The demand for skilled electricians in California is surging as the technical industry consistently expands and natural disasters cause power outages all around the state.
If you’re looking for a career that comes with excellent job security, constant growth opportunities, and excellent pay, then you should consider working in the electrical industry!
So, keep reading to find out how to become an electrician in California.
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Electrician Job Duties and Skills in California
CalCareers.ca.gov states that electricians should have these skills and be prepared to perform the following job duties:
- Install transmission lines for electrical equipment;
- Assemble, install, and repair electric lights, motors, heaters, generators, transformers, switchboards and other electrical apparatus
- Troubleshoot electrical systems
- Operate electrical power-generating plants
- Estimate the cost of minor electrical installations
- Keep simple records and make reports
And more.
Electricians should also have:
- Good communication skills
- Good time management skills
- Critical thinking skills
- Problem-solving skills
- Customer service skills
How to Become an Electrician in California
Still interested in becoming an electrician?
Read the steps below to find out how you can make your dream career a reality!
Make Sure You Meet The Requirements
To be eligible for an electrical license in California, you must be 18 years old or older.
You must also have a high school diploma, GED, or equivalent.
Make sure you meet these requirements before applying to take the licensing exam!
Get All the Necessary Classroom Hours
You have to make sure you complete 150 hours in class before you can apply for your electrical license in California.
Be sure you meet this requirement or you will be unable to get your license!
Complete The Required Training
If you don’t gain 8,000 hours of work experience, you won’t be eligible to receive an electrical license in California.
You can gain all the required hours by completing an apprenticeship program.
You can also gain working hours while attending some technical schools and community colleges.
Apply For Your License
Once you’re sure you’ve met all the requirements, you can apply for your electrical license!
To do this, you need to take and pass the electrical exam.
This exam will be 100 questions, and you must score a 70% or higher to pass.
If you pass the exam, you get your license!
Training Programs for Electricians in California
Here are some institutions in California that offer electrical training programs.
Diablo Valley College
At Diablo Valley College, students have the opportunity to earn:
- An Associate in Science – Electrical/Electronics Technology
- A Certificate of Achievement – Electrical/Electronics Technology
- A Certificate of Accomplishment – Electrical/Electronics Technology
And Dvc.edu states, “The electrical/electronics technology program will prepare you for work in a variety of occupations and career paths, including:
- Electronics Engineering Technician
- Electrical and Electronics Repairer (Commercial/Industrial Equipment)
- Electrical and Electronics Installers & Repairer (Transportation Equipment)
- Electrical and Electronics Repairer (Powerhouse/Substation/Relay)”
The program offers an education that will go far in earning students a diverse range of career opportunities.
Electrical Training Institute of San Diego & Imperial Counties
The Electrical Training Institute of San Diego & Imperial Counties offers students an apprenticeship opportunity that will allow them to make a living while learning.
The school offers a wireman apprenticeship an a telecommunications apprenticeship.
The wireman program is a 5-year training program while the telecommunications program offers 4-year training.
According to Etiedusandiego.org, students will only be required to attend class two nights per week two semesters during the year, making it a great options for those who prefer out-of-classroom learning.
Fresno City College
Fresno City College offers the Electrical Systems Technology course, which “Provides an opportunity for you to prepare for employment or enhance your current job skills in the electronics, electrical, controls, and communications industries.
Job opportunities are in residential, commercial or industrial settings.”
Fresnocitycollege.edu also states, “Most courses include both lecture and lab and have been approved by the Division of Apprenticeship Standards (DAS) to qualify you as an Electrician Trainee in the state of California.”
Los Angeles Trade Technical College
After completing Los Angeles Trade Technical College’s program, students will have the necessary knowledge and skills for a career in Residential, Commercial, and Industrial Construction and Maintenance of Electrical Systems.
According to Lattc.edu, “Electrical theory, electrical controls, conduit installation, blueprints, low voltage systems, maintenance practices, equipment installation, etc. are just some of the skills that will be mastered during this program.”
LATTC offers students the option to pursue the Electrical Construction and Maintenance Associate of Science degree, the Electrical Construction and Maintenance Construction Technologies Associate of Arts degree, or Certificates of Achievement.
| School Name | Address |
|---|---|
| Diablo Valley College | 321 Golf Club Rd, Pleasant Hill, CA 94523 |
| Electrical Training Institute of San Diego & Imperial Counties | 4675 Viewridge Ave, San Diego, CA 92123 |
| Fresno City College | 1101 E. University Ave, Fresno, CA 93741 |
| Los Angeles Trade Technical College | 400 W Washington Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90015-4181 |
Electrician Salaries in California
California is an expensive place to live, so you may be wondering how much you can expect to earn as an electrician while living there.
