Electricians are needed across the U.S. not only due to rising demand for solar and wind power, but also from the need to replace retiring electricians. According to the National Electrical Contractors Association, nearly 30% of union electricians are between ages 50 and 70 and close to retirement. In fact, the BLS projects about 80,200 openings every year from 2023 through 2033.
If you want to become an electrician, it’s important to understand the costs involved, which typically include tuition or training costs, licensing fees, and equipment.
What are Education Costs for an Electrician?
As an electrician, you’ll work on a variety of tasks, including:
- Reading blueprints or technical diagrams
- Installing and maintaining wiring, control and lighting systems
- Inspecting electrical components
- Identifying electrical problems using testing devices
- Repairing and replace wiring, equipment, and or fixtures
- Following state and local building regulations
- And more!
Electricians are skilled trade professionals, and these skills require training, so it’s important to understand your educational options.
The cost of your electrician training will depend on which program and school you ultimately choose. Below are some common types of electrician training schools.
Trade Schools
You can complete an electrician training program at a trade school, which typically allows you to enter the workforce sooner compared to 2-year community colleges. Trade school costs can vary, depending on the type of school, location, and more. Compared to the time and cost of a four-year degree, trade schools offer lower costs and shorter programs.
According to the Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System (IPEDs), the average cost of less-than-2-year schools in the 2023-24 school year was $17,184 for private nonprofit and $18,888 for private for-profit.
Delta Technical College (DTC) offers a 7 month Industrial, Commercial & Residential (I/C/R) Electrician Program. In this program, you’ll acquire the skills and training required to begin an entry-level position in the electrical industry.
These skills are taught through a combination of hands-on experience and classroom instruction, although the focus is hands-on training.
The Electrician Program at DTC includes:
- Electrical theory
- Grounding
- Meters
- Lighting
- Blueprints
- Motors and electrical controls
- Mathematics
- Conduit bending
- Load calculations
- Field and shop safety
- And more!
The I/C/R Electrician Program is offered at the Horn Lake, MS and Ridgeland, MS campus.Financial aid is available to students who qualify.
For more information, contact the Admissions Team.
Community Colleges
A public community college is another option for electrician training programs. There are different degree and diploma programs available, depending on the college you choose. An associate degree takes approximately two years to complete for full-time students, and is typically available at community colleges. Most community college programs require General Education classes, such as Math and English, in addition to your electrician training.
Trade School vs. College by Numbers
| National Average | Four-Year College | Two-Year College | Trade School |
| Average Cost | $9,750 (per year) – total cost of attendance $27,146 | $3,598(per year) – total cost of attendance $17,439 | $18,888 total cost of attendance |
| Time to Complete | 4 years | 2 years | Less than 2 years |
| Other Expenses | Books, housing, misc. | Books, housing, misc. | Books and supplies |
| Award | Bachelor’s degree | Associate’s degree | Diploma or certificate of completion |
Source (4-year & 2-year): EducationData.org, Average Cost of College & Tuition, updated March 2025
Source (less than 2 year): IPEDS, 2023-24
How Much Does an Electrician’s License Cost?
In many states, the final step to beginning a career as an electrician is acquiring an electrician’s license, which will require an exam.
Not all states require licenses, although local municipalities may. Mississippi does not require electricians to be licensed. If no licensing is required, you can begin work immediately after completing your education.
The states that do require licenses will likely have fees for exams and maintaining state licensure. It’s important to research the licensing requirements and fees in the location you intend to work.
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How Much Does it Cost to be an Electrician?
The costs associated with working as an electrician are similar to those at many jobs. For communicating with customers, a cellphone and/or computer. For getting to and from jobs, you need a trustworthy car or means of transportation. Car insurance and gas money are factors to consider. Depending on your employer, you may need to purchase your own tools, which could include:
- Pliers
- Screwdrivers
- Wire strippers
- Fishing tools
- Measuring devices
- Labeling machines
- Power drills
- Power saws
Is Becoming an Electrician a Good Investment?
The costs of becoming an electrician will vary depending on the school you choose to attend, licensing and exam costs, and how much equipment, tools and insurance you choose to purchase when you first begin your career.
However, becoming an electrician can be a great career choice that can offer opportunities for earnings, growth, and more. The salary outlook for electricians is strong, with a median annual salary of $62,350 as of May 2024, and the potential to grow within the profession is available.
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the employment of electricians is expected to grow 11% from 2023 to 2033.
Start Your Journey to Becoming an Electrian
If you think becoming an electrician is right for you, and you’re ready to invest in your future, take the first step today by contacting the Admissions Team to learn more about the I/C/R Electrician Program.
SOURCES
- https://www.wsj.com/articles/america-is-trying-to-electrify-there-arent-enough-electricians-4260d05b?mod=article_inline
- https://www.bls.gov/ooh/construction-and-extraction/electricians.htm#tab-6
- https://nces.ed.gov/ipeds/search/viewtable?tableId=36306
- https://educationdata.org/average-cost-of-college#:~:text=Annual%20Cost%20of%20College%2C%20Public
- https://www.nccer.org/programs-crafts/reciprocity-map/
- https://www.bls.gov/ooh/construction-and-extraction/electricians.htm#tab-5
- https://www.bls.gov/ooh/construction-and-extraction/electricians.htm#tab-6
