How to Become an Electrician in Utah
Would you enjoy a hands-on career that requires critical thinking and problem-solving skills? Electricians can apply these skills on a daily basis, which means this trade could be a good fit for you. According to data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), this occupation sees more than 300 job openings per year in Utah alone, offering a wide range of opportunities to break into the industry.[En Español]
Requirements for Becoming an Electrician in Utah
Those looking to become licensed electricians in Utah might be eligible for a journeyman, residential journeyman, master or residential master electrician license. The Utah Division of Occupational & Professional Licensing (DOPL) sets the requirements for earning each of these licenses in the state.
Before applying for any of the electrician licenses, you will first need to pass an exam. You will also need to meet the following requirements for each license application:
- Each year of work experience must include at least 2,000 hours (no more than one year of work experience can be credited for each 12-month period).
- Official transcripts must be included with your application in a sealed envelope bearing the school’s stamp/seal on the envelope flap.
- Military experience can be considered by submitting your DD214.
To be eligible for the journeyman electrician exam, you must provide an official transcript showing that you have successfully completed an approved apprenticeship program. Additionally, you will need to show proof of at least four years (8,000 hours) of supervised work experience as a licensed apprentice electrician. This work will need to be verified by each of your supervising licensed master or journeyman electricians with the employer’s verification form, which is attached to the exam approval application. If you cannot provide an official transcript, you can submit the employer’s verification form from each of your supervising licensed master or journeyman electricians, documenting at least eight years (16,000 hours) of supervised legal practical experience in wiring, installing and repairing electrical apparatus and equipment for light, heat and power.
If you’re looking to become a residential journeyman electrician, you can provide an official transcript showing successful completion of two years of an approved apprenticeship program, including two years (4,000 hours) of supervised work as a licensed apprentice electrician. Those who are unable to provide an official transcript can show four years (8,000) hours of relevant work experience.
Eligibility to take the master electrician exam requires verification of at least four years (8,000 hours) of practical electrical experience as a licensed journeyman electrician. Another option is to provide an official transcript of your associate’s degree from an approved electrical trade school, along with verification of at least two years (4,000 hours) of practical experience as a licensed journeyman electrician. A third alternative would be to provide a bachelor’s degree from an accredited electrical engineering program, along with verification of at least one year (2,000 hours) of practical electrical experience as a licensed apprentice electrician.
The residential master electrician exam requires only verification of at least two years (4,000 hours) of relevant work experience as a licensed residential journeyman electrician.
Electrician Apprenticeship Programs in Utah
Many aspiring electricians will join apprenticeship programs to gain the experience and skills necessary to apply for their licenses.
The Utah Electrical Joint Apprenticeship and Training Committee (JATC) offers apprenticeship in two fields, which includes inside wireman and telecommunications installer/technician.
To apply, you must meet the following requirements:
- Be at least 17 years of age
- Show proof of one year of algebra, applied mathematics or secondary mathematics with a passing grade
- Be a high school graduate or have a GED
- Achieve a score of “4” or higher on the electrical industry aptitude test
The inside wireman apprenticeship program provides 8,000 hours of on-the-job training, as well as five years of related classroom instruction. The telecommunication installer/technician apprenticeship provides 4,800 hours of on-the-job training, with three years of related classroom instruction.
Utah Schools for Electricians
An alternative to the JATC would be taking courses at an accredited college or university. Below are some colleges in Utah that will offer apprenticeship courses for aspiring electricians:
- Bridgerland Technical College offers an apprenticeship program that includes on-the-job training provided by a sponsor as well as classroom instruction, which will provide students with knowledge of theoretical and technical aspects of the trade. Completion of the program will take up to four years, and students will have to find their own sponsors for hands-on training. The school is located in Utah’s northern region, and the program costs about $315 per semester.
- Davis Technical College provides a comprehensive training program that qualifies those who complete the program to do both maintenance and construction work. The program lasts four years and teaches students electrical theory, blueprint reading, mathematics, electrical code requirements and safety. The total cost of attendance including tuition, fees and books is estimated to total $3,600. The campus is located in Kaysville, Utah.
- Mountainland Technical College offers an electrical apprenticeship program that will satisfy educational requirements to take the journeyman exam in Utah. The program takes 720 hours to complete, totaling to approximately $3,000 for tuition and fees.
Penn Foster College – Residential Electrician Career Diploma
Nationally Accredited and Licensed School. Support from Expert Faculty and Success Coaches. Up-to-date Material That Complies with the National Electric Code (NEC)®. Snap-On Tool Discount for Trades Students.Call 1-800-851-1819 today.
Outlook and Salary Expectations
According to BLS data, there were 12,130 electricians working throughout Utah in 2018. This same data shows that by 2028, there will be 15,460 jobs in the field. This means there will be a 28-percent increase in jobs over a 10-year period in Utah alone.
Utah electricians can expect to make an average of $51,740 annually, with the highest earners making up to $79,830 each year.
