Electrician
Automation Risk Score
Why Electrician is Very Safe
Electrical work presents automation challenges that current and near-future robotics cannot overcome. Each installation is unique—wall cavities have unexpected obstacles, buildings have non-standard layouts, and existing wiring in older structures rarely matches blueprints. Electricians must exercise constant judgment about safety, code compliance, and optimal solutions for each specific situation. The work requires interpreting ambiguous situations (a flickering light could indicate dozens of different problems), making decisions that affect life safety, and adapting to whatever conditions exist behind walls or in electrical panels. The fine motor skills required for terminating connections, working in tight spaces, and handling small components exceed robotic capabilities in unstructured environments. Additionally, electricians increasingly serve as technology consultants—advising homeowners on smart home systems, EV chargers, and solar integration—requiring human communication and trust-building.
What Does a Electrician Do?
Electricians install, maintain, and repair electrical power, communications, lighting, and control systems in homes, businesses, factories, and other structures. The work encompasses reading technical diagrams and blueprints, installing wiring and electrical components, using testing devices like ohmmeters and voltmeters to check connections, inspecting electrical systems for compliance with codes, and diagnosing malfunctions. Electricians must stay current with evolving electrical codes, which vary by jurisdiction and are updated regularly for safety. The role spans diverse specializations—residential wirers focus on homes, commercial electricians handle office buildings and retail spaces, industrial electricians work with heavy machinery, and lineworkers maintain the power grid. The explosion of smart home technology, EV charging infrastructure, and solar integration has created new specialties requiring electricians to continually update their skills. Work conditions vary from new construction to renovating systems in buildings that may be decades old.
Key Skills Required
Salary & Demand
Typical Salary Range (USD)
$39,000 - $106,000
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Source: BLS Occupational Employment Statistics, May 2024
Training Routes
Time to Qualify
4-5 years
Training Types
Business Opportunity
Electricians have excellent business ownership prospects, with the electrical trade being one of the fastest-growing construction sectors. The median electrician earns around $62,000 as an employee, but licensed electrical contractors commonly earn $80,000-$150,000+. The current boom in renewable energy, EV infrastructure, and smart building technology creates premium opportunities for electricians who specialize in these areas. Starting an electrical contracting business requires licensing and insurance but relatively modest capital. The work generates recurring revenue through maintenance contracts, panel upgrades, and the ongoing electrical needs of commercial clients. With 9% projected job growth through 2034—faster than average—and about 81,000 openings annually, demand consistently exceeds supply.
This career provides an excellent foundation for business ownership and wealth generation.
Industry
Related Careers
Plumber
Plumbers install, maintain, and repair water supply lines, drainage systems, gas lines, and related fixtures in residential, commercial, and industrial buildings. The work involves reading blueprints and building codes, measuring and cutting pipes, assembling and installing pipes and fittings, testing systems for leaks using pressure gauges, and troubleshooting problems that range from simple clogs to complex system failures. Plumbers work in diverse environments—from new construction sites to century-old buildings with outdated systems—requiring them to adapt their approach to each unique situation. The job demands physical stamina for working in cramped spaces, excellent problem-solving abilities for diagnosing issues that aren't immediately visible, and strong customer service skills for explaining technical problems to homeowners. Many plumbers specialize in areas like gas fitting, medical gas systems, fire sprinklers, or green plumbing technologies.
HVAC Technician
HVAC technicians install, maintain, and repair heating, ventilation, air conditioning, and refrigeration systems in residential, commercial, and industrial buildings. The work involves reading blueprints and technical specifications, installing ductwork, piping, and electrical components, charging systems with refrigerants, testing system performance, diagnosing malfunctions using specialized tools, and performing preventive maintenance. Modern HVAC work increasingly incorporates smart thermostats, zoning systems, and building automation integration. Technicians must understand electrical systems, plumbing principles, refrigeration cycles, airflow dynamics, and indoor air quality. The job varies between routine maintenance visits, new construction installations, and emergency repair calls for systems that have failed during extreme weather. Specializations include commercial refrigeration, industrial climate control, clean room environments, and energy efficiency optimization. Physical demands include working in tight spaces like attics and crawlspaces, handling heavy equipment, and exposure to temperature extremes.
Solar Panel Installer
Solar panel installers assemble, install, and maintain photovoltaic systems on rooftops and other structures, connecting panels to electrical systems and the grid. The work involves measuring and preparing installation sites, assembling support structures, mounting panels, connecting electrical components, installing inverters and monitoring systems, and ensuring installations meet electrical codes and manufacturer specifications. Installers work on residential rooftops, commercial buildings, and ground-mounted arrays. The job requires understanding electrical systems, roofing principles, and solar-specific technology. Physical demands include carrying panels, working at heights, and exposure to weather. The rapidly evolving solar industry means installers must stay current on new panel technologies, mounting systems, and code requirements. Work varies between new installations and maintenance/repair of existing systems.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data: BLS Occupational Employment Statistics, May 2024. Figures represent median annual wages across the United States.
Automation Risk Score: Based on O*NET occupational analysis (47-2111.00) evaluating task complexity, physical requirements, social intelligence, and environmental variability. Methodology based on research from Frey & Osborne (Oxford, 2017).
Growth projections: 9% (2024-2034), based on BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook.