What does an electrician do?
Electricians bring power to the places where people live and work. They install new wiring, panels, outlets and lighting, and they troubleshoot and repair systems that are not working right. Everything they do has to meet the National Electrical Code and local rules, so safety and accuracy come first.
On a typical job, an electrician reads blueprints, plans where wire and conduit will run, bends and installs conduit, pulls wire, and makes connections at panels, switches and devices. On service calls, they use testers and meters to track down faults like a dead circuit, a tripping breaker or a bad connection. In factories, they may maintain motors, controls and large equipment.
Common tools include multimeters, voltage testers, wire strippers, conduit benders, fish tape, drills, and lifts or ladders. Many electricians also use tablets to view plans and log work.
Electricians work in:
- New homes and remodels
- Office buildings, stores, schools and hospitals
- Factories and industrial plants
- Solar farms, EV charging sites and data centers
- Service vans running repair calls
A typical day
- Meet with the crew or foreman to review the day’s plan
- Run conduit and pull wire through walls, ceilings or trenches
- Install panels, outlets, fixtures and switches
- Test circuits and troubleshoot any problems
- Clean up, secure the site and log hours and materials
Is electrician a good career?
Electrician is one of the most popular skilled trades for good reason. Here is the honest picture.
Pros
- According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, electricians earn a median of $63,190 a year ($30.38 an hour).
- Jobs are projected to grow 9% from 2025 to 2035, with about 72,700 openings each year.
- Apprenticeships are paid, so you earn while you learn instead of taking on large student debt.
- A state license is a valuable credential that can lead to master and contractor licenses.
- Growth in solar, EV chargers, batteries and data centers is adding new kinds of work.
Cons
- It takes 4 to 5 years of apprenticeship to reach journeyman level.
- Apprentice pay starts lower than what experienced electricians earn.
- The work carries real hazards, including shock, arc flash and falls.
- Construction work can depend on the local economy and the weather.
Trade school vs. apprenticeship
For electricians, the apprenticeship is the main road. It is how most people get the work hours they need to take a journeyman exam.
Paid apprenticeship. Programs last 4 to 5 years. You work full time for an electrical contractor and attend classes on electrical theory, code and safety. Your pay rises as you progress. Union programs are run jointly by the IBEW and NECA. Non-union programs are offered through groups like Independent Electrical Contractors (IEC) and Associated Builders and Contractors (ABC). Many programs have application windows, an aptitude test and an interview.
Pre-apprenticeship or trade school first. A typical pre-apprenticeship or electrical certificate program takes 6 to 12 months and costs about $1,000 to $15,000, which varies by school. You leave with basic wiring skills, code knowledge and safety training. That can help you get accepted into a competitive apprenticeship, land a job as an electrical helper, and sometimes earn credit toward your apprenticeship hours.
The best path for many people is a short program followed by a paid apprenticeship. If you can get into an apprenticeship right away, that works too.
Specializations and where they lead
- Residential electrician. Wiring new homes, remodels and service upgrades. A common starting point that can lead to your own small business.
- Commercial electrician. Offices, stores and schools. More conduit work, larger panels and bigger crews.
- Industrial electrician. Motors, controls and automated equipment in factories and plants. Strong troubleshooting skills pay off here.
- Solar, EV and energy storage. Installing solar panels, battery systems and EV chargers, a growing area of the trade.
- Master electrician, inspector or contractor. With a master license, you can run jobs, become an electrical inspector, or start your own contracting company.
How to choose an electrician school
If you take a pre-apprenticeship or electrical program, pick one that helps you get into a paid apprenticeship or job. Ask these questions:
- Is the school accredited, and is the program eligible for federal financial aid (FAFSA)? This affects your aid options and how employers view your training.
- Does the program connect students with apprenticeships? Ask which union and non-union programs past graduates joined, and whether the school helps with applications.
- Will the hours count toward my apprenticeship or license? Some states and programs give credit for approved classroom hours.
- How much hands-on lab time is there? Look for real wiring labs with panels, conduit bending and motor controls, not just lectures.
- Does the program teach the current National Electrical Code? Code knowledge is key for your journeyman exam.
- Is OSHA 10 included? Many contractors want new hires to have it.
- How big are the classes, and what tools will I need to buy? Smaller classes mean more instructor time. Ask for a tool list and the full cost up front.
