There are currently an estimated 818,700 electricians in the United States. The electrician job market is expected to grow by 9.5% between 2024 and 2034.

How employable are electricians?

CareerExplorer rates electricians with an A- employability rating, meaning this career should provide great employment opportunities for the foreseeable future. Over the next 10 years, it is expected the US will need 77,400 electricians.

Are electricians in demand?

The anticipated excellent outlook for this occupation is related to the constant need for upkeep of increasingly sophisticated, computerized wiring and electrical systems. Considering that nearly every building has some form of electrical power, an expected rise in new construction will mean further job prospects for electricians. The ongoing need for maintenance of older equipment in manufacturing plants and emergency electrical repairs after storms and grid blowouts creates more demand. In addition, advances in power generation will require electricians trained in the installation and maintenance of solar and wind technologies. The linking of these newer sources of energy to home and power grids will become the responsibility of electricians. More than two-thirds of all electricians in the United States work for electrical contracting firms that supply building contractors. Only about ten percent choose self-employment. Entrance into the field is generally pursued following graduation from a technical school program, completion of an apprenticeship, and the passing of an examination testing knowledge of national and regional electric codes. Candidates’ specific job prospects will greatly depend on their skill levels, training, experience, and acquired certificates and licenses. Certifications in specialty areas such as instrumentation, electrical administration, and fiber optics will open doors to further opportunities. Those who qualify for a master electrician’s license will naturally expand their employability in senior positions. Simply stated, overall demand in the field is not expected to slow because electricians ensure safety of lives and property.

What’s the supply of electricians?

The electrician industry is concentrated in Texas, California, Florida

Electrician job market by state

State Name Employed Electricians
Texas 76,770
California 73,310
Florida 49,700
New York 40,130
Ohio 28,950
Virginia 23,630
Michigan 23,530
Illinois 23,120
Pennsylvania 22,730
Georgia 21,650
North Carolina 21,640
Arizona 21,140
Washington 19,380
Indiana 19,020
Massachusetts 17,810
Tennessee 17,070
Colorado 17,010
Minnesota 14,350
Wisconsin 14,310
Maryland 13,690
New Jersey 13,520
Missouri 12,780
Utah 11,450
Kentucky 11,030
Alabama 10,900
Oregon 10,590
Louisiana 10,550
Iowa 10,310
Oklahoma 8,500
Nevada 8,350
South Carolina 8,010
Connecticut 7,710
Arkansas 7,500
Mississippi 6,610
Nebraska 6,440
Kansas 6,350
Idaho 5,690
New Mexico 5,020
West Virginia 4,290
Maine 3,780
North Dakota 3,570
New Hampshire 3,330
Hawaii 3,070
South Dakota 2,980
Wyoming 2,960
Montana 2,750
District of Columbia 2,440
Rhode Island 2,420
Delaware 2,260
Alaska 1,870
Vermont 1,270