There are many diverse and rewarding career opportunities in the field of electricity. Because society’s need for electricity continues to be on the increase, opportunities will exist into the future regardless of changing technologies. Below is a sampling of some of the more common jobs available in the electrical contracting industry.
Electrician’s Helper – Assists
electricians by handling a bulk of the materials, caring for and
organizing equipment.
Apprentice Electrician – Installs, alters, adds and/or repairs electrical systems, conductors and associated materials and equipment under the supervision of a journeyman electrician. (While completing 2,000 of on-the-job training and 144 hours of classroom instruction.)
Journeyman Electrician – Installs, alters, adds
and/or repairs electrical systems, conductors and associated
materials and equipment. May work independently of direct technical
supervision. Supervises apprentices. Holds a
journeyman’s license in states requiring journeyman licensing. Will
read blueprints, terminate cable, install and troubleshoot control
wiring from drawings.
Master Electrician – Installs, alters, adds and/or
repairs electrical systems, conductors and associated materials and
equipment. A master electrician may supervise journeymen
electricians. This classification is sometime synonymous with the
term “electrical contractor.” This classification is not recognized
in all states.
Lead Person – Installs, alters, adds and/or repairs
electrical systems, conductors and associated materials and
equipment. Has a journeyman’s license. Works from plans and
specifications, supervises small crews of journeymen, apprentices
and helpers.
Area Supervisor – Installs, alters, adds and/or
repairs electrical systems, conductors and associated materials and
equipment. Has a journeyman’s license. Leads and works along with
crew. Lays out the work and makes certain that the proper
materials, tools and equipment are on the jobsite in their proper
places. Schedules and may supervise one or multiple small
crews.
Project Supervisor – Installs, alters, adds and/or
repairs electrical systems, conductors and associated materials and
equipment. Has a journeyman’s license. This person is responsible
for all the field employees on a project, taking care of daily
reports and forms, monitors the work and adheres to schedules.
Estimator – Develops profitable bid proposals,
calculates takeoffs, and ensures that the company's best interests
are represented, including profitability & cost control.
Provides careful analysis of project plans to guarantee accurate
labor, supply, and time schedule estimates.
Basically, successful electricians can become foremen, supervisors,
estimators, etc; can move into management positions; and even
eventually run their own electrical contracting businesses. Your
drive and abilities determine how far you go. There are no
boundaries, and employment in the electrical industry provides
equal opportunity for anyone who has the talent and desire to
succeed.
Because of the technical complexity of their jobs, Electricians are among the most highly compensated of the skilled trades.
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the median hourly earnings of a certified electrician for 2013 was $24.28 with the top 10% earning more than $40.32 per hour. Apprentices usually start at between 30 and 50 percent of the rate paid to experienced electricians. Apprenticeship programs guarantee wage increases at certain intervals making it possible for the apprentice to at least double their earnings during their training.