Working as an electrician, you should be able to comfortably support yourself and even support a family. People respect electricians because they have specialized knowledge and a specific skillset most people don't have. After all, electrical work requires both strong physical labor and intelligent problem solving.
The national average annual wage of an electrician is $59,190, according to the BLS, somewhat higher than the average annual salary for all occupations, $51,960. The average electrician salary can vary significantly depending on the state. Below is a list of the top-10 highest-paying states for electricians.
Algebra is needed for calculating currents and electrical loads. Most Electrician training programs require it's applicants to have passed a Grade 12 Math course or equivalent in order to be considered for placement. Having higher level math is a definite positive when applying for a position.
Electricians usually charge between $50 to $100 per hour. For the entire project, you'll spend an average of $321, or within a range between $160 and $506 or more. Both hourly and project rates vary depending on the type of project, license and experience of the service provider.
Electricians are below average when it comes to happiness. At CareerExplorer, we conduct an ongoing survey with millions of people and ask them how satisfied they are with their careers. As it turns out, electricians rate their career happiness 3.0 out of 5 stars which puts them in the bottom 29% of careers.
Typical Day At Work. On a daily basis, Electricians repair or replace wiring, equipment, or fixtures, using hand tools or power tools. They 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.
You can train as an electrician in as little as nine months through a trade school program. However, it usually takes between five and six years to become a journeyman electrician. That's because after completing a vocational program, your actual apprenticeship may last about four or five years.
Maintenance electricians usually have regular work which they complete in a typical 40-hour week. Most keep regular business hours on weekdays and don't usually work on weekends, public holidays, or late at night. Some electricians work on-call and put in extra hours to troubleshoot urgent problems.
As the pay rates above indicate, plumbers make a little more per hour than electricians, but less per year. Electricians must stay on top of new technologies to earn more and attract customers. That doesn't necessarily mean becoming an electrician is a better idea than becoming a plumber.
You can make well over a typical middle class income as an electrician and if you reinvest your networth will grow. Eventually, you will be rich. The key us to start now.
The math electricians use is trigonometry, calculus, and algebra. The trigonometry is used for bending pipe in a certain angle. Calculus is used for electrical calculation to know how many amps and bulbs they need. Finally, algebra is used to do trigonometry and calculus.
According to other contractors, electrical and HVAC are among the hardest to learn, but flooring and cleaning specialists were most likely to call their own crafts the toughest. Again, carpentry was viewed as one of the most difficult by both groups.
2) Electrician
The top 10 percent of electricians earn more than $82,680. But if you are working overtime or are taking on commercial jobs, you can easily make six figures. If you move to a big metropolitan area with high demand, you can also expect to make six figures a year.Highest Paying Cities for Journeyman Electrician Jobs
| City | Hourly Wage | Annual Salary |
|---|
| Charlotte, NC - Journeyman Electrician Salary | $26.66 | $55,451 |
| St. Louis, MO - Journeyman Electrician Salary | $26.60 | $55,325 |
| Phoenix, AZ - Journeyman Electrician Salary | $26.56 | $55,248 |
| San Angelo, TX - Journeyman Electrician Salary | $26.48 | $55,068 |
Highest-paying trade careers
- Licensed practical nurse. National average salary: $23.18 per hour.
- HVAC technician. National average salary: $23.20 per hour.
- Home inspector. National average salary: $50,525 per year.
- Plumber.
- Electrician.
- Landscape designer.
- Boilermaker.
- Respiratory therapist.
We get paid more because we collectively bargain together. We have a consistency of skillsets and resources to further grow our skillsets. In the end, you get what you pay for. We are full time electricians, not once in a while electricians.
As well as being hard working and committed to the job, electricians need to have:
- Good practical skills.
- Confidence when using power tools.
- The ability to analyse technical drawings.
- Close attention to detail.
- The ability to focus for long periods of time.
- The ability to follow instructions.
- A methodical approach to work.
Nearly half of the approximately 175 deaths caused each year in the electrical trades occur in construction, with electricians accounting for about 7 percent of total deaths in the building trades, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics.
People respect electricians because they have specialized knowledge and a specific skillset most people don't have. After all, electrical work requires both strong physical labor and intelligent problem solving. Electricians need to solve complex issues that require critical thinking and expertise.
America will face a shortage of electricians in the near future, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) and the National Electrical Contractors Association (NECA). The BLS reports that employment of electricians is projected to grow 10% from 2018 to 2028 — faster than the average for all occupations.
An early career Master Electrician with 1-4 years of experience earns an average total compensation (includes tips, bonus, and overtime pay) of $24.75 based on 56 salaries. A mid-career Master Electrician with 5-9 years of experience earns an average total compensation of $25.45 based on 191 salaries.
In order to become a master electrician, you have to have extensive knowledge and skills of installing electrical equipment. You also need to complete 4,000 hours or about two years of work as a journeyman. In some states, you have to pass an exam in order to become a licensed master electrician.
5 Ways to Make More Money as an Electrician
- Take Continuing Education Classes.
- Start Your Own Business.
- Regularly Look for Other Employment Opportunities.
- Ask for a Promotion or Raise.
- Change Specialties.
Electricians are most often hurt from falls, electrical burns, exposure to toxic materials, and even face increased risks from working in small tight spaces and varying outdoor conditions.
Electricians are below average when it comes to happiness. At CareerExplorer, we conduct an ongoing survey with millions of people and ask them how satisfied they are with their careers. As it turns out, electricians rate their career happiness 3.0 out of 5 stars which puts them in the bottom 29% of careers.
Electricians are highly-skilled trade workers. They don't simply do routine, boring work every day on the job; they problem solve, troubleshoot and face new situations and challenges at every job site. It is not a job that will become boring.
- Earn a high school diploma or equivalent.
- Consider getting pre-apprenticeship training at a trade school or vocational college.
- Apply for an apprenticeship.
- Register as an electrician trainee or apprentice in your state (if required)
- Complete your apprenticeship.
