Electricians
Install, maintain, and repair electrical wiring, equipment, and fixtures. Ensure that work is in accordance with relevant codes. May install or service street lights, intercom systems, or electrical control systems.
Also called: Airport Electrician, Antenna Installer, Antenna Rigger, Commercial Electrician, Conduit Installer, Conduit Mechanic
Median pay
$63,190
per year, U.S.
Pay range (10th–90th)
$42,640 – $108,510
People employed
757,220
Holland code
RCI
Realistic · Conventional · Investigative
Updated October 2026 · Data: O*NET 31.0 and BLS OEWS May 2025 · How we match careers
Is this career right for you?
These are the things that stand out in this job compared with other U.S. jobs (O*NET 31.0 work context). Answer honestly.
- 1.Are you OK with physical risk, such as hazardous equipment or conditions, with proper training?
- 2.Are you OK working outdoors in all kinds of weather?
- 3.Do you want to lead or coordinate other people’s work?
- 4.Are you OK being on your feet and moving most of the day?
- 5.Do you work well under tight deadlines?
- 6.Are you happy talking and working with people most of the day?
- 7.Do you want a lot of freedom to make your own decisions?
The hard parts
- Exposure to hazardous conditions
- Long hours on your feet
- Tight deadlines are common
Electricians pay by state
Annual median pay by state (50 states and DC with published data). Source: BLS OEWS May 2025.
What electricians do
- 01Prepare sketches or follow blueprints to determine the location of wiring or equipment and to ensure conformance to building and safety codes.
- 02Place conduit, pipes, or tubing, inside designated partitions, walls, or other concealed areas, and pull insulated wires or cables through the conduit to complete circuits between boxes.
- 03Work from ladders, scaffolds, or roofs to install, maintain, or repair electrical wiring, equipment, or fixtures.
- 04Use 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.
- 05Assemble, install, test, or maintain electrical or electronic wiring, equipment, appliances, apparatus, or fixtures, using hand tools or power tools.
- 06Connect wires to circuit breakers, transformers, or other components.
Skills that matter most
- Active Listening
- Speaking
- Critical Thinking
- Active Learning
- Reading Comprehension
- Monitoring
Knowledge
- Building and Construction
- Administration and Management
- Mechanical
- Mathematics
- Design
Work styles that stand out
- Dependability
- Attention to Detail
- Cautiousness
Education and first steps
Share of workers by required education, as reported to O*NET.
How people get started
- Usually needs vocational training or an associate degree (O*NET Job Zone 3).
- Related work experience: over 6 months, up to and including 1 year.
- On-the-job training: over 4 years, up to and including 10 years.
Most common answers from O*NET 31.0 Education, Training and Experience.
Interest fit (Holland code)
O*NET occupational interest scores, scale 1–7. Take the Free Career Test to compare with your own.
Career changes
Change from electricians
- Electrical Power-Line Installers and Repairers82% · +51%
- Electric Motor, Power Tool, and Related Repairers81% · −11%
- Electrical and Electronics Installers and Repairers, Transportation Equipment75% · +34%
- Heating, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Mechanics and Installers74% · −3%
- Commercial Divers74% · +16%
Change into electricians
Jobs whose skills carry over best (skill match, their median pay).
- Helpers--Electricians81% · $42,670
- Mechanical Door Repairers77% · $55,720
- Security and Fire Alarm Systems Installers75% · $60,070
- Heating, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Mechanics and Installers74% · $61,010
- Commercial Divers72% · $72,990
Majors that lead here
- Electrician
From the NCES CIP 2020 to SOC 2018 crosswalk.