Electrician
1. OVERVIEW
Electricians install, maintain, and repair electrical power, communications, lighting, and control systems in residential, commercial, and industrial settings. Their work ensures that buildings and infrastructure remain powered, safe, and operational. Most electricians learn through a 4- to 5-year paid apprenticeship and are licensed by their state.
2024 Median Pay: $62,350/year ($29.98/hour)
Job Growth (2023–2033): 11% (Much faster than average)
Typical Education: High school diploma or equivalent + apprenticeship
2. ROLE BREAKDOWN BY LEVEL
ENTRY LEVEL
Job Titles: Electrical Apprentice, Electrician Helper, Trainee Electrician
Education: High school diploma or GED; vocational training optional
Experience: None required; apprenticeships begin with no experience
Certifications: Not required at entry; OSHA-10 and First Aid/CPR helpful
Core Duties:
Assist journeymen and master electricians
Run wires, cut conduits, and prep materials
Read blueprints and diagrams
Follow safety procedures on worksites
Salary Range: $30,000–$45,000/year
MID LEVEL
Job Titles: Journeyman Electrician, Maintenance Electrician, Industrial Electrician
Education: Completion of apprenticeship + licensure
Experience: 4–6 years including apprenticeship Certifications (Recommended): State Electrician License, OSHA-30, specialized certifications (e.g., solar PV)
Core Duties:
Install and repair electrical systems and fixtures
Inspect and troubleshoot wiring and components
Ensure compliance with NEC and local codes
Train apprentices and helpers
Salary Range: $50,000–$80,000/year
SENIOR LEVEL
Job Titles: Master Electrician, Electrical Supervisor, Project Foreman, Electrical Inspector
Education: Journey-level experience + additional licenses/certifications Experience: 6+ years including leadership and project management
Certifications (Preferred): Master Electrician License, NABCEP (solar), project management certifications
Core Duties:
Design and oversee electrical installations
Supervise teams and manage job sites
Conduct final inspections and ensure code compliance
Bid and estimate projects; liaise with clients and engineers
Salary Range: $80,000–$120,000+/year
3. HOW TO BECOME ONE
Minimum Education: High school diploma or GED
Training: 4- to 5-year paid apprenticeship (2,000 hrs/year on-the-job + classroom training)
Licensing: Required in most states; varies by location Soft Skills: Critical thinking, troubleshooting, attention to detail, physical strength, communication
Paths to Entry:
Apply to a union or non-union apprenticeship (IBEW/NECA, IEC, ABC)
Attend a trade school to build foundational knowledge
Join military programs (e.g., Army Prime Power School)
4. SKILLS & TOOLS
Core Skills:
Blueprint reading
Electrical code knowledge (NEC)
Troubleshooting and diagnostics
Math and basic physics
Teamwork and safety awareness
Tools:
Hand tools (screwdrivers, wire strippers, pliers)
Power tools (drills, saws, conduit benders)
Testing devices (multimeters, voltage testers, thermal scanners)
Personal protective equipment (PPE)
5. WORK ENVIRONMENT
Locations: Residential homes, commercial buildings, factories, construction sites Schedules: Full-time; includes overtime, weekends, evenings Conditions: Indoor/outdoor, cramped spaces, height work, noise exposure Risks: Electrical shock, burns, falls — mitigated by strict safety protocols
6. JOB OUTLOOK
Demand Drivers: Infrastructure upgrades, green energy projects, new construction, retirements
Annual Openings: ~80,200 through 2033
Growth Opportunity: Solar and renewable energy installation, commercial retrofits, supervisory roles
7. RELATED OCCUPATIONS
Role: Electrical & Electronics Technicians | Salary: $77,180 | Education Level: Associate’s degree
Role: Solar Photovoltaic Installers | Salary: $51,860 | Education Level: High school diploma
Role: HVAC Technicians | Salary: $59,810 | Education Level: Postsecondary nondegree award
Role: Power Line Installers and Repairers | Salary: $92,560 | Education Level: High school diploma
Role: Elevator Installers and Repairers | Salary: $106,580 | Education Level: High school diploma
8. RESOURCES FOR LEARNING & ADVANCEMENT
Certifications & Programs:
IBEW–NECA Electrical Training Alliance (www.electricaltrainingalliance.org)
Independent Electrical Contractors (www.ieci.org)
Associated Builders and Contractors (www.abc.org)
Home Builders Institute (www.hbi.org)
NCCER Electrical Curriculum (www.nccer.org)
Online Courses & Videos:
YouTube: Electrician U, The Engineering Mindset, Electrician’s Library
Coursera: Electrical Engineering Basics
LinkedIn Learning: Residential wiring, electrical safety
Books:
"Ugly’s Electrical References" by Jones & Bartlett
"Electrical Wiring Residential" by Ray C. Mullin
"The Complete Guide to Wiring" by Black & Decker
Communities:
r/electricians (Reddit)
Mike Holt’s Forum (www.mikeholt.com)
Electrician Talk (www.electriciantalk.com)
9. REGIONAL DATA & EMPLOYMENT TRENDS
BLS Profile: Electricians Overview
CareerOneStop: Salary & employment by state
Projections Central: State-by-state job outlook
Apprenticeship.gov: National apprenticeship listings by location
