What Does an Electrician Helper Do?

Electrician helpers are the hands-on workers who assist electricians with their daily tasks. They commonly work under the direction of an electrician to install, repair, and maintain electrical systems in residential and commercial buildings.

Electrician helpers may also be called upon to perform basic electrical repairs or installations on their own without supervision. This might include installing light fixtures, replacing outlets, etc.

Electrician Helper Job Duties

Electrician helpers have a wide range of responsibilities, which can include:

• Installing electrical wiring, equipment, or fixtures as directed by a supervisor
• Installing or replacing electrical wiring or equipment according to blueprints or other instructions from supervisors
• Laying out and cutting wires, cables, or tubing to specified lengths using measuring devices such as tape measures, levels, plumb bobs, or laser measurement devices
• Installing electrical wiring or equipment in new construction projects such as residential homes or commercial buildings
• Examining electrical systems for problems such as faulty wiring, overloaded circuits, and damaged insulation
• Installing electrical fixtures such as light fixtures, ceiling fans, light switches, and outlets
• Installing lighting systems such as recessed lighting in ceiling panels, halogen lighting in chandeliers or pendants, or fluorescent lighting in tube-type lamps
• Installing equipment such as circuit breakers, fuses, and transformers
• Repairing electrical equipment such as furnaces, air conditioning units, refrigerators, or washing machines

Electrician Helper Salary & Outlook

Electrician helpers’ salaries vary depending on their level of experience, the company size and geographic location.

• Median Annual Salary: $39,500 ($18.99/hour)
• Top 10% Annual Salary: $47,000 ($22.6/hour)

The employment of electrician helpers is expected to grow slower than average over the next decade.

Employment growth will largely be limited by the large number of people already in the workforce. However, demand for electricians’ services should support some job growth. As electrical equipment and systems become more complex, electricians will be needed to install and maintain these systems.

Related: Electrician Helper Interview Questions and Answers

Electrician Helper Job Requirements

Electrician helpers typically need to have the following background:

Education: Most employers require an electrician helper to have a high school diploma or GED certificate. Some employers may accept an associate’s degree or a certificate in electrical trade.

Training & Experience: Electrician helpers receive on-the-job training from their supervisors or other experienced workers. They may learn how to use specific tools and equipment, safety procedures and how to complete specific tasks.

Certifications & Licenses: Though certifications are not required to become an electrician helper, they can be beneficial as they can demonstrate your dedication to the industry.

Electrician Helper Skills

Electricians helpers need the following skills in order to be successful:

Electrical knowledge: Electrical knowledge is the ability to understand the basic principles of electricity and how it works. This is an important skill for an electrician’s helper because it allows them to understand the instructions their electrician gives them. It also allows them to identify any potential hazards and safety risks.

Communication skills: Electrical work requires clear communication between the electrician and their helper. The electrician is in charge of the project and is responsible for explaining the project to the helper. The helper is responsible for asking questions and communicating any issues they may have.

Attention to detail: Electrical work is precise work, so it’s important for electricians and their helpers to have good attention to detail. This can help them ensure they’re following the proper procedures and performing their duties correctly. It can also help them identify any issues before they become larger problems.

Physical stamina: Electrical work can be physically demanding. You may need to lift heavy equipment, climb on roofs or scaffolding and work in cramped spaces. Having good physical stamina can help you complete your tasks efficiently.

Teamwork: Electrical work is often a team effort, so it’s important for electricians to have a team-oriented mindset. Working together can help electricians complete their work more efficiently and safely.

Electrician Helper Work Environment

Electrician helpers work in a variety of settings, including residential, commercial, and industrial sites. They work both indoors and outdoors, and their work may be physically demanding. They may be exposed to electrical hazards and to hazardous materials, such as lead, asbestos, and chemicals. Electrician helpers typically work full time, and their work hours may include evenings and weekends. They may also work overtime to meet deadlines or to respond to emergencies.

