Occupation Summary

Electricians

O*NET 47-2111.00

Description:

Install, maintain, and repair electrical wiring, equipment, and fixtures. Ensure that work is in accordance with relevant codes. May install or service street lights, intercom systems, or electrical control systems.

Annual Wages:
$54,977.00
Employment Rate:
Employment is expected to increase by 26.86%.
Education Level:
Post-Secondary Certificate - awarded for training completed after high school (for example, in agriculture or natural resources, computer services, personal or culinary services, engineering technologies, healthcare, construction trades, mechanic and repair technologies, or precision production). According to O*Net, the majority of people employed in this occupation have this level of education.
Endorsement:
Business and Industry, Science Technology Engineering and Math (STEM)

  1. Assemble, install, test, or maintain electrical or electronic wiring, equipment, appliances, apparatus, or fixtures, using hand tools or power tools.
  2. Diagnose malfunctioning systems, apparatus, or components, using test equipment and hand tools to locate the cause of a breakdown and correct the problem.
  3. Connect wires to circuit breakers, transformers, or other components.
  4. Inspect electrical systems, equipment, or components to identify hazards, defects, or the need for adjustment or repair, and to ensure compliance with codes.
  5. Advise management on whether continued operation of equipment could be hazardous.
  6. Test electrical systems or continuity of circuits in electrical wiring, equipment, or fixtures, using testing devices, such as ohmmeters, voltmeters, or oscilloscopes, to ensure compatibility and safety of system.
  7. Maintain current electrician's license or identification card to meet governmental regulations.
  8. Plan layout and installation of electrical wiring, equipment, or fixtures, based on job specifications and local codes.
  9. Direct or train workers to install, maintain, or repair electrical wiring, equipment, or fixtures.
  10. Prepare sketches or follow blueprints to determine the location of wiring or equipment and to ensure conformance to building and safety codes.
  11. Use a variety of tools or equipment, such as power construction equipment, measuring devices, power tools, and testing equipment, such as oscilloscopes, ammeters, or test lamps.
  12. Install ground leads and connect power cables to equipment, such as motors.
  13. Perform business management duties, such as maintaining records or files, preparing reports, or ordering supplies or equipment.
  14. Repair or replace wiring, equipment, or fixtures, using hand tools or power tools.
  15. Work from ladders, scaffolds, or roofs to install, maintain, or repair electrical wiring, equipment, or fixtures.
  16. Place conduit, pipes, or tubing, inside designated partitions, walls, or other concealed areas, and pull insulated wires or cables through the conduit to complete circuits between boxes.
  17. Fasten small metal or plastic boxes to walls to house electrical switches or outlets.
  18. Perform physically demanding tasks, such as digging trenches to lay conduit or moving or lifting heavy objects.
  19. Provide preliminary sketches or cost estimates for materials or services.
  20. Provide assistance during emergencies by operating floodlights or generators, placing flares, or driving needed vehicles.
  21. Construct or fabricate parts, using hand tools, according to specifications.

Watch a video about Electricians

Career videos are provided by: CareerOneStop.org


National Industry Employment Patterns


Industry % of Electricians employed Annual Growth Rate
Building equipment contractors 66.8 0.93
Employment services 2.8 1.21


Labor Market Information


2022 Statewide average hourly wage $26.43
2022 National average hourly wage $31.39
2020 National employment 729,600
2020 Texas employment 64,442
Texas projected employment by 2030 81,751
Texas projected annual employment and Turnover openings through 2030 9,221




TEXAS COUNTY MAP BY WORKFORCE DEVELOPMENT AREA
* Due to confidentiality rules, not all regions may have the data displayed. The sum of all the regions may not be equal to the state total.


Top 10 Relevant Knowledge Areas Relevant Importance Levels
Building and Construction
Knowledge of materials, methods, and the tools involved in the construction or repair of houses, buildings, or other structures such as highways and roads.
73.40%
Administration and Management
Knowledge of business and management principles involved in strategic planning, resource allocation, human resources modeling, leadership technique, production methods, and coordination of people and resources.
71.60%
Mechanical
Knowledge of machines and tools, including their designs, uses, repair, and maintenance.
68.40%
Mathematics
Knowledge of arithmetic, algebra, geometry, calculus, statistics, and their applications.
68.00%
Design
Knowledge of design techniques, tools, and principles involved in production of precision technical plans, blueprints, drawings, and models.
66.40%
Customer and Personal Service
Knowledge of principles and processes for providing customer and personal services. This includes customer needs assessment, meeting quality standards for services, and evaluation of customer satisfaction.
63.40%
Public Safety and Security
Knowledge of relevant equipment, policies, procedures, and strategies to promote effective local, state, or national security operations for the protection of people, data, property, and institutions.
57.40%
Psychology
Knowledge of human behavior and performance; individual differences in ability, personality, and interests; learning and motivation; psychological research methods; and the assessment and treatment of behavioral and affective disorders.
53.60%
English Language
Knowledge of the structure and content of the English language including the meaning and spelling of words, rules of composition, and grammar.
52.80%
Transportation
Knowledge of principles and methods for moving people or goods by air, rail, sea, or road, including the relative costs and benefits.
50.00%


