If you’re interested in learning a trade that will always be necessary, pursuing a job as an electrician is a safe bet. After all, most people use electricity every day, and that fact will not likely change in the future. Maybe that’s why the Bureau of Labor Statistics projects the growth rate for this career as 6% between 2022 and 2032. Take a look at how you can enter this quickly growing field.
Understanding the Role of an Electrician
Electricians install and repair electrical wiring, equipment, and fixtures for homes and businesses. Their work can span everything from powering household appliances to supporting complex industrial machinery.
Electricians must have a deep understanding of underlying theories, safety protocols, and local building codes. They use various tools and technologies to diagnose problems, interpret blueprints, and implement electrical solutions. As the field evolves, they must stay current with emerging technologies like smart home systems and renewable energy installations.
Educational Requirements and Electrician Training Paths
Becoming an electrician takes both formal education and hands-on training. There are two primary paths to enter the field: attending a technical school or participating in an apprenticeship program. Both options provide valuable knowledge and skills, but they differ in structure and duration, especially from state to state.
High School Diploma and Technical School
The first step towards becoming an electrician is obtaining a high school diploma or equivalent. Many aspiring electricians then attend a technical school or vocational program to gain foundational knowledge. These programs typically cover the following:
- Basic circuitry and wiring techniques
- Electrical codes and requirements
- Electrical theory and principles
- Safety practices and regulations
Technical school programs can range from several months to two years, depending on the depth of the curriculum and whether you’re pursuing a certificate or an associate degree.
Apprenticeship Programs
Apprenticeship programs offer a more immersive and comprehensive training experience. These programs, often organized by unions or electrical contractors’ associations, combine on-the-job training with classroom instruction.
Many apprentice programs last 4 to 5 years and involve 144 hours of classroom instruction per year. This might seem like a lot, but apprentices get paid work experience under the supervision of licensed electricians. It’s a solid foundation for a career and an excellent way to gain real-world experience.
Types of Electrician Specialties
Some electricians specialize in specific areas. If you prefer one specialty over the other, you can further direct your career path toward your interests and strengths.
Residential Electricians
Residential electricians specialize in home and apartment electrical systems. They might do some of these tasks in a typical day:
- Installing and upgrading electrical panels
- Installing lighting fixtures, outlets, and switches
- Troubleshooting and repairing household electrical issues
- Wiring new construction or remodeling projects
These electricians work closely with homeowners, landlords, and property management companies, so they need strong customer service skills and knowledge of local residential building codes and safety regulations.
Commercial Electricians
Commercial electricians focus on larger-scale electrical systems for office buildings, retail spaces, and industrial facilities. Their day-to-day responsibilities could include the following:
- Implementing energy-efficient lighting and power solutions
- Installing and maintaining complex electrical systems
- Setting up backup power systems
Commercial electricians often work with architects, engineers, and project managers on large-scale construction and renovation projects. If you’re interested in challenging new construction, commercial properties could become a great future focus.
Maintenance Electricians
Maintenance electricians keep electrical systems functioning properly in various settings, from small homes to large manufacturing plants. Their duties include the following:
- Ensuring compliance with safety standards and regulations
- Performing routine inspections and preventive maintenance
- Repairing or replacing faulty electrical components
- Upgrading outdated electrical systems
Some of these electricians work in-house for industrial facilities, hospitals, and large commercial buildings where reliable electrical service is crucial.
Career Progression in the Electrical Field
A career as an electrician offers clear paths for advancement and professional growth. This is especially the case if you train as an apprentice. Here’s what the typical path might look like.
Apprentice to Journeyman
After completing your apprenticeship and accumulating the required hours of experience, you can take the exam to become a licensed journeyman electrician. Journeyman status allows you to work independently on most electrical projects.
Becoming a Master Electrician
With additional experience and education, journeyman electricians can progress to become master electricians. This advanced certification typically requires:
- Demonstrating in-depth knowledge of electrical systems and management skills
- Passing a comprehensive exam on advanced electrical theory and code requirements
- Several years of experience as a journeyman (often 4–7 years)
Master electricians often take on leadership roles, designing and managing complex projects. They may also start their own electrical contracting businesses, hiring other journeymen and mentoring new apprentices.
Electrician Salary Expectations and Job Outlook
The electrical field offers competitive salaries and a positive job outlook, making it an attractive career choice if you’re interested in the skilled trades.
Entry-Level Salaries
Apprentice electricians typically start at lower wages, which increase as they gain experience and skills. According to Salary.com, entry-level salaries can range from $20 to $35 per hour, depending on the region and type of work.
Experienced Electrician Earnings
Journeyman and master electricians can expect higher earnings. According to Salary.com, the national average pay for journeymen in 2024 is $26 to $43 per hour. Master electricians, as well as professionals in high-demand areas or specialties, can earn significantly more.
Future Job Prospects
The job outlook for electricians is promising, with the Bureau of Labor Statistics projecting a 6% growth rate from 2022 to 2032. This is faster than the average for all occupations, and the spike in growth is particularly due to these factors:
- Expansion of smart home and building technologies
- Growing demand for alternative energy sources
- Increased construction activity
- Need to maintain and upgrade existing electrical systems
Day-to-Day Responsibilities of an Electrician
As an electrician, you might be installing wiring and light fixtures one day, then responding to an emergency service call the next. Here’s what your day-to-day responsibilities as an electrician might look like.
Installation Tasks
A significant portion of an electrician’s work involves installing new electrical systems or components. This can include:
- Installing electrical panels and circuit breakers
- Installing standby generators for homes and businesses
- Running wires through walls and ceilings
- Setting up lighting fixtures and controls
Maintenance and Repair Work
Regular maintenance and repair tasks are crucial to keep electrical systems functioning safely and efficiently. As an electrician, customers may call you to get these tasks done:
- Inspecting electrical systems for potential issues
- Repairing or replacing faulty wiring, outlets, or fixtures
- Replacing worn or outdated components
- Troubleshooting and diagnosing electrical problems
Safety Protocols and Regulations
Electricity is dangerous when handled improperly, and no matter what tasks you do daily, you’ll have to take strict precautions to prevent injuries and accidents. Many states require electricians to attend continuing education to stay updated on codes and safety standards. On job sites, you’ll use personal protective equipment (PPE) and ensure your work meets or exceeds safety requirements.
Challenges and Rewards of an Electrician Career
Like any profession, a career as an electrician comes with its own set of challenges and rewards. It’s important to consider both aspects when deciding if this career path is right for you.
Being an electrician is physically demanding. You need to be able to lift heavy objects, climb to work at heights, work in confined spaces, and be comfortable working around hazardous components. However, if you enjoy constant learning and taking on challenges in a secure role with high earning potential, the rewards may outweigh the job’s messier parts.
