Electricians

Employment of electricians will grow much faster than the average for all occupations through 2024, according to the U.S. Department of Labor. Growth will result from an overall increase in both residential and commercial construction. In addition, growth will be driven by the ever-expanding use of electrical and electronic devices and equipment. Electricians will be called on to upgrade old wiring and to install and maintain more extensive wiring systems than have been necessary in the past. In particular, the use of sophisticated computer, telecommunications, and data-processing equipment and automated manufacturing systems is expected to lead to job opportunities for electricians. Electricians with experience in a wide variety of skills—such as voice, data, and video wiring; solar photovoltaic installation; and industrial component wiring—will have the best employment options. Electricians will also be needed to help install energy-saving devices such as motion sensors for turning on lights and link alternative power generation sources such as photovoltaic panels and wind turbines to homes and power grids.