Electrician Job Description: Duties & How to Become One?

An electrician is a skilled tradesperson responsible for installing, maintaining, and repairing electrical systems in residential, commercial, and industrial settings. The role requires extensive job training, technical knowledge, and hands-on experience, making electricians some of the most in-demand professionals in the construction and maintenance industries. 

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), employment of electricians is projected to grow 9% from 2024 to 2034 — faster than the average for all jobs. Understanding an electrician’s job description is essential if you’re considering a career in this trade, hiring one for your business, or writing a professional electrical job description template.

In this guide, we’ll cover everything you need to know about:

• Day-to-day responsibilities
• Key skill requirements
• Training programs and certifications
• Career progression and salary expectations
• Industry tools and powerful equipment used on the job
• Safety regulations and procedures
• Long-term job outlook for the electrical industry

Whether you’re an aspiring apprentice, a business owner, or an HR professional, this article gives a comprehensive overview of the role.

What is an Electrician?

Source: Freepik

Let’s start with the basics. An electrician is a professional who specializes in electrical installations and maintaining electrical systems. They work with a wide range of components, including lighting, power outlets, circuitry, and wiring. 

Electricians are employed on construction sites, perform maintenance on existing buildings, and carry out repairs to ensure systems remain safe. They must know the National Electrical Code (NEC) and local building codes to ensure all work complies with safety procedures.

For more insight into starting your own electrical services, see How To Start Your Own Electrical Business: Step-by-Step Guide.

What Does an Electrician Do?

An electrician’s daily tasks can vary, but they often involve:

• Reading blueprints and schematics to plan wiring layouts.
• Installing conduits, circuits, and other electrical components on construction sites.
• Performing maintenance and repairs on faulty wiring or broken circuit breakers.
• Repairing electrical systems and equipment in homes, factories, and commercial buildings.
• Testing circuits and components to ensure systems are safe and effective.
• Following strict OSHA safety regulations to prevent accidents.
  

Learn more about project costs in our guide: Estimating Residential Electrical Work: Step-by-Step Guide.

Electrician Roles & Responsibilities

The duties of electricians change with experience and specialization. Here’s a breakdown:

Electrician Helper Responsibilities

Entry-level helpers assist licensed electricians. This is a trainee or assistant electrician role with tasks like:

• Carrying and organizing tools and heavy equipment.
• Performing basic jobs like drilling holes for wires.
• Helping with installation of conduits, outlets, and fixtures.
• Learning about tools and building electrician practices from senior staff.
  

Apprentice Electrician (0–3 Years)

• Works in a formal apprenticeship combining job training and trade school.
• Learns blueprint reading and electrical theory.
• Gains skills in wiring, installation, and working with HVAC and automotive systems.
• Develops problem-solving and maintenance electrician skills.
  

Journeyman Electrician (3–7 Years)

• Fully licensed to work independently after passing state exams.
• Installs, maintains, and repairs systems in homes, plants, and commercial buildings.
• Supervises apprentices and assistants.
• Ensures all work follows the NEC and safety procedures.
• Prepares project bids and proposals.
  

Master Electrician (7–10+ Years)

• Designs entire systems for large industrial or commercial projects.
• Oversees crews of journeyman and apprentice electricians.
• Manages budgets, permits, and project safety.
• Often becomes a contractor or starts their own company.

For more on insurance requirements, see Electrician Insurance: How to Choose the Right Coverage & Save in 2025.

Electrician vs. Electrical Technician

Source: Freepik

Although both work with electricity, the focus of their jobs differs.

Electrician

• Installs and repairs wiring and power systems in homes, offices, and buildings.
• Usually requires an apprenticeship and a journeyman electrician license.
• Daily work is hands-on, focused on wiring, outlets, and safety checks.
• Median salary (BLS 2024): $62,350.

