If you live in the state of Washington and you want to start a career in the electrician trade, this page is for you.
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the average annual wage reported by Washington electricians in 2021 was $79,050- higher than the national average for this profession.
If you’re passionate about physics and you enjoy working with your hands, enrolling in an electrician training program can be the first step towards a rewarding career.
To help you choose the program that best meets your needs, on this page we have compiled information about the top electrician school in Washington.
We invite you to read further and continue with your research.
1Southwest Washington Electrical J.A.T.C.
About the School
Southwest Washington Electrical J.A.T.C. provides training programs for apprentices and journeyman workers.
To qualify for admission to an apprenticeship, applicants must be 18 years of age.
They also have to be high school graduates or hold a GED with a minimum score of 250, 2500, or 600, depending on where they took the GED test.
A two-year associate degree or higher is also accepted in place of a high school diploma.
Courses Offered
The following apprenticeship programs are available:
- Inside Wireman- applicants need an average of “C” or better, or one-quarter of post-high school algebra with a passing grade, or having completed the NJATC math course with a minimum score of 75%.
- Low Voltage- having a year of high school algebra with a passing grade, or one-quarter of post-high school Algebra with a passing grade or having completed an NJATC math course with a minimum score of 75%
- Residential- applicants need to have completed General Math with a passing grade, or have completed the NJATC math course with at least 75%
Those who successfully meet the requirements will be scheduled for interviews.
A valid driver’s license is also required.
The wireman program includes 192 hours of daytime school instruction per year.
The low voltage program includes 160 hours per year, while the residential program includes 144 hours per year.
Contact Information
- Address: 3001 S. 36th Street Suite A Tacoma, WA 98409
- Phone: (253) 475-2922
- Website: http://www.swwaejatc.org
2Perry Technical Institute
About the School
Perry Technical Institute is a private, non-profit educational institution that offers 14 specialized technical training programs.
The school is located in South Central Washington, 144 miles southeast of Seattle and 188 miles northeast of Portland.
Perry Technical Institute collaborates with industry leaders to keep the curriculum up-to-date.
Employers come to the school looking for skilled workers.
Courses Offered
The institute provides an Electrical Technology program that can be completed in two years.
Students learn about the generation and distribution of AC/DC electricity, residential and commercial wiring, industrial motor controls, green technologies, and procedures for hands-on application, among many other programs.
Washington State Law requires that students hold an electrical training certificate from the Department of Labor & Industries before beginning the Electrical Technology program.
Students enrolled in this program have the opportunity to earn an Associate of Applied Science degree from YVC as well as a PTI certificate.
The curriculum includes classes on:
- Blueprint reading
- AC/DC theory
- Residential/commercial installations
- Motor controls
- Programmable logic controllers
- Electronics
- Solar power
- Transformers
- And more
Contact Information
- Address: 2011 W. Washington Ave, Yakima, WA 98903
- Phone: 509-453-0374
- Website: https://www.perrytech.edu
3Bates Technical College
About the School
Bates Technical College provides training programs for a variety of career pathways.
The college’s catalog includes an Electrical Construction program.
This program is designed for students who are seeking a degree or certificate that will get them ready for employment in commercial and residential construction.
Students have many opportunities to learn the skills needed for this field, including working with a non-profit such as Habitat for Humanity.
The Electrical Construction program prepares students for the Southwest Washington Electrical Joint Apprenticeship Training Committee, which is affiliated with the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers Local number 76.
This program is available at the South campus.
Full-time and swing shift programs are available for students who are seeking to earn a certificate in electrical construction and prepare for jobs in commercial and residential construction, public utility agencies, and industrial construction and maintenance.
Courses Offered
The A.A.S. degree program includes nine quarters of credit, while the certificate for competency can be earned after 3-4 quarters.
The A.A.S. degree requires courses such as:
- Introduction to Electrical Construction
- Applied Physical Science
- Hand and Power Tools
- Electrical Service Installation
- Residential Design
- Introduction to Residential Wiring
- National Electric Code
- Systems Troubleshooting
- Specialty Tools
- Commercial Wiring
- Commercial Codes and Regulations
- Industrial Installation
- Control Circuits
- And more
Contact Information
- Address: 1101 S. Yakima, Tacoma WA 98405
- Phone: 253.680.7000
- Website: https://www.batestech.edu
4NECA/IBEW Electrical Training Center
About the School
NECA/IBEW Electrical Training Center helps students prepare for careers that are “financially rewarding and personally satisfying”.
