Skilled trades are great career options for many people because they don’t require attending a four-year college and offer good-paying, stable work. Electricians are well paid and can start earning money early in their training. Learn how to become an electrician and get answers to frequently asked questions that you can share with students as they explore their career.
Plus, get a free printable poster on how to become an electrician to hang in your classroom, hallway, or guidance counselor’s office.
Frequently asked questions about how to become an electrician
What is an electrician?
Electricians install, maintain, and repair electrical systems in residential, commercial, and industrial settings. They work on wiring, electrical equipment, and power distribution systems to ensure everything is working safely and efficiently. Job titles for electricians include:
Journeyman Electrician Residential Electrician Commercial Electrician Industrial Electrician
Electricians typically spend their time installing or repairing electrical systems, reading blueprints, troubleshooting electrical problems, and ensuring compliance with local building codes. They often work on construction sites, homes, and industrial facilities.
Why become an electrician?
Skilled occupations such as electricians are in high demand and can offer high pay. Electricians earn between $45,000 and more than $75,000 (average around $62,000), depending on job title and experience. They will work in a variety of practical and diverse environments, and each day brings new challenges.
There are also many potential growth opportunities in this area. After gaining experience, electricians can become master electricians, take on supervisory roles, or open their own electrical contracting business. This gives you the freedom to decide your career path.
“At the end of the day, it’s so rewarding to see the finished product of your hard work and go home with a sense of accomplishment,” says Jolene Brzezinski, Instructor at Tampa Area Electricians JATC. says. “It’s such a great feeling to be able to point to a building around town and say, ‘I helped build that.’ My personal favorite is at the airport when I’m picking up visiting friends and family. Pointing to the monorail.”
She continues, “Being an industrial/commercial electrician is also like living in an episode of ‘How It’s Made.'” It gives you a behind-the-scenes look at various industries. Masu. I’ve seen the production of water bottles, mattresses, asphalt, and many other things. How a water treatment plant works. Theme park at night. Every job can be very different. I also know that my career provides me with good health care and retirement benefits, so I don’t have to worry about the future for myself or my family. ”
What skills do electricians need?
Wondering if this job is right for you? Good electricians love problem solving, have good attention to detail and logical reasoning. They must be safety conscious and work well under pressure, often working in situations that require manual dexterity. Electricians often work directly with customers, so communication and time management skills are also essential.
“Students with strong problem-solving skills perform best,” Brzezinski says. “Answers and solutions are always there, you just have to find them. So perseverance is also a great quality. A willingness to do hard work. Our job is great, but it’s not easy. Also, the journey If you’re looking to get your level certified, you need to be ready to use math. You finally have a place to put all the math you learned in high school to use.”
Brzezinski also points out that girls and young women need not be afraid to become electricians. “Women are often better at trade,” she explains. “The main reason there aren’t more women in the trade industry is because most people don’t know it’s an option. The field is so diverse that we welcome different perspectives of different types and sizes. Anyone can find a niche in the electrical field. Even in the physical part, it’s more about working smart than hard. , you will end up feeling the pain.”
Do electricians need a degree?
Most electricians earn a high school diploma or equivalent and then undergo specialized training or apprenticeship programs. Electricians must pass a state licensing exam and may also require certification in certain areas, such as working with high-voltage systems.
How long does it take to become an electrician?
On average, it takes 5 to 6 years to become certified as an electrician. However, most (or all) of that time is typically spent as an apprentice electrician, earning a paycheck while you learn. Let’s take a closer look at the process of becoming an electrician below.
How to become an electrician: an overview of the process
Vocational school or vocational school (optional)
Although not required, attending a vocational school or vocational school program for a year or so can help new electricians learn basic information about electricity, circuits, safety, and more. Time spent in these classes typically counts toward the practicum requirement. Some apprenticeship programs may have costs covered. The prospective electrician may also have to cover the costs themselves.
Many school districts allow high school students to participate in career and technical education (CTE) programs as part of earning their high school diploma (a requirement to become an electrician). Once they graduate, they are immediately ready to join an apprenticeship program. This method also saves students the cost of attending vocational or vocational schools.
Apprenticeship (on-the-job training)
Apprenticeship training is a large part of a new electrician’s education and training. These programs typically last four to five years. Apprentices usually work full-time and receive a salary from the beginning. This salary increases as you learn more and develop advanced skills during your apprenticeship.
Find apprenticeship opportunities at Apprenticeship USA or ElectricalSchool.org.
license exam
To complete the apprenticeship, candidates must pass a state licensing exam. These are typically administered by your state, but national licensing programs are also available. Once you get your license, you can qualify as an electrician. You can take on electrical jobs yourself or start your own business.
Professional development opportunities
As with most jobs, journeyman electricians must stay on top of new technology and regulations through regular training and education. You may also choose to obtain a master or contractor license to work on more advanced tasks such as supervising apprentices and journeymen or designing electrical systems. These advanced skills allow electricians to earn higher salaries.
