What You Need to Know About Electrician
Electrician Example 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.
What Do Electricians Do On a Daily Basis?
- Work from ladders, scaffolds, or roofs to install, maintain, or repair electrical wiring, equipment, or fixtures.
- Connect wires to circuit breakers, transformers, or other components.
- Inspect electrical systems, equipment, or components to identify hazards, defects, or the need for adjustment or repair, and to ensure compliance with codes.
- Plan layout and installation of electrical wiring, equipment, or fixtures, based on job specifications and local codes.
- Direct or train workers to install, maintain, or repair electrical wiring, equipment, or fixtures.
- 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.
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Things an Electrician Should Know How to Do
When polled, Electricians say the following skills are most frequently used in their jobs:
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.
Related Job Titles for this Occupation:
- Neon Sign Erector
- Ground Wirer
- Interior Wirer
- Neon Light Installer
- Journeyman Wireman
Job Demand for Electricians
There were about 666,900 jobs for Electrician in 2016 (in the United States). 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. Due to new job openings and attrition, there will be an average of 82,000 job openings in this field each year.

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.
Average Electricians Salary
Electricians make between $32,940 and $94,620 a year.

Electricians who work in Illinois, District of Columbia, or Alaska, make the highest salaries.
How much do Electricians make in each U.S. state?
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?
Although they’re not necessarily needed for all jobs, the following technologies are used by many Electricians:
- 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 to Become an Electrician
Individuals working as an Electrician have obtained the following education levels:

How many years of work experience do I need?

Where Electricians Are Employed

Electricians work in the following industries:

Related Careers
Those interested in being an Electrician may also be interested in:
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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