Electrician Helper Trends

Here are three trends influencing how electrician helpers work. Electrician helpers will need to stay up-to-date on these developments to keep their skills relevant and maintain a competitive advantage in the workplace.

The Need for More Diversity in the Workforce

The electrician helper industry is facing a major diversity problem. The majority of electricians are white men, which means that many people from other backgrounds are being left out of the workforce.

This is a problem because it prevents businesses from having a more diverse workforce, which can lead to a lack of understanding between employees and management. In order to address this issue, electrician helpers need to be more proactive about seeking out opportunities in different industries and working with different types of people.

More Focus on Cybersecurity

As the world becomes increasingly reliant on technology, the need for professionals who can protect against cyberattacks will continue to grow. This is especially true for electricians, who are responsible for installing and maintaining electrical systems in buildings.

By becoming certified in cybersecurity, electricians can ensure that their clients’ data is safe from hackers and malware. They can also help to create safer products by identifying potential vulnerabilities before they are released to the public.

A Greater Demand for Energy Efficiency

Energy efficiency has become an important topic in recent years as the world becomes more aware of the impact that our energy use has on the environment. As a result, there has been a growing demand for professionals who specialize in energy efficiency, such as electricians.

Electricians can capitalize on this trend by becoming certified in energy efficiency installation. This will allow them to install energy-saving devices for their customers and help them to save money on their energy bills.

How to Become an Electrician Helper

An electrician helper career is a great way to get your foot in the door of the electrical industry. As an electrician helper, you’ll have the opportunity to learn from experienced professionals and gain valuable hands-on experience. You’ll also be exposed to a variety of tasks within the electrical field, which will help you decide if this is the right career path for you.

To become an electrician helper, you’ll need to complete an apprenticeship program. These programs are offered by many local unions and contractors, so it’s important to do your research and find the one that best fits your needs.

Advancement Prospects

Many electrician helpers advance to become electricians. Some complete formal apprenticeship programs, while others learn informally on the job. Many communities have technical institutes that offer courses related to the electrical trade. Some electrician helpers eventually become general maintenance workers or enter other trades.

Electrician Helper Job Description Example

At [CompanyX], we provide comprehensive electrical services to commercial, industrial, and residential customers. We are currently seeking an electrician helper to join our team. The ideal candidate will have a strong work ethic, be physically fit, and have a basic understanding of electrical theory and practice. He or she will be responsible for assisting the journeyman electrician with various tasks such as running conduit, pulling wire, and installing light fixtures. The helper will also be responsible for maintaining a clean and safe work environment.

Duties & Responsibilities

• Assist the journeyman electrician with all phases of electrical work including but not limited to running conduit, pulling wire, installing devices, and fixtures
• Read and interpret blueprints, drawings, and specifications to determine layout of commercial or industrial buildings
• Install, maintain, and repair electrical wiring, equipment, and fixtures using hand tools and power tools
• Inspect electrical systems, equipment, and components to identify hazards, defects, and the need for adjustment or repair
• Test electrical systems and continuity of circuits in electrical wiring, equipment, and fixtures, using testing devices such as ohmmeters, voltmeters, and oscilloscopes, to ensure compatibility and safety of system
• Plan layout of projects according to blueprint specifications and local codes
• Use a variety of tools and equipment such as hand tools, power tools, ladders, scaffolding, and lifts
• Follow state and local building regulations based on the National Electrical Code
• Order and purchase materials and supplies needed for project
• Keep records of time spent and materials used on job site
• Clean up job site after completion of project
• Perform general maintenance tasks such as painting, carpentry work, and cleaning

Required Skills and Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent
• Basic math skills
• Ability to lift 50+ pounds
• Valid driver’s license with clean driving record
• Reliable transportation
• Strong work ethic

Preferred Skills and Qualifications

• 1-2 years of experience in the electrical trade
• Completion of an electrician apprenticeship program
• Journeyman Electrician license
• Master Electrician license
• OSHA 10 or 30 certification