Electrician Schools in Pennsylvania: The Ultimate Guide

Accredited Pennsylvania Electrician Training Programs

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), “Most electricians learn their trade in a 4- or 5-year apprenticeship program. For each year of the program, apprentices typically receive 2,000 hours of paid on-the-job training as well as some technical instruction. Workers who gained electrical experience in the military or in the construction industry may qualify for a shortened apprenticeship based on their experience and testing. Some electricians start out by attending a technical school. Many technical schools offer programs related to circuitry, safety practices, and basic electrical information. Graduates of these programs usually receive credit toward their apprenticeship.” 

Most people entering the electrical industry in Pennsylvania learn on the job as an apprentice electrician. Formal education is not required by law at the state level; most apprentices, journeymen, and master electricians are licensed at the local level, not the state level. Therefore, educational requirements vary from municipality to municipality. For example, Allegheny County, which licenses Pittsburgh and the surrounding area, does require classroom education as part of an apprenticeship, while Philadelphia just requires apprentices to work under the direction of a master electrician for a minimum number of years before testing for a journeyman license.

According to the BLS, some electricians enter apprenticeship programs after working as an electrician helper. The Home Builders Institute offers a pre-apprenticeship certificate training (PACT) program for eight construction trades, including electricians. The Pennsylvania Independent Electrical Contractors also offer a Pre-Apprenticeship program.

Pennsylvania Apprenticeships

• Associated Builders and Contractors (ABC) Pennsylvania Chapters:

  • ABC Eastern Pennsylvania Chapter

  • ABC Western Pennsylvania Chapter

  • ABC Keystone Chapter

  • ABC Cumberland Valley Chapter

• Independent Electrical Contractors (IEC) —Electrician Apprenticeship Pennsylvania

• Pennsylvania Joint Apprenticeship and Training Committees (union) are alliances between the localInternational Brotherhood of Electrical Workers (IBEW) chapters and the Pennsylvania chapters for the National Electrical Contractors Alliance (NECA) — The Penn-Del-Jersey Chapter and theWestern Pennsylvania Chapter:

  • Apprentice Training For the Electrical Industry (LU 98 Philadelphia)

  • Chester J.A.T.C. (LU 654 Boothwyn)

  • Electrical Technology Academy of Central Pennsylvania (LU 607 Shamokim)

  • Harrisburg Electricians J.A.T.C. (LU 143)

  • IBEW 56 Electrical Training Alliance (Erie)

  • IBEW 743 Electrical Training Alliance (Reading)

  • Lehigh Valley J.A.T.C. (LU 375 Allentown)

  • Scranton Electricians J.A.T.C. (LU 81)

  • Western Central Pennsylvania Electrical J.A.T.C. (LU 712 Beaver-Lawrence-Mercer-Crawford Counties))

  • Western Pennsylvania Electrical J.A.T.C. (LU 5 Pittsburgh)

  • Wilkes-Barre Electrical JATC (LU 163)

  • Williamsport J.A.T.C. (LU 812)

  • York Electricians Training Institute (LU 229)

If you choose to start your journey with some kind of electrician education rather than a union or non-union apprenticeship, you may want to think about selecting a program from those accredited by the Pennsylvania Builders Association.

• Berks Career and Technology Center in Oley

• Connellsville Area Career & Technical Center in Connellsville

• Cumberland-Perry Area Career and Technical Center in Mechanicsburg

• Fayette County Career & Technical Center in Uniontown

• Forbes Road Career & Technical Center in Monroeville

• Greater Altoona Career & Technology Center in Altoona

• Lebanon County Career & Technical Center in Lebanon

• Lehigh Career and Technical Institute in Schnecksville

• Middle Bucks Institute of Technology in Jamison

• Monroe Career and Technical Institute in Bartonsville

• Reading Muhlenberg Career and Technology Center in Reading

• Somerset County Technology Center in Somerset

• Steel Center for Career and Technical Education in Jefferson Hills

• Upper Bucks County Technical School in Perkasie

• Western Area Career and Technology Center in Canonsburg

• Wilkes-Barre Area Career and Technology Center in Wilkes-Barre

• York County School of Technology in York

The National Center for Construction Education & Research (NCCER) has also accredited programs in Pennsylvania including two from the list above — Fayette County and Western Area Career & Technical Centers.

