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| Quick Facts: Electricians | |
|---|---|
| Pay, 2008 |
$46,420
per year $22.32 per hour |
| Education | High school diploma or equivalent |
| Number of Jobs, 2008 | 694,900 |
| Job Outlook, 2008-18 | 12% (as fast as average) |
| Job Openings, Projected 2008-18 | 250,900 |
Electricians install and maintain electrical and power systems in homes, businesses, and factories.
Electricians work indoors and out, in nearly every type of facility. Almost all electricians work full time, which may include evenings and weekends. While the work is not as dangerous as some other construction occupations, common risks include electrical shocks and burns, and cuts and falls.
Although most electricians learn on the job through a formal apprenticeship, some start out by attending a technical school. Most states require licensure.
The median annual wage of electricians was $46,420 in May 2008.
Employment is projected to grow by 12 percent, about as fast as the average for all occupations. Homes and businesses require more wiring than ever before, and electricians will be needed to install the necessary components.
Compare the job duties, education, job growth, and pay of Electricians with similar occupations.
O*NET provides comprehensive information on key characteristics of workers and occupations.
Electricians install and maintain electrical and power systems in homes, businesses, and factories.
Electricians typically do the following:
Nearly every building has an electrical system that is installed during construction and maintained thereafter. Electricians provide this service. New construction is less complicated because it is easier to access electrical wiring during the installation process. Maintaining older equipment, however, can be more complicated because it involves identifying problems and repairing malfunctioning equipment that is sometimes difficult to reach. Electricians performing maintenance work may need to fix or replace outlets, circuit breakers, motors, or robotic control systems.
All electricians read blueprints, which are technical diagrams of electrical systems that show the location of circuits, outlets, and other equipment. They use different types of hand and power tools, such as pipe benders, to run and protect wiring. Other commonly used hand and power tools include screwdrivers, wire strippers, drills, and saws. While troubleshooting, electricians may also use ammeters, voltmeters, and multimeters to find problems and ensure that components are working properly. To test electrical current, for example, electricians most often use voltmeters.
Many electricians work independently, but sometimes they collaborate with others. For instance, experienced electricians may work with building engineers and architects to help design electrical systems in new construction. Some electricians also may consult with other construction specialists, such as elevator installers and HVAC workers, to help install or maintain electrical or power systems. At larger companies, electricians are more likely to work as part of a crew, on which they may direct helpers and apprentices in order to complete jobs.
The following are examples of types of electricians:
Inside electricians maintain and repair large motors, equipment, and control systems in businesses and factories. They use their knowledge of electrical systems to help these facilities run safely and efficiently. Some also install the wiring for businesses and factories when they are being built. To minimize equipment failure, inside electricians often perform scheduled maintenance.
Residential electricians install wiring and troubleshoot electrical problems in peoples' homes. Those who work in new-home construction install outlets and provide access to power where needed. Those who work in maintenance and remodeling repair and replace faulty equipment. For example, if a circuit breaker is tripped, electricians determine the reason and fix it.
Electricians work indoors and out, in homes, businesses, factories, and construction sites. They occasionally work in cramped spaces, and constant lifting, standing, and kneeling can be tiring. Those who work in factories are commonly subject to noisy machinery. Some electricians must perform emergency repairs outside, even in inclement weather. Depending on their job, electricians may need to travel long distances to get to job sites.
Electricians have a higher than average injury and illness rate. The most common risks are electrical shocks and burns, but electricians also risk cuts, falls, and other common construction related injuries. They must follow safety guidelines and wear protective clothing and safety glasses to reduce these risks.
Almost all electricians work full time which may include evenings and weekends. During scheduled maintenance periods, inside electricians can expect to work overtime. Overtime is also common on construction worksites because meeting deadlines is critical.
About 9 percent of electricians are self-employed, many of whom have the ability to set their own schedule.
Although most electricians learn on the job through a formal apprenticeship, some start out by attending a technical school. Most states require licensure.
A 4-year apprenticeship is how most electricians learn their trade. Each year, apprentices must have at least 144 hours of paid classwork and 2,000 hours of paid on-the-job training. In the classroom, apprentices learn electrical theory, blueprint reading, mathematics, electrical code requirements, and safety and first-aid practices. They also may receive specialized training in soldering, communications, fire alarm systems, and cranes and elevators. Because of the comprehensive training they receive, those who complete apprenticeship programs qualify to do both maintenance and construction work.
After completing an apprenticeship program, electricians are considered to be journey workers, performing duties on their own.
Several groups, including unions and contractor associations, sponsor apprenticeship programs. The basic qualifications to enter an apprenticeship program are as follows:
Some electrical contractors have their own training program. Although most workers enter apprenticeships directly, some start out as helpers.
Some electricians start out by attending a technical school. Many technical schools offer programs related to safety and basic electrical information. Graduates usually receive credit toward their 4-year apprenticeship.
