Electricians
Electricians install, maintain, and repair electrical wiring, equipment, and fixtures in buildings, homes, and infrastructure. They ensure all work meets electrical codes and safety standards. Work settings include construction sites, homes, factories, and commercial buildings, as well as outdoor locations like street lighting systems.
Four short assessments and your background, scored against electricians and 13,000 other careers — with the reasons. Free.
A day in the work
A typical week involves reading blueprints, running wiring through walls and conduits, installing outlets and fixtures, testing systems, and troubleshooting problems. Electricians might spend time at multiple job sites, working from ladders or in crawl spaces. Tasks include connecting circuits, replacing damaged components, and inspecting installations to confirm they meet code requirements. The work combines hands-on installation with problem-solving.
Who this work suits
Holland code RCI. Realistic work is hands-on, practical work with tools, machines or the outdoors. Aptly’s interest assessment scores you on the same six scales.
You tend to be practical and detail-oriented, preferring to follow established procedures and standards rather than create novel approaches. You're comfortable with structured systems and enjoy working methodically through defined tasks. You likely appreciate tangible results and work that produces visible, functional outcomes.
What it takes
Preparation: Medium preparation (vocational training, an associate degree, or related experience). Most people in this occupation hold a certificate or training program.
Skills that matter most
Knowledge areas
Who is hiring
Openings right now
- MWR Electrician · Commander, Navy Installations Command · San Diego, California · $26.92–$29.18
- Electrician · Veterans Health Administration · Tucson, Arizona · $32.61–$38.05
- Electrician/Fire Alarm Technician · GrowthWise Search Partners · Fruitridge, Sacramento County · $100,000–$150,000
- ELECTRICIAN · Washington Headquarters Services · Pentagon, Arlington, Virginia · $34.71–$40.55
- Electrician · Veterans Health Administration · El Paso, Texas · $29.01–$33.86
- Electrician · Veterans Health Administration · Tulsa, Oklahoma · $30.79–$35.94
- AIRCRAFT ELECTRICIAN · Air National Guard Units · Fairchild AFB, Washington · $29.85–$34.81
- AIRCRAFT ELECTRICIAN · Army National Guard Units · Joint Base Lewis-McChord, Washington · $35.9–$41.99
Openings are read from employers’ own career pages and public job boards and change daily. Search all openings (free account) to filter by distance, pay and how well you qualify.
Pay by state
| State | 25th pct | Median | 75th pct | Employed |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Oregon | $79,110 | $101,310 | $121,680 | 10,590 |
| Illinois | $73,520 | $99,560 | $117,460 | 23,120 |
| Hawaii | $70,460 | $96,460 | $120,740 | 3,070 |
| Washington | $66,630 | $95,220 | $121,530 | 19,380 |
| Alaska | $66,780 | $89,440 | $105,550 | 1,870 |
| Massachusetts | $57,860 | $79,420 | $100,480 | 17,810 |
| District of Columbia | $61,240 | $78,970 | $122,050 | 2,440 |
| New York | $60,480 | $78,750 | $106,420 | 40,130 |
| Minnesota | $58,430 | $78,160 | $101,410 | 14,350 |
| Connecticut | $58,060 | $77,540 | $95,070 | 7,710 |
| New Jersey | $62,400 | $77,250 | $121,110 | 13,520 |
| Montana | $60,400 | $76,760 | $81,420 | 2,750 |
All 50 states, D.C. and Puerto Rico
Certifications people in this field hold
- Commercial Electrician — National Center for Construction Education and Research
- Certified Entertainment Electrician — Professional Lighting and Sound Association
Training
Aptly members see WIOA-approved programs, colleges and certificates near them, with completion and earnings data, on every Path plan.
Job titles in this occupation
Related occupations
Four short assessments and your background, scored against electricians and 13,000 other careers — with the reasons. Free.
O*NET-SOC 47-2111.00 · O*NET OnLine. Pay: BLS OEWS May 2025, annual, U.S. Employment counts are national.