The center’s apprentices learn from respected and experienced instructors in a technologically-advanced facility.
Apprentices who enroll in classes are integrated into a Learning Management System.
The system provides them with access to an online portal where students have their personal accounts, and view all their courses, embedded videos, and other resources.
They also complete their homework through the online portal.
The instructors check and grade their work.
An online component for the renewal of CPR certification is also available.
Students review the materials online and come to the center for the hands-on part of the training.
Courses are also available on Instrumentation, 3-D modeling, and other topics.
Pre-apprenticeships are also available at NECA/IBEW Electrical Training Center.
Contact Information
- Address: 16021 NE Airport Way, Portland, OR 97230
- Phone: 503-262-9991
- Website: https://nietc.org
5South Seattle College | Georgetown
About the School
South Seattle College | Georgetown offers specialized workforce training in a variety of areas of interest.
The college trains more than 3,000 apprentices and journey-level workers per year in more than 50 different trades.
The training center provides classroom and laboratory space equipped to fit the needs of each specific trade.
Students can earn certificates or an associate degree.
The training takes place in the classroom and in laboratories where trainees obtain practical hands-on experience in their chosen trade or occupation.
Two-year transfer degrees are available for students who want to take their freshman and sophomore classes at Seattle Colleges for a fraction of the cost and then transfer to a four-year university.
The curriculum is developed in collaboration with business, labor, industry, and government partners.
South Seattle College | Georgetown is accredited by the Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities, the institutional accrediting agency for colleges and universities in Alaska, Idaho, Montana, Nevada, Oregon, Utah, and Washington.
An Electrical apprenticeship is available through the Construction Industry Training Council of WA.
Contact Information
- Address: 6737 Corson Avenue South, Seattle, WA 98108
- Phone: 206.934.5350
- Website: https://georgetown.southseattle.edu
6Construction Industry Training Council of Washington
About the School
The Construction Industry Training Council of Washington offers apprenticeships that combine formal classroom training and on-the-job training at a first-class employer.
The paid on-the-job training takes place under the supervision of experienced journey-level workers.
The Council currently serves more than 1,200 apprentices and classroom students, 8,000 students who attend continuing education programs, and more than 150 students who take part in the commercial, industrial, and other types of verifications.
Courses Offered
The following training paths are available:
- Electrical: 01 Commercial Inside Wireman
- Electrical: 02 Residential Wireman
- Electrical: 06 Low Energy/Sound & Communication Technician
Apprentices in the Commercial Inside Wireman program learn how to install, maintain, and repair electrical wiring, equipment, and fixtures.
They learn how to ensure that the work follows relevant codes through on-the-job and classroom training.
Residential Electrical Apprentices learn how to install wiring and troubleshoot electrical problems in homes.
Low Energy/Sound & Communication Technician apprentices learn how to install, maintain, replace, and repair electrical systems and equipment that is under 50 volts, such as protective signaling systems, communication systems, and specialized control systems.
Contact Information
- Address: 1930 116th Ave. NE, Bellevue, WA 98004
- Phone: 1.877.707.2482
- Website: https://citcwa.org
7Renton Technical College
About the School
Renton Technical College provides a variety of short and long-term career training programs, apprenticeships, college transfer, and applied bachelor’s degrees in the field of information technology.
The college also provides an Electrical Plant Maintenance program.
The curriculum is designed to teach students how to maintain and repair electrical plants and machines specific to the industry.
A certificate of completion is available after students achieve 29 credits.
To qualify for admission to the program students must be at least 18 years of age and hold a high school diploma or GED.
Tuition for certificate and associate degree programs is $119.13 per credit for Washington residents.
Courses Offered
The Electrical Plant Maintenance curriculum includes classes on:
- Fundamentals of Electricity and Lab
- Advanced Electrical and Lab
- Motor Control Principles and Lab
- Programmable Logic Controls
- And many other topics
Contact Information
- Address: 3000 NE 4th St. Renton, WA 98056
- Phone: (425) 235-2352
- Website: https://rtc.edu
8Yakima Valley Technical Skills Center
About the School
Yakima Valley Technical Skills Center prepares students with the skills and knowledge needed for successfully advancing to the next level in their education or career.
The school works closely with Yakima Valley Community College, Perry Technical Institute, The Pacific NW Regional Council of Carpenters, Job Corps, the city of Yakima, and other technical and community colleges.
Thus students have access to advanced placement and apprenticeship training.
