Compare accredited Electrician schools across New York below, then review pay, licensing steps, and training paths for the trade.
Sponsored - request program info.
Best Electrician Schools in New York
How we rank schools – graduation rate, graduate earnings, cost and retention.
Advertising plays no part.
This page lists 10 schools
within 11 miles, closest group first, then ordered by
BOC Score with the highest at the top.
10 of them carry a score.
LOCAL RANK
Location / proximity to this page
Defines the local group
Graduation rate how often students finish
30%
Median earnings, 10 years after entry whether it paid off
25%
Average net price what students actually pay after aid; lower ranks higher
20%
Retention rate how many come back for year two
15%
Fully online availability whether you can study while working
10%
Scores come from IPEDS (2024) and the U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard.
Earnings are for all graduates of a school, not one program, so treat them as a signal
about the institution rather than about this subject.
Sponsored listings are paid placements and are labelled as such; they are separate from
this ranking and never change it. Read the full methodology.
BOC Score, tuition, graduation rate, and median graduate earnings from
federal IPEDS and U.S. Dept. of Education College Scorecard data. Earnings
are reported across all programs at the school (all majors), not a single
trade. Distance is measured from the main population center in New York.
Schools closest to the main population center in New York are gathered first, then ranked by BOC Score; distance from the main population center in New York is shown for reference.
The BOC Score is an independent measure of school outcomes (graduation,
earnings, net price, retention) expressed as a 0–100 percentile within
each school's peer group; higher is better and advertising never affects it.
*Online availability refers to coursework; hands-on trade training is
completed in person. Read the full methodology.
Median Graduate Earnings at Electrician Schools in New YorkSource: U.S. Dept. of Education College Scorecard - median earnings of all graduates at each school (not a single program).
Median graduate earnings by school for schools serving Best Electrician Schools in New York
School
Median graduate earnings
Essex County College
$48,042
Berk Trade and Business School
$47,739
Apex Technical School
$46,910
CUNY Bronx Community College
$44,993
Hudson County Community College
$44,020
Electrician Pay and Job Outlook
What electricians earn across the pay scaleProjected job growth for electriciansTop-paying states for electricians
New York Quick Facts
Metric
Value
Source
State median annual wage
$78,750
BLS OEWS, May 2025
State employment
40,130 workers
BLS OEWS, May 2025
State location quotient
0.85
BLS OEWS, May 2025
State unemployment rate
3.9%
BLS LAUS (2024)
Federal Davis-Bacon prevailing wage
$49.8/hr ($44.3 base + $5.5 fringe)
DOL Wage and Hour Division, 2026
Top Cities for Electrician Training in New York
The cities below have the highest concentration of electrician training programs and population centers within New York. Click through for school listings near each:
If you want to work as an electrician in New York, your first step is getting the right training. You’ll need hands-on skills, an understanding of electrical codes, and experience with real-world projects. The best electrician schools in New York combine classroom instruction with lab work and apprenticeships so you can meet state and local licensing requirements.
This guide covers the top programs in the state, the credentials you’ll need, and how to choose the school that fits your goals.
How Electrician Licensing Works in New York
Unlike some states, New York does not have a single statewide electrician license. Licensing rules vary by city and county. For example, New York City requires electricians to be licensed through the Department of Buildings, while other municipalities have their own boards.
Always check the exact requirements for the city or county where you plan to work. Requirements can include minimum training hours, apprenticeships, and passing a trade exam.
Typical licensing steps in New York include:
Complete electrical training at a trade school or through an apprenticeship.
Work as an apprentice under a licensed electrician.
Meet local experience requirements (often 5+ years for a master license).
Pass the local licensing exam.
Maintain your license with renewal and continuing education.
Choosing the Right Electrician School
When you compare New York electrician programs, keep these factors in mind:
Accreditation - Look for programs recognized by the New York State Education Department.
Training format - Some schools focus on classroom training; others mix in lab projects and field work.