Top 10 Relevant Skill Areas Relevant Importance Levels
Troubleshooting
Determining causes of operating errors and deciding what to do about it.
80.00%
Repairing
Repairing machines or systems using the needed tools.
70.00%
Active Listening
Giving full attention to what other people are saying, taking time to understand the points being made, asking questions as appropriate, and not interrupting at inappropriate times.
67.60%
Speaking
Talking to others to convey information effectively.
67.60%
Critical Thinking
Using logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions, or approaches to problems.
67.60%
Active Learning
Understanding the implications of new information for both current and future problem-solving and decision-making.
65.00%
Quality Control Analysis
Conducting tests and inspections of products, services, or processes to evaluate quality or performance.
65.00%
Judgment and Decision Making
Considering the relative costs and benefits of potential actions to choose the most appropriate one.
65.00%
Installation
Installing equipment, machines, wiring, or programs to meet specifications.
65.00%
Operations Monitoring
Watching gauges, dials, or other indicators to make sure a machine is working properly.
62.40%


Top 10 Relevant Abilities Relevant Importance Levels
Problem Sensitivity
The ability to tell when something is wrong or is likely to go wrong. It does not involve solving the problem, only recognizing that there is a problem.
80.00%
Near Vision
The ability to see details at close range (within a few feet of the observer).
80.00%
Deductive Reasoning
The ability to apply general rules to specific problems to produce answers that make sense.
77.60%
Inductive Reasoning
The ability to combine pieces of information to form general rules or conclusions (includes finding a relationship among seemingly unrelated events).
77.60%
Information Ordering
The ability to arrange things or actions in a certain order or pattern according to a specific rule or set of rules (e.g., patterns of numbers, letters, words, pictures, mathematical operations).
75.00%
Oral Comprehension
The ability to listen to and understand information and ideas presented through spoken words and sentences.
75.00%
Finger Dexterity
The ability to make precisely coordinated movements of the fingers of one or both hands to grasp, manipulate, or assemble very small objects.
75.00%
Arm-Hand Steadiness
The ability to keep your hand and arm steady while moving your arm or while holding your arm and hand in one position.
72.40%
Visual Color Discrimination
The ability to match or detect differences between colors, including shades of color and brightness.
72.40%
Extent Flexibility
The ability to bend, stretch, twist, or reach with your body, arms, and/or legs.
70.00%


  • Performing General Physical Activities
    -- Performing physical activities that require considerable use of your arms and legs and moving your whole body, such as climbing, lifting, balancing, walking, stooping, and handling materials.
  • Communicating with Supervisors, Peers, or Subordinates
    -- Providing information to supervisors, co-workers, and subordinates by telephone, in written form, e-mail, or in person.
  • Organizing, Planning, and Prioritizing Work
    -- Developing specific goals and plans to prioritize, organize, and accomplish your work.
  • Getting Information
    -- Observing, receiving, and otherwise obtaining information from all relevant sources.
  • Monitoring Processes, Materials, or Surroundings
    -- Monitoring and reviewing information from materials, events, or the environment, to detect or assess problems.
Other Activities


  • Independence
    - Occupations that satisfy this work value allow employees to work on their own and make decisions. Corresponding needs are Creativity, Responsibility and Autonomy.
  • Support
    - Occupations that satisfy this work value offer supportive management that stands behind employees. Corresponding needs are Company Policies, Supervision: Human Relations and Supervision: Technical.