Salaries in Utah 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 | 10,580 | $28.79 | $59,890 | $37,260 | $47,000 | $74,380 | $79,390 |
| Helpers--Electricians | 1,020 | $18.52 | $38,520 | $26,090 | $36,010 | $41,640 | $51,100 |
| Electrical and Electronics Installers and Repairers, Transportation Equipment | ** | $38.28 | $79,610 | $46,010 | $49,460 | $79,610 | $79,610 |
| Electrical and Electronics Repairers, Commercial and Industrial Equipment | 1,150 | $32.56 | $67,720 | $44,480 | $54,240 | $73,780 | $78,200 |
| Electrical and Electronics Repairers, Powerhouse, Substation, and Relay | 60 | $49.84 | $103,680 | $79,220 | $84,050 | $109,140 | $113,430 |
| Electrical Power-Line Installers and Repairers | 880 | $35.49 | $73,820 | $46,270 | $57,650 | $100,130 | $108,680 |
Electrician Salaries in Utah 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Logan, UT-ID | 210 | $26.82 | $55,780 | $17.46 | $21.80 | $33.30 | $36.42 |
| Ogden-Clearfield, UT | 1,680 | $27.69 | $57,600 | $18.84 | $23.23 | $33.46 | $38.05 |
| Provo-Orem, UT | 4,340 | $28.08 | $58,410 | $17.28 | $21.08 | $34.43 | $38.12 |
| St. George, UT | 490 | $26.63 | $55,380 | $16.90 | $21.30 | $29.51 | $36.45 |
| Salt Lake City, UT | 4,090 | $29.65 | $61,670 | $18.21 | $22.93 | $36.81 | $38.25 |
Working as an Electrician in Utah
More than 1,930 electrician jobs will be added to the field in Utah by 2028, according to the BLS. There are multiple job openings that can be found with a simple online search, for electricians ranging from the apprentice level to the master level. You may find residential or commercial work with the opportunity to do federal government projects, depending on the company you choose to work for in the state of Utah.
College Programs
Logan, UT-ID Area
1301 North 600 West, Logan, Utah 84321
(435) 753-6780
Electronic Engineering Technology – Certificate Program
Bridgerland Applied Technology College’s Certificate program in Electronic Engineering Technology is offered at their campus in the city of Logan. Most of the school’s 926 students are on 2-year programs. The college is accredited by the Council on Occupational Education. Tuition fees are likely to be about $4,128 yearly, while books and supplies may cost about $1,560, although this varies from program to program.
Ogden-Clearfield, UT Area
550 E 300 S, Kaysville, Utah 84037-2699
(801) 593-2500
Electrician Apprentice – Certificate Program
Davis Applied Technology College’s Certificate program in Electrician Apprentice is taught at their campus in Kaysville in Davis County, UT. The college has in the region of 3,188 students in total, with the majority of students on 2-year programs. The college is accredited by the Council on Occupational Education. Fees for tuition are about $383 yearly, while books and supplies may cost about $167, although this varies from program to program.
200 N Washington Blvd, Ogden, Utah 84404-4089
(801) 627-8300
Electrical Trades Preparation – Certificate Program
Ogden-Weber Applied Technology College offers various Certificate program options for future professionals. All programs are taught at their campus in the city of Ogden. This public college has in the region of 2,433 students in total, with the majority of students on 2-year programs. The college is accredited by the Council on Occupational Education. Fees for tuition are about $3,960 yearly, while books and supplies may cost about $738, although this varies from program to program.
3850 Dixon Parkway Dr. Dept. 1031, Ogden, Utah 84408-1031
(801) 626-6000
Electrical Engineering – Associate Program
The Associate’s program in Electrical Engineering at Weber State University is offered at their campus in the city of Ogden. This is a full, 4-year public college with 25,955 students, of which 98% are undergraduates. The university is institutionally accredited by the Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities. Tuition fees for in-state students are generally around $5,712 and for out-of-state students approximately $15,260 annually. Study materials can cost around $1,200, depending on the program chosen.
Provo-Orem, UT Area
2301 West Ashton Blvd., Lehi, Utah 84043
(801) 753-4100 x4100
Electrical Apprenticeship – Certificate Program
Mountainland Applied Technology College’s Certificate-level Electrical Apprenticeship program is offered at their campus in Lehi in Utah County, Utah. The college has roughly 2,117 students in total, with most students on 2-year programs. The college is accredited by the Council on Occupational Education. The college’s retention rate for full-time students is over 80%. Tuition fees are around $470 annually. Study materials can cost around $62, depending on the program chosen.
Salt Lake City, UT Area
4600 S Redwood Rd, Salt Lake City, Utah 84123
(801) 957-4111
Electrical Independent (Apprenticeship) – Associate Program
The Associate’s program in Electrical Independent (Apprenticeship) at Salt Lake Community College is offered at their campus in Salt Lake City in Salt Lake County, Utah. The college has roughly 29,350 students in total, with most students on 2-year programs. The college is institutionally accredited by the Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities. Tuition fees for in-state students are around $3,781 and for out-of-state students approximately $12,020 annually. Study materials can cost around $1,300, depending on the program chosen.
St. George, UT Area
1506 S. Silicon Way, Saint George, Utah 84770
(435) 674-8400
Electrical Apprenticeship – Certificate Program
Dixie Applied Technology College’s Certificate-level Electrical Apprenticeship program is offered at their campus in the city of Saint George, UT. The majority of of the school’s 491 students are on diploma programs of under two years. The college is institutionally accredited by the Council on Occupational Education. Tuition fees for the Electrical Apprenticeship program are usually around $2,504 annually. Study materials can cost around $828. Typically, the program is completed in 48 months.
* College accredition status and tuition fees and are, to our best knowledge, correct at the time of writing, and sourced from the National Center for Education Statistics (http://nces.ed.gov/). Check all details directly with college before applying.
Neighbor States
See also the neighbor states of Idaho, Nevada, Arizona, New Mexico, Colorado and Wyoming.
FAQs
How to Become an Apprentice Electrician in Utah?
One option is to apply to the Utah Electrical Joint Apprenticeship & Training Committee program in Salt Lake City. You can also apply to the non-union Independent Electrical Contractors of Utah. Several community colleges also offer technical programs with the option to include an apprenticeship.
How much do electricians earn in the state of Utah?
According to the U.S Bureau of Labor Statistics, electricians in the state of Utah made an average of $51,410 per year in 2019. Entry-level electricians earned around $22,780 and some experienced professionals earned salaries as high as $79,830.
