Occupation Details
Electricians
Install, maintain, and repair electrical wiring, equipment, and fixtures. Ensure that work is in accordance with relevant codes. May install or service street lights, intercom systems, or electrical control systems.
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Interests
Realistic
Realistic occupations frequently involve work activities that include practical, hands-on problems and solutions. They often deal with plants, animals, and real-world materials like wood, tools, and machinery. Many of the occupations require working outside, and do not involve a lot of paperwork or working closely with others.
Investigative
Investigative occupations frequently involve working with ideas, and require an extensive amount of thinking. These occupations can involve searching for facts and figuring out problems mentally.
Conventional
Conventional occupations frequently involve following set procedures and routines. These occupations can include working with data and details more than with ideas. Usually there is a clear line of authority to follow.
Work Values
Achievement
Occupations that satisfy this work value are results oriented and allow employees to use their strongest abilities, giving them a feeling of accomplishment. Corresponding needs are Ability Utilization and Achievement.
Support
Occupations that satisfy this work value offer supportive management that stands behind employees. Corresponding needs are Company Policies, Supervision: Human Relations and Supervision: Technical.
Independence
Occupations that satisfy this work value allow employees to work on their own and make decisions. Corresponding needs are Creativity, Responsibility and Autonomy.
Salary & Job Outlook
Starting Salary
$46,990.00
New York StateMedian Salary
$79,430.00
New York StateExperienced Salary
$102,340.00
New York StateNational Average for Comparison
New York State Job Market Outlook
Jobs Right Now (2018)
39,860
professionals in NYFuture Job Growth (2030)
50,650
+1,079 jobs/yearNew Jobs Every Year
5,716
new opportunities yearlyGrowth Rate
0.3%
projected increasePreparation: Experience, Training, and Education
The list below outlines the prior educational experience required to perform in this occupation.
College Helps - Some college classes or training
Experience Requirements
Previous work-related skill, knowledge, or experience is required for these occupations. For example, an electrician must have completed three or four years of apprenticeship or several years of vocational training, and often must have passed a licensing exam, in order to perform the job.
Education Requirements
Most occupations in this zone require training in vocational schools, related on-the-job experience, or an associate's degree.
Training Details
Employees in these occupations usually need one or two years of training involving both on-the-job experience and informal training with experienced workers. A recognized apprenticeship program may be associated with these occupations.
Transferrable Skills and Experience
These occupations usually involve using communication and organizational skills to coordinate, supervise, manage, or train others to accomplish goals. Examples include hydroelectric production managers, desktop publishers, electricians, agricultural technicians, barbers, court reporters and simultaneous captioners, and medical assistants.
School Programs
The following lists school programs which are applicable to this occupation.
Licensing & Certification
State License and Certifications Requirements are not currently associated with this occupation.
Apprenticeship
Contact your regional representative to learn more about apprenticeships available in your area by visiting Apprenticeship Contacts.
Skills
The list below includes the skills required by workers in this occupation; skills are what allow you to learn more quickly and improve your performance.
Troubleshooting
Determining causes of operating errors and deciding what to do about it.
Repairing
Repairing machines or systems using the needed tools.
Skill level is measured on a seven point scale, where one means 'some competence required for this occupation' and seven means 'a high level of expertise required for this occupation'.
Knowledge
The list below includes knowledge items, the principles and facts required by this occupation.
Building and Construction
Knowledge of materials, methods, and the tools involved in the construction or repair of houses, buildings, or other structures such as highways and roads.
Administration and Management
Knowledge of business and management principles involved in strategic planning, resource allocation, human resources modeling, leadership technique, production methods, and coordination of people and resources.
Mechanical
Knowledge of machines and tools, including their designs, uses, repair, and maintenance.
Mathematics
Knowledge of arithmetic, algebra, geometry, calculus, statistics, and their applications.
Design
Knowledge of design techniques, tools, and principles involved in production of precision technical plans, blueprints, drawings, and models.
Customer and Personal Service
Knowledge of principles and processes for providing customer and personal services. This includes customer needs assessment, meeting quality standards for services, and evaluation of customer satisfaction.
Knowledge level is measured on a seven point scale, where one means 'some competence required for this occupation' and seven means 'a high level of expertise required for this occupation'.
Work Environment
The list below includes the physical and social factors that influence the nature of work in this occupation.
Hover over or tap each factor to see its description.
Work Styles
Included in the list below are the personal work style characteristics that can affect how well a worker is likely to perform in this occupation.
Adaptability/Flexibility
Job requires being open to change (positive or negative) and to considerable variety in the workplace.
Attention to Detail
Job requires being careful about detail and thorough in completing work tasks.
Cooperation
Job requires being pleasant with others on the job and displaying a good-natured, cooperative attitude.
Dependability
Job requires being reliable, responsible, and dependable, and fulfilling obligations.
Independence
Job requires developing one's own ways of doing things, guiding oneself with little or no supervision, and depending on oneself to get things done.
Initiative
Job requires a willingness to take on responsibilities and challenges.
Innovation
Job requires creativity and alternative thinking to develop new ideas for and answers to work-related problems.
Integrity
Job requires being honest and ethical.
Leadership
Job requires a willingness to lead, take charge, and offer opinions and direction.
Self-Control
Job requires maintaining composure, keeping emotions in check, controlling anger, and avoiding aggressive behavior, even in very difficult situations.
