Electrician

Your Fit

Income

$62K

Preparation

Medium

Growth

6.4%

Definition
Your fit with this career
How much they earn
What they do
Job satisfaction
How to become

What is an Electrician?

An Electrician is a skilled tradesperson who installs, maintains, and repairs electrical systems in homes, businesses, and industries. They ensure that electrical work is completed safely and meets regulatory standards.

Your test results

Why this fit score?

The fit report shows your areas of fit and misfit with Electrician.

Fit report

Test scores

The scores report summarizes what we learned about you. It shows your results on everything measured in the career test.

Scores report

How much does an Electrician earn

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, typical income (in USD) is...

Bottom 10%	Bottom 25%	Median (average)	Top 25%	Top 10%
$38K per year	$48K per year	$62K per year	$80K per year	$104K per year

Compared to other careers: Median is $14K above the national average.

See income by country/state/province

What does an Electrician do?

Work environment

Electricians work in a variety of settings, including residential, commercial, and industrial sites. The work may involve indoor and outdoor environments and requires adherence to safety standards due to the risks associated with electrical systems. Electricians may work in confined spaces, at heights, and in a range of weather conditions.

Quick task list

Reads blueprints and technical diagrams.
Installs and maintains wiring, control, and lighting systems.
Inspects electrical components for safety and functionality.
Troubleshoots and repairs electrical problems.
Adheres to local and national electrical codes.

See full list of tasks with expert relevance ratings

Areas of specialization

Residential Electrician: Specializes in electrical systems within homes.
Commercial Electrician: Works on electrical systems in commercial buildings like offices and stores.
Industrial Electrician: Focuses on electrical systems in industrial settings, such as factories.
Master Electrician: Highly experienced, often overseeing projects and obtaining permits.
Electrical Inspector: Specializes in inspecting and ensuring compliance with electrical codes and standards.

Description

The role of an electrician is crucial in both construction and maintenance sectors. They are responsible for ensuring that electrical installations are safe, efficient, and effective. Electricians need a thorough understanding of electrical theory, as well as practical skills to handle tools and equipment. They must be able to read and interpret blueprints and follow the regulations governing electrical installations.

Safety is a paramount concern in this profession, as working with electricity can be dangerous. Electricians must be knowledgeable about safety practices and wear appropriate protective equipment. They often work in different environments, from new construction sites to older buildings requiring maintenance or renovation.

The field is evolving with technological advancements, including smart home technology and renewable energy systems. Thus, electricians need to stay informed about these developments. Continuous learning is a part of the job, whether it's for certification, mastering new technologies, or understanding changing codes and standards.

Job Satisfaction

Sources of satisfaction

Playing a vital role in building and maintaining essential infrastructure.
Problem-solving and the variety of work in different settings.
Job security due to constant demand for skilled electricians.
Potential for career advancement and specialization.

You might make a good Electrician if you are...

Skilled in problem-solving and critical thinking.
Interested in electrical systems and how they work.
Able to work independently and make decisions.
Detail-oriented with a strong focus on safety.
Comfortable working in a variety of physical conditions and environments.

Pros:

High demand and job security in a skilled trade.
Opportunities for advancement and specialization.
Diverse work environments and tasks.
Potentially lucrative, especially for specialized or self-employed electricians.

Cons:

Risk of injury from electrical shocks, falls, and other on-site hazards.
Requirement for ongoing education and keeping up with changing technology and codes.
Physically demanding work, often in challenging environments.

How to become an Electrician

Typical education

Electricians typically need a high school diploma followed by an apprenticeship program, which combines on-the-job training with classroom instruction. This apprenticeship usually lasts about 4-5 years. Some electricians may also attend a vocational-technical school.

High school preparation

Courses:

Mathematics and physics to understand electrical principles.
Vocational education or shop classes focusing on electrical systems.
Technical drawing or drafting to interpret blueprints.

Extra-Curricular Activities:

Robotics club or electronics hobbyist groups to gain practical skills.
Participation in team sports to build physical stamina.
Volunteer work involving community building or repair projects.

Preparation after high school

Enroll in an apprenticeship program combining classroom instruction and on-the-job training.
Attend a vocational-technical school for a more formal education in electrical theory and practices.
Obtain certification in specialized areas like renewable energy or smart home technology.

More resources

National Electrical Contractors Association (NECA) - Offers resources and information for electrical professionals.
Independent Electrical Contractors (IEC) - Provides apprenticeship and training programs.
Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) - Safety guidelines for electrical work.
International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers (IBEW) - Union offering support and training for electricians.

Similar careers

Similarity is based on what people in the careers do, what they know, and what they are called. The process of establishing similarity lists is described in this white paper.