Electrician Schools in Iowa

Electricians in Iowa may specialize in residential projects, commercial installations, linework, and more. However, regardless of their specialty areas, all aspiring electricians must follow the steps outlined by relevant state and regulatory authorities. Readers of this page will discover all of these requirements and more below.

After exploring the basic preparatory steps and the training pathways, we also explore some considerations that may give candidates an edge when securing job placement and taking advantage of career growth chances.

Lastly, we showcase some top training programs for future electricians in Iowa and the possible annual returns candidates can expect based on their unique conditions.

How to Become an Electrician in Iowa

Below is a step-by-step breakdown of the considerations needed to start a successful electrician career in Iowa.

Basic Requirements

In Iowa, anyone who is about to apply for admission into an electrician training program must be at least 18 years old. They will also have to show proof of high school education by providing a high school diploma or GED.

Basic knowledge of Mathematics and algebra will prove to be important along the way, as will being in great physical shape.

Classroom Training

Iowa is one of the states where candidates are expected to receive both classroom training and work experience to prepare for their electrician careers. Several high-quality academic training programs in electrical technology are available that candidates can consider for this aspect of their training.

Some of these programs allow part-time and hybrid training arrangements to provide even more convenience for candidates with heavy schedules. As for prospective awards, they may choose associate degree programs if they are okay with spending a couple of years in training or certificate programs if they would like to spend only a few months.

Work Experience

After completing an academic classroom program, prospective electricians in Iowa are expected to practice what they have been taught in a work environment. They may achieve this by working under a master electrician who is approved to provide on-the-job training.

Another way is to attend an apprenticeship program organized by unions or non-union institutions. These programs offer candidates an opportunity to earn as they learn.

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Licensure & Certification Requirements

The Iowa Department of Public Safety, State Fire Marshall Division oversees licensure requirements and specifications for electricians in the state. The department requires all electricians to have a license in at least one of the 11 licensure categories.

These include the apprentice electrician, residential electrician, residential master electrician, journeyman electrician class A and B, master electrician class A and B, residential electrical contractor, electrical contractor, and special electrician licensing categories.

Candidates typically begin by registering as apprentice electricians as they work to receive real-world experience and then apply for a higher-level license when they’re ready. A residential electrician license is a popular option; the application costs $75.

Residential electricians with the necessary qualifications may proceed to take the master electrician license exam. This license costs $375.

Top Electrician Schools in Iowa

Candidates may consider any of the programs below for their comprehensive electrical technology training in Iowa.

Explore electrician schools in Iowa by city:

• Electrician schools in Des Moines

Salary & Career Outlook

In Iowa, electricians who fall among the highest-paid can make up to $91,472 in annual average salary or even more. However, those beginning their careers make less.

In this category, the average salary falls around $42,740 to $62,526. Those earning around $42,740 are considered among the lowest-paid in the state, while those earning an annual average salary of close to $91,472 are the average earners.

Candidates can move along the salary spectrum by improving their experience level, choosing a lucrative specialty, working with a better company, or practicing in a favorable location. Des Moines electricians are the state’s highest-paid, thanks to their annual average salary of $70,851. They are followed by those in Waterloo, taking home an average annual salary of $68,973, and those in Iowa City, who earn around $66,775 on average at the end of each year.