Electrician Schools in Iowa: The Ultimate Guide

Accredited Iowa Electrician Training Programs

According to the BLS, “Most electricians learn their trade in a 4- or 5-year apprenticeship program. For each year of the program, apprentices typically receive 2,000 hours of paid on-the-job training as well as some technical instruction. Workers who gained electrical systems experience in the military or in the construction industry may qualify for a shortened apprenticeship based on their experience and testing. Some electricians start out by attending a technical school. Many technical schools offer programs related to circuitry, safety practices, and basic electrical information. Graduates of these programs usually receive credit toward their apprenticeship.” 

Some electricians enter apprenticeship programs after working as an electrician helper. The Home Builders Institute offers a pre-apprenticeship certificate training (PACT) program for eight construction trades, including electricians.

To legally perform electrical work in the state of Iowa, you must be licensed by the state. The Iowa Department of Public Safety, State Fire Marshal Division licenses every level of this workforce, which is governed by the Iowa Electrical Examining Board. Most people entering the electrician industry in Iowa learn on-the-job as an apprentice electrician either in a formal union or nonunion apprenticeship or by working for an electrical contractor and taking classes at a local community college. 

The following community colleges and training centers offer electrician classes in Iowa:

• Iowa Central Community College in Fort Dodge

• Iowa Lakes Community College in Estherville

• Northwest Iowa Community College in Sheldon

• Eastern Iowa Community College in Davenport

• Northeast Iowa Community College in Calmar

• Southwestern Community College in Creston

• Des Moines Area Community College in Des Moines

• Western Iowa Tech Community College in Sioux City

Iowa Apprenticeships

The Iowa chapters of the National Electrical Contractors Association (NECA) and the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers (IBEW) sponsor joint union-based apprenticeship programs for aspiring Iowa electricians through the Electrical Joint Apprenticeship and Training Committee (JATC). The following unions in Iowa offer apprenticeship programs:

• IBEW Local 347 in Urbandale

• IBEW Local 13 in Burlington

• IBEW Local 405 in Cedar Rapids

Electrician Degrees & Certificates

As you weigh the benefits of formal training at a trade school or technical college, you may want to speak with people in the field in the state where you intend to work. The licensing requirements vary from state to state, and some require a minimum amount of education, as does Iowa.

There’s typically a range of degree and certificate programs, but again most electricians enter an apprenticeship rather than a college program. Some electrical contractors may allow you to get hands-on training with them while also attending a college program at night or on the weekend. If you choose to start at a technical college, the time it takes to complete each kind of program and the cost of each are the most significant differences. The most common programs are:

• Certificate Program – three to six months

• Associate’s Degree – two years

• Bachelor’s Degree – four years

Put simply, the longer the program, the more it costs. If you wish to be an electrical engineer, you’ll need at least a four-year bachelor’s degree. If this is a path that interests you, you may want to explore the Electrical Engineering Bachelor of Science degree at one of the four-year universities in Idaho such as:

• University of Iowa

• Iowa State University

As stated earlier, formal education can pay off in the form of higher wages.

Typical Courses in Technical College Programs

Electrical programs at technical colleges are all intended to prepare students for careers in commercial, industrial, or residential electrical applications. All combine theory and the practical skills needed to do the job. Most encourage students to work in their field of interest while attending school. Some are intended to give students a base of knowledge to prepare them to be helpers and get that first job with a licensed electrician. 

Typically, they include coursework in the fundamentals of the electrical trade. Classroom and laboratory experiences allow students to become proficient in the installation and maintenance of electrical wiring, transformers, A/C and D/C motor control circuit, instrumentation, and programmable logic controllers used in residential, commercial, and industrial settings. They all cover safety and the National Electric Code (NEC). Among the most common classes offered in these programs are:

• Foundations of Mathematics

• Electrical Theory

• Industrial Safety Procedures

• Direct Current

• Alternating Current

• Electrical Prints, Schematics, and Symbols

• Commercial Wiring

• Residential Wiring

• Programmable Controllers

• Electrical Controls

• Diagnostic Troubleshooting

School Selection Criteria  

There are a lot of things to consider when picking the right school and program.

Cost

Cost is, of course, at the top of the list. According to Community College Review, tuition at Iowa community colleges on average is $4,331 per year for in-state students and $4,920 for out-of-state students. However, many of the accredited electrician programs listed here are part of apprenticeship programs where tuition may be reimbursed by or paid for outright by the student’s employer or union. There will be some variations in fees at each school, too, so be sure to review all of the costs involved. 

You will also incur costs for books and tools, but those tools are yours to keep as you enter your field. All students who are interested in receiving federal (Pell Grant) and any state grants can apply by completing the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) form online.

Program Length

Acquiring a Class A and B license for a journeyman electrician in Iowa requires completion of a state-certified apprenticeship program and 16,000 hours of on-the-job experience. This experience can be obtained through full-time work experience and, in some cases, classroom instruction. Most apprenticeships require candidates to have a high school diploma or GED.

There are 11 different electrical licenses available in Iowa: apprentice electrician, unclassified person, residential electrician, residential master electrician, journeyman electrician Class A or B, master electrician Class A or B, residential electrical contractor, electrical contractor, or special electrician. Each level of licensing requires more experience and coursework and allows you to work on a wider variety of systems and perform more complex work.

Level of Difficulty

Electrician training programs are designed to prepare graduates for entry-level positions in commercial, industrial, or residential sectors as electrical technicians. The BLS says technical instruction for apprentices includes electrical theory, blueprint reading, mathematics, electrical code requirements, and safety and first-aid practices. Students may also receive specialized training related to soldering, communications, fire alarm systems, and elevators.

