What does an Electrician do?
Electricians are responsible for inspecting, testing, repairing, installing, and modifying electrical components and systems. Electricians general work at homes, businesses, and construction sites, and generally work as contractors.
Electricians have usually completed an electrician program at a trade school or technical institute, finished a lengthy apprenticeship, and passed a licensing exam. While requirements to become a licensed electrician vary by state, most involve passing an exam and having proof of a certain number of classroom and practical hours.
- Install, maintain, and enhance electrical systems and components, including fuses, lights, and wiring
- Inspect, test, and diagnose issues with electrical systems and components
- Perform all work in a manner that meets and follows electrical codes, blueprints, and standards
- Test electrical systems and components to ensure proper functioning
- Complete required documentation of repairs and service information
- Ensure adequate inventory of necessary supplies and parts
- Calibrate equipment to provided specifications
- Peform preventative maintenance on electrical systems and components
- Troubleshoot problems and make timely repairs
- Completion of an electrician apprenticeship prgoram required
- Completion of an electrician program at a technical or trade school preferred
- Journeyman Electrician license required in state of practice
- 3-5 years of electrical experience
- Valid driver's license in state of practice
- Ability to lift, carry, push, and pull up to 50 pounds
- Ability to bend, climb, squat, reach, and kneel
- Comfortable reading and understanding electrical blueprints, schematics, and diagrams
- Working knowledge of electrical theory, and the associated principles, materials, and equipment
- Demonstrated ability to operate hand and power tools associated with electrical work
- Ability to calculate basic mathematical problems
- Willing to work overtime
Electrician Salaries
Average Base Pay
Electrician Career Path
Learn how to become an Electrician, what skills and education you need to succeed, and what level of pay to expect at each step on your career path.
Years of Experience Distribution
Electrician Insights
“Work was very inconsistent and my boss wasn’t the best at notifying me about potential changes”
NRB Logistics“at the manufacturing plant you're in town and close to home/ good work life balance.”
Ennis Electric“Everyone I’ve met so far is an amazing teacher and I actually enjoy my days at work.”
Preferred Electric“Long standing company so they have plenty of work and good people to work with.”
Silgan Containers“Though overall pay was good the pay of the skilled labor was too close to general workers.”
Zona Franca San Isidro“good career advancement opportunities and the programs you get in to get to know more how to perform your job in a perfect way.”
“good and fair to work with”
“Good and pleasant place to work”
Frequently asked questions about the role and responsibilities of electricians
An electrician installs, maintains, and repairs electrical power and lighting aspects. During the typical day of an electrician, they might spend time inspecting electrical components, repairing wiring, and installing lighting systems. Electricians also tend to work alone, but sometimes they collaborate with others.
When becoming an electrician individuals can specialize in a particular area such as designing, installing, or maintaining electrical systems. This gives professionals some opportunity to tailor their job to their personal interests which may positively influence job satisfaction.
Electricians can earn a solid salary. The average base salary for electricians in the United States is $82,446 per year depending on the location and experience. With additional training and experience, electricians can earn as much as $105,150 each year.
The challenge of working as an electrician is that they usually work full time, and their work schedules might include evenings and weekends. Additionally, they might often be asked to work overtime. Electricians work both inside and outside, often in cramped spaces as well as kneeling or standing for hours.