Electricians
| Description |
OES Code: 87202 |
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.
Wages, California
| Entry-Level Hourly Wage |
$11.71 |
| 25th Percentile |
$13.89 |
| 50th Percentile |
$18.89 |
| 75th Percentile |
$24.08 |
Wages, San Joaquin County
| Entry-Level Hourly Wage |
$15.48 |
| 25th Percentile |
$17.06 |
| 50th Percentile |
$19.81 |
| 75th Percentile |
$22.40 |
Wages by California County
• OES Survey
• CCOIS 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, California
| Employment 1998 |
50,500 |
| Projected Employment 2008 |
59,700 |
| Growth Rate 1998-2008 |
18.2% |
| Openings due to Separations |
11,300 |
Employment Trends, San Joaquin County
| Employment 1999 |
930 |
| Projected Employment 2006 |
1,260 |
| Percent Change 1999-2006 |
35.5% |
| Separations 1999-2006 |
160 |
Employment Trends by California County
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
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For current job listings, browse CalJOBS or America's Job Bank. |
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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.
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
California Occupational Guide: #121
Related Occupations: Appliance Repairers - Home & Garden
Training: California Training and Education Providers (CTEP) |
