Electrician Responsibilties:
Install, maintain, and repair electrical wiring, equipment, and fixtures. Ensure that work is in accordance with relevant codes. May install or service street lights, intercom systems, or electrical control systems.
Electrician Benefits:
Electricians enjoy stable careers with competitive salaries, overtime, and benefits in a growing industry. The field offers clear paths for advancement, from apprentice to master electrician, with corresponding pay increases.
Pennsylvania requires all electricians to have a license to perform commercial and residential electrical work.
The different types of electrical licenses in Pennsylvania are electrician apprentice license, journeyman electrician, and electrical contractor.
Pennsylvania electrician apprentices install, repair, and maintain electrical systems in commercial and residential properties. Electrician apprentices are supervised by journeyman electricians and electrical contractors. Applicants for the electrician apprentice license must:
Pennsylvania journeyman electricians alter, repair, and install any equipment that uses electrical energy. They supervise the work of electrician apprentices. Applicants for the journeyman electrician license must:
Pennsylvania electrical contractors supervise journeyman and apprentice electricians. They maintain, install, repair, and alter wires, fixtures, conduits, and electrical equipment. Applicants must:
Electrical licenses are not administered at the state level. License application fees may vary. Contact the electrical licensing board in your area to apply for a Pennsylvania electrical license. The average hourly pay for Pennsylvania electricians is $21.61.
Enroll in a Pennsylvania apprenticeship program. Complete an application for an electrician apprentice license. Then, you will work as an apprentice for a minimum of four years. After your apprenticeship, take a journeyman examination and apply for a journeyman license. Work as a journeyman for two years, and then submit an application for an electrical contractor’s license.
Electrician Apprenticeship Programs
Pennsylvania apprenticeship programs provide training, electrical work experience, and the opportunity to earn a salary. Apprenticeship programs are sponsored by utility companies, government agencies, and electrician unions. Program costs depend on the guidelines of each program. Tuition costs for electrician trade schools can be as much as $10,000. Financial aid is available at accredited trade schools.
Apprenticeship Program Prerequisites
On-the-Job Experience:
Pennsylvania Electrical License Information: Each municipality has different exam requirements and fees. The passing score for electrician examinations is 70%. Exams are administered by local Pennsylvania licensing boards.
Pennsylvania Electrician Examination Content
Examination Study Resources
Union membership is costly. Expect to pay between $150 and $300 per month for union dues. This money is deducted from union members’ paychecks. However, union members receive more job benefits than non-union electricians. Benefits include paid vacations, pension plans, and health insurance.
An effective job search requires you to take consistent action. From job searches to interviews, you must be prepared for each step. Here are a few tips to help you get an electrician job in Pennsylvania:
Where to Find Electrician Jobs
Job Search Tips
Helpful Electrician Job Interview Tips
Pennsylvania electricians risk their safety when working with electricity. Job hazards include electrical fires, extreme weather conditions, and electrical shock.
Electrical companies and electricians must be insured at all times. They must have general liability insurance that protects against bodily harm and property damage.
The home remodeling industry is booming. Instead of building new homes, many homeowners opt to remodel their existing homes. They hire electricians to install new lighting fixtures and rewire their homes.
Power grid lines are vulnerable to cyber attacks. Companies count on electricians to reconfigure the grid lines to prevent cybersecurity threats.
Technology companies develop electrical tools to decrease the number of on-the-job injuries for electricians. Learn about the latest electrical tools and technology by attending electrical trade shows.
Pennsylvania does not have reciprocity agreements with other states.
To change your name, replace your card, or change your address, contact your local electrician licensing board.
Pennsylvania licenses generally expire a year after they are issued. Renewal fees depend on the requirements of the local licensing boards.
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