Construction

Electrician

Are you sitting in a cold, dark room right now? If not, thank an Electrician.

Install, maintain, and repair electrical wiring, systems, and fixtures in residential, commercial, and industrial buildings. Read blueprints, follow electrical codes, and ensure safe power distribution.

Salary Range

$39,000 – $106,000

per year (10th–90th percentile)

Median Salary

$56,900

per year

Growth Outlook

High Growth(+9%)

2024–2034 projected

Browse Electrician Jobs

Tasks & Responsibilities

Plan layout and installation of electrical wiring, equipment, or fixtures, based on job specifications and local codes.
Connect wires to circuit breakers, transformers, or other components.
Test electrical systems or continuity of circuits in electrical wiring, equipment, or fixtures, using testing devices, such as ohmmeters, voltmeters, or oscilloscopes, to ensure compatibility and safety of system.
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.
Inspect electrical systems, equipment, or components to identify hazards, defects, or the need for adjustment or repair, and to ensure compliance with codes.
Prepare sketches or follow blueprints to determine the location of wiring or equipment and to ensure conformance to building and safety codes.
Diagnose malfunctioning systems, apparatus, or components, using test equipment and hand tools to locate the cause of a breakdown and correct the problem.
Work from ladders, scaffolds, or roofs to install, maintain, or repair electrical wiring, equipment, or fixtures.
Advise management on whether continued operation of equipment could be hazardous.
Maintain current electrician's license or identification card to meet governmental regulations.

Tools of the Trade

Stripping toolsWire or cable cutterVoltage or current metersCable reelsWire lug crimping toolCircuit testerConduit bendersEnd cut pliersRetaining ring pliersHex keysCable accessoriesFish tapeLevelsSoldering ironPower drillsMetal detectorsDiagonal cut pliersLocking pliersLinemans pliersMagnetic toolsPipe or tube cutterBandsaw wheelAmmetersManlift or personnel liftTape measuresWire cuttersNibblersImpedance metersGFI circuit testersWire wrapping toolFuse pullersHydraulic press framesPhasemetersNut driversBlow torchBolt cuttersCalibrated inductance coils or boxesBandersSocket setsWelding masksArticulating boom liftGas detectorsProtective glovesGas generatorsCapacitance metersPlumb bobsStamping dies or punchesSpecialty wrenchesInspection mirrorLongnose pliersElectrical frequency metersLabel making machinesPunches or nail sets or driftsConventional truck cranesOffset socket wrenchesCalibrated resistance measuring equipmentDrill bit setSpot welding machineOpen end wrenchesThreading tapsTapping machine attachmentTrack excavatorsDeburring toolInsulated screwdriverAdjustable widemouth pliersThermographsHand reamerPipe wrenchesClaw hammerCable splicing kitsMicrocontrollersTensiometersPower sawsTinners snipsHacksawTwo way radiosMultimetersWattmetersDepth gaugesStaple gunsLaddersMicrometersAir compressorsHard hatsOhmmetersRespiratorsAwlsRazor knivesScaffoldingHammersSafety glassesTongue and groove pliersUtility knivesNotebook computersCircuit tracersLaser printersThreading die hand toolShearsScrewdriversHole sawsDesktop computersAdjustable wrenchesFeeler gaugesHeat gunsStrap wrenchesNeedlenose pliersPersonal computersWinchesMegohmmetersOscilloscopesBackhoesTablet computers

Knowledge Areas

Building and Construction

Knowledge of materials, methods, and the tools involved in the construction or repair of houses, buildings, or other structures such as highways and roads. 83/100

Mechanical

Knowledge of machines and tools, including their designs, uses, repair, and maintenance. 82/100

Mathematics

Knowledge of arithmetic, algebra, geometry, calculus, statistics, and their applications. 73/100

Design

Knowledge of design techniques, tools, and principles involved in production of precision technical plans, blueprints, drawings, and models. 69/100

English Language

Knowledge of the structure and content of the English language including the meaning and spelling of words, rules of composition, and grammar. 69/100

Public Safety and Security

Knowledge of relevant equipment, policies, procedures, and strategies to promote effective local, state, or national security operations for the protection of people, data, property, and institutions. 63/100

Customer and Personal Service

Knowledge of principles and processes for providing customer and personal services. This includes customer needs assessment, meeting quality standards for services, and evaluation of customer satisfaction. 60/100

Administration and Management

Knowledge of business and management principles involved in strategic planning, resource allocation, human resources modeling, leadership technique, production methods, and coordination of people and resources. 58/100

Physics

Knowledge and prediction of physical principles, laws, their interrelationships, and applications to understanding fluid, material, and atmospheric dynamics, and mechanical, electrical, atomic and sub-atomic structures and processes. 54/100

Education and Training

Knowledge of principles and methods for curriculum and training design, teaching and instruction for individuals and groups, and the measurement of training effects. 50/100