Electrical Technician: What Is It & How to Become One?

An electrical technician is a skilled professional who helps design, install, maintain, and repair electrical systems. They work in homes, businesses, and large industrial sites. Many people confuse them with electricians, but the roles are different. 

An electrical technician job description often includes testing equipment, reading circuits, and supporting engineers. With demand for technicians growing in construction, manufacturing, and renewable energy, this career offers steady work, good pay, and clear paths for growth.

In this guide, we’ll explain:

• What an electrical technician is
• How the role is different from an electrician
• Daily duties and training requirements
• Career growth and salary expectations
• The challenges and rewards of the job
• Steps to become an electrical technician in 2025
• Extra insights: job outlook, industries hiring, and future trends

Learn more about growing your career by reading How To Start Your Own Electrical Business: Step-by-Step Guide.

What Is an Electrical Technician?

Source: Freepik

An electrical technician works on electrical design, testing, and maintenance. They keep wiring, circuits, and power systems safe and reliable. They often work with licensed electricians and engineers to make sure electricity works as it should. Their work can cover anything from repairing electronic devices to ensuring that circuit breakers and power systems meet building codes.

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), the median electrical technician salary in 2024 was $77180 This is slightly higher than the average for electricians and shows the value of technical training.

Common work settings include:

• Factories and industrial plants where they maintain and repair equipment.
• Construction sites, ensuring wiring is installed safely.
• Automotive and aerospace facilities.
• HVAC and commercial building systems.
• Offshore projects such as oil rigs and ships.

Electrician vs. Electrical Technician

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.

Learn more about the Electrician Job Description.

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.

At a Glance

For more details, read: How To Start Your Own Electrical Business.

What Do Electrical Technicians Do?

Source: Freepik

Electrical technicians carry out a wide range of tasks. Their work can include:

• Installing, maintaining, and repairing electrical equipment and circuits.
• Testing wiring and circuit breakers to make sure systems are safe.
• Troubleshooting faults in power systems and electronic devices.
• Calibrating instruments in a factory or lab.
• Helping engineers with design work, such as testing new equipment.
• Setting up low voltage systems in commercial buildings.
• Working with automotive systems, HVAC systems, or even aircraft wiring.

Some technicians advance into industrial electrician positions, while others become master electricians or move into engineering.

Learn more about costs: Estimating Residential Electrical Work: Step-by-Step Guide.

Skills and Training

Success as an electrical technician depends on both education and hands-on practice. Important skills include:

• Technical knowledge: Wiring, electrical theory, circuits, and circuit breakers.
• Problem-solving: Quickly finding and fixing issues.
• Safety awareness: Following OSHA standards and building codes.
• Communication: Working with engineers, electricians, and clients.
• Education: A high school diploma is often required. Most technicians then complete a certificate or associate degree in electrical technician training.
• Certificates: Extra qualifications in renewable energy, HVAC, or industrial electronics can increase your salary and job options.

Pro Tip: Learning PLC programming or renewable energy systems is a great way to make your electrician CV stand out.

See also: Electrician Insurance: How to Choose the Right Coverage & Save in 2025.

Career Progression

Source: Freepik

There are many directions a technician’s career can take:

• Senior Technician positions supervising junior staff.
• Industrial Electrician roles in factories or offshore facilities.
• Electrical Engineer after additional study in electrical engineering.
• Project Manager in construction or industrial companies.
• Master Electrician or licensed electrician running their own business.

Many start out as assistants. With experience, they move into design, testing, and project leadership. Others transition into teaching at technical schools.

Related reading: Electrical Company Names: Ideas & How to Choose.

Challenges and Rewards

Challenges

• Some jobs are hazardous, such as offshore rigs, large factories, or construction sites with heavy equipment. Technicians must often wear protective gear and follow strict safety procedures.
• Staying up to date on new building codes, electronics, and equipment requires ongoing training. Regulations change frequently, and technicians need to renew certifications and keep learning.
• The work can be physically demanding with long hours, climbing ladders, or working in tight spaces. Shifts may also be irregular, especially for those in industrial or offshore roles.
• Pressure to troubleshoot quickly can be stressful when systems power critical equipment, like in hospitals or manufacturing plants.

Rewards

• High demand and a stable career path. Skilled technicians are needed across many industries, meaning strong job security.
• Competitive salary compared to other trades, with opportunities to boost pay through overtime, offshore work, or senior roles.
• Specialisation options, such as renewable energy, automotive, aerospace, or smart building systems, allow technicians to follow their interests.
• A wide range of industries to explore, from construction and commercial projects to advanced electronics and power systems.
• The satisfaction of solving problems and keeping essential systems running, making the job both meaningful and rewarding.

See also: Best Electrical Services To Offer To Your Customers in 2025.

