Electrician: Educational Requirements and Career Profile
Electricians help bring power to residences, commercial areas and industrial complexes. They're employed in a variety of industries, installing and fixing electrical wiring and components. Electricians may specialize in construction or repair, though they often perform both functions. Read on to learn about the education and licensing needed to become an electrician.
Educational Requirements for Electricians
Electricians usually gain career training through apprenticeship programs. Some electricians may begin the training process by attending a classroom-based vocational program or serving as an electrician's helper; however, these electricians often go on to complete apprenticeships.
Candidates who hold high school diplomas or the equivalent may apply to become apprentices through various unions, such as the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers or the National Electrical Contractors Association. Completion of these 4-year programs allows apprentices to become journeymen and work on both construction and repair projects.
Apprenticeship Training
Apprentices receive approximately 600 hours of in-class instruction on safety principles, electrical circuits and blueprint reading. Aside from learning in the classroom, apprentices also receive on-the-job training under the supervision of experienced electricians. Apprentices may practice wiring outlets and soldering electrical components.
Career Profile for Electricians
Electricians may work for utility companies, construction firms or service providers. Electricians in different industries may have varying job descriptions. For example, maintenance electricians working for factories may be required to service and repair assembly lines, while construction electricians who work on remodeling homes may need to install switches and rewire lighting.
Licensing Requirements
Electricians in most states must be licensed by their respective state board. Licensing requirements generally include completing a qualifying test on electrical applications and building codes. The BLS notes that self-employed electricians working as contractors may need to earn a separate contractor's license and complete a bachelor's degree program in electrical engineering or a related field.
Job Outlook and Salary Information
The BLS stated that opportunities for electricians were expected to increase by 12% between 2008 and 2018. The Bureau also notes that employment is very sensitive to economic swings, so electricians may find themselves unemployed when construction projects decrease. In May 2010, the BLS reported that the average annual wage for electricians was $51,810. Electricians in the top tenth percentile earned $80,890 per year, whereas the bottom tenth percent earned $29,400 per year.
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5 Popular Schools
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School locations:
- Online Learning
- New York (3 campuses)
- Ohio (2)
Online and Classroom-Based Programs
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Bachelor
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- Bachelor in Construction
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- Bachelor in Construction Management
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Associate
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- Associate in Electrical Technology
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- Associate in Construction Technology
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Minimum eligibility requirements:
- Must be a high school graduate or have completed GED
School locations:
- California (1 campus)
- Florida (3 campuses)
- Illinois (1)
- Indiana (1)
- New Jersey (1)
- Texas (3)
- Virginia (1)
Classroom-Based Programs
- Non-Degree
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Minimum eligibility requirements:
- Must be 17 years of age or older
School locations:
- Online Learning
Online Programs
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Minimum eligibility requirements:
- Must be 18 years of age or older
School locations:
- Online Learning
Distance Learning Programs
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Non-Degree
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- Undergraduate Certificate in Foundation Skills for Technology
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Minimum eligibility requirements:
- Must be a high school graduate or have completed GED
- Currently not accepting applicants from Minnesota or Tennessee
School locations:
- Online Learning
Online Programs
- Bachelor
Other Schools:
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School locations:
- Mississippi (1 campus)
Areas of study you may find at Pearl River Community College include:
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- Non-Degree: Coursework, Diploma
- Undergraduate: Associate
- Mechanic and Repair Technologies
- Construction Management and Trades
- Carpentry
- Electrician
- Heating, Air Conditioning, Ventilation, and Refrigeration Maintenance
- Precision Metal Working
- Vehicle Repair and Maintenance
- Construction Management and Trades
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School locations:
- Tennessee (1 campus)
Areas of study you may find at Nashville State Technical Community College include:
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- Non-Degree: Certificate, Coursework
- Undergraduate: Associate
- Mechanic and Repair Technologies
- Construction Management and Trades
- Electrician
- Precision Metal Working
- Vehicle Repair and Maintenance
- Construction Management and Trades
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School locations:
- Minnesota (1 campus)
Areas of study you may find at Dunwoody College of Technology include:
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- Non-Degree: Certificate, Coursework
- Undergraduate: Associate, Bachelor
- Mechanic and Repair Technologies
- Construction Management and Trades
- Construction Site Management
- Electrician
- Property Management and Maintenance
- Electrical Repair and Maintenance
- Heating, Air Conditioning, Ventilation, and Refrigeration Maintenance
- Precision Metal Working
- Vehicle Repair and Maintenance
- Construction Management and Trades
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School locations:
- Michigan (1 campus)
Areas of study you may find at Michigan State University include:
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- Graduate: Doctorate, First Professional Degree, Master
- Non-Degree: Coursework
- Undergraduate: Bachelor
- Mechanic and Repair Technologies
- Construction Management and Trades
- Construction Mgmt, General
- Electrician
- Construction Management and Trades
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School locations:
- Wisconsin (1 campus)
Areas of study you may find at Milwaukee Area Technical College include:
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- Non-Degree: Certificate, Coursework
- Undergraduate: Associate
- Mechanic and Repair Technologies
- Construction Management and Trades
- Cabinetmaking
- Carpentry
- Concrete Finishing
- Drywall Installation
- Electrical Systems Lineworker
- Electrician
- Glazier
- House Painting and Wall Paper
- Masonry
- Metal Building Assembly
- Pipefitting
- Roofer
- Electrical Repair and Maintenance
- Heating, Air Conditioning, Ventilation, and Refrigeration Maintenance
- Heavy Equipment Maintenance
- Precision Metal Working
- Vehicle Repair and Maintenance
- Construction Management and Trades
