Electrician Career
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Electricians connect and maintain the electrical systems that run lights, climate control equipment, machinery, and other equipment in homes and businesses. The majority of electricians work in construction, installing new electrical systems. Many others maintain existing electrical systems. About 10% are self-employed.
In new buildings, the wiring process involves:
- Following blueprints
- Placing conduit (in commercial buildings), or pipes, to hold wiring
- Installing boxes for switches and outlets
- Running wires through the conduit (commercial) or inside walls (residential)
- Testing the circuits
Electricians sometimes install low voltage wiring for communications systems and computers.
Electricians who specialize in maintenance perform repairs such as:
- Rewiring homes
- Replacing fuse boxes
- Replacing lighting or other fixtures
- Repairing electrical equipment
- Inspecting electrical equipment
- Updating electrical system components
Apprenticeship is key to learning the electrical trade. These programs are often sponsored by unions or contracting companies. A typical apprenticeship involves four years of on-the-job training accompanied by classroom training. A second option is to complete your classroom training prior to beginning an apprenticeship. Applicants to these programs should be quick at math, physically fit, and have good manual dexterity. Because wires are often color-coded, color vision is important. In most areas, you will need to become licensed when you complete your training.
The median hourly pay for electricians in 2004 was $20.33. Apprentices initially earn about half that but receive regular pay increases as they gain experience. Job opportunities are good.
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