Georgia is one of the best places to work as an electrician.
There is more demand for electricians than there is supply, which means those entering the electrical field can look forward to great pay, stable work, and plenty of opportunities to grow in their careers.
If this sounds good to you, then keep reading to learn how you can become an electrician in Georgia.
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Electrician Job Duties and Skills in Georgia
According to Owens Corning Careers, the principal responsibilities of an electrician are:
- Replacing or repairing equipment and/or component parts as required.
- Inspecting the equipment to determine the condition and state of repair.
- Replacing defective wiring.
- Installing and/or repairing minor electrical components, which include motors, receptacles, etc.
- Reading and analyzing electrical diagrams or schematic drawings and making needed repairs.
And more.
Some of the necessary soft skills for electricians include:
- Teamwork
- Time management
- Customer service
- Problem-solving
- Attention to detail
Overall, electricians must possess a wide variety of different skills in order to be successful in the industry.
But don’t be alarmed if you do not already have these skills!
As long as you are willing to consistently expand your knowledge and skill set, you will thrive in this career path.
How to Become an Electrician in Georgia
Unsure of how to go about entering the electrical workforce?
Read the steps down below to find out how!
Meet The Necessary Requirements
To be eligible for an electrical license in Georgia, you must be 21 years old or older.
You must also have a high school diploma or a GED.
Make sure you meet these requirements before applying to take the licensing exam!
Complete All Necessary Classroom Hours
You have to make sure you complete 576 classroom hours before you can apply for your electrical license in Georgia.
Be sure you meet this requirement, or you will be unable to get your license!
Complete All Necessary Training
If you do not gain 8,000 hours of on-the-job work experience, you won’t be eligible to receive an electrical license in Georgia.
You can gain all the required hours by completing an apprenticeship program.
You can also gain working hours while attending some vocational or technical schools and community colleges.
Apply to Get 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 have 155 questions, and you must score 70% or higher to pass.
If you pass the exam, you can get your license!
Training Programs for Electricians in Georgia
Here are some institutions in Georgia that offer electrical training programs.
Augusta Technical College
At Augusta Technical College, students can earn The Electrical Contracting Technician Technical Certificate, which will prepare students for careers in residential and commercial electrical industries.
According to Augusta Tech, “The program emphasizes a combination of theory and practical application necessary for successful employment.”
Athens Technical College
Athens Technical College offers the Electrical Construction Systems Technology program, which is a specialized program for students who are interested in specializing in construction.
Athens Tech states that “Hands-on labs account for approximately 50% of the program curriculum.”
There are lab facilities for residential wiring, conduit bending, and industrial motor controls, as well as trainers that are used for theory classes.”
So, it’s an incredibly hands-on course!
Lincoln College of Technology
Lincoln College of Technology offers Electrical and Electronic Systems Technology classes.
Lincoln states, “These classes will help you build the skills to install, connect, service and troubleshoot fiber optics and cable systems with guidance from industry-experienced instructors.
Step inside our “Smart House” facility, where you’ll work on home security installation programs and gain technical know-how in mobile communications.
And learn high-voltage technology for installing and troubleshooting electrical cable and components in construction, residential and commercial settings.”
Students who join this program will learn about:
- Computers and networking
- Controls and wiring
- Fire alarm systems
- The foundation and history of the electrical and electronics industries
And more.
Savannah Technical College
Savannah Tech states, “The Electrical Technology programs provide instruction in the inspection, maintenance, installation and repair of electrical systems in residential, commercial, industrial and sustainable energy environments.
A combination of theory and practical application is emphasized to develop academic, technical and professional knowledge and skills.”
The program is a great option for those looking to learn the basics and build a basic foundation of knowledge.
The course also focuses on sustainable technologies because “Those with the ability to incorporate sustainable technologies will increase workforce opportunities and demand.”
| School Name | Address |
|---|---|
| Augusta Technical College | 3200 Augusta Tech Drive, Augusta, Georgia 30906 |
| Athens Technical College | 800 U.S. Hwy 29 North, Athens, Georgia 30601 |
| Lincoln College of Technology | 2359 Windy Hill Rd SE, Marietta, GA 30067 |
| Savannah Technical College | 5717 White Bluff Rd, Savannah, Georgia 31405-5594 |
Electrician Salaries in Georgia
In Georgia, entry-level electricians may be looking to earn around $40,000 to $45,000 per year.
However, on average, most electricians in Georgia tend to make $60.000 or more!
The amount you’ll earn depends on several factors, such as your experience, expertise, and even your city.
Check out the chart below to see how Georgia electricians’ pay varies city by city.
Annual Salary Range:| Location | Avg. Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| Atlanta | $64,098 |
| Marietta | $63,915 |
| Roswell | $63,854 |
| Athens-Clarke County | $63,641 |
| Savannah | $61,322 |
| Augusta-Richmond County | $61,070 |
| Macon | $60,619 |
| Warner Robins | $60,436 |
| Albany | $59,988 |
| Columbus | $59,352 |
Regional Salary in Georgia
| Region | Employed | Avg. Annual Salary | Avg. Hourly Pay | Top 10% Annual Salary | Bottom 10% Annual Salary |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Albany, GA | 350 | $53,380 | $25.66 | $75,160 | $35,890 |
| Athens-Clarke County, GA | 300 | $52,830 | $25.4 | $72,300 | $35,680 |
| Atlanta-Sandy Springs-Roswell, GA | 12,150 | $57,740 | $27.76 | $79,220 | $35,620 |
| Augusta-Richmond County, GA-SC | 1,440 | $64,520 | $31.02 | $86,560 | $37,780 |
| Brunswick, GA | 90 | $49,520 | $23.81 | $72,620 | $30,780 |
| Columbus, GA-AL | 400 | $46,970 | $22.58 | $62,230 | $34,440 |
| Dalton, GA | 180 | $50,680 | $24.37 | $70,560 | $36,770 |
| Gainesville, GA | 310 | $52,690 | $25.33 | $73,530 | $35,860 |
| Hinesville, GA | 40 | $67,170 | $32.29 | $88,120 | $44,890 |
| Macon, GA | 440 | $54,530 | $26.22 | $85,150 | $35,300 |
| Rome, GA | 140 | $60,810 | $29.24 | $86,380 | $39,010 |
| Savannah, GA | 540 | $53,410 | $25.68 | $74,030 | $36,560 |
| Valdosta, GA | 340 | $46,040 | $22.14 | $63,900 | $30,180 |
| Warner Robins, GA | 190 | $52,540 | $25.26 | $62,250 | $41,460 |
* Employment conditions in your area may vary.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do electricians need a license in Georgia?
Yes.
You can’t legally do any electrical work as an electrician without receiving a license from the Georgia State Construction Industry Licensing Board.
How long does it take to become a certified electrician in Georgia?
It will take around four years to become a certified electrician in Georgia, which is the amount of time it takes to gain the necessary amount of working hours (8,000).
Can I do my own electrical work in Georgia?
No.
Only licensed electricians can legally do any electrical work in Georgia.
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