Best Electrician Schools in Iowa

Compare accredited Electrician schools across Iowa below, then review pay, licensing steps, and training paths for the trade.

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Best Electrician Schools in Iowa

Electrician Pay and Job Outlook

Iowa Quick Facts

Top Cities for Electrician Training in Iowa

The cities below have the highest concentration of electrician training programs and population centers within Iowa. Click through for school listings near each:

• Des Moines, Iowa
• Cedar Rapids, Iowa
• Davenport, Iowa
• Iowa City, Iowa
• Waterloo, Iowa
• Sioux City, Iowa
• Ames, Iowa
• Dubuque, Iowa

If you want to work as an electrician in Iowa, the first step is getting proper training. The state requires a combination of classroom hours and on-the-job experience before you can test for your license. Picking the right school makes that process easier and sets you up for success.

Below, you’ll find the main steps to become an electrician in Iowa, followed by some of the strongest training programs in the state.

How to Become a Licensed Electrician in Iowa

The Iowa Electrical Examining Board (IEEB) oversees licensing. You cannot work as an electrician in Iowa without first completing approved training and meeting experience requirements.

Here’s the typical path:

1. Enroll in an approved electrician training program - This can be a trade school, community college, or union apprenticeship.
2. Complete classroom instruction - Iowa usually requires 144 classroom hours per year of apprenticeship.
3. Document supervised work experience - Most licenses need 4 years (8,000 hours) of experience for a journey-level electrician.
4. Apply for your exam - Send your proof of training and work hours to the IEEB.
5. Pass the state licensing exam - This covers the National Electrical Code (NEC), state regulations, and safety rules.
6. Maintain your license - Continuing education is required to renew.

Iowa Code Chapter 103 requires all electricians performing work for pay to hold a state license unless specifically exempt.
. Iowa Electrical Examining Board

You can find all requirements on the Iowa Electrical Examining Board website.

Union Apprenticeship Options

In Iowa, one of the most reliable routes into the trade is a union apprenticeship through the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers (IBEW) and the National Electrical Contractors Association (NECA) Joint Apprenticeship & Training Committees (JATCs).

Iowa JATC locations include:

• IBEW Local 13 (Des Moines)
• IBEW Local 55 (Des Moines)
• IBEW Local 231 (Sioux City)
• IBEW Local 288 (Waterloo)

These apprenticeships typically take 4-5 years and combine paid on-the-job training with classroom education, satisfying state licensing requirements.

You can find applications at your nearest IBEW local office or its training center.

Tips for Choosing the Right Iowa Electrician School

When comparing electrical training programs in Iowa, consider:

• Program accreditation - Make sure it’s recognized by the Iowa Electrical Examining Board.
• Industry connections - Schools with strong employer ties can help place you into an apprenticeship faster.
• Class schedule - Evening or part-time courses can be important if you need to work while you train.
• Facilities - Look for modern labs with updated tools and NEC resources.
• Graduate outcomes - Ask schools about job outcomes data and apprenticeship matches.

Next Steps

Here’s what to do now:

1. Decide which type of training works best for you. a community college program or a union apprenticeship.
2. Contact at least two Iowa electrician schools from the list above to compare tuition, schedules, and career support.
3. Check your chosen program is approved by the Iowa Electrical Examining Board.
4. Plan for the required four years of combined work and class time to qualify for the journeyman license.

Starting your electrician career in Iowa means investing in good training now. The right school will prepare you to pass the state exam, work safely, and build the skills you’ll use every day on the job.

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Electrician Wages and Workforce in Iowa

In Iowa, Electrician programs train for an occupation with a median wage of about $60,860 per year, and most earn between $39,770 and $89,480 (BLS OEWS, May 2025). Iowa employs roughly 10,310 workers in this occupation, a workforce concentration of about 1.36 times the national average (BLS OEWS, May 2025).

Trade-relevant schools serving Iowa include Northwest Iowa Community College, Orion Technical College, and Marshalltown Community College. Compare tuition, program length, and graduation outcomes in the table above (IPEDS and College Scorecard).

Electrician Training and Licensing in Iowa

Licensing for Electrician varies by state and locality. Confirm current training, exam, and credential requirements with the appropriate Iowa licensing board before you enroll; many employers also look for recognized industry certifications.

Training paths typically range from certificate programs (6 to 12 months) and associate degrees (about 2 years) to registered apprenticeships (3 to 5 years) that combine paid on-the-job training with classroom instruction (TradeCareerPath program data).