Electrician Jobs You May Not Have Thought of

Electricians are in demand, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics’ job outlook projections. Even though plenty of professionals work for electrical repair service contractors, you have other job options. If you want to work in the electrical field, but don’t want to go into residential repair, take a look at the lesser-known career options for electricians.

Healthcare Jobs

Hospitals, imaging offices, and other medical facilities all require electricity. From the overhead lights in a doctor’s office waiting room to the intricate wiring needed to operate specialized operating, diagnostic, and imaging equipment, the healthcare setting is a prime environment for an electrician to work in.

What will you do as an electrician in a hospital or other healthcare setting? The answer to this question depends on where you work and the job title you apply for. In general, electricians in health or medical environments:

• Repair traditional electrical equipment. This may include diagnosing and repairing or replacing lighting, writing, and appliances in general areas (such as waiting rooms), restrooms, patient rooms, or other hospital/healthcare center areas.
• Repair specialized medical equipment. Hospitals and other healthcare facilities have specialized medical equipment that may require electrical repairs. You’ll need extra training to develop expertise to competently diagnose and repair this type of equipment.
• Conduct safety checks. Safety is critical in the healthcare setting. As a hospital/medical facility electrician, you may need to conduct safety checks on wiring, lighting elements, and other electrical appliances/devices.

Along with these duties, electricians in healthcare facilities may also provide preventative maintenance services as needed.

Lighting Design Jobs

Do you have a creative spark? The electrical field is far from a dull trade. There are a variety of jobs that require imagination, creativity, and out-of-the-box problem-solving skills.

Lighting design is an aesthetic element that requires an electrician who:

• Understands art and architecture. Lighting is more than just a utilitarian part of a building. An electrician who helps interior decorators create and implement lighting plans needs to understand the architectural principles behind design and how form and function connect.
• Is creative. While some projects may require standard lighting designs, you may have a client who wants an imaginative design or has an architectural issue that requires an out-of-the-box solution.
• Knows the latest trends. This includes both design and technological trends. You may need to create and implement designs that follow contemporary styles or trends in interior décor.

Unlike healthcare-related electrician jobs, working as a lighting designer won’t put you in one type of setting or field. You can work anywhere from an office building to an interior design studio. You also have the option to work for yourself as an independent or freelance contractor.

Theatrical Jobs

Permanent lighting design in buildings (commercial or residential) isn’t the only way electricians express their creativity. As an electrician, you can also work in a theatrical setting. These types of jobs include:

• Lighting design for a theater/arts company. These professionals design and implement stage lighting for theatrical productions and work for theaters, theater/arts companies, or as freelancers/contractors.
• Traveling lighting design/electrician. A touring theatrical, dance, or musical performance requires expert electrical help. While some arts organizations and performers rely on the theater they visit to provide electricians, others bring their own help with them.
• General electrical maintenance. Do you enjoy the arts, but don’t feel like you’re particularly artistic? Theaters don’t only employee creative lighting designers. Along with design, theaters require electricians to repair and maintain the rest of the building’s wiring and lighting.

Like architectural and interior design electrical professionals, arts-related experts may work for a company or for themselves as freelancers or job-to-job contractors.

Are you ready to start a career as an electrician? Contact the Independent Electrical Contractors of Greater Cincinnati for more information.