Electrician Career Guide: Explore the Electrician Career

Learn how you can become an electrician, a description of the daily job duties of an electrician and how much money an electrician can make

Electricians are trained to install, maintain and repair a wide variety of electrical equipment. Furthermore, these electrical workers are required to perform this work in compliance with codes, regulations and safety standards. The job of an electrician is diverse, challenging and constantly changing. Currently, the electrician career field is in high demand with a growing job outlook. Therefore, employers are constantly looking to hire workers that are willing to learn an exciting, challenging and rewarding career.

An electrician using a volt meter to test for power.

Electrical worker using a voltmeter to test an electrical component.

Job that is in demand
The electrical industry is constantly growing. While at the same time, many workers are beginning to retire. Therefore, there are many great career opportunities for people interested in getting a new job as an electrician.
Interesting and Challenging
Electrical workers are always learning new skills to improve their ability to install, maintain and repair electrical equipment safely. The work is very diverse and constantly changing.
No College Degree Required
You do not need an expensive college degree to work as an electrician. Many electricians have acquired their training through apprenticeships, trade schools, community colleges, the military or on the job training with an employer.

Where you can work as an Electrician

The skills that Electricians develop through training and experience can be applied to a wide variety of jobs. These jobs range from general maintenance to commercial and industrial Electrician.

Maintenance Department

Hospitals, Public Schools, University's, large corporations and facilities typically will employ an in-house Maintenance Department. Individuals with skills in the electrical field can easily find jobs as a general maintenance worker, Electrician or Building engineer. These workers get to learn their buildings and equipment, typically have steady year round work and get to go home at the same time every day.

Construction

Installation of electrical equipment is a challenging and constantly changing work environment. No job is the same and this requires installation workers to constantly adapt and apply creative skills to get the job done quickly, safely and efficiently. These electrical workers frequently travel to various job locations, work overtime and may experience slow times throughout the year. Installation workers have been in high demand lately due to new construction and facility owners upgrading existing buildings.

Residential Electrician

Commercial and industrial Electrician

Commercial and industrial Electricians work on a wide variety of electrical equipment that is found in factories, productions facilities and other large commercial facilities. They work with large heavy equipment, on ladders, roofs, frequently stand, climb, work near moving parts, work from high locations, noisy equipment rooms and high electrical voltage. Commercial and industrial Electricians must have strong troubleshooting skills to solve complex problems. Furthermore, these electrical workers must have extensive training in codes, regulations and other safety standards to ensure safe operation for the building occupants. Company trucks are typically provided to commercial and industrial electricians. Work is steady year round and overtime can be significant.

Learn how to become an electrician and how much money an electrician can make

The steps to take to become an electrician typically involves a combination of training, certification and licensing. Electrical training and licensing are important factors that influence how much an electrician can make. For this reason, apprenticeships are a great way to become an electrician.

Electrician Salary

A great website to get an idea of how much money you could possibly make as an Electrician is The Bureau of Labor Statistics. It provides some excellent compensation information along with a detailed job outlook for electricians, how to get started in the electrician trade and typical working conditions of an electrician.

The Occupational Outlook Handbook is a great resource for various skilled trades occupations. Click here for more information on the Electrician Trade and other skilled trades careers-

Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Outlook Handbook

The Occupational Employment Statistics program provides compensation information for various occupations. Click here for more information on compensation for Electricians- https://www.bls.gov/oes/current/oes472111.htm

Electrician Apprenticeship Programs

A great way to get started in the electrical trades field is an Electrician apprenticeship program through a local Union. As an apprentice electrician you will work for a union electrical contractor and also attend classes at a union training facility. Electrician apprenticeship programs typically last 5 years and apprentices receive pay increase as they progress throughout the training program. Check out the following Union for more information regarding Electrician apprenticeship programs near you. Or contact a local IBEW union office in your area for more information on Apprenticeship opportunities.

International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers (IBEW)-http://www.ibew.org/Join-the-IBEW

Another good website to check out for information regarding apprenticeship programs is ResumeBuilder.com. Not only do they have great information on creating resumes they also have apprenticeship information for each state. Visit https://www.resumebuilder.com/apprenticeship-resources-by-state/

Community College and Electrician Trade School

Community College:

Many Community Colleges have Electrical programs that teach basic electricity, electrical circuitry, troubleshooting, electronics and the national electric code. Students in these programs typically earn a certificate or an Associates degree upon completion. Some Community College's, may also help students connect with employers. Check with your local Community College on what Electrical trade programs are available.

