Electrician is a work that will stay constantly in demand because of its type of job. Every day there is work of construction in residential commercial or industrial buildings is going on. Electricians are needed for the maintenance or making of electrical systems using smart technology. The skill of electricians is more important than ever. They have a vital role in this world. All the electrical systems that we rely on are just because of talented electricians. In this article, I am going to tell you about how to become an electrician how this skill is going to benefit you, and also how much you can earn in this field.
Types of Electrician
There are various types of electricians with unique skills in different fields, but the base is the same to handle the electrical system. They have different particular fields based on their training, experience, and interests.
1. Residential Electricians
Residential electricians work in homes, apartments, and other residential properties. They have training in installing maintaining and repairing lighting and electrical appliances in houses and apartments. Their responsibility usually includes wiring of new homes and wiring of panel installation, etc. They also have a responsibility to install lights ceiling fans or home appliances and do proper electrical connections.
2. Commercial Electricians
They focus on the larger-scale electrical systems in the commercial buildings which could be Office, retail stores, restaurants, and shopping malls. They are in charge of installing and maintaining electrical systems on an advanced level. Commercial electricians have to follow strict safety measurements and standards set by national authorities. Many commercial buildings use advanced electrical systems, such as backup generators and heating and cooling systems. For older commercial properties electricians are supposed to upgrade the electrical system to the modern power system.
3. Industrial Electrician
They usually work in larger industrial spaces. They have worked in factories, plants, and mines. They are required to use heavy machinery and complex electrical systems. They are responsible for check and balance of electrical equipment like conveyor belts, and hydraulic systems. They also install and upgrade any advanced electrical systems or control systems for heavy machinery
What Does an Electrician Do?
Electricians are responsible for repairing electrical systems in houses, businesses, factories, and industries. One of the main responsibilities of an electrician is the installation of an electrical system which involves doing the wiring, installing the electrical panels, Fixing the lights, and installing power outlets and switches. They are required to do their work properly and safely because any careless mistake can cause FireS, outages, and any more hazards to life.
They are also required to maintain the electrical system. Electricians perform regular inspections of electrical systems to check the issues. They also repair any faulty systems. This is the most important part of their job because it requires problem-solving abilities and doing the work efficiently. Electricians need to stay up-to-date with the latest electrical regulations.
Electricians are also responsible for planning and designing electrical systems. In larger commercial buildings or industrial plants they require more advanced skills to plan the whole electrical system. They also need to collaborate with other professionals such as architecture, engineers, and contractors to make sure the design and electrical system is efficient.
How To Become An Electrician
An electrician is a type of career that will never go out of demand Because everything is based on electricity. There is electrical work everywhere in the houses and in the industries as well. let’s see how to become an electrician and gain this skill.
1. Earn a High School diploma
The first step to becoming an electrician is to obtain a high school diploma. You need to focus on subjects like mathematics, physics, and technical drawings. most internship programs require a high school diploma and see that how much skill you have in fields like maths and physics.
2. Vocational programs
Vocational programs can help you with additional knowledge of fundamentals of electrical theory, circuits, and blueprints reading. They can also provide you with space to practice electrical tasks which will give you experience. There are also chances to get an apprenticeship program upon completing the vocational school.
3. Apprenticeship program
In an apprenticeship, you will get training under the experienced electrician which will help you in getting the experience. It is usually of 4 to 5 years of duration in which you can also get job training and classroom instructions. You can find internship programs in unions such as the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers (IBEW). One of the benefits of apprentice is that you will get the experience with doing the job and you will get the license once completing the program.
4 Pass the journeyman electrician exam
After completing the apprenticeship program, the next step is to pass the journeyman electrician licensing exam. You will be asked about the national electrical code and local electrician regulations. They will also test your practical skills and ability to apply your knowledge to real problems. So in total, it consists of a written test a practical test, and an open book test.
5. Journeyman electrician license
After getting your journeyman electrician license, then you can work independently on any project. It will help you in getting a higher salary and you will have a flexible career. You can work in any area such as commercial residential or as well as industrial or in which you are specialized.
6. Master Electrician
After gaining experience as a journeyer and electrician You can advance your career by becoming a master electrician. Becoming a master electrician will require years of experience, exams, and certifications. But there are a lot of benefits to becoming a master electrician you can take on large projects or you can start your own electrical business. It will help you in getting more profit and earnings and you will have a flexible career for the rest of your life.
How much does an Electrician Earn?
The average salary of an electrician in the United States is from $56,000-$60,000 annually. The hourly wage for salary ranges between $25-$30 per hour for the standard experienced electricians. Geographical location can also affect the electrician’s salary. The high-paying states who is $70,000-$80,000 per year include California New York, Texas, and Massachusetts. Whereas less-paying states are Arkansas, Mississippi, and West Virginia with salaries ranging from $45,000-$55,000 per year.
Salaries with experience level
Apprentice Electricians earn the lowest wage because they are in training and have less experience but they can also make $15-$20 per hour which is almost $30,000 per year
Journeyman electricians have little experience in their field so their salary ranges from $45,000-$65,000 per year and they have overly of almost $30
Master Electricians with years of experience can earn the highest salary from $70,000 to $100,000 per year. They can also start their own company which can increase their income.
FAQs: Becoming an Electrician
How long does it take to become an electrician?
It typically takes 4-5 years to become a licensed electrician, including the time spent in an apprenticeship program.
Is the demand for electricians growing?
Yes, electricians are in high demand. As construction projects increase and older electrical systems need maintenance or upgrades, there is a growing need for skilled electricians.
How do I find an apprenticeship?
You can find apprenticeships through trade unions, non-union contractor organizations, or local technical schools. Many programs are registered with government agencies.
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