This post was initially written in 2017, a time when the electrician career outlook was already bright. Now, as we approach 2025, it’s clear that many of the projections made back then were accurate. Employment for electricians grew steadily, and wages increased, making this skilled trade one of the most stable and rewarding career paths available today.
If you’re considering a career change or are unsure about pursuing a traditional college path, becoming an electrician could be the right choice. Electricians not only enjoy robust job security but also benefit from growing opportunities in renewable energy, infrastructure upgrades, and advanced technologies.
Debt-Free Education and Hands-On Training
One of the biggest advantages of pursuing a career as an electrician is the opportunity for debt-free education. While many career paths require significant upfront investment in a college degree, apprenticeships in the electrical trade allow you to “earn while you learn.”
For instance, Prairie Electric offers comprehensive training programs for apprentices, including covering the costs of education. This hands-on approach ensures that you’re not just learning theories but also gaining valuable on-the-job experience. Upon completing your apprenticeship and passing the licensing exam, you’ll have a well-paying job with strong benefits, without the burden of student debt.
Career Outlook for Electricians: What’s Ahead?
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), employment for electricians is projected to grow 11% from 2023 to 2033, faster than the average for all occupations. This growth reflects an increasing demand for skilled professionals to handle advancements in building technologies, renewable energy systems, and infrastructure upgrades. In May 2023, the median annual wage for electricians was $61,590 nationwide, up from $54,000 in 2015. In states like Oregon and Washington, wages are even higher due to strong demand and a thriving construction industry.
The Impact of Technology on the Trade
Despite advancements in automation and artificial intelligence, electricians remain indispensable. The highly situational and hands-on nature of their work – troubleshooting, installations, and repairs – requires human expertise that cannot easily be replicated by robots. While technology may enhance tools and processes, it is unlikely to replace electricians in the foreseeable future.
Moreover, electricians are increasingly required to work with cutting-edge technologies, such as smart home systems, advanced lighting controls, and renewable energy infrastructure. These advancements not only enhance job security but also offer electricians the chance to diversify their skill sets and command higher wages.
Electricians and the Renewable Energy Boom
The push for renewable energy has significantly impacted the electrician career outlook. Federal and state incentives for clean energy projects have led to a surge in demand for electricians skilled in installing and maintaining solar panels, wind turbines, and battery storage systems. According to the BLS, these trends are expected to continue into the next decade .
The Pacific Northwest has been a leader in wind and solar power, with Washington ranking among the top 10 states for installed wind capacity. Projects like solar panel installations, electric vehicle charging stations, and energy-efficient retrofits all require skilled electricians. Oregon’s renewable portfolio standard aims to meet 50% of electricity needs with renewable sources by 2040. Electricians are critical to achieving these goals for green energy initiatives, ensuring the reliability and safety of these systems, and in turn strong electrician career outlook.
Why Job Security for Electricians Remains Strong
The electrician trade continues to thrive due to consistent demand across residential, commercial, and industrial sectors. Aging infrastructure and an aging population, plus the transition to cleaner energy sources all contribute to a stable and promising job outlook for electricians, with 80,200 electrician job openings projected each year for the next ten years.
Unlike some professions vulnerable to economic downturns or technological obsolescence, electricians enjoy a level of job security rarely found in other fields. Their expertise is essential to keeping the lights on, homes heated, and businesses operational – needs that will never go out of style.
Become an Electrician with Prairie Electric
If you’re considering a career in the trades, taking advantage of the stronger than ever electrician career outlook offers an unparalleled combination of job security, competitive wages, and growth opportunities. Prairie Electric is committed to helping apprentices build successful careers through comprehensive training and support.
Apply to Prairie Electric today to learn more about our apprenticeship programs and take the first step toward a rewarding career in the electrical trade.
