Pros and Cons of Being an Electrician

Being an electrician is a rewarding career. You can decide if this profession is right for you if you know some of the pros and cons. Before you start electrician training, here are some things to keep in mind.

The Benefits of Being an Electrician

1. Electricians are in high demand.

There will be 66,000 more electrician jobs in the United States by 2030. Demand for electricians is also expected to rise faster than other trade jobs in the same time period. Now is a great time to start your training.

2. Expect a good salary.

As an apprentice, you can expect to make around $15-18 per hour. Journeymen usually earn about $25-30 per hour. Master electricians can make even more than that. Electrician pay goes up with experience and licensure.

3. Electricians are needed everywhere.

Electricians can take their skillset just about anywhere. Electrical code can change depending on where you live. However, the basics of safely working with electricity stay the same. You can choose to live in lots of places and find work as an electrician.

4. You can branch out into more specific kinds of work.

There are lots of careers for different kinds of interests and personality types. You can work in construction, industrial, or residential settings. There will be opportunities to change up your job and try something new.

5. You can get paid to complete electrician training.

There are programs that will pay you for on-the-job training if you agree to work for a contractor. This way you can earn money and gain experience at the same time. You can find these apprentice opportunities by checking with the Independent Electric Contractors of Greater Cincinnati, or whatever chapter is nearest to you.

Now that we’ve gone over the advantages of being an electrician, we should also look at some of the things to be aware of.

The Disadvantages of Being an Electrician

1. It can take four to five years to complete an apprentice program.

Learning how to safely work as an electrician is no easy task. It can take as long as four or five years to complete an apprenticeship. The good news is you will be earning income and gaining skills during this time.

2. Being an electrician can be hard on your body.

Electricians spend long hours on their feet or in tight spaces. If you work in construction, you may be outside in the heat and elements. All electricians must take care to prevent injury from electric shock. This is something you should prepare for if looking into this line of work.

3. Being the “on-call” electrician for your friends and family.

Now that you have the know-how, expect a few more calls from your friends and family. It will be your job to solve their electrical emergencies. It could only be a burnt-out bulb, but you’ve earned the honor of being their electrical expert.

If you’re ready to start your electrical training, look for a job near you. You can find apprenticeships through IEC – Independent Electrical Contractors or whatever chapter is closest to you.