All About Being an Electrician

It wasn’t that long ago that people used candlelight instead of light bulbs and went without electrical outlets. Now, we can’t imagine our lives without electricity. Electricians will install and maintain the electrical wiring, fixtures, and systems in houses and buildings at a basic level. 

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, there were 650,580 electricians employed in the United States as of March 2022. About 95.6% of electricians are men, while just 4.4% are women. 

Electrician employment is projected to grow 7% from 2021 to 2031, and nearly 79,900 openings for electricians are expected, on average, over the decade. 

What Does an Electrician Do? 

An electrician’s responsibilities include reading technical and wiring diagrams, installing lighting and control systems, inspecting electrical systems, troubleshooting and repairing electrical malfunctions, and training and managing other electrical workers in all aspects of the industry.

Electricians may install or service street lights, intercom systems, or electrical control systems. 

And during emergencies, like a power outage, electricians ensure they are available to help restore power and get the world back to business.

Notably, electricians ensure that all work is in accordance with relevant codes. 

The code guideline applies to projects that involve wiring several circuits or adding an electrical receptacle. Following national and local electrical regulations ensures that all components are installed safely. These codes protect everyone, so an electrician should consult them carefully before starting a remodeling project or installing new electrical equipment.

Aside from electricians’ job responsibilities, they must also gain skills and abilities before working in the field. 

These skills include reading blueprints, using all hand and power tools, extensive knowledge of electrical systems and wiring, proficiency in using test meters and other diagnostic equipment, and top-notch analytical and problem-solving skills. 

Physical requirements for working in the electrical field include discerning color-coded writing, standing, bending, climbing ladders or scaffolding for prolonged periods, and lifting to 50 pounds. 

How Much Does an Electrician Make Yearly? 

Electrical work pays more than most other trades because it’s in-demand and valuable to people. 

Electricians work for different companies and contractors. Some electricians work for a specific facility and have a set schedule, working a minimum of 40 hours per week and overtime when necessary.

As of 2020, electricians made a median salary of $56,900. The best-paid 25% made $75,380 that year, while the lowest-paid 25% made $42,790. 

The average salary for an electrician per hour in the US is $25.97 and $9,438 for overtime, according to 24.2k salaries reported on Indeed.com. Electricians with less than one year of experience make an average of $24.44 an hour, while those with more than ten years of experience make about $30.16 per hour. 

Best Electrician Schools 

Anyone interested in becoming an electrician needs a high school diploma or equivalent. But before getting an electrical license, an individual must complete between 4,000 and 8,000 hours of on-the-job training as an electrician apprentice.

The College Gazette put together a list of the top 10 electrician schools in the US that have resources and teachers with real-world experiences. Notably, a handful of schools on the list have a 100% placement rate among graduates. 

The top 10 schools include: 

#1 - Michigan State University (East Lansing, MI) 
#2 - Southeast Technical College (Sioux Falls, SD) 
#3 - Central New Mexico Community College (Albuquerque, NM) 
#4 - Davis Technical College (Kaysville, UT) 
#5 - Ridgewater College (Willmar, MN)
#6 - Rock Valley College (Rockford, IL) 
#7 - Anoka Technical College (Anoka, MN)
#8 - Southeast Community College (Beatrice, NE) 
#9 - Northwest Iowa Community College (Sheldon, IA) 
#10 - Dunwoody College of Technology (Minneapolis, MN) 

And the top 10 biggest electrical contractors to work for in the US as of 2022 include: 

#1 - Quanta Services Inc.
#2 - MYR Group Inc. 
#3 - Rosendin Electric 
#4 - EMCOR Group Inc.
#5 - Cupertino Electric Inc.
#6 - MDU Construction Services Group Inc.
#7 - M.C. Dean
#8 - IES Holdings Inc. 
#9 - MasTec Inc. 
#10 - Archkey Solutions