Learning about becoming an electrician can seem as if you were learning a totally new language. The tools that you will be using to begin your electrical career are unfamiliar to you, and truthfully that’s quite normal. Additionally, there are many “rules” that you have never heard of, and your and others safety is at stake so it’s important to take on the best accredited courses in NY.
On the other hand, there are an abundance of entry-level electrical routes in New York, including union apprenticeships, short hands-on trade school programs and low cost CUNY program options that have been trusted by hundreds of qualified electricians. With the proper route, you’re not only learning how to wire, you’re setting yourself up for success in terms of gaining employment and having a stable future.
Is it worth it being an electrician in New York?
Electricians arewell paid compared to many jobs that do not require a four-year degree. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics electrician profile, the median pay was $62,350 in May 2024, with the lowest 10% earning under $39,430 and the highest 10% earning more than $106,030.[
Electrician demand is also moving in the right direction: employment is projected to grow 9% from 2024 to 2034, with about 81,000 openings each year on average.
In New York State, wage data shows a median of $77,460 (with a lower end around $47,140 and a higher end around $132,450). That does not mean beginners walk into those numbers on day one, but it does explain why so many career changers take the leap.
A quick note on licensing in New York
New York has different licensing systems depending on where you live in New York (city vs. county) and what kind of electrical license you’re trying to obtain.
If you want to be a Master Electrician or a Special Electrician, it will take serious time as an apprentice/working electrician in NYC because there are many ways to qualify for this type of licensure and one of these is for those who have graduated from a vocational/trade school or apprenticeship program with a minimum of 5.5 years of experience and a total of 7,700 hours of hands-on, “tool-time”.
Many experienced, well-respected electricians say that beginners need to get some good basic training first and then gain as much supervised experience as possible working and/or through an apprenticeship.
Best beginner-friendly electrical training options in New York
1) IBEW Local Union No. 3 (Joint Industry Board) Apprenticeship
If you want the strongest learn-it-right route, this is the one most people point to. It is structured, respected, and built around real jobsite experience through the Local 3 JIB apprenticeship program.
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The best “learn it right” way to do things is typically the apprenticeship through the Local 3 JIB, which has been the most popular choice among apprentices. The JIB Apprenticeship Program is structured, well-respected, and based on actual jobsite experiences. The apprenticeship program will take approximately 5-1/2 years to complete and consists of a minimum of 35 hours per week of on-the-job training (4 years), 4 hours per week of related instruction, and 3 hours per week of college courses.
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There are also some entry requirements that have to be met by all applicants: the applicant must be 18 years old when they submit their application; they must have completed one year of Algebra; and, they must reside within the designated area for a minimum of 2 years before applying.
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It’s worth noting that the competition for these positions may be strong. One recruitment announcement indicated that the registration process was open for 10 days with an upper limit of 2000 letters sent out to interested candidates.
2) Apex Technical School
Apex is popular with beginners who want hands-on training fast, without committing to a multi-year union track upfront. Their Electrical & Advanced Electrical program is built around practical wiring skills and workshop time. This can be a great way to get started on your electrical journey.
- Program advertising includes 900 hours of entry-level electrician-skill training.
- Apex also describes some programs being completed in as little as seven months.
3) Lincoln Technical Institute (Queens)
Lincoln Tech is a strong structured-program option. If you like a clear syllabus, consistent lab work, and a defined finish line, their Queens electrical diploma tends to suit that style.
- Queens program is described as twelve 90-hour class and lab modules.
- The diploma program lists 1,080 instructional hours, with completion time around 36 weeks (day) or 48 weeks (evening).
4) LaGuardia Community College (CUNY) — Electrical 1 Training Program
If cost and flexibility matter, LaGuardia is a practical choice. The Electrical 1 Training Program is also beginner-friendly in how it is positioned: entry-level preparation with safety credentials built in.
- Program includes OSHA 30-hour certification and 10-hour Site Safety Training.
- Uses NCCER Construction Core and Electrical Level 1 curricula.
5) New York City College of Technology (City Tech, CUNY)
City Tech is the college route for beginners who want deeper technical grounding and academic credentials alongside applied learning.
This path usually takes longer, but it can open doors if you later want to specialize or stack additional qualifications.
Helpful beginner routes that can strengthen your apprenticeship application
These are not classic electrician trade school programs, but they can be smart on-ramps if your goal is a union apprenticeship.
- NYC Jobs Construction Pre-Apprenticeship offers full-time training exposure and notes special consideration when some union interviews open.
- NYC Department of Small Business Services describes providing 40 hours of required Site Safety Training (including 30 hours of DOB-approved training).
Online electrical courses instead of in-person training
Online learning can help you get comfortable with concepts like circuits, basic theory, and code vocabulary. YouTube and platforms alike really help. However, try and find content creators that are licensed and practicing and within the New York state. This will aid you when it comes to best practices and those that keep within NY state regulations.
However, electrical skill is physical. You still need labs, tools, and real supervised practice. So don’t think it’s possible to do the whole learning part online. It’s simply not possible.
What to look for in a beginner electrical course
- Hands-on training time, shop hours matter.
- Safety training, OSHA and site safety basics early makes a difference.
- A clear next step, apprenticeship links, employer relationships, or placement support.
- Curriculum that matches real work, wiring methods, tools, testing, and troubleshooting.
Career outlook after course completion
After finishing an entry-level course, most beginners aim for helper or apprentice-track roles. Some people go straight into union apprenticeship applications. And others, take a trade school route first to build confidence, then apply to apprenticeships with stronger odds.
Either way, the goal is the same: get trained, get supervised hours, keep building competence. That is how you move from beginner to employable.
So, is it worth becoming an electrician in New York?
New York is one of the best places in the US to start electrical work. If you want the strongest long-term pipeline, Local 3’s apprenticeship route is hard to beat. If you want a faster skills launch, Apex or Lincoln Tech can be a smart first step. If affordability and built-in safety certifications matter most, LaGuardia offers real value.
