Guide · Updated Oct 23, 2026

Electrician apprenticeships in California

California has IBEW inside wireman apprenticeships in every major region. We track 6, from Los Angeles to San Jose. First-year apprentices earn $22.90 to $42.99 an hour under the state's 2026 wage tables.

Finish about 8,000 work hours and your classes, then pass the state exam to become a certified General Electrician.

California IBEW programs

ProgramApplicationsFirst-period payAfter the test
Local 11 · Los AngelesClosed$26.00/hrExperience form
Local 332 · San JoseMonthly$42.99/hrInterview
Local 441 · Santa AnaClosed$25.10/hrInterview
Local 440 · RiversideClosed$22.90/hrInterview
Local 595 · Alameda County (East Bay)Closed$31.70/hrInterview
Local 569 · San DiegoDeadline Dec 31$23.58/hrInterview

Pay is the base rate for the first period from the state's inside wireman tables. Full pay table.

From apprentice to certified electrician

  • Work for a licensed contractor: as a registered apprentice in a state-approved program, or as a registered electrician trainee enrolled in a state-recognized school.
  • Log 8,000 hours across the work areas the state lists for General Electrician.
  • Apply for the state exam: apprentices in their last year attach their DAS-1 form; the card is issued once the apprenticeship is complete.

California-specific tips

  • Los Angeles windows fill fast: applicants report Local 11's closing within minutes of opening. Get an alert.
  • Bay Area programs (San Jose, East Bay) pay the most but cost the most to live in.
  • A California driver's license is required before you're sent to work at several programs, including San Jose.

Common questions

How do you become an electrician apprentice in California?

Apply to a state-approved apprenticeship, such as an IBEW-NECA inside wireman program, while its window is open. You'll take an aptitude test and usually an interview, then work for a contractor and attend classes for about five years.

How many hours do you need to become a certified electrician in California?

8,000 hours of work for an electrical contractor for General Electrician certification, spread across the work areas the state lists. State-approved apprenticeships are built around at least 8,000 on-the-job hours and 720 classroom hours.

Do I need to register as an electrician trainee in California?

The state lists two ways to work for an electrical contractor before certification: register as an electrician trainee and enroll in a state-recognized school, or be a registered apprentice in a state-approved apprenticeship program.

How much do electrician apprentices make in California?

First-period inside wireman apprentices earn from $22.90 an hour in Riverside County to $42.99 in Santa Clara County under the state's 2026 wage tables, plus benefits.

Sources

Rules change and differ by program. Confirm dates and requirements with the training center before you apply. Independent. Not affiliated with IBEW, NECA, the electrical training ALLIANCE, IEC or ABC. Always confirm dates with the program.

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