Trends in Employment in the Electrical Trades

Electricians have an active part in the installation and repair of electrical systems, especially in residential and industrial lighting. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor and Statistics (BLS), there are over 625,000 registered electricians in the United States. This is projected to increase by approximately 9% between 2016 and 2026. The BLS projects that the number will grow to 715,000 by 2024. The demand for electricians is expected to surpass the demand for all other occupations combined.

If you’re thinking about joining the electrical trade, here are several employment trends to keep in mind:

#1 Different Kind of Work

One of the driving factors of the demand for electricians is the rise of alternative energy sources. Technologies such as solar, wind, and geothermal will challenge electricians in terms of adapting to new methods of installation. This means that there is a possibility of ‘inefficient’ facilities shutting down. Hence, it is vital for electricians to keep up to speed with emerging technologies.

#2 Need For Education

Keep in mind that in some states, prospective electricians may enter the field once they receive training from a certified trade school. However, most states typically require electricians to obtain a license.

#3 Specialization

Electricians will have to find ways to make themselves stand out from the competition. One way to do this is by specializing in a certain trade. For example, some electricians may specialize in the installation of motor systems. Others may specialize in the installation of equipment for sustainable energy sources.

#4 Fluctuations in Employment

It doesn’t hurt to be a jack-of-all-trades in the electrical industry. Electricians who can perform a variety of tasks, such as repairing electronic systems, installing solar photovoltaic panels, wiring industrial components, and more, will have the most opportunities.

This is because employment opportunities change along with the economy. During peak periods of construction, employment opportunities will grow. On the other hand, electricians may find themselves with little to no work when construction comes to a halt.

#5 Average Pay for Electricians

The average rate for electricians in the United States is $25.46 per hour. This means that electricians can make around $50,000 per year.

However, it is important to note the average pay may be different in other states. For instance, in Massachusetts, the average rate is approximately $37.87 per hour, while in Oklahoma, it may be as low as $15.94 per hour.

Conclusion

Construction hit the snooze button in 2020 because of the COVID-19 pandemic, but as restrictions are lifted, the industry is beginning to pick up where it left off. This means that the next years may offer plenty of employment opportunities for electricians