NCCER lists the following programs on their website as accredited electrician schools in Pennsylvania:

• Central Westmoreland Career and Technical Center

• Fayette County Area Vocational Technical School

• Mon Valley Career & Technical Center

• Western Area Career & Technical Center

Electrician Degrees & Certificates

As you weigh the benefits of formal training at a trade school or technical college, you may want to speak with people in the field in your state. The licensing requirements vary from state to state, and some require a minimum amount of education. To legally perform electrical services in Pennsylvania, you must comply with the state's Home Improvement Consumer Protection Act. The state of Pennsylvania does not offer statewide registration, certification, or state licenses for electricians. Each of the 2,562 municipalities maintains its own license requirements for electricians, plumbers, and HVAC contractors, and some of those local jurisdictions require formal education as part of the process. For instance, Pittsburgh allows formal education to serve as part of one way to get licensed — requiring either 10 years of experience with a licensed electrical contractor or completion of an accredited school program and only two years of on-the-job experience.

There’s typically a range of choices of degree and certificate programs, but again most electricians enter an apprenticeship rather than a college program. Some electrical contractors may allow you to get hands-on training with them while also attending a college program at night or on the weekend. If you choose to start at a technical college, the time it takes to complete each kind of program and the cost of each are the most significant differences. The most common programs are:

• Certificate Program – three to six months

• Associate’s Degree – two years

• Bachelor’s Degree – four years

Obviously, the longer the program, the more it costs. If you wish to be an electrical engineer, you’ll need a four-year bachelor’s degree. If this is a path that interests you, you may want to explore the Electrical Engineering Bachelor of Science degree at one of the four-year universities in Pennsylvania like:

• Carnegie Mellon University

• Lehigh University

• Drexel University

• Lafayette College

• University of Pittsburgh

• Bucknell University

• Temple University

• Villanova University

As stated earlier, in many cases but not always, formal education pays off in the form of higher wages. 

Typical Courses in Technical College Programs

Electrical programs at technical colleges are all intended to prepare students for careers in commercial, industrial, or residential electrical applications. All combine theory and the practical skills needed to do the job. Most encourage students to work in their field of interest while attending school. Some are intended to give students a base of knowledge to prepare them to be helpers and get that first job with a licensed electrician. Typically they include coursework in the fundamentals of the electrical trade. Classroom and laboratory experiences allow students to become proficient in the installation and maintenance of electrical wiring, transformers: A/C and D/C motor control circuit, instrumentation, and programmable logic controllers used in residential, commercial, and industrial settings. They all cover safety and the national electric code. Among the most common classes offered in these degree programs are:

• Foundations of Mathematics

• Industrial Safety Procedures

• Direct Current

• Alternating Current

• Electrical Prints, Schematics, and Symbols

• Commercial Wiring

• Residential Wiring

• Electrical Controls

• Diagnostic Troubleshooting

School Selection Criteria

There are a lot of things to consider when picking the right school and program.

Cost

Cost is, of course, at the top of the list. According to Community College Review, tuition at Pennsylvania community colleges on average is $10,793 per year for in-state students and $14,891 for out-of-state students. However, many of the accredited electrician programs listed here cost $3,000 to $8,000. There will be some variations in fees at each school, though, so be sure to review all of the costs involved. 

There are also always costs for books and tools, but those tools are yours to keep as you enter your chosen occupation. All students who are interested in receiving federal (Pell Grant) and any state grants apply by completing the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA)form online.

Program Length

As noted above, you can choose from a certificate or an associate’s degree. The certificates require as few as 12 or as many as 33 credit hours. Associate’s degree programs typically take two years and require 60 credits or more. Most apprenticeships are four to five years long.

Benefits

There are benefits to formal education if you want to be an electrician. In some municipalities in Pennsylvania, a minimum amount of classroom instruction is required for applicants to be eligible for licensing. Also, oftentimes that formal education can be applied toward a college degree, such as an associate’s of applied science in Electrical Construction Technology. Technical training is also usually rewarded with higher starting pay and lifelong earnings.

Online vs in-person

You may choose to get electrician training through an online certificate program. Only you know if this type of independent curriculum will work for you. Both Penn Foster and Ashworth College offer online electrician classes.

Online programs are ideal for people looking for entry-level jobs or for entry-level workers who are looking to increase their salaries. If you know your learning style relies on personal instruction, more traditional in-person classes are very accessible throughout the state.

Level of difficulty

Electrician training programs are designed to prepare graduates for entry-level positions in commercial, industrial, or residential sectors as an electrical technician. The BLS says technical instruction for apprentices includes electrical theory, blueprint reading, mathematics, electrical code requirements, and safety and first-aid practices. Students may also receive specialized training related to soldering, communications, fire alarm systems, and elevators.

