Skip to Main Content

Electricians

Employment Prospects

Employers

Approximately 779,800 electricians are employed in the United States. They work in almost every industry imaginable, from construction to telecommunications to health care to transportation and more. Most work for contractors, but many work for institutional employers that require their own maintenance crews, or for government agencies. About 7 percent of electricians are self-employed.

Starting Out

People seeking to enter this field may either begin working as helpers or they may enter an apprenticeship program. Leads for helper jobs may be located by contacting electrical contractors directly or by checking with the local offices of the state employment service or in newspaper classified advertising sections. Students in trade and vocational programs may be able to find job openings through the placement office of their school.

If you are interested in an apprenticeship, you may start by contacting the union local of the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers, the local chapter of Independent Electrical Contractors Inc., or the local apprenticeship training committee. Information on apprenticeships also can be obtained through the state employment service.

Related Professions