Occupation · SOC 47-2111
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.
Median wage
$62,350
$39,430–$106,030
Projected growth
+9.4%
Faster than average
Annual openings
7,740
per year
Employed (US)
742,580
Job Zone 3
Typical preparation
Medium preparation
Stackable credential programs
600 mapped
Core skills
TroubleshootingRepairingSpeakingCritical ThinkingActive ListeningQuality Control AnalysisJudgment and Decision MakingInstallationActive LearningReading ComprehensionOperations MonitoringMonitoringCoordinationComplex Problem SolvingWritingTime ManagementSystems AnalysisService OrientationPersuasionOperation and ControlMathematicsLearning StrategiesInstructingEquipment SelectionEquipment MaintenanceSystems EvaluationSocial PerceptivenessManagement of Personnel ResourcesOperations AnalysisManagement of Material ResourcesManagement of Financial ResourcesNegotiationTechnology DesignScienceProgramming
Knowledge areas
Building and ConstructionAdministration and ManagementMechanicalMathematicsDesignCustomer and Personal ServicePublic Safety and SecurityPsychologyEnglish LanguageTransportationProduction and ProcessingTelecommunicationsLaw and GovernmentAdministrativePhysicsEducation and TrainingSales and MarketingPersonnel and Human ResourcesEngineering and TechnologyComputers and ElectronicsSociology and AnthropologyEconomics and AccountingChemistryCommunications and MediaGeographyTherapy and CounselingMedicine and DentistryForeign LanguageBiologyHistory and ArcheologyFood ProductionFine ArtsPhilosophy and Theology
Technology & tools
AVEVA InTouch HMIAdobe AcrobatAutodesk AutoCADComputer aided design CAD softwareConstruction Master ProCraftsman CD EstimatorDatabase softwareElectrosoft FlashWorksElite Software E-CoordElite Software InpointElite Software OutpointElite Software ShortElite Software VDROPInsight Direct ServiceCEOLighting calculation softwareMicrosoft ExcelMicrosoft Office softwareMicrosoft OutlookMicrosoft WindowsMicrosoft WordOne Mile Up Panel PlannerProgrammable logic controller PLC softwareResolve Systems Service ManagementSAP softwareSage 300 Construction and Real EstateShafer Service SystemsSmartDrawSocrates Contractor's LibrarySoftEmpire Electrical CalculationsSpreadsheet softwareSupervisory control and data acquisition SCADA softwareTurtle Creek Software GoldensealWord processing software
Representative tasks
Performing General Physical ActivitiesCommunicating with Supervisors, Peers, or SubordinatesOrganizing, Planning, and Prioritizing WorkGetting InformationMonitoring Processes, Materials, or SurroundingsUpdating and Using Relevant KnowledgeEstablishing and Maintaining Interpersonal RelationshipsHandling and Moving ObjectsCoordinating the Work and Activities of OthersInspecting Equipment, Structures, or MaterialsIdentifying Objects, Actions, and EventsMaking Decisions and Solving ProblemsOperating Vehicles, Mechanized Devices, or EquipmentJudging the Qualities of Objects, Services, or PeopleTraining and Teaching OthersEvaluating Information to Determine Compliance with StandardsGuiding, Directing, and Motivating SubordinatesThinking CreativelyCommunicating with People Outside the OrganizationAnalyzing Data or InformationScheduling Work and ActivitiesEstimating the Quantifiable Characteristics of Products, Events, or InformationRepairing and Maintaining Mechanical EquipmentDeveloping and Building TeamsProcessing InformationMonitoring and Controlling ResourcesRepairing and Maintaining Electronic EquipmentInterpreting the Meaning of Information for OthersDrafting, Laying Out, and Specifying Technical Devices, Parts, and EquipmentDocumenting/Recording InformationResolving Conflicts and Negotiating with OthersCoaching and Developing OthersDeveloping Objectives and StrategiesControlling Machines and ProcessesProviding Consultation and Advice to OthersPerforming for or Working Directly with the PublicAssisting and Caring for OthersSelling or Influencing OthersPerforming Administrative ActivitiesWorking with Computers
Competency framework
Skill expectations by proficiency level.
