Careers in Electrical Work

What electricians do

Electricians install, maintain and repair electrical power, communications, lighting and control systems. On a typical day they might:

• Read blueprints or technical diagrams.
• Install and maintain wiring, control and lighting systems.
• Inspect electrical components such as transformers and circuit breakers.
• Find electrical problems using a variety of testing devices.
• Repair or replace wiring, equipment or fixtures with hand and power tools.
• Follow state and local building regulations based on the National Electrical Code.
• Direct and train workers.

The work can be physically demanding, and it has real hazards: BLS says common injuries include electrical shocks, falls and burns. That’s why safety training is part of every apprenticeship.

Pay and outlook

Here are the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics figures from the Occupational Outlook Handbook (page last modified August 27, 2026):

More about pay

In May 2025, the lowest-paid 10 percent of electricians earned less than $42,640 a year and the highest-paid 10 percent more than $108,510. Median pay varied by industry: $79,820 in government, $74,550 in manufacturing, $61,570 for electrical contractors and other wiring installation contractors, and $57,760 in employment services. Projected growth of 9 percent from 2025 to 2035 is much faster than average, and about 72,700 openings are expected each year.

Training: the apprenticeship

Most electricians learn the trade in a 4- or 5-year apprenticeship. For each year of the program, apprentices typically receive 2,000 hours of paid on-the-job training plus technical instruction in electrical theory, blueprint reading, mathematics, electrical code requirements, and safety and first-aid practices. Several groups, including unions and contractor associations, sponsor apprenticeship programs. Many technical schools offer programs in circuitry, safety practices and basic electrical information, and workers with electrical experience in the military or construction may qualify for a shortened apprenticeship. After finishing, electricians are considered journey workers, and they may later advance to master electrician.

Apprenticeship.gov describes a registered apprenticeship as an industry-driven, high-quality career pathway. Apprentices get paid work experience with a mentor, progressive wage increases, classroom instruction, and a portable, nationally recognized credential. You can search for openings with the Apprenticeship Job Finder at Apprenticeship.gov.

Licensing and the National Electrical Code

Most states require electricians to pass a test and be licensed. The tests have questions on the National Electrical Code and on state and local electrical codes. Electricians may also need continuing education to keep their licenses.

The National Electrical Code, also called NFPA 70, is written by the National Fire Protection Association and published in new editions every few years; the 2023 edition, for example, allows load-management systems that can avoid some panel upgrades. It’s a model code: it becomes law only when a state or city adopts it, sometimes with local changes. That’s why “what the code says” always means the code your local inspector enforces.

Getting started now

• Take algebra, physics and any shop or technical classes your school offers.
• Learn the basics in this course and in Being an Adult 101.
• Play with circuits in the Circuit Builder.
• Look up registered apprenticeships near you on Apprenticeship.gov, and check your state’s licensing board for its rules.

Check yourself

Tap an answer to check it, or open “Show the answer.”

1. How do most electricians learn the trade, according to BLS?

   • A 4- or 5-year apprenticeship
   • A weekend class
   • A four-year university degree
   • Online videos only
   Show the answer

   A 4- or 5-year apprenticeship. Apprentices typically get 2,000 hours of paid on-the-job training each year plus technical instruction.

2. What was the median pay for electricians in May 2025?

   • $42,640
   • $63,190
   • $108,510
   • $30,380
   Show the answer

   $63,190. $63,190 a year, or $30.38 an hour.

3. What do electrician licensing tests cover?

   • The National Electrical Code and state and local codes
   • Plumbing codes
   • Car repair
   • Nothing; there are no tests
   Show the answer

   The National Electrical Code and state and local codes. Most states require electricians to pass a test and be licensed.

4. What does a registered apprenticeship give you?

   • Unpaid work only
   • Paid work with a mentor, wage increases, classroom instruction and a nationally recognized credential
   • A license without a test
   • A college degree
   Show the answer

   Paid work with a mentor, wage increases, classroom instruction and a nationally recognized credential. Apprenticeship.gov describes paid work experience, progressive wages, classroom instruction and a portable credential.

Go deeper

• U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Outlook Handbook: Electricians (last modified August 27, 2026) The full BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook profile.
• U.S. Department of Labor, Apprenticeship.gov: Become an Apprentice Apprenticeship.gov: becoming an apprentice.
• U.S. Department of Labor, Apprenticeship.gov: Apprenticeship Job Finder Search for apprenticeship openings near you.
• NIOSH: Electrical Safety, Safety and Health for Electrical Trades, Student Manual (Publication 2009-113) NIOSH’s safety manual for students in the electrical trades.
• Science Lab: Circuit Builder Practice with circuits in the Science Lab.

Sources

• U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Outlook Handbook: Electricians (last modified August 27, 2026)
• U.S. Department of Labor, Apprenticeship.gov: Become an Apprentice
• U.S. Department of Labor, Apprenticeship.gov: Apprenticeship Job Finder
• Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory: Sizing Electric Service Panels and Utility Infrastructure for Residential Electrification (technical brief, July 2024)