Becoming an electrician is a great decision for people who want a diverse range of career opportunities and a steady income.
If you’re good at working with your hands, don’t mind expanding your knowledge constantly, and thrive when it comes to thinking critically and solving problems, then you may be perfect for the job!
So, keep reading to find out how you can become an electrician in Washington state.
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Electrician Job Duties and Skills In Washington
Here are a few of the skills you’ll need to have to be a good electrician:
- Be adaptable
- Perform good customer service
- Have basic math and computer skills
- Have good project management
- Have good time management skills
And more.
Some more industry-specific skills that you’ll need to possess and job duties that you can expect to have include:
- Operating a variety of hand and light power tools to splice wires and cut or drill wiring holes for fixtures and conduits.
- Performing preventative maintenance plus the testing of electrical wiring, motors, and fixtures when necessary.
- Interpreting electrical wiring diagrams and schematics
- Repairing, replacing, or rewiring circuits
- Repairing electrical systems, equipment, and fixtures
How to Become an Electrician In Washington
One – Meet the Education Requirements
In Washington, you can’t get your electrical license unless you earn 96 hours of classroom training.
But how can you go about getting these hours?
Enroll in a school of your choice.
You can attend a community college, go through a technical college, or attend a vocational college instead.
Two – Meet the Work Requirements
Just like the the obligatory classroom hours, Washington has some required work hours too.
You’ll need to gain about 8,000 hours of work experience before you can qualify for the license.
The way you can gain this work experience is by joining an apprenticeship program and becoming an apprentice.
This could also be a great way to gain more classroom hours, as most apprenticeships will offer at least a few if not all of the classroom hours you’ll need to get your license.
Three – Apply for Your License
It will take you a couple of years to gain both the class and work experience required to get your license, but once you do, you’re free to apply for it!
You’ll have to take a licensing exam, and if you pass, you’ll be able to receive your license!
The exam has 110 questions in total, so make sure to prepare!
Training Programs for Electricians In Washington
Northwest Washington Electrical
Northwest Washington Electrical offers electrical courses online, via Zoom, or in person.
Students attending this school can expect to learn the basics of becoming an electrician.
From reading blueprints to memorizing the National Electrical Code, and all the way to installing and maintaining wiring.
This IBEW NECA-approved program is a legitimate one and a great option for students looking to get some hands-on experience.
Southwest WA Electrical JATC
Southwest WA Electrical JATC offers an apprenticeship opportunity that allows students to earn while they learn.
Students in this program get to reap the benefits of health care, retirement, and other benefits while learning skills in the trade.
Classes are offered during the day and the night to ensure that all students will be able to attend no matter what their schedule may be like.
The program, like most, teaches all the basic knowledge and skills that an electrician requires.
Bates Technical College – South Campus
Bates Technical College’s Electrical Construction program is great for future electricians who want to specialize!
Students taking this course can earn certificates or a degree.
Those who want a degree can earn an Associate of Applied Science in Electrical Construction.
Those who just want a certificate can earn the Certificate of Competency: Electrical Construction.
All students will exit the course being prepared to take on jobs in commercial and residential construction, as well as in public utility agencies, and industrial construction and maintenance.
Perry Technical Institute
Perry Technical Institute offers a 2-year Electrical Technology training program.
In this program, students can expect to be introduced to several topics and concepts.
Some of these topics and concepts include:
- The generation and distribution of AC/DC electricity
- Residential and commercial wiring methods
- Industrial motor controls and electronics
And more.
Students will also be taught about the National Electrical Codes and utilizing green technologies.
Some additional topics that will be studied are blueprint reading, conduit bending, motor controls, programmable logic controllers, and so on.
Overall, this is a very well-rounded program that makes an excellent choice for students who want to learn the ins and outs of the electrical industry.
| School Name | Address |
|---|---|
| Northwest Washington Electrical | 306 Anderson Rd, Mount Vernon, WA 98273 |
| Southwest WA Electrical JATC | 3001 S 36th St, Tacoma, WA 98409 |
| Bates Technical College - South Campus | 2201 S 78th St Rm. E201, Tacoma, WA 98409 |
Electrician Salaries In Washington
Electricians in Washington can earn a great salary!
Your earnings as an electrician in Washington will depend on various different factors, such as your knowledge, experience, and place of residence.
Check the chart below to see how earnings may vary depending on the city.
Annual Salary Range:| Location | Avg. Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| Seattle | $72,008 |
| Bellevue | $72,008 |
| Everett | $70,716 |
| Federal Way | $70,182 |
| Tacoma | $70,182 |
| Kent | $70,042 |
| Vancouver | $67,815 |
| Bellingham | $67,074 |
| Yakima | $65,847 |
| Spokane | $64,242 |
Regional Salary in Washington
| Region | Employed | Avg. Annual Salary | Avg. Hourly Pay | Top 10% Annual Salary | Bottom 10% Annual Salary |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Bellingham, WA | 650 | $89,280 | $42.92 | $109,720 | $50,630 |
| Bremerton-Silverdale, WA | 1,080 | $70,050 | $33.68 | $88,190 | $46,470 |
| Kennewick-Richland, WA | 910 | $91,620 | $44.05 | $122,090 | $49,220 |
| Longview, WA | 270 | $82,490 | $39.66 | $116,750 | $47,850 |
| Mount Vernon-Anacortes, WA | 490 | $96,000 | $46.16 | $140,810 | $50,850 |
| Olympia-Tumwater, WA | 560 | $85,190 | $40.96 | $125,630 | $45,680 |
| Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue, WA | 9,710 | $94,730 | $45.54 | $142,800 | $52,000 |
| Spokane-Spokane Valley, WA | 1,140 | $77,970 | $37.49 | $116,420 | $44,220 |
| Walla Walla, WA | 100 | $68,410 | $32.89 | $92,580 | $37,250 |
| Wenatchee, WA | 390 | $87,660 | $42.15 | $123,480 | $47,120 |
| Yakima, WA | 430 | $76,710 | $36.88 | $105,860 | $45,120 |
* Employment conditions in your area may vary.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the levels of electricians in Washington state?
There are only two levels.
General journey-level and specialty electricians.
How long does it take to become a master electrician in Washington state?
It will take at least four years.
How much do apprentice electricians make per hour in Washington?
Apprentice electricians in Washington make about $21 an hour on average.
Electrician Info by State
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