Electrical Technician

• Works on maintenance, testing, and design tasks.
• Often supports engineers and works in industrial environments like factories.
• Training often includes a high school diploma followed by electrical technician training at a technical college or school.
• Median salary (BLS 2024): $77,180.

Learn more about what Electrical Technicians do.

At a Glance

For more details, read: How To Start Your Own Electrical Business. (or can link to electrical technician from this month)

Electrician Career Path Salary Comparison

Salary data is approximate and may vary by union membership, location, and industry. For more, see How Much Do Electricians Make? 2025 Salary Guide.

Job Brief: Specializations

Electricians can specialize in different areas:

• Residential Electricians: Install and maintain wiring in houses, handling lighting, appliances, and basic systems.
• Commercial Electricians: Work on offices, retail spaces, and schools. Duties include installing panels, lighting systems, and specialised equipment.
• Industrial Electricians: Focus on plants and factories, working with high-voltage systems, control panels, and maintaining industrial equipment.

See Best Electrical Services To Offer To Your Customers in 2025 for examples of services electricians can expand into.

Electrician Requirements & Skills

Technical skills for electricians include:

• Wiring: Installing and troubleshooting circuits and panels.
• Installation: Setting up a wide range of electrical systems.
• Repairing electrical systems: Diagnosing and fixing faults in houses, offices, and plants.
• Blueprint reading: Understanding diagrams and electrical installations.
• NEC knowledge: Ensuring compliance with building codes.

Soft skills include problem-solving, attention to detail, and strong communication. These are essential for safety, efficiency, and career progression.

Learn more about licensing: How to Get an Electrical License in 5 Simple Steps.

Electrician Tools & Equipment

Source: Freepik

Electricians rely on a powerful tool kit to perform jobs safely and effectively:

• Multimeter (for testing voltage and circuits).
• Wire strippers (for preparing wiring connections).
• Screwdrivers and pliers (for basic installations and repairs).
• Conduit bender (for shaping conduits to fit).
• PPE safety equipment (gloves, glasses, hard hats).

Check out 39 Best Electrical Tools for Your Tool Belt & Your Business in 2025.

Training & Certifications

To become a licensed electrician in the United States:

1. Earn a high school diploma or GED.
2. Attend a trade school or technical training program.
3. Complete an apprenticeship (usually 4–5 years).
4. Pass a state licensing exam to become a journeyman electrician.

Training programs blend classroom learning with on-the-job experience. Apprenticeships are the most common path, combining installing, maintaining, and repairing tasks under supervision with formal study.

Electrician Business Licenses

Starting an electrician business requires more than technical skills. Most states require:

• A contractor’s license (on top of journeyman or master status).
• Business registration and tax ID.
• Proof of insurance and bonding.

For a full guide, see How To Start Your Own Electrical Business: Step-by-Step Guide.

Electrician Pay

The median annual wage for electricians was $62,350 in May 2024. Pay varies by experience, region, and specialisation. Industrial electricians and those working with renewable energy or solar installations often earn above-average salaries.

The Future of the Electrical Industry

Source: Freepik

As we mentioned previously, the BLS projects a 9% job growth from 2024 to 2034 — much faster than average. Several factors are driving this trend:

• More investment in solar energy and renewable projects.
• Expansion of EV charging stations across the United States.
• Growing demand for smart home technologies and connected devices.
• Upgrades to national power grids and infrastructure.

Electricians with skills in renewable energy, HVAC, and heavy equipment maintenance are especially sought after. At the same time, many senior electricians are expected to retire in the next decade. This means new opportunities will open for apprentices, journeymen, and maintenance technicians.

For marketing ideas, see Electrician SEO: 10 SEO Strategies For Electricians in 2025.

Ready to Kick-Start Your Career?

Choosing a career as an electrician offers stability, strong income potential, and clear opportunities for advancement. The work is mentally and physically engaging, and the skills apply across many industries, from residential to industrial. Whether you’re an aspiring apprentice or a seasoned journeyman, a clear job description is the first step toward success.

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