Wiring the World: Where You Could Work as an Electrician

Modern life wouldn’t be possible without electricity. It keeps the lights on, the A/C and heat working, and powers the T.V. on game day.^[1]

Electricians are just as important. They install, maintain and repair the electrical wiring that powers lighting, control and communications systems in businesses, factories and homes.^[2]

Work for electricians can be found in a wide variety of industries:

• Natural gas distribution
• Motion picture and video production
• Amusement and recreation
• Transportation equipment manufacturing
• Real estate

The electrical industry has lots of non-traditional jobs, but let’s take a closer look at some of the major sectors where electricians ply their trade.

Where Electricians Work

Electricians are needed to wire old and new structures across the country. But demand is stronger in certain industries and geographic locations.

Top Industries for Electricians

• Wiring installation and electrical contractors: 65 percent
• Self-employment: 8 percent
• Manufacturing: 8 percent
• Government: 4 percent
• Employment services: 2 percent^[3]

Top States for Electricians

• California: 63,060 employed
• Texas: 60,080 employed
• New York: 42,920 employed
• Florida: 36,820 employed
• Ohio: 24,170 employed^[4]

Keep in mind that some states have licensing requirements for electricians.

Types of Electrician Jobs

Now you know where electricians work, but what about the specific types of jobs they perform? Check out some common electrician positions below.

Residential Electrician Jobs

Residential Wireman

One reason becoming an electrician can be a good career choice is the opportunity to help people on a daily basis.

Residential wiremen install and maintain the electrical wiring needed for home lighting systems and appliances. They may also work on energy management, security or fire alarm systems.^[5]

Commercial Electrician Jobs

Outside Linemen

How does electricity get from power plants to end users? Outline linemen.

These professionals are responsible for installing and maintaining transformers. They also string new transmission lines and perform upkeep on existing ones. Outside linemen climb electrical poles or are elevated in buckets to fix wiring high up in the air.

Inside Wiremen

Similar to residential wiremen, inside wiremen connect electrical systems in commercial buildings to outside power sources. They do this by installing conduit systems to carry the electrical wiring. Systems they hook up include:

• HVAC equipment
• Control panels
• Motors
• Fire alarms
• Lighting
• Grounding units
• Security networks^[6]

Industrial Electrician Jobs

Industrial electricians install, service and repair electrical wiring, fixtures and conduits in factories, mines, plants and shipyards.^[7] Here are some of their tasks:

• Inspecting equipment
• Grounding systems
• Installing outlets, switches, fixtures, and lighting
• Cleaning circuit boards or contacts
• Bending conduits
• Replacing faulty wiring
• Troubleshooting system malfunctions
• Oiling motors^[8]

Green Electrician Jobs

Skilled trades like electrical work, welding and even HVAC are changing with the times. These days, it’s all about green construction, the practice of erecting structures that use as little water and energy as possible.

As a result, green jobs have become a new career opportunity for tradespeople.

What part do electricians play in the green building revolution? They make sure the lights are only on when people are around by installing motion sensors, for one.

Electricians can also suggest energy-efficient products like smart power strips to minimize the energy appliances and electronics consume.

Some electricians connect solar panels to the energy systems of buildings.^[9]

Get Started on the Electrician Career Path

Electricians can find work in a wide range of locations and industries. If you’re interested in this career path, electrician training at a trade school is one place to start. Our program at the Jacksonville, Florida campus—one of the top states for electricians—offers instruction that can prepare students for the careers covered in this article.

Contact Tulsa Welding School to learn more about getting started with a career in wiring.