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Electricians: Salary, Career path, Job outlook, Education and More

Are you interested in a career as an electrician? Do you want to know more about the salary, career path, job outlook, and education requirements in this field? Look no further, as we have gathered all the information you need to know about becoming an electrician.

 

The demand for skilled electricians is on the rise, and it is a profession that offers stability and a promising future. However, navigating the path to becoming an electrician can be overwhelming without the right guidance. That’s why we at IEC Rocky Mountain have compiled all the essential details to help you make informed decisions about your career in the electrical industry.

 

In this article, we will delve into the salary prospects, career progression opportunities, job outlook, and education requirements for electricians. Whether you are considering starting a career as an electrician or looking to advance your existing skills, this comprehensive guide will provide you with valuable insights to help you make informed choices for a successful and fulfilling career in the electrical field.

 

Job Outlook for Electricians

The demand for electricians continues to grow, making it an attractive career option. As technology advances and our reliance on electricity deepens, the need for skilled electricians becomes increasingly critical. The Bureau of Labor Statistics estimates that the electrical field will grow 7% annually through 2031, putting it on par with other career paths.

 

Electrician Salary

The salary an electrician earns depends on a number of factors. The average across the United States is around $60,000 per year. That includes roughly $38,000 on the low end and $96,000 on the upper end. To better understand how much earning potential you’ll have as an electrician, let’s examine some of the variables that help determine an electrician’s salary:

 

  1. Experience and Skill Level – As with any job, your skill and experience play a big role in electrician salary limits.
  2. Job Responsibilities – Entry-level jobs versus management jobs will vary greatly in earning potential.
  3. Education and Training – Electricians who have completed comprehensive training programs will earn more.
  4. Specialization – Those who obtain specialized knowledge and expertise in niche areas are valued more highly.
  5. Geographic Location – The area where you take the job can greatly impact an electrician’s salary.
  6. Industry and Sector – Electricians can work in industrial, commercial, or residential sectors. The choice can impact your salary.

 

Education and Training for Electricians

To become an electrician, a solid educational foundation is crucial. While a high school diploma or equivalent is typically the minimum requirement, formal training of some form is important to securing a job. There are a number of opportunities for aspiring electricians to gain the knowledge necessary for the job.

 

Training as an Electrician

Vocational schools, community colleges, and trade schools all offer programs designed to train skilled electricians. These options will combine classroom instruction and practical training to provide a solid foundation in electrical systems. Additionally, apprenticeships are available, which let learners work in the field, gaining hands-on experience while learning from a more experienced electrician.

 

Licensing and Certification Requirements

Licensing and certification requirements for electricians vary. The locality of the job and the type of work performed impact which regulations apply. Most states require electricians to obtain a license, which typically means meeting some minimal education requirement and passing a test.

In Colorado, a minimum of 288 classroom hours and 8000 on-the-job training hours are required for licensure, while 576 classroom hours and 8000 on-the-job training hours are required in Wyoming..

 

Job Responsibilities of Electricians

As we discussed earlier, electrical work covers several different sectors. Just as the sector chosen impacts salary, it also impacts the type of work that’ll be expected of you.

 

Residential electricians work inside people’s homes. They install and repair wiring, lighting fixtures, and electrical appliances. This can be new constructions or already completed homes.

Commercial electricians work in non-residential areas such as offices, retail buildings, or educational facilities. They perform much the same work as residential electricians but on a larger scale and with potentially more advanced appliances.

 

Industrial electricians work with the type of complex electrical systems typically found in industrial environments. These include power distribution systems, wiring for complex machinery, and control systems.

 

Join the Ranks of Successful Electricians with IEC Rocky Mountain’s Help

Having the right training is the best way to improve an electrician’s salary. At ICE Rocky Mountain, we can provide you with the skills you need to quickly rise through the ranks and jumpstart your electrical career. To learn how, contact us today. 

 

Yuri A/Shutterstock

 

IECRM Self-Pay Tuition Policy

 

Self-pay students who are employed with a member company must register and pay through the member company using the IECRM Flashpoint Enrollment Portal/Process in order to qualify for member rates.

Self-pay students that are employed with a member company but that do not register and pay through the member will be charged the non-member rate for tuition, books and applicable fees.


Self-pay students who are employed with a member company and require a payment plan will not qualify for the member rate and will be charged the non-member rate for tuition, books and applicable fees.


Self-pay students who do not work for a member company will continue to be charged the non-member rate for tuition, books and applicable fees.


To maximize association/membership benefits, ALL member companies are encouraged to register and pay for all enrolled apprentices utilizing internal payment arrangements and processes between employer and employee.


We value our IECRM members and apprentice community. We encourage all apprentices to be enrolled in the four-year apprenticeship program, earning, and learning their way toward Journeyworker licensure. We encourage all members to utilize the member discount for tuition, books and applicable fees to ensure the long-term support and success of the next-generation electrician.


(Payment Plans are available, please reference the Self Pay Payment Plan Policy.)


Self-Pay Payment Plan Policy


We offer the following arrangements for students that are unable to pay in full at the time of registration.


● Self-pay students will be charged the non-member rate.
● A 50% down payment of total semester tuition, books and applicable fees are due at registration.
● Remaining balance can be divided up to 3 additional monthly payments ($10.00 processing fee applies on each installment)
● All payments that are declined will incur a $20.00 NSF fee.

 

We encourage all students who are employed with a member company to work with their employer to register and pay through the IECRM Flashpoint Enrollment Portal/Process. This will ensure the student is paying the lowest possible rate for tuition, books and applicable fees.