Electrician
Electricians install, maintain, and repair electrical power, communications, lighting, and control systems in homes, businesses, and factories. They read blueprints, test electrical systems, and ensure compliance with the National Electrical Code and local regulations.
What does a Electrician actually do?
Electricians install, maintain, and repair electrical power, communications, lighting, and control systems in homes, businesses, and factories. They read blueprints, test electrical systems, and ensure compliance with the National Electrical Code and local regulations.
Career category: Electrical
How much does a Electrician make?
National compensation data provides a baseline benchmark. Actual pay varies by geographic location, experience level, overtime hours, and employer type.
Median wage represents the midpoint of national occupational data where half of workers earned more and half earned less.
* Note: Detailed entry-level and experienced percentile data is pending source verification.
How to Train & Qualify as a Electrician
Explore verified training pathways, state licensing requirements, accredited college programs, and official apprenticeship sources.
Typical pathway: 4 to 5 years (8,000 OJT hours) for registered apprenticeship, or 1 to 2 years for technical college diploma.
Paid on-the-job training is common in registered apprenticeship programs. Technical college tuition varies by institution and state residency.
Common Career Entry Route
The dominant entry route is a 4-to-5 year Registered Apprenticeship combining 8,000 hours of paid on-the-job training with ~900 hours of classroom instruction. Vocational certificate programs offer an entry boost toward apprentice hiring.
Ready to start training as a Electrician?
Explore accredited vocational colleges and technical institutes below to view mapped degree and certificate programs, and request admissions info directly from a specific provider.
Jobs & Apprenticeship Opportunities
Real employer positions and paid earn-while-you-learn apprenticeships in Electrician.
What is this career really like?
Key physical requirements, work conditions, and environment characteristics for this career.
Active on-site work involving physical coordination, standing, and equipment handling.
Work follows established safety practices and protective equipment standards.
Union apprenticeship programs and structured collective agreements are active in this field.
Job outlook & future demand
Projected employment growth published by the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS).
Projected national occupational growth rate. Regional and local hiring demand may vary by market.
Related trade careers to explore
Similar careers in the Electrical sector with comparable skills and training pathways.
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Substation Technician
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