What does an Electrician do?
Electricians handle a complete range of tasks related to all types of electrical systems and equipment. They typically work for electrical companies, maintenance services or contractors to complete various tasks. The job often requires them to work closely with other Electricians and Maintenance Workers to install and repair electrical systems. Their job is to install breakers, light fixtures, wiring, outlets and other electrical equipment based on technical blueprints and job orders. They also troubleshoot electrical problems and make repairs accordingly, and they help maintain electrical systems with inspections and maintenance work. Electricians may take inventory of tools and supplies and place orders based on future jobs.
Electrician skills and qualifications
To be a successful Electrician, a candidate must be adept at performing a wide variety of tasks. Some skills and qualifications that help them perform those duties include:
- Exceptional communication and customer service skills
- Strong understanding of wiring, circuits and other electrical components
- Ability to perform electrical tests, read results and diagnose and repair electrical problems
- Problem-solving and critical thinking skills
- Effective time management
- Strong work ethic
- Understanding of local and national codes, regulations and safety procedures
- Ability to read blueprints and technical documents
Electrician experience requirements
An electrical apprenticeship provides initial hands-on experience for beginning Electricians. When you’re hiring an Electrician, you might prefer them to have additional years of experience beyond their apprenticeship, depending on your needs. After completing an apprenticeship, the candidate becomes a Journeyman Electrician. They can eventually work up to being a Master Electrician. For some positions, you might prefer a Master Electrician. Some companies also look for experience in a specific type of electrical work, such as commercial electrical systems, based on the expected work duties.
Electrician education and training requirements
While there aren’t any standard education requirements to become an Electrician, some Electricians attend technical schools where studies include circuitry, electrical safety and basic electrical knowledge. Another common training route is to complete a 4- or 5-year apprenticeship where candidates learn on the job under the supervision of an experienced Electrician. The apprenticeship includes a mix of technical instruction and hands-on training covering electrical theory, electrical code standards, safety practices and first aid. State licensing requirements vary, but candidates typically need to pass an electrical exam to obtain their license.
Ongoing education may be a requirement for an Electrician to maintain their current license. Electricians need to know and apply the current safety requirements, which often change over time. Some electricians also earn specialty certifications for projects such as lighting systems or solar photovoltaic systems.
Electrician salary expectations
According to Indeed Salaries, the average salary for an electrician is $28.68 per hour, with $9,438 per year in overtime. Electricians may make different amounts based on their level of experience and education. The geographical location and company can also impact the salary.
Electrician salary expectations
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Common salary:
29.87 HOURLY -
Typical salaries range from
8.05 -65.35 HOURLY - Find more information on Indeed Salaries
*Indeed data –
Job description samples for similar positions
If the job description for an Electrician doesn’t suit your needs, check out these sample job descriptions for related professions:
Electrician job description FAQs
What is the difference between an Electrician and an Electrical Engineer?
The main difference is that Electricians install and repair electrical systems and Electrical Engineers design electrical equipment like power generators and other appliances. Electricians are usually more hands-on, actually installing and working with electrical systems, while Electrical Engineers usually focus more on the development aspect. Electricians and Electrical Engineers also have different education requirements. Electricians typically attend technical school before obtaining their Electrician’s license. In contrast, Electrical Engineers need at least a bachelor’s degree, but some employers may prefer a master’s degree in electrical engineering.
What are the daily duties of Electricians?
On a typical day, an Electrician reviews their job schedule for the day and organizes tools and supplies to load into their work van. Throughout the day, they travel to designated job sites with their team where they perform routine installations of wires, light fixtures, circuits or outlets. They also troubleshoot and repair electrical systems. When they finish a job, they explain what they did and collect payment from the customer if necessary. At the end of the day, they unload tools and supplies, take inventory and review jobs for the next day.
What qualities make a good Electrician?
A good Electrician has a team-oriented mindset that enables them to work well with other Electricians and Maintenance Workers. Electricians should follow an ethical code to help uphold the credibility of their company and help homeowners feel at ease. It helps to have a personable nature so they can create positive communication with clients and provide exceptional customer service. Electricians should also prioritize safety and pay attention to detail to ensure they complete all jobs safely and precisely.
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