Electricians
SOC Code: 47-2111
Electricians carries a 13% AI exposure score (Low automation risk), with a median annual wage of $62,350 and +9.5% projected employment growth from 2024 to 2034 (BLS), affecting approximately 818,700 workers. Full task breakdown, skills, and employer data are below.
Proportion of tasks susceptible to AI automation (O*NET analysis)
AI Exposure vs Industry Growth
Total occupations tracked
832
Covering all SOC major groups
Data currency
2024
BLS Employment Projections
AI exposure avg
40%
Fleet-wide median across all roles
Composite score weighing O*NET task data completeness, BLS projection methodology, and cross-validation with employer risk grades.
Employment Projections
Occupation Insight
Electricians (SOC 47-2111) carries an AI exposure score of 13%, placing it in the Low automation-risk tier. This score is computed from O*NET Database 30.0 task-level analysis, where each task an occupation performs is evaluated against current generative AI, robotic process automation, and machine-learning capabilities. A score below 40% reflects tasks anchored in physical dexterity, unstructured environments, or high-touch human interaction that current AI cannot reliably replicate.
The economic context matters alongside the risk score. BLS counted approximately 818,700 workers in this occupation in 2024, and projects a +9.5% change through 2034 — modest growth that keeps the occupation viable even as tasks evolve. Median annual compensation stands at $62,350, reflecting both skill scarcity and the value employers place on the tasks that remain difficult to automate. Entry typically requires High school diploma or equivalent, plus None of related experience.
For career planners, this profile should be read alongside the task, skill, and knowledge breakdowns below and the list of employers whose workforce composition includes Electricians. Adjacent occupations shown further down offer lateral moves that preserve industry knowledge while potentially reducing exposure. Pair the AI exposure score with the BLS employment projection and wage percentiles above for a complete career assessment.
Education & Entry Requirements
Registered Apprenticeship Pathway Available
Electricians is a recognized registered apprenticeship occupation under the DOL RAPIDS system. Earn while you train — apprentices typically start at ~$16/hr and reach $28–$46/hr upon completion, depending on the specific trade and region.
Top Tasks (O*NET)
- 1. Prepare sketches or follow blueprints to determine the location of wiring or equipment and to ensure conformance to building and safety codes.
- 2. 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.
- 3. Work from ladders, scaffolds, or roofs to install, maintain, or repair electrical wiring, equipment, or fixtures.
- 4. 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.
- 5. Assemble, install, test, or maintain electrical or electronic wiring, equipment, appliances, apparatus, or fixtures, using hand tools or power tools.
- 6. Connect wires to circuit breakers, transformers, or other components.
- 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. 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.
Key Skills Required
- Troubleshooting
- Repairing
- Active Listening
- Speaking
- Critical Thinking
- Active Learning
- Installation
- Quality Control Analysis
- Judgment and Decision Making
- Reading Comprehension
Knowledge Areas
- Building and Construction
- Administration and Management
- Mechanical
- Mathematics
- Design
- Customer and Personal Service
- Public Safety and Security
- Psychology
- English Language
- Production and Processing
Frequently Asked Questions
Will AI replace Electricians?
Electricians has an AI exposure score of 13%, indicating a low level of automation risk. The majority of tasks in this role require human judgment, creativity, or physical presence that AI cannot easily replicate.
What is the job outlook for Electricians?
According to BLS Employment Projections 2024-2034, Electricians is projected to grow by 9.5% over the decade. Current employment stands at approximately 818,700 workers.
What skills are needed for Electricians?
Key skills for Electricians include Troubleshooting, Repairing, Active Listening, and others. Typical entry-level education is High school diploma or equivalent.
How much do Electricians earn?
The median annual wage for Electricians is $62,350, according to BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (May 2024). Actual earnings vary by location, experience, industry, and employer. The BLS publishes detailed wage percentiles by region in its Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics program.
What education is required for Electricians?
The typical entry-level education for Electricians is High school diploma or equivalent. Employers generally expect None of related work experience. On-the-job training typically involves Apprenticeship. Requirements can vary by employer and specialization.
Which companies employ Electricians?
Electricians roles exist across many industries and employers. Workforce composition is estimated from BLS industry-occupation employment distributions matched to SEC-registered public companies.
AI Exposure Rating
Low automation risk based on 10 analyzed tasks. Most tasks require human judgment and are resistant to automation.
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Data sources: Bureau of Labor Statistics Employment Projections 2024–2034 and O*NET Database 30.0. Employment figures are rounded. Wage data from BLS Occupational Employment Statistics (OES).