Tools

Adjustable widemouth pliers: Pump pliers;

Adjustable wrenches: Adjustable wrenches;

Air compressors: Air compressors;

Ammeters: Ammeters; Clamp-on ammeters;

Articulating boom lift: Bucket trucks;

Awls: Awls;

Backhoes: Backhoes;

Banders: Cable tie guns;

Bandsaw wheel: Bandsaws;

Blow torch: Cutting torches;

Bolt cutters: Insulated bolt cutters;

Cable accessories: Bear claw wire threaders; Cable lacing needles;

Cable reels: Single reel cable trailers; Wheeled wire dispensers; Wire dispensers; Wire dollies; Wire hand caddies;

Cable splicing kits: Cable splicing knives;

Calibrated inductance coils or boxes: Inductance testers;

Calibrated resistance measuring equipment: Resistance bridges;

Capacitance meters: Capacitance testers;

Circuit tester: Growlers; Continuity coaxial testers; Circuit testers;

Circuit tracers: Circuit tracers;

Claw hammer: Claw hammers;

Conduit benders: Conduit benders; Cable benders; Electric conduit benders; Hydraulic conduit benders;

Conventional truck cranes: Truck cranes;

Deburring tool: Conduit deburring tools;

Depth gauges: Depth gauges;

Desktop computers: Desktop computers;

Diagonal cut pliers: Diagonal cutting pliers; High-leverage diagonal cutting pliers;

Drill bit set: Drill bit sets;

Electrical frequency meters: Frequency meters;

End cut pliers: High-leverage side cutting pliers; End cutting pliers; Side cutting pliers;

Feeler gauges: Feeler gauges;

Fish tape: Fish tape pullers; Wire loop pullers;

Fuse pullers: Fuse pulling equipment;

Gas detectors: Gas leak detection devices;

Gas generators: Generators;

GFI circuit testers: Ground fault circuit interrupter GFCI testers;

Hacksaw: Hacksaws;

Hammers: Hammers;

Hand reamer: Tapered reamers;

Hard hats: Hard hats;

Heat guns: Heat guns;

Hex keys: Hex key sets; Allen wrenches;

Hole saws: Hole saws;

Hydraulic press frames: Hydraulic presses;

Impedance meters: Transfer impedance meters;

Inspection mirror: Inspection mirrors;

Insulated screwdriver: Insulated screwdrivers;

Label making machines: Cable labeling machines;

Ladders: Ladders;

Laser printers: Laser printers;

Levels: Conduit levels; Torpedo levels;

Linemans pliers: Insulated pliers; Lineman's pliers;

Locking pliers: Conduit locknut and reaming pliers; Channel lock pliers;

Longnose pliers: Heavy duty longnose pliers;

Magnetic tools: Telescoping lighted pickups; Lighted magnet pickups;

Manlift or personnel lift: Manlifts;

Megohmmeters: Megohmmeters;

Metal detectors: Magnetic locators; Metal locators;

Microcontrollers: Programmable logic controllers PLC;

Micrometers: Micrometers;

Multimeters: Multimeters;

Needlenose pliers: Needlenose pliers;

Nibblers: Nibbler cutting tools;

Notebook computers: Notebook computers;

Nut drivers: Nut drivers; Insulated nutdrivers;

Offset socket wrenches: Double-end can socket wrenches;

Ohmmeters: Ohmmeters;

Open end wrenches: Crescent wrenches;

Oscilloscopes: Oscilloscopes;

Personal computers: Personal computers;

Phasemeters: Phase rotation meters;

Pipe or tube cutter: Polyvinyl chloride PVC cutters;

Pipe wrenches: Ratcheting pipe wrenches;

Plumb bobs: Laser plumb bobs;

Power drills: Cordless drills; Hammer drills;

Power saws: Circular saws;

Protective gloves: Cable gripping gloves;

Punches or nail sets or drifts: Punchdown tools;

Razor knives: Razor knives;

Respirators: Respirators;

Retaining ring pliers: Internal snap ring pliers; External snap ring pliers;

Safety glasses: Safety glasses;

Scaffolding: Scaffolding;

Screwdrivers: Conduit fitting and reaming screwdrivers; Cabinet tip screwdrivers; Square shank screwdrivers; Phillips head screwdrivers; Screw-holding screwdrivers; Round shank screwdrivers;

Shears: Shears;

Socket sets: Insulated socket sets;

Soldering iron: Soldering tools; Butane soldering irons;

Specialty wrenches: Insulated wrenches;

Spot welding machine: Welders;

Stamping dies or punches: Hydraulic punching tools;

Staple guns: Staple guns;

Strap wrenches: Strap wrenches;

Stripping tools: Self-adjusting insulation strippers; Cable sheath strippers; Channel lock crimping tools; Automatic insulation strippers; Cable jacket strippers; End wire strippers; Universal stripping tools; Wire strippers;

