Electrician
O*NET-SOC: 47-2111.00
Installs, maintains, and repairs electrical wiring, equipment, and fixtures in residential, commercial, and industrial settings, ensuring systems function safely and comply with electrical codes.
About this Role
Electricians install, maintain, and repair the wiring and electrical systems that power homes, offices, factories, and public buildings. A typical day starts early with loading tools and materials into a van, reviewing blueprints to understand where wires, outlets, and circuit panels need to go, then heading to a job site. The work ranges from running new wiring through walls and ceilings during construction to diagnosing why a circuit keeps tripping in an older building or upgrading a panel to handle modern electrical loads.
A Day in the Life
6:30 AM
Load van and briefing
Stock the van with tools and materials for the day's job, then review blueprints and the work plan with the supervisor.
7:00 AM
Site arrival and safety setup
Shut off power to the area using lockout procedures, then stage wire spools and metal tubing near the work zone.
8:00 AM
Install conduit runs
Bend and mount metal tubing along walls and ceilings to create pathways for wiring, pulling guide lines through tight spaces as needed.
10:00 AM
Pull and connect wires
Thread wires through the conduit into junction boxes, strip the ends, make connections, and label everything according to the wiring plan.
12:00 PM
Lunch break
Eat on-site, review progress against the day's timeline.
12:45 PM
Panel build-out
Install circuit breakers in the electrical panel, connect the wiring, and tighten all connections to the required specifications.
3:00 PM
Test and troubleshoot
Use testing instruments to check that circuits are properly insulated, connections are secure, and voltage readings are correct.
4:30 PM
Cleanup and sign-off
Sweep the site, document test results, and get supervisor approval before packing up for the day.
Tools & Technologies
CAD & Design
- Autodesk AutoCAD
- Computer aided design CAD software
- One Mile Up Panel Planner
Word Processing
- Microsoft Word
- Socrates Contractor's Library
Document Management
- Adobe Acrobat
Spreadsheets
- Microsoft Excel
Office Suites
- Microsoft Office
Email
- Microsoft Outlook
Salary Details
Salary Distribution
Most professionals earn between $49K and $82K
| Percentile | Salary |
|---|---|
| 10th | $39K |
| 25th | $49K |
| 50th (Median) | $62K |
| 75th | $82K |
| 90th | $106K |
Certifications & Training
Essential
Journeyman Electrician License
State Licensing Board
Requires 8,000 hours apprenticeship plus exam on NEC; allows independent electrical work.
Electrical Apprenticeship Program
IEC or IBEW
4-5 year paid on-the-job training combining classroom and field work to journeyman status.
Recommended
Master Electrician License
State Licensing Board
Post-journeyman credential for contracting and supervising electrical projects.
National Electrical Code (NEC) Training
NFPA
In-depth study of electrical standards for safe installations.
Helpful
OSHA 10-Hour Construction Safety
OSHA
Covers hazard recognition and safety practices vital for construction sites.
Work Environment
- Remote Work
- On-site Only
- Work Setting
- Primarily outdoor / field work
- Physical Activity
- Physically active — significant time on your feet
- Social Interaction
- Highly collaborative — frequent team interaction
- Schedule
- Extended hours common
Your Skills & Attributes
Skills & Competencies Matches (44)
- RepairingGood Match
- Active ListeningModerate Match
- InstructingModerate Match
- Service OrientationModerate Match
- ProgrammingPartial Match
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Electrician a good career?
Electrician can be a rewarding career choice. Based on current data, the median salary is $62K and job outlook is growing (6% projected growth). Whether it's a good fit depends on your skills, interests, and values — take our quiz to find out how well you match.
What degree do you need to become a Electrician?
The typical education requirement for a Electrician is a High School Diploma. However, requirements can vary by employer and specialization. Some professionals enter the field with alternative credentials or relevant work experience.
How long does it take to become a Electrician?
Becoming a Electrician typically requires about 4 years of high school education. Additional time may be needed for certifications, internships, or on-the-job training depending on the specific role and employer requirements.
What is the work-life balance like for a Electrician?
The work-life balance for a Electrician is moderate, with some periods requiring extended hours or flexibility. Individual experiences vary based on employer, specialization, seniority level, and geographic location.
What is the job outlook for Electrician?
The job outlook for Electrician is growing. Employment is projected to grow by 6% over the coming decade. Labor market conditions can vary by region and specialization.