emerging
Hand tools and basic test instruments — identify and use under direct supervision on a residential job site.Conductors, conduit, and fittings — pull and bend in straight runs following a journeyman's layout.Boxes, receptacles, and switches — install per drawing on rough-in of a single-family dwelling.Personal protective equipment and lockout/tagout — apply consistently in low-voltage residential settings.NEC tables and basic code lookups — locate the relevant article when prompted by a supervisor.Voltage and continuity readings — take with a digital multimeter on de-energized residential circuits.Job-site materials and stock — stage and inventory daily in a small commercial fit-out.Basic single-line diagrams — read and trace with guidance on a residential branch circuit.Wire terminations and splices — make to instruction at a junction box in new construction.Daily work logs and time entries — complete accurately under a foreman's review.
developing
Branch circuits and feeders — install routinely from prints in a commercial tenant build-out.Service panels and subpanels — terminate and label correctly in residential and light-commercial work.Conduit bending (EMT, IMC, rigid) — fabricate offsets and saddles independently on a multi-room install.Common code violations — recognize and flag during rough-in inspections of commercial spaces.Lighting controls and dimmers — wire, test, and commission in standard commercial layouts.Grounding and bonding — execute per NEC Article 250 in single-phase residential services.Motor starters and disconnects — install and verify rotation in light-industrial maintenance contexts.Troubleshooting (open, short, ground fault) — isolate on familiar branch-circuit problems.Material take-offs from prints — produce for a defined room or floor under supervision.Apprentices on routine tasks — direct and check on day-to-day residential or commercial work.
proficient
Three-phase services and feeder calculations — design and install across commercial and light-industrial buildings.Control circuits (relay logic, PLC I/O) — wire, terminate, and verify in industrial maintenance settings.Code compliance across NEC and local amendments — interpret and apply to non-routine commercial installations.Complex faults across distribution systems — diagnose and resolve in operating industrial facilities.Coordination with other trades — sequence electrical work in active commercial construction schedules.Service upgrades and panel replacements — plan and execute in occupied residential or commercial buildings.Specialty systems (fire alarm, intercom, street lighting) — install and commission to specification.Estimates and bids for mid-sized jobs — prepare from prints and walk-throughs in commercial work.Inspection responses and corrections — manage with the AHJ across multiple active job sites.Apprentices and crew — supervise on full-scope commercial projects from rough-in through trim.
advanced
Electrical scopes for complex projects — design, value-engineer, and lead across industrial or institutional builds.Code interpretations on contested or novel installations — develop defensible positions with the AHJ.Power quality and arc-flash studies — commission, interpret, and act on in industrial facilities.Preventive-maintenance programs for plant electrical systems — establish and audit across a paper mill or similar facility.Multi-crew schedules and labor budgets — plan and adjust across concurrent commercial projects.Apprenticeship and journeyman development — mentor, evaluate, and sign off across a contractor's workforce.Specialty controls (industrial automation, building management) — integrate and troubleshoot at system level.Safety culture and lockout/tagout governance — set, train, and enforce across a contractor or facility.Customer relationships on high-stakes projects — manage scope, change orders, and outcomes with owners.Estimating standards and crew productivity rates — define and refine across a contractor's bidding practice.
Also known as
89 alternate job titles map to this occupation.
Airport ElectricianAntenna InstallerAntenna RiggerCommercial ElectricianConduit InstallerConduit MechanicConstruction ElectricianControl ElectricianConventional System Lightning Protection TechnicianDiesel ElectricianDiesel Maintenance ElectricianElectric Sign WirerElectric Stop InstallerElectric WirerElectrical InstallerElectrical Journey PersonElectrical JourneymanElectrical Maintenance ManElectrical Maintenance WorkerElectrical Sign ServicerElectrical Sign WirerElectrical System SpecialistElectrical TroubleshooterElectrical WirerElectrical Wiring LinemanElectricianGafferGround WirerHouse WirerHousing Maintenance ElectricianIndustrial ElectricianInside WiremanInterior ElectricianInterior WirerJourneyman ElectricianJourneyman LinemanLicensed ElectricianLighting Fixture InstallerLightning Protection InstallerLightning Protection Technician