Occupation
Electrician

Industry
Construction

Median Wages (2008)
$22.32 hourly
$46,420 annually

If you enjoy figuring out how things work, solving problems, and working with your hands, then being an Electrician may be a good career for you.

Between 2006 and 2016, the number of Electrician positions available is expected to increase from its current level of 705,000 employees to 939,000. This means 234,000 additional electrician jobs will be created, which gives this career a normal growth rate (between seven and 13 percent).

Typical Work Activities

• Connect electric wires, including wires to circuit breakers, transformers, etc.
• Repair or replace existing wiring, electrical equipment, and electric fixtures.
• Install new electric wiring in buildings and households.
• Test electrical systems, wiring, and fixtures. Determine and resolve problems in electrical systems.
• Use specialized tools and equipment to test electrical systems and to install new wiring

Work Styles

• Attention to detail
• Technical mind
• Good hand-eye coordination
• Ability to distinguish different colors, specifically the ability distinguish Red from Green.
• Problem-solving ability
• Dependability
• Manual dexterity

Stepping Stone Positions

There are a number of apprenticeships associated with this position:

• Protective-Signal Repairer
• Electrician (Water Transportation)
• Electrician (Construction)
• Protective-Signal Installer
• Street-Light Servicer
• Electrician
• Maintenance
• Neon-Sign Servicer
• Electrician (Ship-Boat Manufacturing), and
• Residential Wireman

Normally, the apprenticeship period to be an electrician takes 4 years where students attend classes and participate in paid, on-the-job training.

For more information on becoming an electrician, visit the Bureau of Labor and Statistics.

To find apprenticeships in your state, visit the US Department of Labor State Apprenticeship.

For general information on apprenticeships, visit the US Department of Labor’s Office of Apprenticeship.