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Primary job responsibilities of an electrician

If you enjoy working with your hands, becoming an electrician is a solid career option for you. An electrician has multiple job duties that require specialized skills to execute. It’s an eclectic job where no two days are ever the same. Some of an electrician’s job functions include:

• Read blueprints and technical diagrams
• Install and maintain wiring, control, and lighting systems
• Inspect electrical components
• Follow state and local building rules based on the National Electrical Code.
• Troubleshoot with testers such as ammeters and voltmeters

Electricians also may receive specialized training in areas like fire alarm systems, communications, or elevators.

Earning potential and career growth expectations for electricians

The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics reports that electricians earn a median annual wage of $62,350, with the top 10% earning more than $106,030. Payscale reports that the hourly rate for electricians can range anywhere from $18-42, which equates to approximately $37,440 to $87,360 (based on 40 hours per week for 52 weeks). Specifics on pay will vary depending on what part of the country you’re operating in, your work location, and your experience. Specialization is also key. According to ZipRecruiter, becoming a Certified Electrician, Electrical Systems Designer, and Electrical Superintendent are the three highest paying specialized roles you can pursue in electrical work, with jobs like Construction Electrician and Wiring Electrician also appearing in the top ten.

Employment is projected to grow 9% from 2024 to 2034, which is much faster than the average for all occupations. The BLS estimates there will be 81,000 openings each year over the decade as the grid expands and older electricians retire.

For aspiring electricians, there are multiple paths to success once you’ve developed a strong foundation of skills. You can work for an existing business or venture out to start your own business. While each path could be successful, the one you choose can also impact your earning potential.

The step-by-step path to becoming an electrician

To become an electrician, there are a few key steps you’ll need to take.

1. Earn a high school diploma or equivalent. This is the typical entry-level education required to begin your career as an electrician. If you haven’t yet earned your high school diploma, consider earning your high school diploma online in as little as nine months.


2. Complete an electrician training program and/or apprenticeship. Some aspiring electricians begin with a trade school or online program to build foundational knowledge first. A training program is a great place to build your confidence in a low-pressure environment, sharpening your skills and gaining the knowledge you’ll need to thrive in this career. A comprehensive online training program will teach you how to perform the core technical skills of the job while also helping you understand electrical codes, safety guidance, and how to communicate with customers. From there, many electricians then move into a paid apprenticeship to continue building their skill set. Typically, an apprenticeship will include about 2,000 hours of paid on-the-job training each year plus technical instruction on topics such as electrical theory, blueprint reading, math, code requirements, and safety.


3. Become a journey worker. After finishing an apprenticeship, electricians can then become qualified to become what’s known as a “journeyman electrician.” The requirements here vary by state (consult the resources referenced for your state below where applicable), but many states require you to have completed a certain threshold of hands-on work experience along with classroom work followed by a licensing exam.

As an example, here are the licensing requirements for becoming a journeyman electrician in Colorado from that state’s Department of Regulatory Agencies Division of Professions and Occupations:
• 8,000 hours of experience earned in at least four years
• 2,000 hours of commercial/industrial work
• 288 hours of classroom education

Every state will vary, so refer to your state’s place in the table below for more information on what’s specifically needed in your area.


4. Advance to master electrician. With more experience, journeymen electricians can advance to master electrician and to supervisor or project-management roles. This requires more experience and, in many cases, additional training or licensing. Once again, refer to your state, city, or county government’s guidance for more information.

Electrician licensing requirements and pay by state

There is no single national electrician license. Requirements are set at the state or local level. The following table includes links for information on how electricians are licensed in each state, alongside median annual wages and total employment.* For states that license locally, a representative jurisdiction is included.

Please note that requirements are subject to change — for the most up to date information, please consult your state, city, or county government to confirm official requirements before you pursue your license.

* Employment and median annual wage figures are from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics, May 2025 state estimates (electricians, 47-2111), available to view in the BLS OEWS data tool or by downloading the May 2025 state data file. Data retrieved July 16, 2026.

Start your new career journey as an electrician

U.S. Career Institute offers an online, self-paced electrician certificate program that builds the foundational knowledge to help you step into an apprenticeship or entry-level role. To learn more:

• Review the details and enroll on your own.
• Speak to an admission representative to discuss the program and your next steps.