The amount you can earn depends on a wide range of circumstances, such as how long you’ve been an electrician, and how much expertise you possess.
It also depends on which city you reside in.
Check out the chart below for an in-depth look at earning potential based on city.
Annual Salary Range:| Location | Avg. Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| San Jose | $81,901 |
| San Francisco | $81,575 |
| Oakland | $79,617 |
| Los Angeles | $73,267 |
| Anaheim | $72,928 |
| Santa Ana | $72,830 |
| Long Beach | $72,765 |
| Sacramento | $70,670 |
| San Diego | $70,426 |
| Fresno | $65,391 |
Regional Salary in California
| Region | Employed | Avg. Annual Salary | Avg. Hourly Pay | Top 10% Annual Salary | Bottom 10% Annual Salary |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Bakersfield, CA | 1,380 | $73,220 | $35.2 | $111,810 | $39,720 |
| Chico, CA | 350 | $66,020 | $31.74 | $100,800 | $38,500 |
| El Centro, CA | 160 | $68,740 | $33.05 | $105,580 | $36,850 |
| Fresno, CA | 1,690 | $66,270 | $31.86 | $101,030 | $37,530 |
| Hanford-Corcoran, CA | 100 | $66,360 | $31.9 | $87,400 | $43,680 |
| Los Angeles-Long Beach-Anaheim, CA | 20,870 | $77,150 | $37.09 | $119,390 | $43,820 |
| Madera, CA | 130 | $74,870 | $36 | $119,780 | $44,720 |
| Merced, CA | 130 | $71,290 | $34.28 | $123,690 | $44,740 |
| Modesto, CA | 830 | $69,000 | $33.17 | $100,400 | $38,010 |
| Napa, CA | 200 | $69,600 | $33.46 | $103,090 | $43,610 |
| Oxnard-Thousand Oaks-Ventura, CA | 1,050 | $68,020 | $32.7 | $101,220 | $45,250 |
| Redding, CA | 290 | $78,870 | $37.92 | $126,330 | $42,770 |
| Riverside-San Bernardino-Ontario, CA | 7,820 | $69,590 | $33.46 | $124,970 | $37,160 |
| Sacramento--Roseville--Arden-Arcade, CA | 6,030 | $74,730 | $35.93 | $126,760 | $39,530 |
| Salinas, CA | 440 | $72,530 | $34.87 | $107,200 | $41,600 |
| San Diego-Carlsbad, CA | 8,390 | $69,940 | $33.63 | $106,960 | $40,230 |
| San Francisco-Oakland-Hayward, CA | 9,990 | $96,330 | $46.31 | $164,360 | $47,650 |
| San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA | 4,700 | $99,230 | $47.71 | $167,390 | $48,980 |
| San Luis Obispo-Paso Robles-Arroyo Grande, CA | 490 | $75,640 | $36.37 | $128,460 | $39,130 |
| Santa Cruz-Watsonville, CA | 290 | $73,180 | $35.18 | $100,290 | $44,600 |
| Santa Maria-Santa Barbara, CA | 630 | $67,160 | $32.29 | $99,130 | $38,980 |
| Santa Rosa, CA | 1,110 | $75,640 | $36.36 | $113,420 | $44,010 |
| Stockton-Lodi, CA | 1,390 | $73,540 | $35.36 | $124,920 | $39,570 |
| Vallejo-Fairfield, CA | 720 | $75,550 | $36.32 | $120,260 | $47,050 |
| Visalia-Porterville, CA | 570 | $67,190 | $32.3 | $101,550 | $36,780 |
| Yuba City, CA | 140 | $69,880 | $33.6 | $100,240 | $41,410 |
* Employment conditions in your area may vary.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many work hours do you need to receive an electrical license in California?
You’ll need to earn 8,000 work hours before you can apply for your electrical license in California.
How much does an electrician make in California?
This depends on work experience and expertise, but most electricians in California will make $50,000 or more per year.
Do electricians need a license in California?
Yes.
If you want to become an electrician in California, you’ll need to get a license from the California Department of Industrial Relations.
Electrician Info by State
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