Whether you’re a journeyman electrician looking to specialize in a certain area of the trade, or an inexperienced worker wanting to learn more about electrical specializations, this blog post is for you.
We’ll discuss different ways to specialize within the electrical industry and provide examples of careers that can be pursued with each specialization. So whether you’re just starting out in your electrical career, or you’re looking for new ways to challenge yourself, read on for some great advice!
Commercial Electrician
A Commercial Electrician is someone who specializes in installing and maintaining electrical systems in commercial buildings, such as office towers or shopping malls.
These power systems are usually much larger and more complex than those found in residential homes, so Commercial Electricians need to have a high level of experience and knowledge.
Some of the main things commercial electricians work on are:
- Installing new electrical systems
- Upgrading existing electrical systems
- Troubleshooting and repairing electrical problems
- Inspecting electrical systems for code violations
Industrial Electrician
An Industrial Electrician is someone who specializes in installing and maintaining electrical systems in industrial settings, such as factories or power plants.
These electrical systems are usually very large and complex, so Industrial Electricians need to have a high level of experience and knowledge. To become an Industrial Electrician, it is often necessary to complete an apprenticeship program.
Automotive Electrician
Automotive Electricians are another common type of electrician, and they specialize in working on vehicles.
If this is what you decide to do, get ready to work in tight spaces and around a lot of moving parts! Automotive Electricians need to be able to diagnose and repair electrical problems in vehicles, as well as install new electrical systems.
Aviation Electrician
An Aviation Electrician is someone who specializes in working on aircraft. These electricians are responsible for the maintenance and repair of all the electrical systems on an aircraft, as well as the installation of new electrical systems.
- Training: The training to become an Aviation Electrician is very similar to the training required to become an Industrial Electrician. In order to become an Aviation Electrician, you will need to complete an apprenticeship program.
- Certifications: Aviation Electrician certifications are offered by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA). The “Fundamentals of Engineering” and “Professional Engineer” licenses are also required for this career.
- Salary: The median salary for an Aviation Electrician is $85,000 per year. Compared to other electrician positions, this is a relatively high salary.
- Job Outlook: The job outlook for Aviation Electricians is very good. The demand for these professionals is expected to grow at a rate of 4% over the next ten years.
Electrical Inspector
An Electrical Inspector is someone who is responsible for inspecting electrical systems to ensure they are safe and up to code. Electrical Inspectors need to have a strong understanding of electrical principles, as well as the ability to read and interpret blueprints.
- Training: In order to become an Electrical Inspector, you will need to complete an accredited training program. Once you have completed the training program, you will need to pass a certification exam.
- Certifications: There are several different organizations that offer certification for Electrical Inspectors. Some of these organizations include the International Association of Electrical Inspectors (IAEI) and the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA).
- Salary and Job Outlook: The median salary for an Electrical Inspector is $60,000 per year. The job outlook for Electrical Inspectors is good. The demand for these professionals is expected to grow at a rate of 3% over the next ten years.
Marine Electrician
A Marine Electrician is someone who specializes in working on boats and other watercraft. These electricians are responsible for the maintenance and repair of all the electrical systems on a vessel, as well as the installation of new electrical systems.
- Training: The training to become a Marine Electrician is similar to the training required to become an Industrial Electrician. In order to become a Marine Electrician, you will need to complete an apprenticeship program.
- Certifications: There are several different organizations that offer certification for Marine Electricians. Some of these organizations include the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) and the United States Coast Guard (USCG).
- Salary and Job Outlook: The median salary for a Yacht Electrician is $85,000 per year. The job outlook for Marine Electricians is good. The demand for these professionals is expected to grow at a rate of 3% over the next ten years.
Inside Wiremen
Inside Wiremen are electricians who specialize in working on the wiring inside buildings. These electricians are responsible for installing, maintaining, and repairing the electrical systems in commercial and industrial buildings.
- Training: In order to become an Inside Wireman, you will need to complete an accredited training program. Once you have completed the training program, you will need to pass a certification exam.
- Certifications: There are several different organizations that offer certification for Inside Wiremen. Some of these organizations include the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers (IBEW) and the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA).
- Salary and Job Outlook: The median salary for an Inside Wireman is $52,000 per year. The job outlook for Inside Wiremen is good. The demand for these professionals is expected to grow at a rate of 3% over the next ten years.
- Outside Linemen: Outside Linemen are electricians who specialize in working on the wiring outside of buildings. These electricians are responsible for installing, maintaining, and repairing the electrical systems in residential and commercial buildings.
- Training: In order to become an Outside Lineman, you will need to complete an accredited training program. Once you have completed the training program, you will need to pass a certification exam.
- Certifications: There are several different organizations that offer certification for Outside Linemen. Some of these organizations include the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers (IBEW) and the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA).
- Salary and Job Outlook: The median salary for an Outside Lineman is $58,000 per year. The job outlook for Outside Linemen is good. The demand for these professionals is expected to grow at a rate of 3% over the next ten years.
Residential Wireman
A Residential Wireman is an electrician who specializes in working on the wiring in homes. These electricians are responsible for installing, maintaining, and repairing the electrical systems in residential buildings.
- Training: In order to become a Residential Wireman, you will need to complete an accredited training program. Once you have completed the training program, you will need to pass a certification exam.
- Certifications: There are several different organizations that offer certification for Residential Wiremen. Some of these organizations include the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers (IBEW) and the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA).
- Salary and Job Outlook: The median salary for a Residential Wireman is $46,000 per year. The job outlook for Residential Wiremen is good. The demand for these professionals is expected to grow at a rate of 3% over the next ten years.
Installer Technician
An Installer Technician is an electrician who specializes in installing and repairing electrical systems. These electricians are responsible for installing, maintaining, and repairing the electrical systems in commercial and industrial buildings.
- Training: In order to become an Installer Technician, you will need to complete an accredited training program. Once you have completed the training program, you will need to pass a certification exam.
- Certifications: There are several different organizations that offer certification for Installer Technicians. Some of these organizations include the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers (IBEW) and the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA).
- Salary and Job Outlook: The median salary for an Installer Technician is $50,000 per year. The job outlook for Installer Technicians is good. The demand for these professionals is expected to grow at a rate of 3% over the next ten years.
Renewable Energy Technician
A Renewable Energy Technician is someone who specializes in installing and maintaining renewable energy systems, such as solar panels or wind turbines. Renewable Energy Technicians need to have a strong understanding of electrical principles, as well as the ability to safely work with high-voltage equipment.
- Training: In order to become a Renewable Energy Technician, you will need to complete an accredited training program. Once you have completed the training program, you will need to pass a certification exam.
- Certifications: There are several different organizations that offer certification for Renewable Energy Technicians. Some of these organizations include the International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA) and the North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP).
- Salary and Job Outlook: The median salary for a Renewable Energy Technician is $52,000 per year. The job outlook for Renewable Energy Technicians is good. The demand for these professionals is expected to grow at a rate of 4%.
As you can see, there are a variety of different specializations within the electrical industry that you can pursue. Depending on your interests and skills, there is a perfect fit for you.
The job outlook for all of these positions is good, so there is no wrong choice when it comes to specializing in the electrical industry. We hope this article has helped you make a decision about which specialization is right for you.