Electrician Training Cost Guide
How Much Does Electrician School Cost in California?
A plain-English breakdown of what you'll actually pay — and how to start your electrician career for less than most people think.
Quick Answer
Electrician school in California ranges from $700 to $18,000+ depending on the program type. CET's DIR-approved online Electrician Trainee Program is $7,000 total — 10 quarters at $700 each. You can start with just the $75 application fee.
Electrician School Cost Comparison in California
Not all electrician training programs are the same. Here's what you can expect to pay for each option available to California students:
| Program Type | Total Cost | Duration | Format | DIR Approved |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| CET Online Program | $7,000 | 10 months – 2½ years | 100% Online | ✓ Yes |
| Community College | $1,000–$5,000 | 1–2 years | In-person | Varies |
| Private Trade School | $5,000–$18,000 | 6–24 months | In-person | Varies |
| Union Apprenticeship (IBEW) | Free | 4–5 years | In-person (classes + OJT) | ✓ Yes |
* Union apprenticeships are free but highly competitive — acceptance rates are low and wait times can be 1–3 years. CET gives you the same DIR-approved training credential, starting immediately.
Full CET Cost Breakdown — No Surprises
Here's every dollar you'll spend at CET, from enrollment to Certificate of Completion:
| Fee | Amount | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Application Fee | $75 | Paid once at enrollment. Covers ET card application processing with the DIR. |
| Training Quarter (× 10) | $700 each | Pay as you go, one quarter at a time. Or split into 3 monthly payments of $233.33. |
| Lab Classes | Included | One lab per quarter, included for active program students. Labs in Artesia, CA. |
| Certificate of Completion | Included | Issued after completing all 10 quarters. Required for the CA Electrician Certification Exam. |
| Total Program Cost | $7,000 | No hidden fees. |
Additional Fees (situational)
These only apply in specific situations — most students who stay on track never pay them:
| Probation Fee | $50 | If requirements not met by end of quarter |
| Probation Fee (2nd time within a year) | $100 | |
| Reinstatement Fee | $100 | If dropped and returning within 1 year |
| Rescheduling Fee (missed lab or onsite class) | $100 | Must notify CET 10+ days in advance to avoid this fee |
| Missed Webinar Fee | $50 |
Payment Plan — Pay As You Go
You never have to pay the full program cost upfront. CET's program is structured in 10 quarters — you pay $700 per quarter as you go. Each quarter can also be split into 3 monthly payments of $233.33 each.
How Payments Work
Pay the application fee — $75
This starts your enrollment and submits your ET card application to the California DIR.
Pay for Quarter 1 — $700 (or 3 × $233.33)
Start your coursework immediately. Study at your own pace — evenings, weekends, whenever fits your schedule.
Repeat for each of the 10 quarters
Pay for each quarter when you're ready to advance. No pressure, no deadlines, no debt.
What's Included in the CET Program
- 10 training quarters of DIR-approved online coursework (electrical theory, NEC code, safety standards)
- Hands-on electrical lab sessions included for active program students (Artesia, CA location)
- Pre-assessment exam to qualify for the ET card
- ET card application processing assistance
- Certificate of Completion issued upon graduation
- Bilingual support — courses available in English and Spanish
- Flexible pacing — no class schedules, study when it works for you
- Access to CET student portal and academic support
Is Electrician School Worth the Cost?
Electricians in California are among the highest-paid tradespeople in the country. The total investment for CET's program pays for itself quickly once you're working as a licensed electrician.
| Career Stage | Hourly Rate | Annual Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Electrician Trainee (entry) | $18–$25/hr | $37,000–$52,000 |
| Journeyman Electrician | $35–$55/hr | $73,000–$114,000 |
| Electrical Contractor (CA) | $60–$100+/hr | $120,000+ |
Source: California Employment Development Department (EDD) and BLS Occupational Employment Data, 2025. See the complete guide to becoming an electrician in California for more salary data.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does electrician school cost in California?
How much does CET electrician training cost?
Does CET offer a payment plan for electrician training?
Is CET approved by the California DIR?
Are there hidden fees in electrician school?
How long does the CET program take to complete?
Learn More About the Program
Electrician Trainee Program
See the full curriculum, what you'll learn, and how to enroll.
How to Become an Electrician in CA
Step-by-step guide from ET card to certified electrician.
Applying for the ET Card
How to get your Electrician Trainee card through CET and the DIR.
California Electrician Certification
Requirements, OJT hours, and the DIR certification exam.
Ready to Enroll?
Join hundreds of students who chose CET's DIR-approved program — flexible, affordable, and 100% online. Start your electrician career today.