How To Become An Electrician

Electricians keep power running in homes, businesses and public spaces by installing and maintaining electrical equipment. It takes a trained technician to install safe, reliable and energy-efficient wiring systems.

What Does an Electrician Do?

Electricians install and maintain the electrical and power systems that light up our homes; power our appliances and computers; run our factories; and in some cases, provide heat and climate control. Electricians may focus on the initial construction of new electrical systems or the maintenance of existing systems.

Construction electricians install new wiring in factories, businesses and homes under construction. Since construction electricians are establishing a new wiring system, this role requires a detailed knowledge of building codes and technical best practices for energy efficiency and usability.

Maintenance electricians are skilled in the repair, upgrade and regular maintenance of existing electrical systems. Maintenance specialists must build familiarity with a range of electrical system components, ensuring that the parts work together safely and effectively. They must also be able to troubleshoot problems, identifying the locations and reasons for malfunctions.

Both construction and maintenance electricians must know and adhere to state and local building codes as well as the National Electrical Code.

Key Skills and Responsibilities of an Electrician

In the course of installing and maintaining electrical systems, electricians complete a broad range of tasks. Key skills include:

Reading blueprints. These technical diagrams identify the locations of circuits, outlets, panel boards, load centers and other components in the electrical systems.
Installing wiring. Electricians connect wires to circuit breakers, transformers and electrical outlets, in accordance to building and electrical codes. To install wiring, electricians use conduit benders, wire strippers and other specialized wiring tools.
Testing electrical systems. Electricians use ammeters, ohmmeters, voltmeters, harmonics testers and other equipment to test connections and ensure safety.
Maintaining and repairing electrical systems. Electricians inspect electrical equipment and identify any malfunctioning components through troubleshooting. They then replace faulty items such as circuit breakers, fuses, switches, wiring and electrical components.

Electricians who specialize in industrial systems may also repair and maintain complex tools such as electronic controllers on machine tools and industrial robots. Factory electricians often work with engineers to ensure the safety and proper functioning of complex industrial electrical equipment.

What are the Steps to Becoming an Electrician?

It takes many hours of training to master the technical skill and knowledge of the electrician trade. Steps to becoming an electrician include:

High school education. A high school diploma or GED is the minimum requirement for starting a career as an electrician. A background in mathematics can help you excel in your vocational training courses.

Vocational training course. Many electricians start their career with a vocational training course where they learn the basics of the trade. While not required, an initial vocational training course can help you secure a high-quality paid apprenticeship. You may also enter the apprenticeship program at a more advanced level.
Apprenticeship. Apprenticeship is the primary step toward becoming an electrician. Apprenticeship programs bring together formal classroom instruction and on-the-job training.
Licensure. State and local authorities require electricians to demonstrate their mastery of the trade through a series of exams and requirements vary from state to state. The licensing exam tests knowledge of electrical theory, the National Electrical Code and state and local building codes. There are special licenses for some electrician roles, such as public electricians, electrical contractors and inspectors.

Training and Apprenticeship. Electrician training programs generally last four years and incorporate at least 144 hours of classroom instruction and two thousand hours of on-the-job training. Classroom training covers the following knowledge and competency areas:

Electrical theory
Blueprint reading
Mathematics
Electrical code and building code requirements
Safety and first aid

In addition, electricians may pursue specialized instruction in soldering, fire alarm systems, elevators, industrial machinery electronics and more. On-the-job training offers applied, hands-on practice under the supervision of an experienced electrician.

Together, these steps teach you safe installation and continued maintenance of today's electrical systems in order to become a skilled electrician.

How to Become a Great Electrician

Electricians have several resources at their disposal to advance their expertise and their careers. Advanced roles for electricians include:

Supervisory positions as construction project managers or superintendents.
Contracting positions as an electrician contractor or master electrician. As an independent contractor, you own and manage your own business. You need a special contractor's license to set up shop as a contractor.
Regulatory positions as an electrical inspector.

Some of the resources available to help you advance into these roles include continuing education courses, specialized licensing and a college degree in electrical engineering. You can also pursue certification as a master electrician. Master electricians have at least seven years experience in the field and often have a bachelor's degree in electrical engineering.

Career Outlook for Electricians

Electricians face a stable economic future, with average employment growth and good job prospects. Electricians with specialized training in high tech electrical systems such as voice, data and video wiring should fare the best on the job market. The Bureau of Labor Statistics cites an estimated 12 percent job growth between 2008 and 2018. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the mean salary for electricians stood at $50,850 in 2009.

Learn how to become an electrician through training and apprenticeship and take advantage of stable job opportunities in this technical specialty. With more and more complex electrical systems in development, trained electricians can expect sustained demand for their expertise.

Resources for Electricians

Bureau of Labor Statistics

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