The electrical trade is a skilled profession centered on the installation, maintenance, and repair of electrical power, communications, and lighting systems. Electricians are the professionals who ensure that homes, businesses, and industrial facilities have consistent and safe power. Their work is fundamental to modern life, powering everything from household appliances to complex industrial machinery.
What an Electrician Does
A primary part of an electrician’s job is reading and interpreting blueprints and technical diagrams. These documents map out the locations of circuits, outlets, and other electrical equipment. Following these plans, they install wiring, control systems, and lighting fixtures using a variety of hand and power tools.
Another responsibility is inspecting electrical components like transformers and circuit breakers to ensure they function correctly. When problems arise, electricians use testing devices, such as ammeters and voltmeters, to diagnose the issue. This troubleshooting requires identifying the root cause of a malfunction, which could be a faulty wire or a complex system failure.
All work must comply with safety standards, primarily the National Electrical Code (NEC), and state and local building regulations. Adherence to code is a matter of safety for both the electrician and the public. The work environment can vary from indoor residential settings to outdoor construction sites or large industrial plants.
Types of Electricians
The electrical trade has several specializations, allowing electricians to develop expertise in a specific area. The two broadest categories are inside wiremen, who work on lower voltage systems within structures, and outside linemen, who manage high-voltage transmission lines.
Residential Electrician
Residential electricians focus on the electrical systems within homes and small multi-family dwellings. Their work involves installing wiring in new construction, upgrading older systems, and performing repairs. Common tasks include setting up outlets, switches, and lighting fixtures, as well as installing circuit breaker panels. They also work directly with homeowners to troubleshoot issues.
Commercial Electrician
Commercial electricians work in larger buildings like offices, retail stores, and hospitals. The electrical systems in these structures are more complex than in residences and involve three-phase power systems to handle heavier loads. Commercial electricians may also install and maintain security systems, fire alarms, and data networks while adhering to commercial building codes.
Industrial Electrician
Industrial electricians operate in environments like factories, manufacturing facilities, and power plants. This specialization involves working with high-voltage systems and complex machinery. Their responsibilities include maintaining and repairing large electrical equipment and control systems that run industrial processes.
Lineman
Linemen, or line electrical workers, have a physically demanding role focused on the electrical grid. They install and maintain the high-voltage transmission and distribution lines that carry electricity from power plants to consumers. This work is performed outdoors in various weather conditions and often at significant heights.
Path to Becoming an Electrician
Becoming a licensed electrician is a structured process combining education with hands-on training. It begins with a high school diploma or GED, a prerequisite for most apprenticeship programs. Attending a vocational school can also provide a foundation in electrical theory, circuitry, and safety practices.
The core of an electrician’s training is a four-to-five-year apprenticeship. This is a paid, on-the-job program where an apprentice works under the supervision of an experienced electrician. This practical experience is supplemented with classroom instruction covering electrical code, blueprint reading, and mathematics. Organizations like the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers (IBEW) and the National Electrical Contractors Association (NECA) sponsor many of these programs.
Upon completing 8,000 to 9,000 on-the-job training hours, an apprentice is eligible to take a licensing exam. Passing this exam grants the title of journeyman electrician, allowing them to work independently. After gaining more experience, a journeyman can take another exam to become a master electrician, which allows them to supervise others and pull permits for projects.
Career Outlook and Compensation
The career outlook for electricians is strong. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) projects that employment for electricians will grow 11% from 2023 to 2033, much faster than the average for all occupations. This growth is driven by new construction, the need to maintain aging infrastructure, and the adoption of renewable energy sources like solar and wind power.
According to the BLS, the median annual wage for electricians was $62,350 in May 2024. Apprentice wages start lower but increase incrementally as they gain skills and complete their training. Licensed journeyman electricians earn a higher wage, and master electricians, who often own businesses or hold supervisory roles, represent the highest earners in the trade.
Essential Skills for Success
An understanding of mathematics and physics is needed for calculating loads and understanding electrical theory. Attention to detail is also a primary skill, as small mistakes can have significant safety consequences. Good communication skills are needed for coordinating with clients, contractors, and other team members.