How to Become an Electrical Technician

There are several training routes available for anyone interested in becoming an electrical technician. These programs vary in length, cost, and focus, but they all aim to provide students with the mix of classroom knowledge and hands-on skills needed to succeed:

• NTI Training – provides entry-level basics and foundational knowledge for beginners.
• Austin Career Institute – offers career training while also explaining the differences between electricians and technicians.
• Intercoast & IBT San Jose – focus on job-ready programs designed to help students transition quickly into assistant or junior technician roles.
• UEI College – combines classroom work with practical labs and coursework to help students get comfortable with wiring and circuits.
• San Joaquin Valley College – offers associate degrees in electrical technology for those looking to expand into more advanced positions.
• Cal Poly Pomona (CPP) – delivers online and continuing education that is ideal for working adults who want to upgrade their skills.
• California Department of Industrial Relations (DIR) – provides official information on licensing, safety, and regulations.

Most schools require at least a high school diploma to enroll. During training, students study electrical theory, circuits, safety standards, and how to use common equipment. 

Programs often combine lectures with labs where students practice wiring, repairing instruments, and troubleshooting. Graduates are usually prepared for entry-level technician or assistant roles and can continue their education to reach senior or specialised positions.

Pro Tip: When comparing training programs, consider factors such as accreditation, access to equipment, job placement support, and whether the program prepares you for licensing exams.

Training Program Comparison

For more on licensing, see: How to Get an Electrical License in 5 Simple Steps.

Pro Tip: While training, keep admin simple with Invoice Fly’s Invoicing Software.

Job Outlook

Source: Freepik

Demand for technicians is strong and expected to keep growing. Much of this growth is tied to the expansion of renewable energy, the rapid rise of electric vehicles (EVs), and steady construction activity. 

According to the U.S. Department of Energy, jobs in clean power systems are rising quickly, and the Bureau of Labor Statistics also reports steady demand for technicians with practical training.

Beyond national trends, local building codes and the shift to smart infrastructure are pushing companies to hire more technicians with up-to-date skills. 

Employers are especially looking for workers who can combine hands-on repair with knowledge of electrical theory, electronics, and modern equipment.

Top growth areas include:

• Renewable energy like solar and wind power, requiring technicians who can install and maintain advanced systems.
• Electric vehicles and charging stations, a fast-growing field in both automotive and construction.
• Construction wiring that meets new building codes and safety standards.
• Telecommunications with fiber optics, low voltage circuits, and smart systems.
• Factory automation using robotics, electronic devices, and industrial control systems.

Pro Tip: If you are considering training, focus on skills that match these industries. Adding renewable energy or automation courses to your training program can make you more attractive to employers and raise your potential salary.

Industries Hiring

Source: Freepik

Electrical technicians are needed in many fields. Each sector offers unique opportunities, salary levels, and working conditions:

• Construction: Installing and repairing wiring in homes, offices, and large commercial buildings. Technicians in this field often work with licensed electricians to make sure projects meet building codes. Salaries vary depending on region, but construction roles offer steady work.
• Energy: Renewable projects like wind farms, hydroelectric plants, and solar panel systems. Jobs may include installing and maintaining power systems, working outdoors, and troubleshooting circuits in harsh environments.
• Manufacturing: Maintaining and repairing factory machines and industrial instruments. These jobs are often in large plants where technicians keep electronic devices and circuits running smoothly.
• Transport: Automotive systems, aircraft wiring, and rail networks. Work ranges from repairing electronic devices in cars to helping design safe circuits for planes and trains.
• Telecom: Low voltage systems, fiber optics, and smart building networks. Technicians here focus on communication systems and circuit design.

Pro Tip: Explore regional demand before choosing a specialty. For example, offshore projects may offer higher pay but require time away from home, while construction jobs are widely available in most cities.

Salary Comparison by Industry

Pro Tip: Salaries also depend on years of experience. Entry-level assistants may start lower, but senior technicians or those in offshore projects can exceed these ranges.

Future Trends

The future of electrical technician work is being shaped by new industries and rapid technology changes. Here’s what to watch:

• Automation: More technicians will maintain robots and automated lines in factories. Learning PLC programming and robotics control is becoming a must-have skill.
• Renewable energy: Solar, wind, and hydroelectric projects are growing fast. Technicians who can install and repair renewable energy systems are in high demand.
• Smart buildings: IoT devices, smart lighting, and stricter building codes are creating new opportunities. Techs who understand low voltage wiring and electronic devices will be valued.
• EVs: The growth of electric vehicles means jobs in EV production, charging station installation, and maintaining circuits that power transport.

Practical Tips

• Take short courses in automation, renewable energy, or smart building systems to prepare.
• Watch local job ads: some regions are hiring for EV charging station installation at a rapid pace.
• Add future-ready skills to your electrician CV to stay competitive.

Quick Outlook Table

Source: U.S. Department of Energy.

Ready to Kick-Start Your Career?

Electrical technicians are vital to modern infrastructure. They combine technical skill with problem-solving and work across many industries. With strong demand and competitive pay, it’s a career worth considering if you enjoy working with circuits, equipment, and design.

And don’t forget to protect your income: Try Invoice Fly’s Invoice Maker today.