Thomas Edison’s light bulb was the initial step in the illumination of our offices and homes with electricity instead of rank-smelling oil and candles. Today, we rely on electricians to install power and to maintain electrical lighting for office buildings, new homes, and city streets. To practice as an electrician, you need to learn this trade first-hand. The skills and knowledge take years to master.
Job Description
Electricians work with electrical power to furnish and install electricity to homes, businesses, schools, factories, and even spaceships. Electricians need to troubleshoot problems with power supply lines and test electrical connections. They must be able to use building blueprints and wiring diagrams as well. They also need to follow local and state building codes when repairing or installing fixtures and electrical systems.
Breaker boxes and downed power lines don’t have any respect for the 8-hour workday. Most electricians work full-time, and most work on weekends and hours after 5 p.m. During rough weather, electricians are exposed to the elements and the challenge of safely handling electrical wires and connections. Falls and burns are two of the most common hazards that electricians face on their work front.
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Education Requirements
Each electrician requires a high school diploma. If they take courses in vocational school, they’ll get some credit for those courses when they start their apprenticeship. The minimum apprenticeship time is 4 years, after which they may qualify for an electrician license. Their apprenticeship will include paid on-the-job training and classes. Work experience and additional training will qualify them for specific industry job titles. As they progress through defined experience levels, their pay will increase.
The 2019 median salary for beginning electricians (Electrician I) is $57,910, but salaries can range between $38,600-to-$96,920. The median hourly rate is $27.84, but hourly electrician rates range from $20-to-$46.60. Half of all electricians made less than this amount, and half earned more. The lowest ten percent of entry-level electricians made $38,600, while the highest ten percent made $96,920.
Industry
Electricians keep your air conditioning, appliances, and heating running, without fires and arcs. They might work indoors or outdoors, depending on the requirement. Apart from individuals, recreation facilities, major industries such as communications companies, schools, and offices, need electricians to repair, install, and manage power loads wherever the requirement arises.
How Much Do Electricians Make
Careers in the U.S: With more experience, electricians qualify for promotion to better job designations, like Electrician II (intermediate electrician) and Electrician III (master electrician). These job classifications play a significant role in pay for this occupation (1). One estimation shows a salary progression from Electrician I: year 1-4, to Electrician II: year 5-9, then Electrician III: year 10-20:
- 1-2 years: $44,939-$48,255
- 3-4 years: $45,781-$49,229
- 5-6 years: $56,147-$60,110
- 7-9 years: $57,245-$61,279
- 10-14 years: $58,815-$62,837
- 15-19 years: $59,485-$63,730
- 20 or more years: $59,485-$63,730
Careers in Europe: An early career Electrician with 1-5 years of experience makes an average total remuneration (includes tips, bonus, and overtime pay) of €13.80. A mid-career Electrician with 5-10 years of experience makes an average total compensation of €14.39. An Electrician with an experience of 10-20 years of experience makes an average total remuneration of €16.10. In their late-career (20 years and higher), employees make an average total compensation of €16.
Careers in Asia: An early career Electrician with an experience of 1-5 years makes an average total remuneration (includes tips, bonus, and overtime pay) of S$30,000. An Electrician with an experience of 10-20 years makes an average total remuneration of S$50,000. In their late-career (20 years and higher), employees earn an average total compensation of S$58,500.
Job Growth Trend
Projected growth for electrician positions between 2016 and 2026, is average at about nine percent. When the economy is robust, many industries need electricians. Alternative energy and construction development are two of the factors expected to influence the career outlook for electricians. The job growth rate can result in a net gain of 59,650 more positions by 2026.
