Electricians in California

May also be called: Electrical Sign Servicer; House Wirer; and Chief Electrician.

What Would I Do?

Electricians perform electrical work in the building and remodeling of structures. They generally specialize in construction or maintenance work.

Construction Electricians may be exposed to inclement weather. The work may be strenuous requiring heavy lifting, standing, stooping, and kneeling for long periods of time.

Will This Job Fit Me?

The job of an Electrician may appeal to those who enjoy activities that involve practical, hands-on problems and solutions.

What Wages and Benefits Can I Expect?

The median wage in 2009 for Electricians in California was $53,314 annually, or $25.63 hourly. The median is the point at which half of the workers earn more and half earn less.

Benefit packages vary widely from company to company. Electricians may expect to receive paid holidays, vacation, and health insurance. The type of benefit package is determined by company policy or union contract. Self-employed Electricians need to provide their own benefits.

What is the Job Outlook?

In California, the number of Electricians is expected to grow slower than average growth rate for all occupations. Jobs for Electricians are expected to increase by 10.2 percent, or 7,000 jobs between 2006 and 2016.

The need for skilled Electricians will remain sound as Electricians will be needed to install and maintain electrical devices and wiring in homes, factories, offices, and other structures. New technologies also are expected to continue to stimulate the demand for these workers. For example, buildings need to increasingly accommodate the use of computers and telecommunications equipment.

How Do I Qualify?

Completion of a formal apprenticeship or electrical construction vocational or trade college program is the usual method of entry into this occupation. Apprenticeship programs generally require a high school diploma, GED or equivalent, verification of the completion of one year of high school algebra with a grade "C" or higher, and a passing score on a prerequisite algebra equivalency test. Also, applicants must be physically able to perform all phases of the work, including the ability to distinguish the differences between colors.

Finding a Job

Direct application to employers is one of the most effective job search methods. Many vocational schools and community colleges operate placement centers for their students. Jobs may also be found through classified advertisements in newspapers and trade publications. Union members search for work by registering with their local hiring hall.  Online job opening systems include JobCentral at www.jobcentral.com and CalJOBS^SM at www.caljobs.ca.gov.

To find your nearest One-Stop Career Center, go to Service Locator. View the helpful job search tips for more resources. (requires Adobe Reader).

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