Electricians are skilled tradespeople who specialize in installing, maintaining, and repairing electrical power, communications, lighting, and control systems. These systems power homes, businesses, and industrial sites.
Many electricians operate independently, without the need to complete a formal apprenticeship program. However, some choose to attend a technical school or career college. Click here to Learn More.
Aspiring electricians can pursue education and training through various routes. Some opt to attend trade schools, while others choose apprenticeship programs that combine on-the-job learning with classroom instruction. The goal is to gain extensive knowledge of electrical systems and components, as well as the latest regulations and safety practices.
Many electricians also specialize in particular types of work, such as solar energy or refrigeration. This allows them to build up a client base and earn more money. Regardless of the path, electricians must have a high school diploma or GED certificate and be able to follow strict protocols and instructions. They must have excellent manual dexterity and be comfortable working in tight spaces with a lot of noise.
In addition to these essential skills, electricians must be able to communicate effectively with clients and fellow professionals. NECA Education & Careers offers a range of short specialization courses that help electricians expand their skill sets and gain a competitive edge.
Apprentices typically spend four to five years in an apprenticeship, working under the guidance of experienced electricians. This is often followed by a period of testing and obtaining certification. In order to obtain a master electrician’s license, individuals must meet various state requirements, which vary by region.
Electricians may also elect to take a further step, becoming a field safety representative. This enables them to pull their own permits on the job, as well as oversee and manage projects. This is typically only possible if the individual has been a journeyman electrician for a certain amount of time and passed a test.
Once certified, electricians can work for companies, contractors, or on their own. They can also collaborate with other construction specialists, such as HVAC workers, to complete jobs. In addition, they may be asked to consult with architects and engineers on electrical system design for new construction projects. Some may also work on maintenance and repair jobs, which can include more routine tasks such as replacing bulbs or fixing faulty appliances. Electricians also play an important role in maintaining the safe and efficient operation of industrial machinery, such as motors and programmable logic controllers.
Job Duties
A licensed electrician is responsible for a wide range of electrical tasks, including installing and repairing wiring, equipment, and fixtures. They also inspect their work and ensure it meets safety requirements. Those with specialized skills in areas like low or high voltage systems can earn higher salaries. Additionally, electricians working in metropolitan areas usually earn above the national average and those in industrial settings can see higher pay rates than those who specialize in residential homes or small commercial buildings. Those who are members of unions often get higher wages, too.
As an electrician, you need to take pride in your work and continue to learn new skills. This not only makes you a better employee, but it also opens up new opportunities for yourself. Taking advantage of training opportunities can boost your earnings and make you a favorite of your boss. In fact, some companies will even pay for your schooling if you agree to use your newly learned skills within the company.
In addition to learning new skills, it is important to keep up with the latest technologies in the industry. This is not only good for your career, but it can also improve the customer experience and make you more valuable to the company. For instance, if you know how to install solar panels or smart thermostats, it can open up new avenues for you and increase your overall revenue potential.
One way to maximize your earning potential is to start your own company. While this takes a lot of work and risk, the upside can be huge, especially if you have sales experience in addition to your technical skillset.
To ensure you are getting paid the most you can as an electrician, ServiceTitan’s integrated payroll tools make it easy to run accurate payments for your technicians. Our software tracks hours spent driving, vendor runs, and time on actual job sites so that each employee’s timesheet is up to date at the end of each week, month, or other established payment period. We also automate time and overtime calculations so you can avoid spending a lot of time double checking for discrepancies.
Working Conditions
Working conditions for electricians vary depending on the type of work they do and where they are employed. Some electricians are self-employed and set their own hours, while others work for companies or contractors. They may travel to different locations for work, and they often work in tight or close spaces. They also work outdoors in various weather conditions.
The work of an electrician requires that they be skilled tradespeople who can design, install and maintain electrical systems and equipment. In this capacity, they are responsible for ensuring that all electrical work is completed correctly and in compliance with regulatory standards. This can include preparing and reviewing blueprints, technical drawings, and specifications for each project and determining the materials and tools needed. They also liaise with clients directly, both before each job to discuss the scope of work and afterwards to invoice them and secure payment.
In this profession, apprentices are often taught the skills of the trade by a senior electrician. This may take several years of on-the-job experience and classroom instruction, including apprenticeship and other training requirements. Once an apprentice is fully trained, he or she becomes a journeyman electrician. This classification means that the electrician can perform all of the job duties listed above, and he or she can supervise other electricians and apprentices.
Residential, commercial and industrial electricians must work with a variety of power supply voltages. They must be able to read and understand blueprints and technical diagrams in order to identify the location of circuits and outlets. In addition, they must be able to troubleshoot electrical problems and fix them quickly and safely.
Industrial electricians are experts in the complex electrical systems that run machinery and manufacturing plants. These electricians are often required to be on call to fix equipment that breaks down, and they must be able to ensure minimal downtime for production. They are also often required to work in confined spaces and in harsh environments, such as power plants and mining facilities.
Electricians who specialize in line work are known as a lineman and must be able to climb 100 foot poles to perform their duties, which can sometimes be dangerous. They must be able to work in high-voltage areas, and they must wear personal protective equipment such as hard hats, gloves, safety glasses and a harness when performing their work.
Salary
The salary of an electrician varies depending on their level of expertise and experience. Apprentices have the lowest salaries, followed by journeymen and then master electricians. The salary is influenced by the area in which they work, the cost of living and the amount that the individual pays to obtain their license.
The job of an electrician is very hands-on and can be physically demanding. Those in the trade typically work at residential, commercial and industrial sites and may be required to work on electrical systems and equipment indoors or outdoors in various weather conditions. They are responsible for reading and interpreting blueprints, schematics and specifications to determine the layout of the wiring and other components needed for a job.
Electricians can find employment with construction companies, power firms or run their own business. Those who choose to run their own business can earn a higher salary than those employed by others. This is because the business owner takes home a portion of the profits, and this can add up quickly, especially for those who are skilled in sales and marketing.
While there is no guarantee that an electrician will receive a high salary, those who work hard and consistently get positive feedback from their bosses are likely to advance. This is because the boss will want to keep this employee around, which is good for his or her bottom line.
If you have the skills, the training and a desire to succeed in the field of electricity, this can be an excellent career choice. Electricians are vital to ensuring that the power we all depend on is available when and where we need it, so there is always demand for those with this skill set. For those who enjoy working with their hands and being part of a team, this is an ideal profession. In addition to these general skills, an electrician should also possess the ability to communicate with a wide range of people. This can be helpful when dealing with contractors, suppliers and other members of the team. It is also important to be able to follow all safety precautions when working with electricity, as well as to understand and adhere to the relevant electrical codes and standards.