School Comparison: At a Glance

Many of the accredited training schools listed above are county technology centers. They have programs for high school students as well as adult education programs. They offer adult students financial aid in the form of grants and loans and have a 100% acceptance rate. The cost of the high school programs are largely covered through the schools although students may have to pay for books, tools, and protective clothing. The adult education costs are listed below where applicable.

Berks Career and Technology Center

• Customized Training | Adult Continuing Education

• Electrical Apprenticeship | 4 year program (180 hours/year) | $2,225

• Electrical Trade Prep Certificate | 9 months | 60 classes | $3,950

• Electrical Occupations | High School Program

Central Westmoreland Career and Technical Center

• Electrical Technology | High School Program

Articulates with Pittsburgh Technical College

Connellsville Area Career & Technical Center

• Electrical Occupations | High School Program

Articulates with area colleges including:

• Harrisburg Area Community College

• Pittsburgh Technical College

• Rosedale Technical College

Cumberland-Perry Area Career and Technical Center

• Electrical Construction/Maintenance | High School Program

Fayette County Career & Technical Center

• Electrical (Adult Education) | Full-time | 900 hours            

• Electrical (Adult Education)| Part-time | 300 hours

• Electrical Construction (HS Students) | Three-year program | 10th, 11th, 12th grade

Forbes Road Career & Technical Center

• Electrical Technology (Adult Education) | Full-time | 900 hours | $6,435

• Electrical Technology (Adult Education) | Part-time | 300 hours | $2,700

• Electrical Technology | High School Students

Greater Altoona Career & Technology Center

• Customized Training Programs | Adult Continuing Education

• Electrical Trades | High School Program

Articulates with several colleges including:

• Penn Highlands Community College

• Pittsburgh Technical College

• St. Francis University

Lebanon County Career & Technical Center

• Electrical Technology | High School Program

• Customized Training Electrical Systems | Adult Continuing Education

Lehigh Career and Technical Institute

• Electrical Technology | High School Program

• Residential Wiring & Electricity | Adult Continuing Education

• Electrical Technology – Day | Adult Continuing Education | 9 months

Middle Bucks Institute of Technology

• Residential Electricity | Adult Continuing Education | 10 weeks | $375

• Electrical Technology | High School Program

High school program articulates with Triangle Tech.

Mon Valley Career & Technical Center

• Electrical | High School Program | 10th, 11th, 12th grade

High school program articulates with several colleges and trade schools including:

• Harrisburg Area Community College

• Orleans Technical Institute

• Laurel Business Institute

• Pittsburgh Technical College

• Rosedale Technical College

• Triangle Tech

Adult Continuing Education is also available based on qualification.

Monroe Career and Technical Institute

• Electrical Level I | Adult Continuing Education | 7 sessions | $510

• Electrical Level II | Adult Continuing Education | 7 sessions | $510

• Electrical Technology | High School Program | 4 years | 9th, 10th, 11th, 12th grade

Reading Muhlenberg Career and Technology Center

• Electrical Technology | High School Program | 3 years | 10th, 11th, 12th grade

• Customized Training Programs | Adult Continuing Education

Somerset County Technology Center

• Electrical Occupations | High School Program | 3 years | 10th, 11th, 12th grade

Steel Center for Career and Technical Education

• Electrical Construction | High School Program | 3 years | 10th, 11th, 12th grade

Upper Bucks County Technical School

• Electrical Technology | High School Program | 3 years | 10th, 11th, 12th grade

Articulates with several colleges and trade schools including:

• Bucks County Community College

• Lehigh Carbon Community College

• Harrisburg Area Community College

• Orleans Technical Institute

• Rosedale Technical College

Western Area Career and Technology Center

• Electrical Occupations (Adult Ed.) | Full-time | 935 hours | $9,776

• Electrical Occupations (Adult Ed.) | Part-time | 300 hours | $7,995

• Electrical Occupations (HS Students) | Three-year program | 10th, 11th, 12th grade

High school program articulates with several colleges and trade schools including:

• Pittsburgh College of Technology

• Community College of Allegheny County

• ABC Associated Builders & Contractors, Inc. Apprenticeship Opportunities

• California University of Pennsylvania

• Pittsburgh Institute of Aeronautics

• Penn Commercial

• Pennsylvania College of Technology

• Rosedale Technical College

Wilkes-Barre Area Career and Technology Center

• Electrical Construction | High School Program | 3 years | 10th, 11th, 12th grade

• Electrical Construction | Adult Continuing Education

York County School of Technology

• Customized Industry Training | Adult Continuing Education               

Steps for Enrollment in Pennsylvania

Every college has its own way of doing things, but in general the process begins with visiting the school’s website and applying for admission online. Some require that you pay an application fee and provide several documents. In general, the application process has the following steps:

1. Complete your application.

2. Pay the application fee (if applicable).

3. Provide proof of residency to qualify for in-state tuition.

4. Have sealed official high school transcript or GED scores sent.

5. Submit placement test scores.

6. If applicable, apply for on-campus housing.

If you choose to start with an apprenticeship, you will want to contact the Local Union or non-union trade organization chapter closest to you. Each organization has a slightly different application process, but the application requirements in general are:

• Must be at least 18 years of age.

