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Electricians


Overview

Introduction

Electricians design, assemble, install, test, and repair electrical fixtures and wiring. They work on a wide range of electrical and data communications systems that provide light, heat, refrigeration, air-conditioning, power, and the ability to communicate. There are approximately 715,400 electricians working in the United States.

Quick Facts


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Median Salary

$55,190

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Employment Prospects

Good

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Minimum Education Level

High School Diploma
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Experience

Apprenticeship or other experience working with electronics


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Skills

Math
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Personality Traits

Hands On
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Earnings

According to the U.S. Department of Labor, median hourly earnings of electricians were $26.53 in May 2018 ($55,190 annually). Wages ranged from less than $15.84 ($32,940 annually) for the lowest paid 10 percent to more than $45.49 an hour ($94,620 annually) for the highest paid 10 percent. Beginning apprentices earn 40 to 50 percent of the base electrician's wage and receive periodic increases ...

Work Environment

Although electricians may work for the same contractor for many years, they work on different projects and at different work sites. In a single year, they may install wiring in a new housing project, rewire a factory, or install computer or telecommunications wiring in an office, for instance. Electricians usually work indoors, although some must do tasks outdoors or in buildings that are still...

Outlook

Employment of electricians will grow faster than the average for all occupations from 2018 to 2028, 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 wi...