School Comparison: At a Glance

The accredited training schools listed in this article are part of Iowa’s college system. They typically offer students financial aid in the form of grants. Apprenticeships have limited openings for candidates, and many of the programs below are only available to students who participate in a registered apprenticeship. These electrical apprenticeship programs are intended to fulfill the required classroom training. After completing classroom training and/or on-the-job training, candidates can take and pass the journeyman exam to receive their journeyman license.

Iowa Central Community College, Fort Dodge

• Offers a two-year Electrical Technologies program that provides training for entry-level positions as residential electricians. Upon completion of the program, students are awarded an Associate in Applied Sciences degree.

• Offers an Electrical Apprenticeship program that offers on-the-job training and required classroom instruction.

Iowa Lakes Community College, Estherville

• Offers a two-year Electrical Technology program that allows students to gain hands-on experience while earning an Associate in Applied Science degree.

Northwest Iowa Community College, Sheldon

• Offers an Electrical Technology program that allows students to gain hands-on experience while earning an Associate in Applied Science degree.

Eastern Iowa Community College, Davenport

• Offers a six-month Basic Electrical Certificate program that gives students a wide introduction to electrical safety, DC and AC circuits, print reading, and industrial math and measurement.

Northeast Iowa Community College, Calmar

• Offers a Commercial-Residential Electrician program that prepares students for a career as an electrician by cross-training with carpentry students to build a house from start to finish.

• Offers an Industrial Electrician program that allows students to gain 2,000 hours of experience toward the 8,000 hours needed as an apprentice to test for a journeyman license.

Southwestern Community College, Creston

• Offers an Electrical Technology program that provides the training essential for entry-level positions in residential or commercial construction or industrial maintenance. Completion of the program earns students an Associate in Applied Science degree and 2,000 hours toward their journeyman license exam.

Des Moines Area Community College, Des Moines

• Offers an Electrical Trades Diploma program that provides students with the knowledge and skills needed to begin a career in the electrical trades.

Western Iowa Tech Community College, Sioux City

• Offers a one-year Electrician Diploma program that prepares students for entry-level positions as commercial or residential electricians.

Steps for Enrollment in Iowa

Every training program has its own way of doing things, but in general the process begins by applying for admission on the school’s website. You also have the option of applying at the school’s admission office in person or mailing a paper application there. Some require that you pay an application fee and provide several documents. In general, the application process includes the following steps:

1. Complete your application.

2. Pay the application fee (if applicable).

3. Provide proof of residency to qualify for in-state tuition.

4. Have sealed official high school transcript or GED scores sent.

5. Submit placement test scores.

6. If applicable, apply for on-campus housing.

If you choose to start with an apprenticeship, you will want to contact the JATC, Local Union, or IEC or ABC chapter closest to you. Each organization has a slightly different application process, but the application requirements in general are:

• Must be at least 18 years of age.

• Must be a high school graduate, senior scheduled to graduate or have earned a GED certificate. Applicants will be required to provide a copy of their diploma or GED certificate, and an official transcript of their grades following submission of the application.

• Must have a valid driver’s license.

• Have passed high school algebra or an equivalent post-high school algebra class with a “C” or better or pass an aptitude test.

• Pass a drug screen and criminal background checks.

Electrician Career Requirements in Iowa

To recap, Iowa requires on-the-job training or a mix of classroom training and work experience to legally perform electrical work. To become eligible for a journeyman electrical license, you need to complete a state-certified apprenticeship and have 16,000 hours of on-the-job experience as an electrician.

To become eligible to take the master electrician exam, candidates must work for one year as a licensed journeyman electrician. 

To register as an electrical contractor, you must be affiliated with an electrical contracting firm or business with a master electrician license or who employs master electricians to help design, install, and maintain electrical systems.

Iowa electricians are required to participate in continuing education to maintain their licensure. Licensed electricians must attend no fewer than 18 Continuing Education Units every three-year license cycle with at least six on the most recent electrical code and the remainder on electrical code-related topics. For a detailed explanation of Iowa’s electrical licensing requirements and how to fulfill them, check out our essential guide to getting your Iowa Electrical License. 

Salaries for Electricians in Iowa

Before paying for technical education or completing a lengthy apprenticeship to become an electrician, you’ll want some idea of the potential return on your investment of time, effort, energy, and money. In other words, what can you expect to make as an electrical professional in Idaho? Payscale.com data provides an answer based on your experience. The median annual salary in Iowa for 2023 is:

• Entry level <2 years: $49,500

• Intermediate 2-4 years: $61,100

• Senior 4-6 years: $64,100

• Supervisor > 7 years: $92,800

For more information about electrician salaries, visit this state-by-state guide.

Industry Apprenticeships   

To meet apprenticeship requirements in Iowa, you must have a high school diploma or GED. Interested applicants should apply directly to the company or organization with which they’d like to apprentice. Remember, apprenticeship—or working under the supervision of a licensed electrician—is required to become a licensed electrician in Iowa.

• IBEW Local 347 offers apprenticeship programs through Des Moines Electrical Apprenticeship that prepares members for work in the electrical field.

• IBEW Local 13 offers apprenticeship programs through Southeast Iowa JATC that allows students to gain on-the-job experience while also earning a competitive wage.

• IBEW Local 405 offers an apprenticeship program through Cedar Rapids JATC that allows students to gain on-the-job experience while also earning a competitive wage.

Other School Options

In addition to the training programs and schools already mentioned, there are training centers in neighboring Missouri, Nebraska, and Minnesota.

• State Technical College of Missouri in Linn, Missouri.

• Metropolitan Community College in Omaha, Nebraska.

• Minnesota State Community and Technical College in Moorhead, Minnesota.

You can find the training you need to excel in a career as an electrician in Iowa. The opportunities are all around you.