There are many options when it comes to choosing a career as an electrician. There are two types of electricians, residential and commercial. Residential electricians can work in small apartments, single-family homes, and residences.
What does a residential electrician do?
Residential electricians are licensed and skilled professionals who work in residential properties to install, maintain and inspect the wiring and other electrical components. A residential electrician can also supervise others and plan and diagram projects, depending on their experience. These are some of the most common responsibilities for residential electricians:
- Interpreting and reading technical drawings and blueprints
- To ensure that electrical components work safely and correctly, inspect them.
- Installation of new wiring, lighting, and other electrical components
- Maintenance of electrical systems
- Diagnose and fix problems with wiring and electrical systems
- Replacing broken or old components
- Safety and electrical system safety: Being familiar with and adhering to local and national regulations
The Work Environment
Many residential electricians work as contractors or in construction. Others are self-employed. You can choose the job you like if you’re self-employed. If you work for an employer, you won’t have as many options. An electrician travels each day to a job site, which could be new construction or an old residential building. They may work alone or with a team depending on the job. One job might be to install new wiring or components or to repair or modify older systems.
There are some risks associated with electrical work. In fact, electricians are more likely to be injured than other occupations. You could be subject to electric shocks, falls and fires as a residential electrician. Safety gear and training can reduce the risk.
Training and licensing requirements
Every state and some municipalities have their own requirements regarding how electricians should be trained and licensed. Although they may differ, these requirements are generally the same. Residential electricians are required to be licensed by the state. They must also have completed a minimum amount of classroom training, on-the-job training, and work experience.
An apprenticeship program is the best way to become a residential electrician. These programs provide the necessary hours of training and learning and allow you to earn while you learn. While most programs will provide all the necessary training to be able to work in residential environments, you might need additional licensing or training to become a commercial electrician.
Salary and outlook for residential electricians
There is a bright future for residential electricians across the country. Electrical systems in existing buildings will need to be upgraded, repaired, and maintained. New homes, however, require qualified electricians to install wiring or lighting. There will be thousands of more jobs in the future due to the strong growth of the industry at nine per cent.
Residential electricians also enjoy a good salary. Although you may not make a lot of money as an apprentice, once you are licensed and have gained experience, you can expect to earn at least $54,110 annually. The highest-paid electricians earn more than $90,000.
You can expect a steady career as a residential electrician that pays well and is exciting and new every day. You can become a licensed electrician in just a few years by receiving paid training.