Electricians are skilled professionals who have the power to help change the world. They are in charge of installing and maintaining electrical systems in homes, businesses, and other buildings. Electricians work on everything from simple light switches to complicated power grids that provide electricity for entire cities.
But what if you want to be an electrician but don’t have the money for school? What if you’re not interested in working on large-scale projects?
Luckily for you, there are many alternative careers for electricians that can help you use your skills while helping others in more focused ways. Here are some great options:
- Installer/Repair Person
This job works well if you like working with people and helping them with their problems. It also gives you a chance to work with small-scale projects that don’t require a lot of training or education. You’ll need some basic knowledge of wiring and electrical systems, but most of your work will be done by listening to customers’ needs and figuring out how best to meet them. This could include installing new lights or repairing old ones; testing circuits; fixing appliances; replacing outlets; even changing the batteries in smoke detectors!
- Technical Writer/Editor
If you love writing and editing
Alternative Careers For Electricians
- 3Dunwoody College of Technology
- 4Milwaukee Area Technical College
- 5Nashville State Technical Community College
- 6Yakima Valley Community College
- 7Wytheville Community College
- 8Withlacoochee Technical Institute
- Show more schools…
Avg. Wages For Related Jobs
$20000
$30000
$40000
$50000
$60000
$70000
- Electricians
- Helpers–electricians
- Helpers, construction trades, all other
- First-line supervisors/managers of construction trades and extraction workers
Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics
Alternative Careers for Electricians
Alternative Career Options for Electricians
Those who wish to pursue a career as an electrician could consider alternative ones in the construction or automotive industries. The options presented below are just several that require strong technical backgrounds.
| Job Title | Median Salary (2020)* | Job Outlook (2019-2029)* |
|---|---|---|
| Construction Laborer | $37,080 | 5% |
| Avionics Technician | $67,840 | 4% |
| Automotive Service Technician | $44,050 (for automotive service technician & mechanic) | -4% (decline) (for automotive service technician & mechanic) |
| Heating, Air Conditioning, & Refrigeration Mechanic & Installer | $50,590 | 4% |
| Solar Photovoltaic Installer | $46,470 | 51% |
Source: *U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS)
Career Information about Alternative Careers for Electricians
Construction Laborer
Similar to an electrician, a career as a construction laborer requires physical stamina and technical skills. As a construction laborer, you will perform various duties during building and road construction. These duties include setting up construction sites, serving as traffic control during road construction, and using machinery such as jackhammers and surveying equipment. Construction laborers work in a variety of environments and typically receive on-the-job training.
Avionics Technician
Those considering a career as an electrician may also want to consider a job as an avionics technician since they both work with electrical components. Avionics technicians are responsible for ensuring aircraft are in good working condition. They do so by testing onboard instruments, analyzing data to determine any issues, and repairing instruments as needed. Avionics technicians usually work in aerospace product and parts manufacturing and often receive training at an FAA-approved technician school.
Automotive Service Technician
Individuals interested in a profession as an electrician may be interested in working as an automotive service technician because they both focus on identifying problems. As an automotive service technician, you will be responsible for ensuring vehicles operate properly. You will do so by examining vehicles to diagnose any issues, running tests on components and systems, and performing tasks like oil changes and tire rotations. In this career, you will most likely work for a car dealership or privately owned repair shop and will need a postsecondary nondegree award, with most employers requiring certification from the National Institute for Automotive Service Excellence upon hire.
Heating, Air Conditioning, & Refrigeration Mechanic & Installer
Like an electrician, heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanics and installers, known as HVACR technicians, also work on maintaining and repairing equipment. HVACR technicians specialize in ensuring a building’s systems are working properly. They often repair existing systems by diagnosing problems, installing new systems, and performing inspections. HVACR technicians work in commercial and residential buildings and often complete postsecondary training at a technical or trade school, with the option to become certified depending on the type of equipment they use.
Solar Photovoltaic Installer
Those who desire to become an electrician may want to consider becoming a solar photovoltaic installer, as both careers focus on providing buildings with power. As a solar photovoltaic installer, you will specialize in outfitting buildings with solar energy capabilities. Job responsibilities include designing systems based on customers’ needs and building specifications and installing and maintaining systems. Solar photovoltaic installers often work for plumbing, heating, and air conditioning contractors and must have at least a high school diploma, with many in the field pursuing training through a trade school or apprenticeship.
