How to Become an Electrician
Install and maintain the electrical systems that power buildings, with strong pay and no degree debt. It typically requires an apprenticeship / postsecondary certificate, with a median salary of $63,190 per year and much faster than average projected job growth.
Median pay
$63,190/yr
Job growth
7%
Openings / yr
81,000
Majors that lead here
Common majors include Electrical Technology, Construction Trades.
Key skills
- Wiring and Installation
- Electrical Code
- Troubleshooting
- Blueprint Reading
- Safety Practices
Helpful certifications
- Journeyman then Master Electrician license
Is this career a fit?
Remote-friendly
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Work-life balance
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Stress level
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Satisfaction
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Related careers
- Electrical Engineering Technician$78,190 median
- Mechanical Engineering Technician$74,510 median
- Civil Engineering Technician$64,950 median
- Wind Turbine Technician$64,120 median
- Plumber$63,800 median
- HVAC Technician$61,010 median
Frequently asked questions
How much does an Electrician make?
The median pay for an Electrician is $63,190 a year (U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, May 2025). Actual pay varies with experience, location, and employer.
What degree do you need to become an Electrician?
The usual entry point is an apprenticeship / postsecondary certificate. Common majors are Electrical Technology and Construction Trades.
Is Electrician a growing field?
The BLS projects much faster than average demand for this role, about 7% over the decade, with roughly 81,000 U.S. openings a year.
What skills does an Electrician use most?
Common skills for this role are Wiring and Installation, Electrical Code, Troubleshooting, Blueprint Reading, and Safety Practices.
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Take the major quizSalary and job-growth figures: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics and O*NET OnLine (median annual wages May 2025; employment projections 2024-2034). National figures; actual pay varies by location, employer, and experience.