Electricians
SOC Code: 47-2111Also known as:
Airport Electrician, Antenna Installer, Antenna Rigger, Commercial Electrician, Conduit Installer
Median Annual Salary
$62,350
+9.5% growth (2024-2034)
81K
Openings/Year
819K
Current Jobs
What Electricians Do
Install, maintain, and repair electrical wiring, equipment, and fixtures. Ensure that work is in accordance with relevant codes. May install or service street lights, intercom systems, or electrical control systems.
💰 Salary
$62,350
Median annual wage (2024)
📈 Job Growth
+9.5%
Much faster than average
🎓 Education
High school diploma or equivalent
Typical entry-level requirement
🚀 Annual Openings
81K
Projected average per year
📚 On-the-Job Training
Apprenticeship
Expected training period
Employment Projections (2024-2034)
Current Employment (2024)
818,700
Projected Employment (2034)
896,100
Related Careers
Lighting technicians
$60,560 •
-4.6% growth
Plumbers, pipefitters, and steamfitters
$62,970 •
+4.5% growth
Helpers--electricians
$39,890 •
+0.2% growth
Electric motor, power tool, and related repairers
$53,990 •
+3.4% growth
Electrical power-line installers and repairers
$92,560 •
+6.6% growth
Top Skills Required
Troubleshooting
Repairing
Active Listening
Speaking
Critical Thinking
Daily Tasks & Responsibilities
- Prepare sketches or follow blueprints to determine the location of wiring or equipment and to ensure conformance to building and safety codes.
- Place conduit, pipes, or tubing, inside designated partitions, walls, or other concealed areas, and pull insulated wires or cables through the conduit to complete circuits between boxes.
- Work from ladders, scaffolds, or roofs to install, maintain, or repair electrical wiring, equipment, or fixtures.
- Use a variety of tools or equipment, such as power construction equipment, measuring devices, power tools, and testing equipment, such as oscilloscopes, ammeters, or test lamps.
- Assemble, install, test, or maintain electrical or electronic wiring, equipment, appliances, apparatus, or fixtures, using hand tools or power tools.
- Connect wires to circuit breakers, transformers, or other components.
- Maintain current electrician's license or identification card to meet governmental regulations.
- Plan layout and installation of electrical wiring, equipment, or fixtures, based on job specifications and local codes.
- Direct or train workers to install, maintain, or repair electrical wiring, equipment, or fixtures.
- Test electrical systems or continuity of circuits in electrical wiring, equipment, or fixtures, using testing devices, such as ohmmeters, voltmeters, or oscilloscopes, to ensure compatibility and safety of system.
Technology & Tools
📚 Entry-Level Education
High school diploma or equivalent
Most common requirement
🎯 Recommended Education
Post-Secondary Certificate
O*NET recommended level
Degree Programs for Electricians
These degree programs can prepare you for a career as a electricians:
Electrician
30,349 degrees awarded •
494 colleges offer this program
Best Colleges for Becoming a Electricians
Ranked by Repit grade, then by degrees in related programs. These are the top-rated colleges that prepare students to become electricians.
Want this ranking as a spreadsheet? Investor Pro+ members can export any Repit table to CSV. See plans →
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do electricians make?
The median annual salary for electricians is $62,350.
What education do electricians need?
Most electricians positions require a high school diploma or equivalent.
Common degree programs include Electrician.
Is becoming electricians a good career choice?
Electricians is projected to see +9.5% job growth from 2024 to 2034,
which is faster than average for all occupations. With approximately 81,000 job openings expected annually,
there are good opportunities for those entering the field.
What are the best colleges for electricians?
Top colleges for aspiring electricians include
Polytech Adult Education, Elizabethtown Community and Technical College, Southcentral Kentucky Community and Technical College, Somerset Community College, Ashland Community and Technical College.
These schools are ranked based on their Repit grade and the number of graduates in related programs.
What other job titles are similar to electricians?
Electricians may also be known as: Airport Electrician, Antenna Installer, Antenna Rigger, Commercial Electrician, Conduit Installer, Conduit Mechanic, Construction Electrician, Control Electrician, Conventional System Lightning Protection Technician, Diesel Electrician, Diesel Maintenance Electrician, Electric Sign Wirer, Electric Stop Installer, Electric Wirer, Electrical Installer, Electrical Journey Person, Electrical Journeyman, Electrical Maintenance Man, Electrical Maintenance Worker, Electrical Sign Servicer.
These titles often refer to similar roles with varying responsibilities or specializations.