Alternate Title(s) | Electrician |
Minimum Education Requirements | High school diploma or equivalent, Apprentice-Level |
Salary | See Bureau of Labor Statistics for more information |
Job Skills | - Business skills. Self-employed electricians must be able to bid on new jobs, track inventory, and plan payroll and work assignments. - Color vision. Electricians must identify electrical wires by color. - Critical-thinking skills. Electricians perform tests and use the results to diagnose problems. For example, when an outlet is not working, they may use a multimeter to check the voltage, amperage, or resistance to determine the best course of action. - Customer-service skills. Residential electricians work with people on a regular basis. They should be friendly and be able to address customers’ questions. - Physical stamina. Electricians often need to move around all day while running wire and connecting fixtures to the wire. - Physical strength. Electricians need to be strong enough to move heavy components, which may weigh up to 50 pounds. - Troubleshooting skills. Electricians find, diagnose, and repair problems. For example, if a motor stops working, they perform tests to determine the cause of its failure and then, depending on the results, fix or replace the motor. |
Job Duties | Electricians typically do the following: - Read blueprints or technical diagrams - Install and maintain wiring, control, and lighting systems - Inspect electrical components, such as transformers and circuit breakers - Identify electrical problems using a variety of testing devices - Repair or replace wiring, equipment, or fixtures using hand tools and power tools - Follow state and local building regulations based on the National Electrical Code - Direct and train workers to install, maintain, or repair electrical wiring or equipment |
Job Profile | Electricians install, maintain, and repair electrical power, communications, lighting, and control systems in homes, businesses, and factories. Electricians read blueprints, which are technical diagrams of electrical systems that show the location of circuits, outlets, and other equipment. They use different types of hand and power tools, such as conduit benders, to run and protect wiring. Other commonly used hand and power tools include screwdrivers, wire strippers, drills, and saws. While troubleshooting, electricians also may use ammeters, voltmeters, thermal scanners, and cable testers to find problems and ensure that components are working properly. |
The information presented within this occupational profile was synthesized from the Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Department of Labor, Outlook Handbook, 2016-17 Edition and the U.S. Office of Personnel Management’s Handbook of Occupational Groups & Families.