The salary you earn as an electrician will vary depending on where you live and whether you choose to work for yourself or someone else. Even if self employed, the salary earned will also depend on whether you’re working residential or commercial.
The salary earned for an electrician working a combination of residential and commercial contracts is significantly different from working only residential or commercial. Commercial work tends to be higher paying if you’re self-employed, and the downside is that it may take 30-120 days to get paid.
On the other hand, residential work tends to provide a quicker cash flow as it’s usually the norm for residential clients to pay as soon as work is completed. The choice is always up to the individual electrician. Self-employment may at some point yield a higher salary, while working for someone else might prove to be more cost effective.
Median salaries of electricians in 2006 were $20.97.
Once electricians go through the usual intensive apprenticeship program, which typically lasts three to five years, they are usually well prepared to seek employment in the industry as entry-level technicians.
Once an electrician reaches journeyman status, he or she can possibly advance their careers as supervisors or superintendents. Opportunities to look for inspector jobs may also be an option.
While there are signs the economy may have slowed down, new housing and business construction will always be a vital part of the economy. Innovations and lowering technology costs can actually serve to place a demand for electricians and a premium on salaries for those who can work on video, telecommunications and security as well.
If you’re interested in getting the electrician program tech school training that can give your future salary options a boost, why not contact WyoTech today to learn more about the program training available.
*Bureau of Labor Statistics - Occupational Outlook Handbook, 2008-2009 Edition.