Free college credits are also available for high school students.
Courses Offered
The center’s catalog features an Electrical program.
Students enrolled in this program learn how to:
- Design and install traditional and alternative energy systems in industrial, commercial, and residential buildings
- Stage and connect electrical wiring for power systems, motor control systems, and programmable logic controls
- And many other skills
Pre-apprenticeships, certifications, and college credit are available as well.
After completing the program, students are ready for employment, apprenticeships, advanced certifications, and further education.
The following courses are included in the Electrical pathway:
- Electricity/Green Energy AC Application
- Introduction to Controls
- Medic First Aid Basic
- YV Tech Electrical
Contact Information
- Address: 1120 S. 18th Street, Yakima, WA 98901
- Phone: (509) 573-5500
- Website: https://www.ysd7.org/yvtech
9Clover Park Technical College
About the School
Clover Park Technical College provides training programs that prepare students for careers and further education in a variety of fields.
Tuition for level 090 through 200-level courses is $119.13 for resident students.
Courses Offered
The college’s catalog includes an Electrical Low Voltage Fire/Security program.
Students enrolled in this program participate in hands-on training using advanced equipment, techniques, and programming and prepare for careers as alarm-system installers and service technicians.
This program is approved as a Limited Energy specialty electrical training program in Washington.
Students who meet certain criteria may be credited up to 1,815 hours.
The following programs are available:
- Electrician Low Voltage Fire/Security AAT Degree- a five-quarter program
- Electrician Low Voltage Fire/Security Certificate- a three-quarter program
Students take classes on topics such as:
- AC/DC Electricity
- National Electrical Code Print Reading
- National Alarm Installer Training Program
- Washington Administrative Codes
- Addressable Fire SLC Systems/Design
- Biometrics Access
- High-Security Structured Cabling
- And more
Contact Information
- Address: 4500 Steilacoom Blvd SW, Lakewood WA 98499-4004
- Phone: 253-589-5800
- Website: https://www.cptc.edu
10Cascadia Tech Academy
About the School
Cascadia Tech Academy provides training programs in a variety of academic areas.
Courses Offered
The academy’s catalog includes a Construction Technology pathway.
This program combines theory and hands-on experiences working on several construction projects.
The first year of study covers instruction in safety, hand and power tool usage, construction mathematics, building codes, and building plans.
During the second year of study, trainees receive advanced instruction in safety, pneumatic tool usage, construction mathematics, and interpretation of engineering building plans.
In addition, students also have the opportunity to work with a subcontractor on electrical, plumbing, HVAC, and roofing projects.
The program awards three high school credits and a competency certificate.
Students develop entry-level job skills and prepare for the next level of education.
Scholarships are also available.
This program is considered a pre-apprenticeship for several apprenticeship programs.
Contact Information
- Address: 12200 NE 28th Street, Vancouver, WA 98682
- Phone: 360.604.1050
- Website: https://www.cascadiatechnicalacademy.org
Regional Salary in Washington
Region | Employed | Avg. Annual Salary | Avg. Hourly Pay | Top 10% Annual Salary | Bottom 10% Annual Salary |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
Bellingham, WA | 650 | $89,280 | $42.92 | $109,720 | $50,630 |
Bremerton-Silverdale, WA | 1,080 | $70,050 | $33.68 | $88,190 | $46,470 |
Kennewick-Richland, WA | 910 | $91,620 | $44.05 | $122,090 | $49,220 |
Longview, WA | 270 | $82,490 | $39.66 | $116,750 | $47,850 |
Mount Vernon-Anacortes, WA | 490 | $96,000 | $46.16 | $140,810 | $50,850 |
Olympia-Tumwater, WA | 560 | $85,190 | $40.96 | $125,630 | $45,680 |
Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue, WA | 9,710 | $94,730 | $45.54 | $142,800 | $52,000 |
Spokane-Spokane Valley, WA | 1,140 | $77,970 | $37.49 | $116,420 | $44,220 |
Walla Walla, WA | 100 | $68,410 | $32.89 | $92,580 | $37,250 |
Wenatchee, WA | 390 | $87,660 | $42.15 | $123,480 | $47,120 |
Yakima, WA | 430 | $76,710 | $36.88 | $105,860 | $45,120 |
* Employment conditions in your area may vary.
Final Thoughts
Now that you have read our list, it’s time to continue the research and apply for the program that best meets your needs and career expectations.
This is an important step, so take your time and make an informed decision.