Electricians: Schools and Careers

About Electricians

Electricians install, maintain and repair electrical wiring and the various components that electricity flows through. They also install and maintain equipment and machines and other items. In addition, electricians draw diagrams for entire electrical systems. Connecting wires to transformers, circuit breakers, outlets and other components is often part of the job.

For safety reasons, electricians adhere to the standards set by the National Electrical Code and also local building codes. After installations have been completed they use equipment such as voltmeters, ohmmeters, ammeters and oscilloscopes to test connections and to check the compatibility of components and make sure there are no safety problems.

Most electricians are employed in either maintenance or construction, however some electricians work in both fields. Those focusing on maintenance, repair and upgrade electrical systems and repair electrical equipment. Those working in construction mainly install wiring systems in homes, businesses, factories and other types of facilities.

A number of electricians also install low-voltage wiring systems. Low voltage wiring accommodates data, voice and video equipment. Installing fiber optic and coaxial cable for electronic controls and telecommunications equipment is also accomplished by electricians.

Electrician Responsibilities

• Plan the layout and installation of electrical wiring and equipment based on job specifications and electrical codes
• Assemble, install, test and maintain electrical wiring, equipment and other items
• Connect wiring to transformers, circuit breakers and other components
• Utilize blueprints to determine the location of wiring
• Diagnose malfunctioning systems
• Inspect electrical systems, equipment and components
• Determine if the continued use of equipment might be hazardous
• Maintaining records and preparing reports
• Provide cost estimates for materials

Electricians work inside structures and also outdoors. Lifting heavy objects, bending conduit and standing and kneeling for long periods of time are part of the profession. In addition, electricians also are at risk to injuries caused by electrical shocks and by falling. Those that work outdoors may at times, have to work in harsh weather conditions.

Typically, electricians work 40 hours a week. However, sometimes working overtime is necessary. Electricians involved with maintenance work may be required to work nights and during the weekends and might have to be on call and work when necessary. Those employed in industrial environments might occasionally work overtime due to scheduled maintenance or retooling sessions.

Electricians should have good manual dexterity, be detailed oriented and have good balance. Also, good color vision is necessary since they often need to identify electrical wires by color. In addition, speaking in popular foreign languages is also useful.

Employment Outlook

In 2006, there were approximately 705,000 electrician jobs. Close to 70% of electricians were employed in the construction industry. Others worked in maintenance. Approximately 11% of electricians were self-employed. The median hourly wage for electricians was $20.97 in 2006. The wages for apprentices typically begin between 40 and 50 percent of the hourly rate paid to fully trained technicians. As apprentices become more skilled their pay increases throughout their training.

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the growth rate for electricians from 2006 to 2016 is projected to be 7% which is about as fast as the average for all other types of employment. The construction of more power plants and the emergence of new technologies are expected to be factors in the increase in the demand for electricians. Also, buildings are increasingly in need of having extra wiring installed to accommodate telecommunications equipment and computers.

Electricians, with a variety of skills such as working with voice, data and video wiring will have good opportunities for employment. The availability of electrician jobs will vary by location and specialty. In addition, the job market for electricians is effected by the fluctuations of the economy. Electrician jobs are lost when the construction industry declines. In general, employment in the maintenance section of the occupation is steadier than the construction section. Electrician jobs in the automotive and manufacturing industries are sensitive to the fluctuations of the economy.

Experienced electricians have opportunities to advance into supervisor jobs. Those working in construction are eligible to become project managers or construction superintendents. Some begin their own contracting company which requires a special electrical contractor's license. Also, some electricians find employment as electrical inspectors.

Electrician School, Certification, and Licensing

Most electricians learn through apprenticeship programs which blend classroom learning with on-the-job training. Apprenticeship programs are offered by combined training organizations consisting of local unions of the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers and local chapters of the National Electrical Contractors Association. Also, the local chapters of the Independent Electrical Contractors Association and the Associated Builders and Contractors provide apprenticeship programs. Electrical contracting companies also offer apprenticeships.

The training programs usually take four years to complete. Typically, the trainees perform 2,000 hours of on-the-job training and have at least 144 hours of classroom learning. While training on the job, apprentices work under the guidance of experienced electricians. Those that complete the apprenticeship programs are eligible to perform maintenance and construction work.

Some people begin their classroom learning before acquiring an apprenticeship. Many vocational schools provide electrician training programs. Mathematics courses offered in training programs are helpful since solving mathematical problems is often part of the occupation. Many employers hire people that have completed the programs.

Some workers gain entry into apprenticeship programs by beginning as assistants who perform non-electrical work. Apprentices are required to have a high school diploma or a GED certificate. In addition, many electricians attend safety programs and manufacturer-specific training sessions.

Most states and localities require electricians to be licensed. The licensing requirements vary by state, however, electricians typically have to pass an examination which includes the National Electrical Code and also includes electrical theory and local electrical and building codes. In addition, electrical contractors who provide services to the public typically are required to obtain a special license. Some states require electrical contractors to acquire certification as a master electrician.

Resources for Electricians

• National Joint Apprenticeship Training Committee
• National Electrical Contractors Association
• Independent Electrical Contractors Inc.

Major Employers of Electricians

The primary employers for electricians are construction, electrical contractors, local governments, manufacturing industries and the electric power generation, transmission and distribution services industry.

Schools for Electricians are listed in the column to the left.

The Top Cities tab shows employment statistics for Electricians by major metro area.

The Top Industries tab shows which industries have the most jobs for Electricians, along with salary data by industry.

The Find Schools tab lets you search for schools by field of study, degree level, and location.