Why Become an Electrician?

Do you hate working at a desk?  Do you enjoy staying active on the job?  Are you great at working with your hands?  If working the typical 9 – 5 office jobs do not appeal to you or if you answered yes to any of these questions, working as an electrician may be the career for you. 

Electricians perform a variety of duties in many types of businesses and change work locations regularly, which may appeal to those individuals seeking constant challenge and diverse job locations.  Although most electricians work in the construction field and/or are self-employed, their services are also needed in high tech environments, natural gas and pipeline industries, as well as in governmental capacities.  From installing, maintaining and repairing electrical wiring to special equipment and fixtures, electricians are exposed to many different tasks at hand.  In addition to the typical installations of residential and commercial lighting, outlets and electrical wiring, these tradesmen may also be asked to install or service street lights, intercom systems, or electrical control systems.  Those who enjoy variety, such as working outside reading blue prints at a construction site on a Monday, but by Tuesday, move to stringing light fixtures inside of a new home, could be extremely successful and satisfied with a career as an electrician.

Due to many quick changes in technology today, electricians will also be constantly challenged with expanding and refining their skill sets, which keeps many from becoming bored with their careers.  Many specializations exist in the field, which allow for continual professional growth.  A new electrician may choose to focus on subway trains or automobiles, installing and servicing alarm systems or heating and air conditioning systems or may even want to assist with developing and wiring robot or cutting edge technology.  Channel Marketing Group and Allen Ray Associates provide a blog, updated several times per week, concerning the latest news and insights on the electrical industry:  http://electricaltrends.blogspot.com/

Careers in the field of electricity provide employees with job security and competitive wages.  Overall employment rates for electricians are estimated to grow by 12% by 2018, ensuring job security for those skilled in the trade.  The outlook is promising for the field with more and more jobs opening to support the home and residential needs of the growing population, as well as the continued maintenance for buildings as the age.  Average wages for those in the electrical profession are $22.00 per hour, with a range spanning $17 - $30 depending upon both location and specialized field.  Building and equipment contractors comprise the main employment for electricians in the U.S, however, the motion picture and video industries provide the highest wages.  The United States Department of Labor, posted in May, 2008, provides extensive information on the outlook for employment and wages for electricians: http://www.bls.gov/oes/2008/may/oes472111.htm#(3)

The Department of Labor provides a full Occupational Outlook for the electrician trade, posted in 2010.  http://www.bls.gov/oco/ocos206.htm#addinfo