In the electrical world, there are many career paths to choose from.
You can work as an outside operator, wire cell phone towers, work as an industrial controls specialist, or install and repair traffic/train signals and outdoor lighting.
You can work as a maintenance electrician, updating electrical systems, repairing/installing transformers, motor control circuits and troubleshooting.
You may work as a construction electrician and install new wiring systems.
You may work as an inside operator and your duties may include: installing fire or security alarm systems, installing new wiring, and maintaining systems in commercial facilities such as hospitals, factories, schools, or office buildings.
Another career option is as a limited energy technician. In this position, you will build voice, data and multimedia networks through cabling, install and maintain all types of telecommunications equipment, and install and terminate fiber optic cables.
You can also advance to electrical inspector and perform electrical inspections in your city or county.
Or, you can advance to crew supervisor, foreman or project manager.
As an electrician, you also have the option to start your own business, so if you've ever wanted to be your own boss, becoming an electrician will help you achieve that goal.
With the job market rebounding and businesses booming, the demand for electricians has been on the rise across the country.
The U.S. Department of Labor predicts that there will be about 700,000 electrician jobs available in 2020. While overall employment growth in the U.S. is about 11 percent, employment of electricians is expected to grow at 20 percent.
As alternative power sources become more popular and electricians will have to install them, the demand for electricians is expected to increase. Becoming an electrician will ensure that you have a long, long career. Since many baby boomers are retiring, there are not enough skilled electricians to replace them. If the younger generation doesn't start joining the electrical workforce, there will soon be a shortage of electricians.
The national average salary for electricians is $56,650 per year (2016, BLS). The pay grade for electricians is much higher than most other construction occupations.
Electricians enjoy a stable and competitive salary, with the potential to earn more than $70,000 per year. If you choose to run your own business, expand into renewable energy, or become an electrical inspector, you may earn even more.
Of course, the annual salary for electricians varies by state, and the top 5 earning states are:
Just finished high school and looking for a new career path, or tired of your current job? You don't need extensive background knowledge, family experience or a college degree to get started. Becoming an electrician is easy thanks to the many apprenticeship and electrician training programs available. You can join an apprenticeship program sponsored by the construction industry or enroll in one through your local community college. Using all the accessible resources in your area, it's easy to gain knowledge and expertise in the electrical field. During your apprenticeship, you'll receive classroom training as well as on-the-job training in the field. This hands-on approach makes becoming an electrician easy and fun. After a four-year apprenticeship, you will be eligible to earn journeyman status.
If you become an electrician, you will be able to grow professionally and personally. Your career will be filled with lifelong learning as there are constantly new technologies and advances in the industry as well as new versions of the National Electrical Code to learn.
As an electrician, you will be able to combine learning with craftsmanship and take pride in seeing the end results you helped create. If you become an electrician, your "office" may be outside, so if you like to be out and about at different job sites, then this is the perfect choice for you.
If you become an outside lineman, you will have the thrill of working on an elevated structure, so make sure you are a good climber and not afraid of heights. If you like working with your hands and like to be active, then becoming an electrician is also for you - electricians have to be active to do their job.
With the current decline in skilled workers in the electrical industry, new young workers must step up to the plate and become skilled electricians. Start your electrical career today - the industry needs you!
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