Electricians Description OES Code: 872020 Electricians Install, maintain, and repair electrical wiring, equipment, and fixtures. Insure that work is in accordance with relevant codes. May read blueprints. Includes Protective Signal Installers and Repairers and Street Light Servicers. CA Wages/hour:nonunion median range New, no experience: $8.00 minimum – $16.00 New, experienced: $12.00 minimum – $22.60 3 yrs+ experience: $18.00 minimum – $28.93 CA Wages/hour:union median range New, no experience: $10.00 minimum – $23.00 New, experienced: $20.00 $9.00 – $33.00 3 yrs+ experience: $23.00 $11.00 – $35.00 Some employers are unionized. Wages paid Electricians vary depending upon union membership, the industry involved, and the area in which the job is located. Wages are the highest in urban areas such as Los Angeles and San Francisco, and lowest in the central valley and rural areas. Local Wages • CCOIS Survey • OES Survey Hours & Benefits The standard workweek is generally 32 to 40 hours as determined by contract or company policy. Overtime, weekend, and holiday pay is also set by contract or company policy. Employment Trends Employment 1996 41,580 Projected Employment 2006 45,100 Growth Rate 1996-2006 8.5% Openings due to Separations 9,080 Employment Trends by California County General economic conditions affect the construction industry and, in turn, the demand for construction Electricians. The demand for building maintenance Electricians is generally more stable. There are limited openings for apprentice Electricians. Control of the supply of Electricians is maintained by correlating the number of apprentices accepted in training programs with the economic conditions in the construction industry and the number of anticipated retirements and separations. Advancement Experienced Electricians may advance to Leadperson, Supervisor, Chief Electrician, or Superintendent. Many Electricians enter business as independent electrical contractors. Others work as trade or vocational school instructors, building supply sales representatives, electrical inspectors or estimators. Getting the Job & Other Information Apprenticeship candidates should inquire at the union, the California Division of Apprenticeship Standards or the California Employment Development Department. Non-union entrants who graduated from vocational or trade schools may apply directly to employers for an on-the-job training program or work with trade school recruiters. Experienced Electricians apply to the union or directly to private employers and civil service agencies. Applicants should contact: International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers 302 8th Avenue San Mateo, CA 94401 (415) 579-3683 FAX (415) 579-7958 For current job listings, browse CalJOBS or America's Job Bank.

Click arrow at bottom left of image to begin. Requires QuickTime Education and Training The usual entrance into the trade is through apprenticeship or on-the-job training (for non-union members). Candidates must be at least 18 years old and have a high school diploma, although GED may be acceptable. Completion of two semesters of algebra with a passing grade is highly desirable but one semester is usually required. Candidates are carefully screened and must achieve a passing score on the qualifying examination. The program consists of 7,200 to 8,000 hours of combined on-the-job and classroom training. A joint apprenticeship program is set up by the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers and the National Electrical Contractors Association. Upon completion of the program, they receive a "Certificate of Completion" from the California Division of Apprenticeship Standards. Another method of entry into this occupation is completion of an electrical construction and maintenance program at a vocational or trade college. Graduates work as trainees, gaining journey-level status after from six months to two years. Skills & Other Requirements High school students wishing to enter by either route should take courses in physics, blueprint reading and shop. Applicants must be in good physical condition. They must have normal vision, and good color perception to distinguish between various colored wires. Finger and manual dexterity is needed for using hand and power tools. Many employers require applicants to pass a physical examination as a condition of employment. Electricians usually work with little or no supervision. Employers furnish heavy tools such as pipe threaders and conduit benders and most test meters and power tools. Electricians must have their own hand tools, which usually cost a minimum of $500. Some municipalities require electricians to be licensed. Working Conditions Electricians on new building construction often work outside in noisy surroundings. In old buildings, they may work in cramped, dirty, poorly ventilated spaces. They should have their own transportation. Construction electrical work is not as affected by seasonal conditions as other building activities. Maintenance Electricians usually work in completed structures, which may vary from clean, air-conditioned offices to noisy, dirty factory areas. Their work may require working night shifts. Electricians may work from ladders, scaffolds and roofs. They risk electrical shock, potentially lethal, and injuries from falling objects. They may be required to dig trenches to lay conduit. References Note: The references below (and/or on other parts of this page) will link to pages on the internet outside the Career Video system. California Occupational Guide: Electricians #121 Related Occupation: Appliance Repairers - Home & Garden #101 Training: California State Training Inventory   © State of California EDD/LMID, US Department of Labor Unless indicated otherwise, wage data is based on Statewide aggregated CCOIS survey responses between 1995 and 1997. Questions or Comments? Contact us.