July 11, 2023

Wired for Success: The Occupation of an Electrician

Imagine a day without electricity. No morning alarm clocks to wake us up, no coffee machines to greet us, no phones, no lights, no electric cars. Not a single luxury.

If your home’s power has gone out for even one hour, you know that electricity is the lifeblood of modern living, especially in the desert. Without electricians, the men and women responsible for bringing power from the electrical grid into our homes, offices, and businesses., we would be powerless. Seriously.

What do electricians do?

Electricians install, maintain, and repair electrical systems such as wiring, electrical circuits, and power connectivity in residential and commercial buildings. Electricians also work on power lines and the external electrical infrastructure that connects the power generation stations to end users.

If it generates or uses electricity, an electrician was connected to it somewhere along the way.

The U.S. Bureau of Labor explained in a few bullets what vital work electricians are responsible for:

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

What different types of electricians are there?

There are many types of electrician jobs out there.

Residential electricians focus on installation and repair of electrical systems in homes or residential buildings
Commercial Electricians install and repair electrical systems in buildings, offices, stores, and restaurants
Industrial Electricians specialize in installing and maintaining electrical systems in factories, manufacturing plants, and industrial settings
Residential and Inside Wiremen are electricians that specialize in connecting electrical systems to the outside power source, and then distributing that power throughout the building (residential or commercial)
Outside Linemen install, repair, and maintain outdoor power lines that transmit energy from power plants to homes and businesses, and are the people who respond to repair storm-damaged lines to restore the power

What hours do Electricians work?

While schedules may vary by the type, location, and scope of their work, electricians generally work an 8-hour day, from 7 a.m. to around 3 p.m., not including overtime.

How much do electricians make?

According to Bureau of Labor statistics, the median annual wage for electricians was $60,040 in May 2021. The lowest 10 percent earned less than $37,020, while the highest 10 percent earned more than $99,800. Apprentices start on the lower end of that scale, but compensation can jump quickly as they gain experience and skills.

The Phoenix area ranked 9th in terms of Metropolitan areas with the highest employment level for electricians (as of 2022) with an annual mean wage of $53,260 before overtime.

What is the job outlook for electricians?

It should come as no surprise that electricity is in very high demand. The U.S. Bureau of Labor predicts the job outlook for electricians is promising, with employment projected to grow seven percent from 2021 to 2031 (about as fast as the average for all occupations).

This growth is being driven by the need for electrical installations in new buildings, expanding alternative power generation requirements, and to replace retiring electricians.

What training do I need? How do I get started to become an electrician?

If you’re considering a career as an electrician, here are some steps to get started:

Research the field to get a better idea of the industry and types of careers available, and any state requirements for becoming an electrician
Have your high school diploma or equivalent
Consider attending a technical school or community college to gain foundational knowledge*
Look for apprenticeship programs offered by electrical contractors, contractor associations, or unions in your area for on-the-job, hands-on learning**
Understand the state requirements to become an electrician, such as passing licensing exams and continuing education courses
Build out a network of personal connections within the industry by attending trade shows and joining professional organizations. Also consider reaching out to experienced electricians to see if they offer mentorship opportunities

A career as an electrician offers stability, good earning potential, and the opportunity to work in a hands-on field. For young and old, becoming an electrician can lead to a rewarding and fulfilling career.

* Check out this list of Build Your Future partner organizations that offer education and training opportunities to become an electrician:

The Greater Phoenix Chamber Foundation‘s Construction Workforce Initiative, Build Your Future Arizona’s mission is to create a sustainable and skilled craft workforce by creating awareness about high-paying construction careers, training opportunities and mapping career paths to employment in these high-demand occupations.