For anyone who wants to follow the path of becoming an electrician, you’ll need to chose which field you want to specialize in. According to the field you choose, the kind of training you get will be different. When it comes to base skill sets, then residential, commercial and industrial electricians have similar base skills.
There are however, differences when it comes to the kind of work they do regularly. The kind of training they need in order to carry out their work could be different as well. Let’s look at what they each do, individually.
1. Residential Electricians
If you work as a residential electrician, then you’ll be providing services which include installing as well as maintaining electrical systems in homes. You could also find yourself supervising apprentice electricians as well. Your duties will include:
- Installing, repairing as well as maintaining electrical outlets, relays, wiring, switches, as well as control systems.
- You may need to work with circuit breakers as well as transformers.
- You should know how to read blueprints, as well as how to work with architects. You could need to work with them in order to plan out what the electrical layout of structure will be.
- You should know how to use various power and hand tools.
- You’ll need to follow the National Electrical Code, as well as the regulations within your state.
How Much Do You Earn As A Residential Electrician?
The Bureau of Labor Statistics states that electricians, in 2021, made an average salary of $63,310. Those that fell in the top 10% of earners made around $99,800. It’s been seen that new sources of energy, such as solar panels, are gaining in popularity. There has also been an increasing demand within the housing market.
As a result employment for residential electricians is expected to witness a growth of around 9% years the year 2030.
2. Commercial Electricians
A commercial electrician is a specialist who is licensed to install as well as maintsin the electrical systems that are found in commercial buildings. These buildings include retail stores, restaurants, as well as businesses. As a commercial electrician, your primary role is to ensure that all the wiring is proper, and that the control system is working properly.
Unlike with residential electricians, you won’t find yourself dealing with as many people in this line of work. So if you’re introverted, then working as a commercial electrician could be perfect for you.
Your job roles include:
- Installing conduits and running electrical wiring within commercial spaces.
- Working in tandem with the blueprints that general contractors will be providing you with.
- You may need to wire instruments that are responsible for controlling lighting, heating, as well as the air conditioning units.
- If systems are malfunctioning, then you may need to diagnose them. You’ll also need to inspect equipment as well as components, to figure out where the issue is coming from, before you fix it.
- You’ll need to know how to use hand tools as well as power tools.
- You should follow the National Electrical Code and comply with the regulations within your state.
How Much Do You Earn As A Commercial Electrician?
If you become a commercial electrician, then you’ll be earning between $62,000 and $64,000 every year. The career outlook for commercial electricians is expected to be constant as well, so this means that if you enter this field, you’ll find regular work.
You should also consider getting electrician liability insurance. This is as your career leaves you vulnerable to certain risk factors, such as getting sued by clients. If you have electrician liability insurance, then you can protect your career as well as your finances. If you would like learn more about electrician liability insurance, then click here.
3. Industrial Electricians
Industrial electricians are responsible for installing, maintaining as well as repairing the electrical systems found in industrial spaces. These include warehouses as well as manufacturing facilities.
If you want to be an industrial electrician, then you should have good physical stamina as well as endurance. Often, you’ll find yourself working alongside a team of professionals, so you should know how to work well with other people.
Your job role will include:
- Installing, maintaining as well as repairing the electrical components found in industrial equipment.
- You’ll need to follow blueprints, technical documents, as well as schematics.
- You should thoroughly understand how electrical systems work. You should also know about industrial equipment as well as high-voltage components.
- You’ll need to follow state as well as national regulations and codes.
How Much Do You Earn As An Industrial Electrician?
The Bureau of Labor Statistics states that in 2021, industrial electricians made an annual average salary that was between $62,000 as well as $69,440. By the year 2030 the demand for industrial electricians is expected to increase by around 9%.
Conclusion
Residential, commercial and industrial electricians work in very different kinds of locations. However, what you earn isn’t that much different. When you choose a specialization, you’ll learn more about the electrical systems of that field, such as commercial electrical systems and residential electrical systems.
Use this guide to learn what the differences are between residential, commercial and industrial electricians.