Electrician
01
Wire the homes, factories, and data centers America is building
Electricians install, maintain, and repair the electrical power, lighting, communications, and control systems in homes, businesses, factories, and data centers. You will read blueprints, run conduit and wire, install panels and fixtures, and troubleshoot problems to code.
Most electricians learn through a four- to five-year apprenticeship that pays while you train, and most states require a license. New construction, factory investment, and data center growth all need more electricians.
02
What it takes to build the trade
- Electrical code.
- Installing every circuit to the National Electrical Code and local rules.
- Blueprint reading.
- Following technical diagrams to lay out circuits, outlets, and equipment.
- Troubleshooting.
- Using testers and meters to find and fix faults safely.
- Customer communication.
- Explaining the work and the cost clearly to homeowners and contractors.
03
The numbers behind the opportunity
National figures from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. Pay varies by state, experience, and employer.
- $63,190
- Median annual wage, May 2025
- 72,700
- Projected openings each year, 2025–35
- 9.2%
- Projected employment growth, 2025–35
See where you stand
Take our skills assessment or upload your resume to see how your strengths map to a career in the trades.
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