Best Electrician Schools in Washington

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

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Best Electrician Schools in Washington

Electrician Pay and Job Outlook

Washington Quick Facts

Top Cities for Electrician Training in Washington

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

• Seattle, Washington
• Spokane, Washington
• Bremerton, Washington
• Kennewick, Washington
• Mount Vernon, Washington
• Bellingham, Washington
• Olympia, Washington
• Yakima, Washington
• Wenatchee, Washington
• Longview, Washington

If you want to work as an electrician in Washington, the first step is getting the right training. The state requires formal education combined with hands‑on experience before you can get licensed. Your choice of school matters because it can set the tone for your entire career.

How Electrician Training Works in Washington

In Washington, you can’t just pick up tools and start working as an electrician. You need an electrical training certificate and you must work under a licensed electrician while also meeting classroom requirements.

To get licensed as a journey level electrician, the state requires:

1. 8,000 hours of supervised electrical work experience.
2. 96 hours of basic classroom education in technical subjects.

Washington State Department of Labor & Industries says:
“All trainees must be supervised 100% of the time by a journey level or specialty electrician while performing electrical work.”

This means you’ll usually work as an electrical trainee while attending trade school or an apprenticeship program.

How to Become an Electrician in Washington

Follow this process to stay in compliance:

1. Get an Electrical Trainee Card
   Apply through the Washington State Department of Labor & Industries before you start work.

2. Choose a Training Path
   Pick a trade school, community college, or union/non‑union apprenticeship program.

3. Complete Required Classroom Hours
   Your school should track and report your hours to the state.

4. Log Your On‑the‑Job Hours
   Keep accurate records. You’ll need them when applying for your license exam.

5. Apply for the Journey Level Electrician Exam
   Once your hours and training are complete, schedule the state exam.

Union and Non‑Union Apprenticeships

Many electricians in Washington start with apprenticeships instead of college classes. Apprenticeships give you paid on‑the‑job training plus classroom instruction. In Washington, you can apply through:

• IBEW/NECA Joint Apprenticeship & Training Committees (Union)
• Independent Electrical Contractors (IEC) of Washington (Non‑Union)

These programs meet the state licensing requirements for both hours and education, making them a direct path to training as a journey level electrician.

Choosing the Right Training Path

When you’re comparing trade schools, think about:

• Location and commute
• Cost and tuition
• Program schedule (day, evening, or weekend classes)
• Connections to local employers
• Pass rates for the state electrician exam

If possible, visit the campus, talk to instructors, and see the training labs. The equipment you train on should match what you’ll use in the field.

Final Tips Before You Enroll

• Confirm state approval: Make sure the program is recognized by the Washington State Department of Labor & Industries.
• Plan for work hours: You’ll need an employer sponsor or apprenticeship placement to log required hours.
• Stay current on code updates: Washington follows the NEC, which changes every three years.
• Keep paperwork organized: Missing records can delay your license application.

Summary and Next Step

Training as an electrician in Washington takes commitment, but it’s a straightforward process if you start with the right school. Focus on programs that combine solid classroom education with real jobsite experience. Once you have your hours and coursework, you can apply for your journey level exam and move forward in your career.

Here’s what to do next:

1. Check the Washington State L&I electrician trainee requirements to make sure you understand the rules.
2. Contact at least three schools or apprenticeship programs from the list above.
3. Apply for your electrical trainee card.
4. Start your training and log every hour.

The sooner you begin, the sooner you’ll be eligible to test for your license and work independently.

Electrician Wages and Workforce in Washington

In Washington, Electrician programs train for an occupation with a median wage of about $95,220 per year, and most earn between $52,170 and $133,950 (BLS OEWS, May 2025). Washington employs roughly 19,380 workers in this occupation, a workforce concentration of about 1.12 times the national average (BLS OEWS, May 2025).

Trade-relevant schools serving Washington include Grays Harbor College, Walla Walla Community College, and Bellingham Technical College. Compare tuition, program length, and graduation outcomes in the table above (IPEDS and College Scorecard).

Electrician Training and Licensing in Washington

Licensing for Electrician varies by state and locality. Confirm current training, exam, and credential requirements with the appropriate Washington 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).