The Job Market for Electricians in the United States
Overview
As of now, there are approximately 762,600 electricians in the United States. The job market for electricians is projected to grow by 6.5% from 2022 to 2032, indicating a steady demand for skilled professionals in this field.
Employability
Electricians have a B+ employability rating from CareerExplorer, suggesting good job opportunities in the foreseeable future. Over the next decade, the U.S. is expected to require 54,600 additional electricians due to both new positions and retirements.
Demand Factors
The demand for electricians is fueled by several factors:
- Technological Advancements: The increasing complexity of electrical systems necessitates ongoing maintenance and updates.
- Construction Growth: A rise in new construction projects means more job opportunities.
- Maintenance Needs: There is a continuous requirement for maintenance of older equipment and emergency repairs, especially after severe weather events.
- Renewable Energy: Advances in solar and wind technologies will create additional demand for electricians trained in these areas.
Employment Landscape
Most electricians in the U.S. work for electrical contracting firms, with about 10% choosing self-employment. Job prospects can vary based on skill level, training, experience, and specialized certifications (e.g., instrumentation, electrical administration, fiber optics). Holding a master electrician’s license significantly enhances job opportunities and can lead to senior positions.
Employment by State
The distribution of electricians varies by state, with the following data:
| State | Employed Electricians |
|---|---|
| California | 63,060 |
| Texas | 60,080 |
| New York | 41,920 |
| Florida | 36,820 |
| Ohio | 24,170 |
| Illinois | 22,810 |
| Michigan | 22,780 |
| Pennsylvania | 21,580 |
| Washington | 17,730 |
| Georgia | 17,330 |
| New Jersey | 16,490 |
| Virginia | 15,980 |
| Massachusetts | 15,820 |
| North Carolina | 15,680 |
| Colorado | 15,070 |
| Indiana | 14,080 |
| Maryland | 13,070 |
| Tennessee | 11,750 |
| Louisiana | 11,470 |
| Missouri | 11,180 |
| Wisconsin | 11,000 |
| Minnesota | 10,790 |
| Arizona | 10,400 |
| Utah | 9,430 |
| Kentucky | 8,870 |
| South Carolina | 8,850 |
| Alabama | 8,670 |
| Oregon | 8,360 |
| Iowa | 7,990 |
| Connecticut | 7,070 |
| Nevada | 6,310 |
| Oklahoma | 5,970 |
| Arkansas | 5,730 |
| Mississippi | 5,520 |
| Kansas | 5,320 |
| Nebraska | 4,960 |
| New Mexico | 4,030 |
| Idaho | 3,880 |
| West Virginia | 3,650 |
| North Dakota | 3,540 |
| Hawaii | 3,470 |
| Wyoming | 2,240 |
| South Dakota | 2,230 |
| Montana | 2,170 |
| New Hampshire | 2,150 |
| Rhode Island | 1,960 |
| Delaware | 1,910 |
| Maine | 1,870 |
| Alaska | 1,610 |
| Puerto Rico | 1,420 |
| District of Columbia | 1,190 |
| Vermont | 1,080 |
| Guam | 400 |
| U.S. Virgin Islands | 110 |
Conclusion
The outlook for electricians is strong, with consistent demand driven by technological changes and infrastructure needs. Those entering the field can expect good job prospects, especially if they pursue further education and specialized training.
Information provided by CareerOnlines, LLC and other sources.
Sections of this page includes information from the O*NET 29.0 Database by the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration (USDOL/ETA). Used under the CC BY 4.0 license.
CareerOnlines, LLC has modified all or some of this information. USDOL/ETA has not approved, endorsed, or tested these modifications.