. The college has about 6,431 students in total, with the majority of students on 2-year programs. West Georgia Tech is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools, Commission on Colleges. Fees for tuition for in-state students are in the order of $2,838 and for students from outside the state likely to be about $4,974 yearly. Learning materials may cost about $1,358, although this will vary with the program.

Augusta-Richmond County, GA-SC Area

Augusta Technical College

3200 Augusta Tech Drive, Augusta, Georgia 30906
(706) 771-4000
Electrical Contracting Technician – Certificate Program

Augusta Technical College offers various Certificate program options for future professionals. Classes are taken at their campus in the city of Augusta. Most of the school’s 4,490 students are on 2-year programs. The college is institutionally accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools, Commission on Colleges. Tuition fees for in-state students are generally about $2,794 and for students from other states approximately $4,930 annually. Books and supplies can cost around $2,000, although this will depend on the program.

East Georgia Nonmetropolitan Area Area

Oconee Fall Line Technical College

1189 Deepstep Rd, Sandersville, Georgia 31082
(478) 553-2050
Electrical Control Systems – Certificate Program

Oconee Fall Line Technical College offers various Certificate program options for future professionals. Classes are taken at their campus in Sandersville in Washington County. The college has in the order of 1,569 students in total, with most students on 2-year programs. The college is institutionally accredited by the Council on Occupational Education. The cost of tuition for students living in the state is about $2,674 and for students from other states around $4,810 for each academic year, while study materials may cost roughly $903, depending on the program.

Ogeechee Technical College

One Joseph E. Kennedy Blvd, Statesboro, Georgia 30458
(912) 681-5500
Basic Electrical Technician – Certificate Program

Ogeechee Technical College offers various Certificate program options for future professionals. All programs are imparted at their campus in the town of Statesboro, Georgia. The college has about 2,068 students in total, with the majority of students on 2-year programs. The college is institutionally accredited by the Council on Occupational Education. Fees for tuition for in-state students are likely to be in the order of $2,872 and for students from outside the state likely to be about $5,008 yearly, while books and supplies may cost about $770, although this varies from program to program.

Southeastern Technical College

3001 E First St, Vidalia, Georgia 30474
(912) 538-3100
Commercial Wiring – Certificate Program

Southeastern Technical College offers various Certificate program options for future opticians. All programs are imparted at their campus in the town of Vidalia, GA. The college has round 1,667 students in total, with the majority of students on 2-year programs. The college is institutionally accredited by the Council on Occupational Education. The cost of tuition for students living in the state is about $2,834 and for students from other states around $4,970 for each academic year, while study materials may cost roughly $2,100, depending on the program.

Gainesville, GA Area

Lanier Technical College

2990 Landrum Education Dr, Oakwood, Georgia 30566
(770) 533-7000
Residential Wiring Technician – Certificate Program

Lanier Technical College offers various Certificate program options for future professionals. Classes are taken at their campus in Oakwood in Hall County, GA. This public college has approximately 3,646 students in total, with most students on 2-year programs. The college is institutionally accredited by the Council on Occupational Education. The cost of tuition for in-state students is around $3,282 and for out-of-state students in the order of $5,952 per year. Study materials can cost in the order of $1,300, depending on the program chosen.

Middle Georgia Nonmetropolitan Area Area

South Georgia Technical College

900 South GA Tech Parkway, Americus, Georgia 31709
(229) 931-2394
Electrical Lineworker – Certificate Program

South Georgia Technical College offers various Certificate program options for future professionals. All programs are imparted at their campus in Americus in Sumter County. The college has approximately 1,668 students in total, with the majority of students on 2-year programs. The college is institutionally accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools, Commission on Colleges. Fees for tuition for in-state students are likely to be in the order of $2,794 and for students from outside the state likely to be about $4,930 yearly. Books and supplies can cost about $450, although this will vary with the program.

North Georgia Nonmetropolitan Area Area

North Georgia Technical College

1500 Georgia Hwy 197 N, Clarkesville, Georgia 30523
(706) 754-7700
Electrical Systems Technology – Certificate Program

North Georgia Technical College offers various Certificate program options for future opticians. All programs are offered at their campus in Clarkesville in Habersham County. This public college has about 2,665 students in total, with the majority of students on 2-year programs. The college is institutionally accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools, Commission on Colleges. The cost of tuition for in-state students is usually about $2,734 and for students from other states in the order of $4,870 per year. Study materials can cost about $839, depending on the program chosen.

