Career Outlook for Electricians

Entry-level education: High school diploma

Median pay (2016): $521,720 annually

Job outlook, 2014-2024: Growing much faster than average (14 percent projected growth)

On-the-job training: Apprenticeship

Working environment: Electricians generally work both indoors and outdoors in a variety of conditions, traveling between homes, businesses, factories, and construction sites to install, maintain and repair power and communications systems.

Almost every building has an electrical power, communications, lighting and control system that is installed during construction and maintained after that. These systems power lights, appliances and equipment that make people’s lives and jobs easier and more comfortable. Electricians install, maintain and repair electrical power, communications, lighting and control systems in homes, businesses and factories.

Electricians handle various job duties:
• Read blueprints or technical diagrams.
• Install and maintain wiring, control and lighting systems.
• Inspect electrical components, such as transformers and circuit breakers.
• Identify electrical problems using a variety of testing devices.
• Repair or replace wiring, equipment or fixtures using hand tools and power tools.
• Follow state and local building regulations based on the National Electrical Code.
• Direct and train workers to install, maintain or repair electrical wiring or equipment.

*Source: bls.gov