Apprenticeship support - Many schools have direct connections to union or non-union apprenticeship programs.
Location and schedule - Decide whether you need evening classes, weekend options, or a campus near home.
Exam preparation - The best programs typically teach both hands-on work and code knowledge to prep for licensing tests.
Union and Non-Union Apprenticeship Programs
In addition to classroom-based trade schools, you can enter the field through an apprenticeship. This lets you earn while you learn and gain supervised experience.
Union Path
The International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers (IBEW) Local 3 in New York City runs a Joint Apprenticeship and Training Committee (JATC) program. This is a five-year paid training program combining on-the-job learning with classes.
Non-Union Path
Organizations such as the Independent Electrical Contractors (IEC) and some private contractors run open-shop apprenticeship programs. These tend to have flexible schedules and variable wages.
How to Become an Electrician in New York
Once you’ve chosen a training path, follow these steps:
Enroll in an electrician school or apprenticeship program.
Learn the National Electrical Code (NEC), which forms the backbone of licensing exams.
Track all work hours under a licensed electrician, these count toward experience requirements.
Apply for your local license exam when you meet the minimum experience threshold.
Stay up to date with code changes and continuing education after licensure.
Compliance and Safety Training
Electricians in New York must work safely and follow all codes.
According to OSHA, all electricians should receive training in arc flash hazards, lockout/tagout procedures, and fall protection before performing electrical work 1.
The best schools integrate this directly into their curriculum so you’re prepared for both field work and inspections.
How to Evaluate a Program Before You Apply
Visit the campus to see lab facilities.
Ask about graduate outcomes data.
Learn the instructor’s trade background.
Confirm the program meets local licensing requirements.
Final Thoughts and Next Steps
New York offers strong opportunities for electricians, but you need the right training and credentials to start.
Here’s what you should do next:
Decide if you want to start with school or go straight into an apprenticeship.
Review the programs listed above and request program details.
Check the licensing rules for your city or county.
Begin your training and work toward apprenticeship hours right away.
The sooner you start, the sooner you’ll gain the experience you need to work as a licensed electrician in New York.
Electrician Wages and Workforce in New York
In New York, Electrician programs train for an occupation with a median wage of about $78,750 per year, and most earn between $45,740 and $131,640 (BLS OEWS, May 2025). New York employs roughly 40,130 workers in this occupation, a workforce concentration of about 0.85 times the national average (BLS OEWS, May 2025).
Trade-relevant schools serving New York include Berk Trade and Business School, SUNY College of Technology at Alfred, and Erie 1 BOCES. Compare tuition, program length, and graduation outcomes in the table above (IPEDS and College Scorecard).
Electrician Training and Licensing in New York
Licensing for Electrician varies by state and locality. Confirm current training, exam, and credential requirements with the appropriate New York 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).
Frequently Asked Questions
What does electrician training in New York involve?
Electrician training in New York is offered through trade school certificate programs (typically 6 to 12 months), community college associate degree programs (about 2 years), and registered apprenticeships that combine paid on-the-job training with related classroom instruction over 3 to 5 years. Coursework generally covers safety, applicable codes and standards, hands-on lab work, and exam preparation for any required credential.
How much do electricians earn in New York?
According to BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (May 2025), electricians in New York earned a median annual wage of approximately $78,750. Pay varies with experience, certification, and employer; the 10th to 90th percentile range was approximately $45,740 to $131,640 (BLS OEWS, May 2025).
What is the New York license or certification process for electricians?
Licensing for electrician work is handled at the state level in New York. Consult New York's licensing board for current training, examination, and renewal requirements before enrolling in a program.
About this guide: Researched and written by the TradeCareerPath Editorial Team. Our editorial team researches and sources every trade school and career guide using federal labor and education data, including BLS OEWS and Employment Projections, DOL apprenticeship records, IPEDS, College Scorecard, and state licensing boards. We follow the editorial standards documented at /editorial-policy/.
