The US has an estimated 30 million jobs that don' require a university degree and pay an average of $55,000 per year.
Careers in the trades represent a large proportion of these well-paying and abundant jobs. And if you're looking for a career in the trades with high-demand and job growth, becoming a certified electrician is among your best options.
Choosing a career path that's both fulfilling and lucrative isn't easy. But if you're a hands-on person who likes solving problems, a certified electrician job is the best of both worlds.
Keep reading to learn what this job entails and what the career path looks like.
What is a Certified Electrician?
Electricians work with power. They install, maintain, test and repair electrical systems and their corresponding equipment. They work in private residential, commercial, and industrial buildings.
Electrician services include performing routine maintenance and repairing and replacing old wiring. They perform electrical installations and de-installations.
Electricians follow building regulations and read blueprints. They work with the appropriate tools and follow safety measures associated with the electrical job they're doing.
Most electricians work full-time. The job also requires overtime on evenings and weekends, but this depends on the company you work for.
The difference between an electrician and a certified electrician is that the latter has a certification. These certifications show that the person is recognized by a professional organization. One of the most common organizations to certify electricians is the National Joint Apprenticeship and Training Committee.
How Much Does a Certified Electrician Make?
The average annual income of a certified electrician is $51,880. Not only is this a great salary, but there's also a high demand for electricians.
Certified electricians have an estimated 14% job growth between 2014 and 2024. There are plenty of jobs available and lots of room to move around the industry.
How to Become a Certified Electrician
Becoming a certified electrician means completing an apprenticeship and a certification exam. But many certified electricians also attend training courses before or during that apprenticeship. And you may also be required to get a license before working in your state.
Below, we outline the steps to becoming a certified electrician in more detail.
Skills and Education
To be an electrician, you should have both physical stamina and strength. An electrician's job can be labor-intensive.
At times, you'll need the physical strength to keep up. But you'll also need problem-solving, technological, and, in some cases, customer service skills.
The educational requirements to become a certified electrician are low. You'll need a high school diploma or the equivalent.
You also have to complete an apprenticeship. Most electricians will also complete coursework before, during, or after their apprenticeship program.
This coursework takes the form of training programs. These may be at vocational schools, technical schools, and community colleges.
Diploma programs teach students how to install, repair, and maintain electrical systems. They also have courses in electrical theory, motor controls, mathematics, and circuitry.
Apprenticeship
Coursework is usually combined with apprenticeships. This is where you get to apply the skills you learned in the classroom to real-life situations. You'll be supervised and trained by electricians in the field while earning a wage.
Apprenticeship programs are offered through vocational schools. You can also find apprenticeship programs through the National Joint Apprenticeship and Training Committee as well as professional trade associations. You have to be at least 18 years old to apply and you also have to hold a high school diploma or the equivalent.
While you can opt to join an apprenticeship program without a course, the coursework is becoming increasingly important. It gives you a chance to stand out among your peers and gives you a head-start on the skills and knowledge you need to be a good electrician. Plus, many training committees require classroom instruction these days.
Between classroom work and on-the-job training in the form of an apprenticeship, becoming an electrician can take anywhere from four to five years. Then you'll need to think about licensing and certification.
Licensing
Most states require electricians to be licensed before they can work in the state. Licensing involves an examination and a minimum passing grade. The exam will test your knowledge on topics such as building codes, the National Electrical Code, as well as other skills you should have.
In many cases, the work experience you gained throughout your apprenticeship can be applied toward the number of hours you need to qualify for licensing. You'll have to provide proof of that work. You'll also be required to pay a licensing fee, which you may need to renew every year or every few years.
Certification
While licensing is required in most states, becoming a certified electrician is optional.
You can get a certification in a number of different areas beyond the certified electrician credential. You may want to pursue a certification in cable splicing or instrumentation, for example. All you have to do is find out the requirements and complete any necessary coursework, hours, and examinations.
Most certification exams have both a practical and written component. Meaning that you'll have to demonstrate your knowledge in a written examination as well as hands-on testing modules.
Costs
Before you start making your $50,000+ annual income, you'll have to pay for your education. The costs of your coursework and apprenticeship program will vary depending on the school or organization you go through.
Typically, you're looking at tuition costs between $5,000 and $20,000. You may look into financial aid in the form of government grants or scholarships to help cover those costs.
You'll also have to pay apprenticeship fees. These range between $400 and $1,000 per year. In many cases, your employer will cover these costs.
Looking for a Certified Electrician?
A certified electrician is one who has completed an apprenticeship program, got their electricians license from the state, and completed a certification exam. This trades job is growing at a rate of 14% and pays relatively well considering you only need a high school diploma to start on this career path. But you should also have the physical strength and stamina to be able to keep up with the labor demands of this job.
If you're looking for a certified electrician in Dallas, look no further. Request a service from us today.