How Big Is the Field of Electrical Work?

Electricians in most jobs earn competitive pay and full benefits.

Electricians work on installation and maintenance of electrical systems, wiring, control equipment, and electrical equipment and machines located in homes and businesses. Electricians with a wide range of skills face good job prospects, according to the "Occupational Outlook Handbook."

Statistics

In 2008, the "Occupational Outlook Handbook" reported 694,900 electricians employed in the U.S. The number of electrical workers projected for 2018 is 777,900, a 12 percent increase over 10 years. About 79 percent of electricians are either self-employed or work in construction.

Shortages

In 2007, Building Online predicted an electrician shortage, as the need for more than 734,000 workers by 2014 outpaces the current number of electricians by 78,000.

Training

Electricians are paid during their apprenticeships.

Anticipating the shortfall in electrical workers, the National Labor-Management Cooperation Committee (NLMCC) established a website to promote the field of electrical work. The NLMCC reports that the nation's approximately 650,000 electrical workers produce more than $65 billion in services every year (as of 2011). Most people entering the electrical field go through a training and apprenticeship program. Apprentices learn mathematics, physics, safety and communications through 480 classroom hours and 4,800 hours of on-the-job training. Apprentices are paid while on the job, earning an average of $50,000 to $60,000 in wages and benefits during their program.

References

• Occupational Outlook Handbook: Electricians
• Building Online: Massive Shortage of Electricians Predicted for U.S.
• National Labor-Management Cooperation Committee: New to the Industry

Resources

• National Labor-Management Cooperation Committee: Training
• National Labor-Management Cooperation Committee: Compensation