One of the biggest decisions we make is what to do professionally in our lives. And whether you’re a new grad just starting out or looking to make a career change mid-life, you have a lot of options.
Trade jobs, like electricians and plumbers, are often overlooked in this overabundance of options. However, trade jobs offer a variety of benefits that should have them on your list.
If you’ve been wondering why someone might want to become an electrician, keep reading for nine compelling reasons to electrify your career!
1. Pay Is The Highest Of All The Trade Jobs
The number one reason to become an electrician for most people is the pay. While most trade jobs have fairly high hourly rates due to their necessity and demand, electricians are the highest paid of the bunch.
Electricians make, on average, around $55,000 a year to start. Especially for younger new grads starting out, it can be a great way to start making a decent salary without years of college.
Additionally, most electric companies offer advanced career opportunities for continued growth and great benefits like insurance and 401k. You’d be hard put to find a better starting salary and benefits so soon after leaving school.
2. The School Required Is Affordable
Speaking of school, trade schools are generally more affordable than traditional colleges. Most also offer day and night classes, meaning students can work while going to school with a more flexible schedule.
When you finish your courses, you take the exams necessary to gain licensure in your state and are able to immediately go to work.
3. Electricians Are Always Needed
Certain professions fall into a luxury category. They’re niceties to have, but when money is short they’re the first thing to fall by wayside in lieu of cheaper options.
Electricians are always in demand because of their specialized skills and knowledge. The average homeowner can’t do electrical projects themselves, and electricity is a necessary component of any construction. Most electric jobs require a permit pulled by a licensed electrician to be completed.
Job security, especially long term, is always a nice bonus to your chosen career.
4. You’ll Always Have Side Work
As long as you have friends and family, you’ll always have the option to pick up side jobs. From small electrical projects to remodels, you will likely always know someone or know someone who knows someone who needs an electrical job done.
Because a permit is required, your friends and family will appreciate having an “in” to save them a little extra money while putting some into yours. Having a small side hustle that adds a little extra to your pocket is never a bad perk!
5. There Are Numerous Career Paths
While some careers are very linear, electricians have options. Whether you’re a people person or a lone wolf, like to travel or stay put – you’ll find a job perfect for you.
You can first choose to work in a residential or commercial setting. Residential electricians deal with house calls and residential remodels for individuals. Commercial electricians have even more options.
Many electricians choose to specialize in new construction. But electricians are also needed at places you might not immediately realize, like power and electric plants, oil rigs, and in-house operations like casinos and hotels.
6. Skill Shortages Mean Higher Demand
There is a severe labor shortage in skilled trades, with over seven million jobs unfilled last year. Most analysts correlate this to higher numbers of students choosing to go to college.
However, for those choosing to go into skilled labor trades, it means you might get quite a few benefits. For instance, portions of your schooling and books could be paid by companies looking to recruit you. You’ll have an easier time finding an entry-level job upon graduation. It’s also an added layer of job security – no matter where you go, your skill will be in demand.
7. Start Making Money Faster
Not only is the schooling for electricians more affordable, but it’s also shorter. Certificate programs for electricians start at a few months, with masters programs going up to a year or two. Many of these advanced programs can be completed over time, after you’ve begun work, making their money-making potential even greater.
The amount of school required depends on the student’s level of dedication and the desired field of work and title, but even the upper echelons of electricians save themselves years of college required by other fields.
8. The Work Is Always Changing
Along with the varied fields, the work in each field itself stays somewhat varied and different. You’ll be moving from site to site, meaning each day and week is a new location.
For those who hate the idea of being stuck behind a desk, becoming an electrician means plenty of movement and exercise as you navigate to different job sites and complete tasks.
That’s not to say some electricians find jobs where they mostly stay stationary and monitor existing systems, but if you like the idea of moving from job to job and having different kinds of work on a weekly basis, you’ll enjoy the opportunities in the electric field.
Are You Ready To Become An Electrician?
There are plenty of good reasons to become an electrician – from the pay and benefits to the high demand and varied jobs, you’ll always be able to find work that you’re paid well to do. And skilled labor schools exist almost everywhere, meaning there’s likely one near you!
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