Electricians may be required to take continuing education courses. Such courses usually involve safety practices, changes to the electrical code, and manufacturer product training.
Troubleshooting skills. Electricians find, diagnose, and repair problems. For example, if a motor stops working, they perform tests to determine the cause of its failure and then, depending on the results, fix or replace the motor.
Critical thinking. Electricians need to perform tests and use the results to diagnose problems. For example, when an outlet is not working, they may use a multimeter to check the voltage, amperage, or resistance in order to determine the best course of action.
Customer service skills. Electricians work with people on a regular basis. As a result, they should be friendly and be able to address their customers' questions.
Managerial skills. Some electricians must be able to direct others' work as well as plan work schedules. Often, this work includes preparing estimates and other administrative tasks.
Vision. Electricians need good color vision because workers frequently must identify electrical wires by color.
Most states require licensure. Because requirements vary, candidates should contact individual state licensing agencies for more information.
The median annual wage for electricians was $46,420 in May 2008. The median wage is the wage at which half of the workers in an occupation earned more than that amount, and half earned less. The lowest 10 percent earned less than $28,160, and the top 10 percent earned more than $79,420.
Apprentices usually earn between 30 percent and 50 percent of what fully trained electricians make, receiving pay increases as they gain more skill.
Almost all electricians work full time, which may include evenings and weekends. During scheduled maintenance periods, inside electricians can expect to work overtime. Overtime is also common on construction worksites, because meeting deadlines is critical.
About one-third of electricians are union members. Although there is no single union, the largest organizer for electricians is the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers.
Employment of electricians is expected to grow by 12 percent over the 2008–18 decade. Homes and businesses need more wiring than ever before, and electricians will be needed to install the necessary components. Overall growth of the construction industry and maintenance of older equipment in manufacturing plants also will require more electricians.
Alternative power generation, such as solar and wind, is an emerging field that will require more electricians for installation. Furthermore, electricians will be needed to link these alternative power sources to homes and power grids. Employment growth stemming from these sources, however, is largely dependent on government policy.
With greater efficiency and reliability of newer manufacturing plants, demand for electricians in manufacturing will be offset by the closing of old facilities.
Employment of electricians fluctuates with the overall economy. On the one hand, there is great demand for electricians during peak periods of building and manufacturing. On the other hand, workers may experience periods of unemployment when the overall level of construction falls. Inside electricians in factories tend to have the most stable employment.
Electricians with the widest variety of skills will have the best opportunities.
| Occupational Title | SOC Code |
Employment, 2008 |
Projected Employment, 2018 |
Change, 2008-18 |
Detailed Statistics | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Numeric |
Percent |
||||||
| Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Employment Projections Program Note: Data are rounded. Go to Occupational Information Included in the Handbook for a discussion of the data in this table. |
|||||||
Electricians |
47-2111 | 694,900 | 777,900 | 83,000 | 12% | [PDF] | [XLS] |
| Occupation | Job Duties | Education | 2008 Pay |
|---|---|---|---|
Computer, automated teller, and office machine repairers |
Repair, maintain, or install computers, word processing systems, automated teller machines, and electronic office machines such as duplicating and fax machines. | Associate's degree | $37,810 |
Electrical and electronics drafters |
Prepare wiring, diagrams, circuit board assembly diagrams, and layout drawings used for manufacture, installation, or repair of electrical equipment. | Associate's degree | $51,320 |
Electronic home entertainment equipment installers and repairers |
Repair, adjust, or install audio or television recievers, stereo systems, camcorders, video systems, or other electronic home entertainment equipment. | High school diploma | $32,080 |
Elevator installers and repairers |
Assemble, install, repair, or maintain electric or hydraulic freight or passenger elevators, escalators, or dumbwaiters. | High school diploma | $69,380 |
Heating, air-conditioning, and refrigeration mechanics and installers |
Install or repair heating, central air conditioning, or refrigeration systems, including oil burners, hot-air furnaces, and heating stoves. | Post-secondary award | $39,680 |
Electrical power-line installers and repairers |
Install or repair cables or wires used in electrical power or distribution systems. | High school diploma | $55,100 |
Telecommunications line installers and repairers |
Install or repair telecommunications cable, including fiber optics. | High school diploma | $48,090 |
For details about apprenticeships or other work opportunities in this trade, contact the offices of the state employment service, the state apprenticeship agency, local electrical contractors or firms that employ maintenance electricians, or local union-management electrician apprenticeship committees. Apprenticeship information is available from the U.S. Department of Labor's toll-free help line: (877) 872-5627. Internet: http://www.doleta.gov/OA/eta_default.cfm
For more information about union apprenticeship and training programs, visit:
For more information about independent apprenticeship and training programs, visit:
This is a test version of an occupational profile from the new OOH we will be releasing next year. For the existing content, go to http://www.bls.gov/ooh/
Last Modified Date: Thursday, June 16, 2011
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