Trade Schools:

There are many Electrician trade schools that specialize in training students in the electrical field. Many states across the country have trades schools that teach Skilled Trades careers. Students in these programs typically earn a certificate upon completion. However, it's important to research the training quality and how successful previous students have been at finding jobs. It's important to talk to local Electrical contractors on what their experience has been with students from a local trade school.

In short, Community Colleges and trade schools are a great way to get started in the Electrician trade. It's important to research the quality of training and how successful previous students have been at finding and retaining jobs. Some Community Colleges and trade Schools, may have programs to connect students with employers. Talk to local Electrical contractors on what their experience has been with these schools.

Military

There are many skilled trades and construction occupations throughout the United States Armed Forces. Each military branch has personnel that are highly trained to service, maintain and install anything that exist on a military base. Enlisted members of the Armed Forces, complete a basic training course then they must complete additional training before they begin working in their occupation. Members of the Armed Forces get 30 days of vacation each year, food and housing, medical, dental and many other important benefits. Educational benefits are available during your enlistment period and upon completion. Joining the military can be a great way to learn a skilled trades or construction occupation.

Always contact a Military Recruiter to learn more detailed information on job opportunities, training, benefits and other important information for employment within the Armed Forces.

Air Force:

Click here for more information on Electricians employed by the Air Force-https://www.airforce.com/careers/detail/electrical-systems

Navy:

Click here for more information on Electrician's Mates employed by the Navy to service, maintain and operate Electrical equipment on ships-https://www.navy.com/careers/mechanical-industrial-technology

Click here for more information on Seabees employed by the Navy to install, service, maintain and operate land based Electrical equipment-https://www.navy.com/careers/construction

Coast Guard:

Click here for more information on Electrician's Mate employed by the Coast Guard-https://www.gocoastguard.com/active-duty-careers/enlisted-opportunities/view-job-descriptions/em

Army:

Click here for more information on Interior Electricians employed by the Army-https://www.goarmy.com/careers-and-jobs/browse-career-and-job-categories/construction-engineering/interior-electrician.html

Marine Corp:

Contact a recruiter for additional information on Electrician (MOS 1141). Click here for more information-https://www.marines.com/

Electrician career progression idea's

Here are some career advancement and progression idea's for Electricians that have several years of experience and training.

Facility Manager/Supervisor

Electricians can learn valuable skills throughout their career that can help them advance to the position of Facility manager/Supervisor. Facility managers/Supervisors typically lead skilled tradesmen in the safe and efficient maintenance and repair of large facilities. They are knowledgeable in building codes, OSHA regulations, industry practices and workforce leadership.

Inspector

Electrical inspectors and building inspectors ensure new installations, buildings and other various electrical equipment is safe for operation. Electrical inspectors typically provide inspection of new installations in residential and commercial locations. Many state Governments employ electrical inspectors. Inspectors typically need to be licensed and have several years of experience and training.

Sales Engineer

Sales Engineers work for product manufactures and help customers in the selection and use of their companies products. These workers help the customer select the correct product for the application, provide training and can assist in troubleshooting various problems that may occur. Sales Engineers usually requires some formal training, college, apprenticeship, years of experience and excellent people skills.

Electrical Engineer

Company Owner

After completing training and several years of experience, an Electrician can apply for a license to operate as a company owner. These workers are highly skilled and responsible for organizing, planning and completing a variety of electrical installation and repair projects. Company owners work directly with customers, facility owners, inspectors, engineers and employees. They are very busy and can work a significant amount of hours

Explore our career resources for other Skilled Trades jobs that are in demand today

The Trades are in demand and hiring today! View our career resources for other skilled trade careers and learn how to get started in a rewarding skilled trade job. Learn what trades are most in demand today, how to get started and how much money you can make in the trades. It's a great time to Go Skilled Trades!

Skilled Trades Career Resources

Many Skilled Tradesmen have acquired their training through an apprenticeship program, trade school, the military or while working on the job. You do not need an expensive college degree to work in the Skilled Trades, facility maintenance or Construction field.

No College Degree Required

You do not need an expensive college degree to work in the skilled trades field. Many skilled tradesmen today, have acquired their training through apprenticeships, military, trade schools or working on the job.

No Expensive Student Loans

The average college student today graduates with a significant amount of debt due to their expensive student loans. On the other hand, an apprentice gets paid while completing their training program.

Great Rewarding Careers

There are many Skilled Trades and Construction career opportunities available today. Employers are constantly looking for workers with a good work ethic and the ability to learn new skills.