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.

Electrician career path

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