Tablet computers: Tablet computers;

Tape measures: Tape measures; Conduit measuring tapes;

Tapping machine attachment: Tapping tools;

Tensiometers: Tension gauges;

Thermographs: Infrared scanners;

Threading die hand tool: Threading die hand tool;

Threading taps: Tap sets;

Tinners snips: Tin snips;

Tongue and groove pliers: Tongue and groove pliers;

Track excavators: Diggers;

Two way radios: Two way radios;

Utility knives: Utility knives;

Voltage or current meters: Test lamps; Non-contact voltage detectors; Milliameters; Current clamps; Volt tick meters; Voltmeters;

Wattmeters: Wattmeters;

Welding masks: Welding hoods;

Winches: Winches;

Wire cutters: Wire cutters; Electricians' scissors;

Wire lug crimping tool: Terminal crimpers; Ratchet crimper kits; Wire crimpers; Wire crimping tools;

Wire or cable cutter: Insulated cable cutters; Cable butt trimmers; Cable cutters; Coaxial cable cutters; High-leverage cable cutters; Utility cable cutters;

Wire wrapping tool: Wire wrap guns;


Technology

Accounting software: Turtle Creek Software Goldenseal;

Analytical or scientific software: SoftEmpire Electrical Calculations; Electrosoft FlashWorks; Elite Software E-Coord; Elite Software Inpoint; Elite Software Outpoint; Elite Software Short; Elite Software VDROP; Construction Master Pro; Lighting calculation software;

Computer aided design CAD software: Autodesk AutoCAD; Computer aided design CAD software; One Mile Up Panel Planner;

Data base user interface and query software: Resolve Systems Service Management; Sage 300 Construction and Real Estate; Shafer Service Systems; Insight Direct ServiceCEO; Database software;

Document management software: Adobe Systems Adobe Acrobat;

Electronic mail software: Microsoft Outlook;

Enterprise resource planning ERP software: SAP software;

Industrial control software: Programmable logic controller PLC software; Supervisory control and data acquisition SCADA software; AVEVA InTouch HMI;

Office suite software: Microsoft Office software;

Operating system software: Microsoft Windows;

Process mapping and design software: SmartDraw;

Project management software: Craftsman CD Estimator;

Spreadsheet software: Microsoft Excel; Spreadsheet software;

Word processing software: Word processing software; Socrates Contractor's Library; Microsoft Word;


Related O*NET occupational titles for Electricians include:
  • 49-2092.00 Electric Motor, Power Tool, and Related Repairers
  • 51-2022.00 Electrical and Electronic Equipment Assemblers
  • 49-2093.00 Electrical and Electronics Installers and Repairers, Transportation Equipment
  • 49-2094.00 Electrical and Electronics Repairers, Commercial and Industrial Equipment
  • 49-2095.00 Electrical and Electronics Repairers, Powerhouse, Substation, and Relay
  • 49-9051.00 Electrical Power-Line Installers and Repairers
  • 47-3013.00 Helpers--Electricians
  • 27-4015.00 Lighting Technicians
  • 49-9071.00 Maintenance and Repair Workers, General
  • 47-2152.00 Plumbers, Pipefitters, and Steamfitters


Sources of Additional Information
  • For more details about apprenticeships or other work opportunities in this trade, contact the offices of the state employment service, the state apprenticeship agency, local electrical contractors, firms that employ maintenance electricians, or local union-management electrician apprenticeship committees. Apprenticeship information is available from the U.S. Department of Labor's Apprenticeship program online or by phone at 877-872-5627. Visit apprenticeship.gov to search for apprenticeship opportunities. 
  • For more information about apprenticeship and training programs for electricians, visit: Associated Builders and Contractors, Inc.
  • Explore the Trades
  • Home Builders Institute
  • IBEW – NECA Electrical Training Alliance
  • Independent Electrical Contractors, Inc.
  • National Association of Home Builders
  • National Electrical Contractors Association
  • NCCER
  • Career Outlook: "Apprenticeships: Outlook and wages in selected occupations"
  • Electricians

  • Contact Texas Workforce Commission
    Labor Market and Career Information  |  101 E. 15th Street, Annex Room 0252  |  Austin, Texas 78778
    Official Website  |  1-800-822-PLAN (7526)  |  512.936.3200

    ** The information in this report may be derived from many sources like O*NET, BLS (Bureau of Labor Statistics), OOH (Occupational Outlook Handbook), and Career One Stop.