Best Electrician Schools in Colorado for 2026

The demand for electricians in Colorado is surging. According to CareerOneStop, the projected job growth rate for electricians in Colorado is 17% through 2032, significantly higher than the national average of 10%.

If you are looking to enter a stable, high-demand field, Colorado offers excellent opportunities for skilled tradespeople.

Electrician Career Overview in Colorado

The electrical trade in Colorado is booming across residential and commercial sectors. As an electrician, you will ensure the safety and functionality of homes, businesses, and industrial facilities.

Daily responsibilities typically include:

• Conduit bending and installation

• Wire installation and termination

• Blueprint reading and interpreting wiring schematics

• Diagnostic troubleshooting of electrical systems

• Ensuring National Electrical Code (NEC) compliance

Work environments vary from active construction sites and residential homes to industrial plants, requiring physical stamina and attention to detail.

Colorado Electrician Licensing Requirements

The Colorado Department of Regulatory Agencies (DORA) regulates the electrical trade. To work legally, you must progress through a specific hierarchy of licensure.

• Apprentice Electrician: You must register as an apprentice with DORA. No exam is required, but you must work under the supervision of a licensed electrician.

• Residential Wireman: Requires 4,000 hours of residential work experience and passing the residential wireman exam.

• Journeyman Electrician: Requires 8,000 hours of experience (commercial/industrial mix), related classroom training, and passing the journeyman exam.

• Master Electrician: Requires an additional 2,000 hours of planning and layout experience as a journeyman and passing the master exam.

In addition to state licensing, obtaining certifications such as OSHA 10/30 and maintaining familiarity with the National Electrical Code (NEC) are essential for career advancement.

Training Pathways: Trade Schools vs. Apprenticeships

There are two primary paths to meeting Colorado's licensing requirements. Many programs are accredited by the National Center for Construction Education and Research (NCCER), ensuring high training standards.

• Trade schools & technical colleges: These tuition-based programs offer Certificates or Associate of Applied Science degrees. Certificate programs typically take 6–12 months and cost between $4,000 and $8,000. Associate degrees usually take 2 years and range from $8,000 to $15,000+. This path is excellent for gaining a strong theoretical foundation before entering the workforce.

• Apprenticeships: This "earn while you learn" model combines full-time employment with part-time classroom instruction. Options include Union programs (via JATC/IBEW) and Non-Union programs (via IEC/ABC).

Top Electrician Trade Schools in Colorado

Colorado offers several accredited technical colleges and community colleges that provide the hands-on training and classroom hours needed for licensure.

• Red Rocks Community College (Lakewood/Arvada): Offers an Associate of Applied Science (AAS) and certificates. Notably, provides a specific 288-hour journeyman license certificate and focuses on power technology.

• Emily Griffith Technical College (Denver): Features a strong Electrician Apprenticeship & Pre-apprenticeship program with high job placement rates and connections to the Denver workforce.

• Western Colorado Community College (Grand Junction): Offers programs for Electric Lineworkers, Electrical and Computer Engineers, and Energy Management professionals or Landmen.

• IntelliTec College (Colorado Springs/Pueblo): Their Electrical Technician Certificate focuses on hands-on training and preparation for the certification exam.

• Lincoln Tech (Denver): Provides an intensive Electrical and Electronic Systems Technology program covering low-voltage systems and fire alarm systems.

• Rocky Mountain Electrical Training Institute (RMETI) (Online/Hybrid): Ideal for working adults, offering flexible online classes and evening classes that fulfill classroom requirements.

Colorado Apprenticeship Programs

Apprenticeships are a direct pathway to licensure, providing the necessary on-the-job training alongside classroom instruction.

Union options

• Denver Joint Electrical Apprenticeship (DJETC): Partnered with IBEW Local 68, offering comprehensive training for commercial and industrial work.

• Colorado Springs Electrical JATC: Partnered with IBEW Local 113, serving the southern Colorado region.

Non-union options

• IEC Rocky Mountain: The largest non-union apprenticeship in the state. They offer distance learning options and maintain hire lists to connect apprentices with contractors.

• CITC of Colorado: The Construction Industry Training Council offers apprenticeship curricula and training across multiple trades.

For a detailed explanation of Colorado's electrical licensing requirements and how to fulfill them, check out our essential guide to getting your Colorado Electrical License.

Electrician Salary & Career Outlook

The financial outlook for Colorado electricians is strong. According to Glassdoor, salaries in the state often exceed the national average due to high demand.

• Entry-Level (Apprentice): $49,000-$73,000

• Mid-Level (4-6 Years Experience): $52,000-$79,000

• Experienced/Master: $57,000-$88,000

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

What Colorado Employers Look For

Beyond licensure, Colorado employers seek candidates with a blend of practical skills and soft skills.

• Technical proficiency: Mastery of conduit bending, circuit analysis, and blueprint reading is expected.

• Reliability & problem-solving: Contractors value technicians who show up on time and can think critically to solve complex issues.

• Modern tools: Familiarity with business software for dispatching, invoicing, and customer management is increasingly a competitive advantage for technicians moving into lead or service management roles.

As electricians move from the classroom into real-world jobs, having the right tools in the field becomes just as important as formal training.

ServiceTitan is a field service management platform built specifically for electrical contractors, with a mobile app that helps technicians manage jobs, access customer information, and complete work efficiently on-site.

Features like Atlas and Field Pro also support ongoing learning and productivity, giving technicians in-app guidance, standardized processes, and best-practice workflows that help reinforce skills long after school ends.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does it take to become a journeyman electrician in Colorado?

It typically takes four years to complete the required 8,000 hours of on-the-job training and the required classroom hours needed for the journeyman license. You must work under the supervision of a licensed electrician during this period.

How much does an electrician school cost in Colorado?

Tuition costs vary significantly by program type. Community colleges typically range from $4,000–$8,000 per year, while private technical schools often average around $18,000 or more for a complete program. Apprenticeships often have lower upfront costs as employers may subsidize training.

Can I take electrician classes online in Colorado?

Yes, schools like RMETI and IECRM offer online classes and distance-learning options that meet the classroom requirement for licensure. These programs are designed to accommodate working apprentices.

Do I need a license to work as an electrician in Colorado?

Yes, you must be registered as an apprentice with DORA to begin working, and you must obtain a journeyman license to work independently. Working without proper registration or licensure is illegal in the state.