What is an Electrician?
Electrician Definition Install, maintain, and repair electrical wiring, equipment, and fixtures. Ensure that work is in accordance with relevant codes. May install or service street lights, intercom systems, or electrical control systems.
List of Electrician Job Duties
- Connect wires to circuit breakers, transformers, or other components.
- Perform physically demanding tasks, such as digging trenches to lay conduit or moving or lifting heavy objects.
- Maintain current electrician’s license or identification card to meet governmental regulations.
- Provide assistance during emergencies by operating floodlights or generators, placing flares, or driving needed vehicles.
- Assemble, install, test, or maintain electrical or electronic wiring, equipment, appliances, apparatus, or fixtures, using hand tools or power tools.
- Perform business management duties, such as maintaining records or files, preparing reports, or ordering supplies or equipment.
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Qualities of an Electrician
Below is a list of the skills most Electricians say are important on the job.
Troubleshooting: Determining causes of operating errors and deciding what to do about it.
Repairing: Repairing machines or systems using the needed tools.
Judgment and Decision Making: Considering the relative costs and benefits of potential actions to choose the most appropriate one.
Critical Thinking: Using logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions or approaches to problems.
Active Listening: Giving full attention to what other people are saying, taking time to understand the points being made, asking questions as appropriate, and not interrupting at inappropriate times.
Installation: Installing equipment, machines, wiring, or programs to meet specifications.
Types of Electrician Jobs
- Test Worker
- Electrician Apprentice
- Traffic Signal Mechanic
- Electrical Installer
- Traffic Signal Technician
Is There Job Demand for Electricians?
In 2016, there was an estimated number of 666,900 jobs in the United States for Electrician. New jobs are being produced at a rate of 8.9% which is above the national average. The Bureau of Labor Statistics predicts 59,600 new jobs for Electrician by 2026. The BLS estimates 82,000 yearly job openings in this field.
The states with the most job growth for Electrician are Colorado, Utah, and Arizona. Watch out if you plan on working in Maine, Vermont, or Alaska. These states have the worst job growth for this type of profession.
Do Electricians Make A Lot Of Money?
Electricians make between $32,940 and $94,620 a year.
Electricians who work in Illinois, District of Columbia, or Alaska, make the highest salaries.
Below is a list of the median annual salaries for Electricians in different U.S. states.
State | Annual Mean Salary |
---|---|
Alabama | $47,590 |
Alaska | $76,330 |
Arizona | $47,950 |
Arkansas | $43,650 |
California | $69,320 |
Colorado | $55,500 |
Connecticut | $59,500 |
Delaware | $58,890 |
District of Columbia | $76,030 |
Florida | $45,240 |
Georgia | $50,540 |
Hawaii | $75,810 |
Idaho | $50,170 |
Illinois | $75,820 |
Indiana | $59,060 |
Iowa | $53,360 |
Kansas | $54,940 |
Kentucky | $53,060 |
Louisiana | $52,200 |
Maine | $53,670 |
Maryland | $56,960 |
Massachusetts | $68,030 |
Michigan | $59,090 |
Minnesota | $70,410 |
Mississippi | $49,540 |
Missouri | $60,860 |
Montana | $58,990 |
Nebraska | $50,470 |
Nevada | $62,420 |
New Hampshire | $54,610 |
New Jersey | $71,660 |
New Mexico | $51,050 |
New York | $77,810 |
North Carolina | $44,140 |
North Dakota | $63,260 |
Ohio | $53,130 |
Oklahoma | $53,030 |
Oregon | $69,330 |
Pennsylvania | $65,890 |
Rhode Island | $57,620 |
South Carolina | $44,720 |
South Dakota | $45,490 |
Tennessee | $50,610 |
Texas | $50,980 |
Utah | $54,120 |
Vermont | $51,440 |
Virginia | $51,290 |
Washington | $68,640 |
West Virginia | $53,440 |
Wisconsin | $60,130 |
Wyoming | $59,400 |
What Tools do Electricians Use?
Below is a list of the types of tools and technologies that Electricians may use on a daily basis:
- Microsoft Excel
- Microsoft Word
- Microsoft Office
- Microsoft Outlook
- Word processing software
- SAP
- Microsoft Windows
- Autodesk AutoCAD
- Spreadsheet software
- Adobe Acrobat
- Database software
- Computer aided design CAD software
- Supervisory control and data acquisition SCADA software
- Turtle Creek Software Goldenseal
- Sage 300 Construction and Real Estate
- Insight Direct ServiceCEO
- Wonderware InTouch
- Craftsman CD Estimator
How do I Become an Electrician?
Learn what Electrician education requirements there are.
How many years of work experience do I need?
Where Electricians Work
Electricians work in the following industries:
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References:
Image Credit: Fran Hogan via Creative Commons CC0 1.0 Universal Public Domain Dedication
More about our data sources and methodologies.
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