Electrician (Construction)
PrintWork Tasks
CONSTRUCTION ELECTRICIANS install, connect, test, and maintain electrical systems, including climate control, security, and communications in office buildings, homes, schools, hospitals, and other structures where electrical power is used. They install and maintain the electronic controls for machines in business and industry. They work from blueprints that show the location of circuits, outlets, and other equipment. They connect the wiring to circuit breakers, transformers, or other parts. They join the wires in boxes with various kinds of connectors. They then run tests to make sure circuits are connected properly and safely.
Salary, Size & Growth
- $54,000 average per year ($26.00 per hour)
- A large occupation (620,300 workers in 2010)
- Expected to grow moderately (1.2% per year)
Entry Requirements
Most CONSTRUCTION ELECTRICIANS learn their trade through a 4- or 5-year apprenticeship program. Some learn their skills informally, on the job, working as helpers for experienced electricians. Many helpers supplement this training with trade school or correspondence courses. Most localities require electricians to be licensed. Construction electricians generally must pass an examination that tests their knowledge of electrical theory, the National Electrical Code, and local electric and building codes.