Where are Electricians Most Needed? A Comprehensive Guide

Electricians are highly sought after professionals, as they are responsible for connecting and maintaining the electrical systems that power our homes and businesses. Most electricians learn through an apprenticeship, but some start by attending a technical school. Most states require electricians to be licensed. In this article, we'll explore the job duties, education, job growth, and salary of electricians, as well as the cities where electricians make the most money.

Job DutiesElectricians read blueprints, including technical diagrams of electrical systems showing the location of circuits, outlets, and other equipment. After completing an apprenticeship program, electricians are considered mobile workers and may perform tasks on their own, subject to local or state licensing requirements. Electricians employed by large companies are likely to work as part of a team; they can direct assistants and trainees to complete their jobs. For example, experienced electricians can work with engineers and building architects to help design electrical systems for new construction.

EducationMost electricians learn through an apprenticeship, but some start by attending a technical school. The Home Builders Institute offers a pre-learning certification program (PACT) for eight construction trades, including electricians. Electricians may be required to take continuing education courses to maintain their licenses.

Job Growth

Considering that almost all buildings have some form of electrical energy, an expected increase in new construction will mean new job prospects for electricians.

Increasingly, electricians will be needed to connect these alternative energy sources to homes and power grids over the next decade.

Salary

Trainees are paid less than fully trained electricians, but their salary increases as they learn to do more. The Pay tab describes typical earnings and how workers in the occupation are compensated for annual wages, hourly wages, commissions, tips, or bonuses. Within each occupation, earnings vary by experience, responsibility, performance, position, and geographic area.

For most profiles, this tab has a table with salaries in the main industries that employ the occupation. It does not include the payment of self-employed workers, agricultural workers or workers in private households because this data is not collected by the Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) survey, the source of BLS salary data in the OOH.

Where Electricians Make the Most Money

We have identified 4 cities where the typical salary of an official electrician is higher than the average in Maryland: Baltimore MD; Washington DC; Annapolis MD; and Rockville MD. If you're not sure what the right salary is for an electrician position, visit the Indeed Salary Calculator to get a free, personalized salary range based on your location, industry, and experience.

ConclusionElectricians are highly valued professionals who play an important role in keeping our homes and businesses powered up. With an expected increase in new construction over the next decade, there will be plenty of job opportunities for electricians in many cities across the US. To learn more about electricians and their salaries in different locations, visit O*NET or use Indeed's Salary Calculator.