Electrician is a skilled professional who works on electrical equipment. Electricians install, repair, and maintain power, lighting, communications, and control systems in factories, homes, buildings, and business establishments both under construction and existing. They may work as electricians, domestic electricians, emergency electricians, electrician helpers, industrial electricians, electrician journeymen, master electricians, maintenance electricians, professional electricians, residential electricians, union electricians, etc. Read all about how to become an electrician.
Post Highlights:
- Educational Qualifications
- Certification/License
- Work Experience
- Duties/Responsibilities
- Abilities/Skills
- Work Environment
- Physical Requirements
- Top Industries
- Job Types
- Salary Information
- Benefits/Perks
Educational Qualifications
The education levels are as follows-
- High School Diploma or GED (required)
- An Electrician Degree (preferred)
- An Associate’s Degree (preferred)
Certification/License
The preferred licenses are as follows-
- Manlift Certification
- Journeyman Electrician license (a plus)
- Certifications (electrical generating, solar photovoltaic, lighting systems)
- A Valid Driver’s License
License requirements vary from state to state. To know more, contact the local or state electrical licensing board. For many requirements, check – National Electrical Contractors Association
Work Experience
The experiences are as follows-
- Completion of Electrician Apprenticeship
- Experience in Simple/Complex Electrical Systems
- Experience Working as an Electrician
- Industrial Electromechanical Repair Experience
- Manufacturing Environment Experience
- PLC Logic and Troubleshooting Experience
- Welding Experience (an asset)
Duties/Responsibilities
The required responsibilities are as follows-
- Attend safety meetings and complete required safety training from time to time
- Direct and train helpers or apprentices as required
- Follow state and local building codes and rules/regulations
- Inspect transformers, circuit breakers, and other electrical components
- Install, maintain, and repair electrical control, wiring, and lighting systems
- Maintain good knowledge of heating and air conditioning systems
- Maintain records and files and order supplies and equipment
- Operate various mechanical/electronic test equipment
- Perform circuit breaker corrective maintenance
- Perform general electrical maintenance
- Perform preventative/predictive maintenance tasks
- Read technical diagrams and blueprints
- Repair and replace equipment, electrical wiring, and fixtures
- Troubleshoot electrical issues using appropriate testing devices
- Perform other duties as assigned
Abilities/Skills
Candidates must have the following competencies-
- Ability to calculate basic mathematical problems
- Ability to follow/respond to management directions
- Ability to work autonomously
- Basic computer skills
- Critical thinking and problem-solving skills
- Demonstrate good teamwork skills
- Good verbal, reading comprehension, and writing skills
- Knowledge of deep electrical systems, power generation, blueprints
- Proper Circuit knowledge
- Proven analytical skills
- Strong troubleshooting skills
- Customer-service skills
Work Environment
- Able to work in cramped spaces
- Capable of working in varying environments
- May be exposed to dirt, dust, debris, or fumes
- Required to work at great heights
- Subject to work in a noisy machinery environment
- Travel to different worksites, local or long-distance
- Wear protective equipment
- Willing to work overtime
- Work both alone, and sometimes collaborate with others
Physical Requirements
- Display a good hand-eye coordination
- Distinguish color-coded wiring
- Frequently lift/carry up to 50 lbs. and occasionally up to 70 lbs.
- Good presence of mind while at work
- Need to stoop, bend, kneel, crouch, crawl, balance, and climb
Top Industries
The workplaces are as follows-
- Automobile Industry
- Construction Industry
- Power Industry
- Private Shops
- Residential Areas
Job Types
The job titles are as follows-
- Apprentice Electrician
- Electrical Assistant
- Electrical Line Helper
- Electrical Technician
- Electrician
- Electrician Helper
- Electrician Trainee
- Journeyman Electrician
- Lift Electrician
- Master Electrician
- Union Electrician
Salary Information
All the electricians do not earn the same salary. On average, they fetch $26.50 hourly and $58,551 yearly in the United States. Individuals with more experience in years get more both per hour or monthly. The salary trends deeds on factors like education level, work experience, service demand, market competition, and company volume. The yearly overtime average is $9,438. The highest hourly paying cities for electricians are New York ($30.13), San Diego ($29.96), Atlanta ($25.33), Norfolk ($24.33), etc.
Benefits/Perks
All employees receive various types of benefits or bonuses while being on the job. They get these benefits as per their ranks. But the most common benefits are as follows-
| 401(K) | Life Insurance |
| 401(K) Matching | Opportunities for Advancement |
| Ad&D Insurance | Paid Sick Time |
| Company Truck | Paid Time Off |
| Continuing Education Credits | Paid Training |
| Dental Insurance | Parental Leave |
| Disability Insurance | Pet Insurance |
| Employee Assistance Program | Professional Development Assistance |
| Employee Discount | Profit Sharing |
| Flexible Schedule | Referral Program |
| Flexible Spending Account | Relocation Assistance |
| Fuel Card | Retirement Plan |
| Fuel Discount | Travel Reimbursement |
| Health Insurance | Tuition Reimbursement |
| Health Savings Account | Vision Insurance |
Related: Other Welding Professions