• Must be a high school graduate, senior scheduled to graduate or have earned a GED certificate. Applicants will be required to provide a copy of their diploma or GED certificate, and an official transcript of their grades following submission of the application.

• Must have a valid driver’s license.

• Have passed high school algebra or an equivalent post-high school algebra class with a “C” or better or pass an aptitude test.

• Pass a drug screen and criminal background checks.

Electrician Career Requirements in Pennsylvania

As mentioned earlier, Pennsylvania does not have an educational requirement to legally perform entry-level electrical work at the state level. Because licensing is done at the local level, the educational mandates vary from jurisdiction to jurisdiction. In some Pennsylvania communities, entry-level professionals just need to meet employer expectations to get started, but they must work for a licensed electrician. To be eligible to become a licensed electrician you must gain specific years of experience under the supervision of a master electrician or electrical contractor and pass a test. For a detailed explanation of Pennsylvania’s Electrician licensing requirements and how to fulfill them, check out our essential guide to getting your Pennsylvania Electrical License. 

Salaries for Electricians in Pennsylvania

Before paying for technical education to become an electrician, you’ll want some idea of the potential return on your investment of time, effort, energy, and money. In other words, what can you expect to make as an electrical professional in Pennsylvania? Payscale.com data provides an answer based on your experience. The median electrician salary in Pennsylvania for 2023 is:

• Entry level <2 years : $51,600

• Intermediate 2-4 years: $62,200

• Senior 4-6 years: $68,500

• Supervisor > 7 years: $98,000

For more information about electrician salaries, visit this state-by-state guide.

Industry Apprenticeships

As we said earlier, most electricians get their training through a formal apprenticeship. Most apprenticeships are four to five years long and combine hands-on training with classroom instruction. To meet U.S. Department of Labor standards, you must accumulate 8,000 hours of on-the-job training and 576 hours of classroom instruction over four years. Most also require you to be at least 18 years of age, have a high school diploma or a GED, and a valid driver’s license. 

There are many electrical union apprenticeship programs in Pennsylvania, which are offered by local chapters of the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers (IBEW) in coordination with the National Electrical Contractors Association (NECA). Together they make up the Electrical Training Alliance.

Non-union apprenticeships like those offered by the Pennsylvania chapters of the Associated Builders and Contractors ABC Eastern Pennsylvania Chapter, ABC Western Pennsylvania Chapter, ABC Keystone Chapter, ABC Cumberland Valley Chapter and the Pennsylvania Independent Electrical Contractors are similar to the union programs.

These non-union and union programs culminate in journeyman status as directed by national standards. Apprentices work for member contractors with an opportunity for increased wages each year until reaching journeyman status.

Some electrical contractors have their own training programs, which are not recognized formal apprenticeship programs but include both technical classroom and on-the-job training. After completing an apprenticeship program, electricians are considered journey workers and may perform duties on their own, subject to local or state licensing requirements.

Other School Options

We’ve highlighted many accredited programs, but accredited programs are far from your only option.

There are many programs throughout the state that may be more accessible to you based on where you live. There are just too many to list them all here, but in addition to all those already mentioned, each of the schools below has electrician programs .

• Community College of Allegheny County in Pittsburgh

• Delaware County Community College in Media

• Harrisburg Area Community College in Harrisburg

• Johnson College in Scranton

• Lehigh Carbon Community College in Schnecksville

• Lincoln Tech in Allentown

• Luzerne County Community College in Nanticoke

• Orleans Technical College in Pittsburgh

• Penn Commercial Business Technical School in Washington

• Pennco Tech in Bristol

• Pennsylvania College of Technology in Williamsport

• Rosedale Technical College in Pittsburgh

• Thaddeus Stevens College of Technology in Lancaster

• Triangle Tech in Pittsburgh

Pennsylvania has hundreds of college campuses across the state with electrical programs. You can find the training you need to excel as an electrician in Pennsylvania. The opportunities are all around you.