Skip to main content

Electricians

Overview

Electricians are skilled professionals who install, maintain, and repair electrical systems in homes, businesses, and factories. They read blueprints, work with wiring and lighting systems, and use advanced testing equipment to diagnose and fix electrical problems. This hands-on career involves using both traditional hand tools and modern digital devices, often working as part of construction teams or independently. Most electricians learn through apprenticeship programs that combine classroom learning with real-world experience.
Electricians

Did you know?

Electricians must obtain proper licensing and certifications that vary by state, often requiring apprenticeship completion and passing state examinations.

At a Glance

Median Wage

$67,200.78 Avg/yr

Growth

Fast Growing

Top Skill

Active Listening

Key Responsibilities

  • Install ground leads and connect power cables to equipment, such as motors.
  • Plan layout and installation of electrical wiring, equipment, or fixtures, based on job specifications and local codes.
  • Repair or replace wiring, equipment, or fixtures, using hand tools or power tools.
  • Work from ladders, scaffolds, or roofs to install, maintain, or repair electrical wiring, equipment, or fixtures.
  • Test electrical systems or continuity of circuits in electrical wiring, equipment, or fixtures, using testing devices, such as ohmmeters, voltmeters, or oscilloscopes, to ensure compatibility and safety of system.
  • Inspect electrical systems, equipment, or components to identify hazards, defects, or the need for adjustment or repair, and to ensure compliance with codes.
  • Fasten small metal or plastic boxes to walls to house electrical switches or outlets.
  • Provide preliminary sketches or cost estimates for materials or services.
  • Construct or fabricate parts, using hand tools, according to specifications.
  • Connect wires to circuit breakers, transformers, or other components.
  • Direct or train workers to install, maintain, or repair electrical wiring, equipment, or fixtures.
  • Advise management on whether continued operation of equipment could be hazardous.
  • Assemble, install, test, or maintain electrical or electronic wiring, equipment, appliances, apparatus, or fixtures, using hand tools or power tools.
  • Place conduit, pipes, or tubing, inside designated partitions, walls, or other concealed areas, and pull insulated wires or cables through the conduit to complete circuits between boxes.
  • Use a variety of tools or equipment, such as power construction equipment, measuring devices, power tools, and testing equipment, such as oscilloscopes, ammeters, or test lamps.
  • Perform physically demanding tasks, such as digging trenches to lay conduit or moving or lifting heavy objects.
  • Provide assistance during emergencies by operating floodlights or generators, placing flares, or driving needed vehicles.
  • Prepare sketches or follow blueprints to determine the location of wiring or equipment and to ensure conformance to building and safety codes.
  • Diagnose malfunctioning systems, apparatus, or components, using test equipment and hand tools to locate the cause of a breakdown and correct the problem.
  • Maintain current electrician's license or identification card to meet governmental regulations.
  • Perform business management duties, such as maintaining records or files, preparing reports, or ordering supplies or equipment.

Career Considerations

State Licensing Requirements

Electricians must obtain proper licensing and certifications that vary by state, often requiring apprenticeship completion and passing state examinations.

Physical Demands and Safety Risks

The occupation involves significant physical demands including working in confined spaces, at heights, and exposure to electrical hazards requiring strict adherence to OSHA safety protocols.

Career Advancement Opportunities

Electricians can advance to supervisory roles, start their own contracting businesses, or specialize in high-demand areas like renewable energy systems and smart home technology.

Want to dig deeper?

Talk to blinky to learn more.

Start chatting
BETA
New York

25 Kent Ave, Suite 401
Brooklyn, NY
11249


North Carolina

204 N Person
Street. Raleigh, NC
27601

Australia

Level 4/80
Wentworth Ave,
Surry Hills,
Sydney, 2010