Helpers--Electricians
Help electricians by performing duties requiring less skill. Duties include using, supplying, or holding materials or tools, and cleaning work area and equipment.
Also called: Apprentice, Automotive Electrician Helper (Auto Electrician Helper), E and I Apprentice (Electrical and Instrumentation Apprentice), E and I Apprentice (Electrician and Instrumentation Apprentice), Electrical Apprentice, Electrical Assistant
Median pay
$42,670
per year, U.S.
Pay range (10th–90th)
$33,020 – $58,340
People employed
63,630
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.Do you want to stay at 40 hours a week or less?
- 2.Are you OK working outdoors in all kinds of weather?
- 3.Are you OK with physical risk, such as hazardous equipment or conditions, with proper training?
- 4.Are you OK being on your feet and moving most of the day?
- 5.Are you comfortable following clear instructions?
The hard parts
- Long hours on your feet
- Work outdoors in all weather
- Tight deadlines are common
Helpers--Electricians pay by state
Highest-paying states
Annual median pay by state (46 states and DC with published data). Source: BLS OEWS May 2025.
What helpers--electricians do
- 01Strip insulation from wire ends, using wire stripping pliers, and attach wires to terminals for subsequent soldering.
- 02Trace out short circuits in wiring, using test meter.
- 03Measure, cut, and bend wire and conduit, using measuring instruments and hand tools.
- 04Examine electrical units for loose connections and broken insulation and tighten connections, using hand tools.
- 05Maintain tools, vehicles, and equipment and keep parts and supplies in order.
- 06Drill holes and pull or push wiring through openings, using hand and power tools.
Skills that matter most
- Active Listening
- Speaking
- Critical Thinking
- Active Learning
- Monitoring
- Reading Comprehension
Knowledge
- Building and Construction
- Mechanical
- Public Safety and Security
- Design
- Customer and Personal Service
Work styles that stand out
- Dependability
Education and first steps
Share of workers by required education, as reported to O*NET.
How people get started
- Usually needs a high school diploma (O*NET Job Zone 2).
- Related work experience: none.
- On-the-job training: over 4 years, up to and including 10 years.
- A certification can help.
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 helpers--electricians
- Helpers--Installation, Maintenance, and Repair Workers92% · −7%
- Millwrights87% · +54%
- Electrical Power-Line Installers and Repairers85% · +123%
- Riggers83% · +47%
- Electricians81% · +48%
Change into helpers--electricians
Jobs whose skills carry over best (skill match, their median pay).
- Helpers--Installation, Maintenance, and Repair Workers92% · $39,630
- Locksmiths and Safe Repairers79% · $51,320
- Roustabouts, Oil and Gas78% · $46,960
- Maintenance and Repair Workers, General76% · $49,590
- Pipelayers75% · $49,000