Install, maintain, and repair the electrical power, lighting, communications, and control systems that keep buildings running.
Top earners: $100k+
Labels like Hands-on and People-focused are BWTD classifications based on occupational data[8]. How we classify
Career data
Top earners: $100k+. The top 10% nationally earn more than $100,000.
National figures for all workers in this occupation (May 2025, United States). This is not starting pay and not a guarantee. Pay varies with location, experience, employer, and hours. Personal stories on BWTD show one person's experience and are reported separately.
Electricians install, maintain, and repair electrical power, communications, lighting, and control systems. On a typical job they read blueprints, run and connect wiring, test components to track down problems, and make sure the work follows state and local building regulations based on the National Electrical Code.
Typical entry-level education: High school diploma or equivalent
A high school diploma or equivalent is required. Some electricians start out at a technical school before or alongside an apprenticeship.
Most electricians learn through a 4- or 5-year apprenticeship. Apprentices get paid on-the-job training (about 2,000 hours a year) plus technical instruction.
Most states require electricians to pass a test and be licensed. Requirements vary, so check with your state's licensing board.
Electricians work both indoors and outdoors. In the O*NET survey of electricians, 45% said they work outdoors, exposed to all weather conditions, every day.
Nearly all electricians work full time. Schedules may include evenings and weekends, and overtime is common. In the O*NET worker survey, 35% reported working more than 40 hours in a typical week.
The work involves standing and kneeling, sometimes in cramped spaces. Hazards include electrical shock, falls, and burns. In the O*NET worker survey, 52% said they work in cramped spaces or awkward positions every day, and 84% said they spend continually or almost continually bending or twisting their body.
As listed by the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.[5]
Requirements vary by state and employer. Always confirm licensing, certification, and hiring requirements where you plan to work.
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Outlook Handbook: Electricians
Median annual pay $63,190 (May 2025). Lowest 10% earned less than $42,640; highest 10% more than $108,510.
Source updated Aug 27, 2026 · Accessed Oct 1, 2026
National annual wage percentiles, May 2025: 25th $49,430; 75th $83,940.
Accessed Oct 1, 2026 · Retrieved from the BLS Public Data API, series OEUN000000000000047211112 (25th percentile) and OEUN000000000000047211114 (75th percentile); values match the OOH figures. On the tables page, choose National (May 2025).
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Outlook Handbook: Electricians
Employment 821,000 (2025); projected growth 9% from 2025 to 2035, much faster than average.
Source updated Aug 27, 2026 · Accessed Oct 1, 2026
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Outlook Handbook: Electricians
Typical entry-level education: high school diploma or equivalent. Typically a 4- or 5-year apprenticeship with paid on-the-job training and technical instruction. Most states require a test and license.
Source updated Aug 27, 2026 · Accessed Oct 1, 2026
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Outlook Handbook: Electricians
Duties and important qualities as listed by BLS.
Source updated Aug 27, 2026 · Accessed Oct 1, 2026
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Outlook Handbook: Electricians
Nearly all work full time; schedules may include evenings and weekends; overtime is common. Hazards include shock, falls, and burns.
Source updated Aug 27, 2026 · Accessed Oct 1, 2026
O*NET OnLine: Electricians (47-2111.00), O*NET 31.0 Database
Work context: 45% work outdoors in all weather every day; 52% work in cramped spaces or awkward positions every day; 84% bend or twist continually or almost continually; 35% work more than 40 hours in a typical week.
Accessed Oct 1, 2026 · O*NET 31.0 (August 2026 release); worker survey data dated 08/2022.
O*NET OnLine: Electricians (47-2111.00), O*NET 31.0 Database
Ratings used for BWTD classifications (1–5 scales): Spend Time Sitting 1.81; Spend Time Using Your Hands 4.94; Performing General Physical Activities importance 4.71; Deal With External Customers or the Public 3.84.
Accessed Oct 1, 2026 · Supports BWTD classifications "Hands-on" and "In person" (methodology v1). People-focused not assigned: public-contact rating below 4.0.
This page includes information from the O*NET 31.0 Database by the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration (USDOL/ETA). Used under the CC BY 4.0 license. O*NET® is a trademark of USDOL/ETA. Built Without the Degree has modified all or some of this information. USDOL/ETA has not approved, endorsed, or tested these modifications.
Skilled Trades
Install, maintain, and repair the heating, cooling, ventilation, and refrigeration systems that control temperature and air quality in buildings.
Median pay (U.S.)$61,010
Top 10% earn more than $95k
See the full path