Aspiring electricians in Arizona will be glad to know that they live in a state where this profession currently thrives and is expected to continue thriving. They will also be glad to learn that starting their careers is as straightforward as possible.
To make the process a lot more enjoyable for them, we have taken the time to collect below all the key information they will need to become familiar with before they start the process. They will discover the basic requirements needed to secure admission and job placement, the kind of education they’ll need to acquire, and the best destinations to get it.
Lastly, we also explore some salary ranges pertinent to electricians in Arizona and the major factors that can help professionals improve their yearly earnings throughout their careers.
How to Become an Electrician in Arizona
The following are the steps involved in becoming an electrician in Arizona:
Must Be at Least 18 Years Old
Anyone looking to become an electrician in Arizona must be at least 18 years old, as this is a major requirement set by the state. They must also have a high school diploma, while those who don’t have a diploma can utilize a GED.
Classroom and Hands-On Training
Arizona is one of the states where aspiring electricians must receive a combination of classroom and hands-on training before starting their careers. Having one without the other is usually insufficient, so most training destinations find a way to help candidates combine these learning approaches.
For instance, it is common to see academic programs, like those available at community colleges and technical schools, partner with apprenticeship programs. This way, candidates can receive all the classroom instructions they need at their academic training destination while completing their education by acquiring hands-on experience through an apprenticeship.
Candidates must acquire 8,000 hours of hands-on training and 900 hours of classroom instruction. In an upcoming section, we will explore some of the most notable destinations to consider for candidates looking for robust electrician training in Arizona.
Post-Apprenticeship
Along with the basic training received during their classroom and apprenticeship training, aspiring electricians in Arizona are expected to receive some experience in the real world by securing post-apprenticeship placement.
After this, they may proceed to apply for their license.
Explore trades with similar paths:
Licensure & Certification Requirements
Arizona electricians do not need a journeyman license to work under a licensed electrician in the state and acquire post-apprenticeship experience. Unlike most states, Arizona does not issue a journeyman license.
Obtaining a license is required for those who want to become electrical contractors. Candidates must receive an electrical contractor license from the Arizona Registrar of Contractors (ROC) to take on significant projects and hire electricians to work under them.
There are now several categories of electrical contractor licenses in Arizona, including one for residential projects (R-11), another for commercial projects (C-11), and a last category known as the electrical K-11 category (which combines both residential and commercial projects).
To get these licenses, candidates must register and pass two examinations: the business management exam and the trade exam.
Top Electrician Schools in Arizona
Below are some top-quality destinations where you can receive foundational training as an aspiring electrician in Arizona.
Mesa Community College
Mesa, AZ Online + Campus
Mesa Community College offers high-quality electrical technology programs, including an Associate Degree in Electronics Technology and a Certificate in Electronic Technology.
Email: admissionsandrecords@mesacc.edu
Tuition
$72 - $566 per CreditContact
(480) 461-7000
Email in Bio
The Refrigeration School
Phoenix, AZ Campus Only
The Refrigeration School offers an excellent electrical technology program. The Accrediting Commission of Career Schools and Colleges institutionally accredits it.
Tuition
$5,000 - $27,000 per ProgramContact
(888) 671-5803
info@rsi.edu
Apprenticeship Programs
The International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers (IBEW) offers electrician apprenticeship programs in Phoenix and Tucson.
Explore electrician schools in Arizona by city:
Salary & Career Outlook
As a newly minted electrician in Arizona, the expected salary range usually lies between an annual average earning of $45,430 and $96,931. While the former belongs to those who fall among the bottom 10% in the state, the latter is the more common figure for average earners.
Electricians in Arizona who are among the top 10% take home an annual average salary of $96,931. Experience level, location, specialty area, establishment of employment, and professional credentials usually differentiate the highest-paid from the lowest-paid.
Notably, the city of Tolleson is the highest-paying location for electricians in Arizona, with an annual average salary of $65,719. Phoenix follows with an annual average salary of $65,508, while Tucson completes the top three with an annual average salary of $65,344.
Also, Goodyear, with an average annual salary of $63,801, and Tempe, with an average annual salary of $63,031, are in the top five.