Rome, GA Area

Georgia Northwestern Technical College

One Maurice Culberson Drive, Rome, Georgia 30161
(706) 295-6963
Electrical Technician – Certificate Program

Georgia Northwestern Technical College offers various Certificate program options for future opticians. All programs are imparted at their campus in the city of Rome, GA. The majority of of the school’s 5,874 students are on 2-year programs. The college is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools, Commission on Colleges. Fees for tuition for in-state students are around $2,774 and for students from outside the state around $4,910 for each academic year. Learning materials may cost roughly $1,500, although this will vary with the program.

Savannah, GA Area

Savannah Technical College

5717 White Bluff Rd, Savannah, Georgia 31405-5594
(912) 443-5700
Electrical Construction Technician – Certificate Program

Savannah Technical College offers various Certificate program options for future professionals. Classes are taken at their campus in the city of Savannah, Georgia. Most of the school’s 4,196 students are on 2-year programs. The college is institutionally accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools, Commission on Colleges. Tuition fees for in-state students are generally around $2,744 and for out-of-state students approximately $4,880 annually. Books and supplies can cost around $1,300, although this will depend on the program.

South Georgia Nonmetropolitan Area Area

Bainbridge State College

2500 E Shotwell St, Bainbridge, Georgia 39819
(229) 243-6000
Electrical Construction Technology – Associate Program, Electrical Systems Technology – Certificate Program

Bainbridge State College offers multiple training options, including an Associate program and two Certificate programs. Classes are taken at their campus in the town of Bainbridge, Georgia. The majority of of the school’s 2,401 students are on 4-year programs. The college is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools, Commission on Colleges. The cost of tuition for students living in the state is roughly about $3,270 and for students from other states around $9,467 for each academic year, while study materials may cost in the order of $700, although this will vary with the program.

Coastal Pines Technical College

1701 Carswell Ave, Waycross, Georgia 31503
(912) 287-5818
Electrical Systems Technology – Certificate Program

Coastal Pines Technical College offers various Certificate program options for future professionals. All programs are imparted at their campus in the town of Waycross, GA. Most of the school’s 2,445 students are on 2-year programs. The college is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools, Commission on Colleges. The cost of tuition for in-state students is usually about $2,714 and for out-of-state students in the order of $4,850 per year. Study materials can cost in the order of $550, depending on the program chosen.

Southern Regional Technical College

15689 US Hwy 19 North, Thomasville, Georgia 31792
(229) 225-4096
Industrial Electrical Technology – Certificate Program

Southern Regional Technical College offers various Certificate program options for future opticians. Classes are taken at their campus in the town of Thomasville. The majority of of the school’s 3,490 students are on 2-year programs. The college is institutionally accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools, Commission on Colleges. The cost of tuition for students living in the state is in the order of $2,704 and for students from outside the state around $4,840 for each academic year, while books and supplies may cost roughly $930, although this varies from program to program.

Valdosta, GA Area

Wiregrass Georgia Technical College

4089 Val Tech Rd, Valdosta, Georgia 31602-0929
(229) 333-2100
Electrical Maintenance Technician – Certificate Program

Wiregrass Georgia Technical College offers various Certificate program options for future opticians. All programs are offered at their campus in Valdosta in Lowndes County, GA. The majority of of the school’s 3,708 students are on 2-year programs. The college is institutionally accredited by the Council on Occupational Education. Tuition fees for in-state students are generally about $2,794 and for students from other states approximately $4,930 annually. Books and supplies can cost around $1,276, although this will depend on the program.

Warner Robins, GA Area

Central Georgia Technical College

80 Cohen Walker Drive, Warner Robins, Georgia 31088
(478) 757-3400
Electronics Technology – Certificate Program

Central Georgia Technical College offers various Certificate program options for future opticians. All programs are taught at their campus in the city of Warner Robins, Georgia. The majority of of the school’s 7,832 students are on 2-year programs. The college is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools, Commission on Colleges. Fees for tuition for in-state students are in the order of $2,774 and for students from outside the state likely to be about $5,365 yearly. Learning materials may cost about $1,390, although this will vary with the 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

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.

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