Tools & Technology
This list below describes the machines, equipment, tools, software, and information technology that workers in this occupation will use.
Tools
- Adjustable wrenches
- Air compressors
- Allen wrenches
- Ammeters
- Automatic insulation strippers
- Awls
- Backhoes
- Bandsaws
- Bear claw wire threaders
- Bucket trucks
- Butane soldering irons
- Cabinet tip screwdrivers
- Cable benders
- Cable cutters
- Cable gripping gloves
- Cable jacket strippers
- Cable labeling machines
- Cable lacing needles
- Cable sheath strippers
- Cable splicing knives
- Cable tie guns
- Capacitance testers
- Channel lock crimping tools
- Channel lock pliers
- Circuit testers
- Circuit tracers
- Circular saws
- Clamp-on ammeters
- Claw hammers
- Coaxial cable cutters
Technology
- AVEVA InTouch HMI
- Adobe Systems Adobe Acrobat
- Computer aided design CAD software
- Construction Master Pro
- Craftsman CD Estimator
- Database software
- Elite Software VDROP
- Insight Direct ServiceCEO
- Lighting calculation software
- Microsoft Excel
- Microsoft Office
- Microsoft Outlook
- Microsoft Windows
- Microsoft Word
- One Mile Up Panel Planner
- Resolve Systems Service Management
Duties
Duties are job behaviors describing activities that occur on multiple jobs. The generalized and detailed work activities described in the list below apply to this occupation.
- maintain records, reports, or files
- prepare reports
- solder electrical or electronic connections or components
- use electrical or electronic test devices or equipment
- use hand or power tools
- use measuring devices in construction or extraction work
- use oscilloscopes in electronics repair
- use voltmeter, ammeter, or ohmmeter
- use high voltage apparatus
- use soldering equipment
- lay out electrical wiring for buildings, etc.
- plan layout of electrical/electronic equipment installation
- install electronic power, communication, control, or security equipment or systems
- install or replace meters, regulators, or related measuring or control devices
- install/connect electrical equipment to power circuit
- maintain electrician's tools or equipment
- replace electronic components
- splice electric cable
- splice electric or communications trunk lines
- repair or replace electrical wiring, circuits, fixtures, or equipment
- install electrical conduit or tubing
- repair electronic components, equipment, or systems
- install lead-in wires to control boxes and other components
- test electrical/electronic wiring, equipment, systems or fixtures
- analyze operation of malfunctioning electrical or electronic equipment
- test electronic or electrical circuit connections
- install electrical fixtures or components
- construct or fabricate electrical parts or fixtures
- order or purchase supplies, materials, or equipment
- repair or adjust measuring or control devices
- estimate cost for repair services
- confer with management or users
- adhere to safety procedures
- perform safety inspections in construction or resource extraction setting
- perform safety inspections in industrial, manufacturing or repair setting
- inspect electrical installation for code conformance
- conduct training for personnel
- drive automobile, van, or light truck
- distinguish colors
- understand service or repair manuals
- direct and coordinate activities of workers or staff
- bend tubing or conduit
- fabricate, assemble, or disassemble manufactured products by hand
- use interpersonal communication techniques
- read blueprints
- read tape measure
- read technical drawings
- plan or organize work
- climb ladders, scaffolding, or utility or telephone poles
- install/string electrical or electronic cable or wiring
- move or fit heavy objects
Tasks
The list below outlines specific tasks that a worker in this occupation is called upon to do regularly.
- Prepare sketches or follow blueprints to determine the location of wiring or equipment and to ensure conformance to building and safety codes.
- 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.
- Work from ladders, scaffolds, or roofs to install, maintain, or repair electrical wiring, equipment, or fixtures.
- 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.
- Assemble, install, test, or maintain electrical or electronic wiring, equipment, appliances, apparatus, or fixtures, using hand tools or power tools.
- Connect wires to circuit breakers, transformers, or other components.
- Maintain current electrician's license or identification card to meet governmental regulations.
- Plan layout and installation of electrical wiring, equipment, or fixtures, based on job specifications and local codes.
- 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.
- Direct or train workers to install, maintain, or repair electrical wiring, equipment, or fixtures.
- Diagnose malfunctioning systems, apparatus, or components, using test equipment and hand tools to locate the cause of a breakdown and correct the problem.
- Inspect electrical systems, equipment, or components to identify hazards, defects, or the need for adjustment or repair, and to ensure compliance with codes.
- Install ground leads and connect power cables to equipment, such as motors.
- Advise management on whether continued operation of equipment could be hazardous.
- Repair or replace wiring, equipment, or fixtures, using hand tools or power tools.
- Construct or fabricate parts, using hand tools, according to specifications.
- Provide assistance during emergencies by operating floodlights or generators, placing flares, or driving needed vehicles.
- Provide preliminary sketches or cost estimates for materials or services.
- Perform business management duties, such as maintaining records or files, preparing reports, or ordering supplies or equipment.
- Fasten small metal or plastic boxes to walls to house electrical switches or outlets.
- Perform physically demanding tasks, such as digging trenches to lay conduit or moving or lifting heavy objects.
Learning Resources
More information on this occupation may be found in the links provided below.
Electricians
Visit this link for additional information on this career from the Occupational Outlook Handbook; a publication produced and maintained by the United States Department of Labor.
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