Electrician
Electricians perform skilled journey-level work in the installation, maintenance, and repair of electrical and electronic equipment, fixtures, lighting, and control systems in homes, businesses, and power generation plants. There are many specialties of electricians as listed above, but all require a completed apprenticeship to become a journey-level worker.
Includes: Plant Electrician, Industrial Electrician, Inside Wireman, Maintenance Electrician, Wireman, Control Electrician
Pay Scale
$76,710 in 2021 in WA
$60,040 in 2021 in U.S.
Education
High School Diploma, Apprenticeship
Projected Opportunities
3,480 through 2030 in WA
79,900 through 2031 in U.S.
Career Path
The career path for an electrician begins with a high school diploma or GED, required by most employers, as well as a year of high school algebra with a grade of C or better. Once you are hired and begin the apprenticeship it will consist of on-the-job training and classroom time. Apprenticeship requirements vary by employer, state, and specialty. There are several specialties for journey electricians: plant electrician, industrial electrician, inside wireman, and maintenance electrician. If desired, a journey electrician can move up to a master electrician.

Training & Requirements
Training
Electricians are required to have a high school diploma prior to starting an electrical apprenticeship, which can take 3-5 years to complete depending on requirements. There are many types of electricians as shown above but all must past the test to become a journey-level electrician. With time and continuing education, a journey-level worker can move on to master-level or supervisory positions.
Required Skills
- Perform physical activities such as climbing, lifting, balancing, & handling materials
- Good communication with supervisors and coworkers
- Proficient in math
- Able to read and follow blueprints to determine location of wiring or equipment
- Problem solving
- Ability to work independently
Responsibilities
- Follow state and local building regulations based on the National Electrical Code
- Create accurate construction or installation diagrams
- Install electrical components, equipment, wire, or systems
- Diagnose malfunctioning systems, apparatus, or components, and correct the problem