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Construction and Trades

Electricians

Install, maintain, and repair electrical wiring, equipment, and fixtures. Ensure that work is in accordance with relevant codes. May install or service street lights, intercom systems, or electrical control systems.

Visual summary of pay, outlook, skills, interests, and preparation for Electricians
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Median pay

$62,350
Median annual pay for Electricians.
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics · 2024
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10-year growth

9.5%
Projected employment growth from 2024 to 2034.
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics · 2024–2034 projections
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Annual openings

81,000
Projected annual openings, including growth and replacement demand.
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics · 2024–2034 projections
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Employment

818,700
Estimated U.S. employment for Electricians in 2024.
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics · 2024
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Jobs added or lost

+77,400
Projected numeric employment change from 2024 to 2034.
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics · 2024–2034 projections
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Entry preparation

High school diploma or equivalent
Typical additional preparation: Apprenticeship.
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics · 2024 profile
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O*NET occupation profile

What the work involves

Strongest O*NET signals first.

Essential skills

  1. 1Active Listening
  2. 2Critical Thinking
  3. 3Speaking
  4. 4Active Learning
  5. 5Monitoring
  6. 6Reading Comprehension

Knowledge areas

  1. 1Building and Construction
  2. 2Administration and Management
  3. 3Mechanical
  4. 4Mathematics
  5. 5Design
  6. 6Customer and Personal Service

Abilities

  1. 1Near Vision
  2. 2Problem Sensitivity
  3. 3Deductive Reasoning
  4. 4Inductive Reasoning
  5. 5Finger Dexterity
  6. 6Information Ordering

Career interests

  1. 1Realistic
  2. 2Conventional
  3. 3Investigative
  4. 4Enterprising
  5. 5Social
  6. 6Artistic

Work styles

  1. 1Dependability
  2. 2Attention to Detail
  3. 3Cautiousness
  4. 4Integrity
  5. 5Perseverance
  6. 6Stress Tolerance

Work activities

  1. 1Performing General Physical Activities
  2. 2Communicating with Supervisors, Peers, or Subordinates
  3. 3Organizing, Planning, and Prioritizing Work
  4. 4Getting Information
  5. 5Monitoring Processes, Materials, or Surroundings
  6. 6Updating and Using Relevant Knowledge

Work context

  1. 1Wear Common Protective or Safety Equipment such as Safety Shoes, Glasses, Gloves, Hearing Protection, Hard Hats, or Life Jackets
  2. 2Spend Time Using Your Hands to Handle, Control, or Feel Objects, Tools, or Controls
  3. 3Face-to-Face Discussions with Individuals and Within Teams
  4. 4Contact With Others
  5. 5Importance of Being Exact or Accurate
  6. 6Spend Time Bending or Twisting Your Body

Representative tasks

  • Prepare sketches or follow blueprints to determine the location of wiring or equipment and to ensure conformance to building and safety codes.
  • Place conduit, pipes, or tubing, inside designated partitions, walls, or other concealed areas, and pull insulated wires or cables through the conduit to complete circuits between boxes.
  • Work from ladders, scaffolds, or roofs to install, maintain, or repair electrical wiring, equipment, or fixtures.
  • Use a variety of tools or equipment, such as power construction equipment, measuring devices, power tools, and testing equipment, such as oscilloscopes, ammeters, or test lamps.
  • Assemble, install, test, or maintain electrical or electronic wiring, equipment, appliances, apparatus, or fixtures, using hand tools or power tools.
  • Connect wires to circuit breakers, transformers, or other components.
  • Maintain current electrician's license or identification card to meet governmental regulations.
  • Plan layout and installation of electrical wiring, equipment, or fixtures, based on job specifications and local codes.

Software and tools

Adobe Acrobat · hot technologySAP software · hot technologyMicrosoft Word · hot technologyMicrosoft Windows · hot technologyMicrosoft Outlook · hot technologyMicrosoft Office software · hot technologyMicrosoft Excel · hot technologyAutodesk AutoCAD · hot technologyElite Software E-CoordSoftEmpire Electrical CalculationsSocrates Contractor's LibrarySmartDraw

Sources

BLS provides national pay, employment, and projections. O*NET provides skills, interests, preparation, tasks, work context, and tools.

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