Highest Paying Electrician Jobs In 2023
Anyone thinking of becoming an electrician might be curious about knowing what the highest paying electrician jobs are. Electrician occupations are valuable and in high demand in a world that depends on electricity. Electricians are today’s unsung heroes because the work involves several hours of practical training and carries a high level of risk.
What Do You Need to Become an Electrician?
To become a licensed electrician, you must complete a combination of formal education and hands-on training1. First, you’ll need to earn a high school diploma or a GED. This is the basic requirement for entering the field.
Next, many aspiring electricians choose to enroll in a pre-apprenticeship program at a vocational school. Although this step isn’t mandatory, it often provides a strong foundation and makes candidates more competitive.
Afterward, you’ll begin a formal apprenticeship. This typically lasts four to five years and is completed under the supervision of a licensed master electrician. During this time, you’ll gain practical experience while earning a paycheck. Eventually, you’ll need to pass a state licensing exam to work independently as a certified electrician.
What Is the Highest-Paying Electrician Job?
If you’re considering a long-term career in this field, it’s helpful to know which electrician roles offer the most earning potential2. Salaries can vary depending on specialization, experience level, and geographic location. Below are several of the top-paying electrician careers:
Senior Electrical Estimator: $86,500 to $121,500 Annually
To begin with, senior estimators are responsible for preparing detailed cost estimates for electrical projects. They analyze blueprints, assess job sites, and monitor market trends. Because of the precision involved, this job requires both technical expertise and attention to detail.
Senior Electrical Designer: $75,500 to $105,000 Annually
In this role, you’ll design electrical systems for construction projects. Typically, this includes selecting equipment, preparing layouts, and occasionally visiting job sites to check progress. Although travel is limited, teamwork and communication are essential.
Electrical Superintendent: $62,500 to $99,000 Annually
As an electrical superintendent, you’ll oversee installation and design work on job sites. Not only do you coordinate subcontractors and create schedules, but you also ensure that all systems are installed correctly and safely. In many cases, you’re the key point of contact throughout the project.
High Voltage Electrician: $55,500 to $93,000 Annually
This job involves working with high-voltage electrical systems, which carry greater risk. As a result, safety procedures are critical. Duties may include repairing power outages, maintaining electrical towers, and inspecting large-scale circuits.
Lighting Engineer: $62,500 to $90,000 Annually
Lighting engineers focus on entertainment venues, such as concerts or film sets. They set up, test, and maintain lighting systems to ensure both safety and aesthetics. Additionally, they often work alongside camera crews and stage managers to achieve the desired lighting effects.
Lighting Designer: $51,000 to $88,500 Annually
Lighting designers typically work in the performing arts industry. They plan how lighting will be used in stage productions, determine light placement, and create cues for lighting changes. As rehearsals progress, they often revise lighting plans in coordination with technicians.
Electrical Estimator: $59,000 to $85,500 Annually
In this technical role, you calculate the costs of electrical components, labor, and installation for upcoming projects. Whether the job is residential or commercial, your estimate helps determine budgets and timelines before work begins.
Electrical Inspector: $46,500 to $84,500 Annually
Lastly, electrical inspectors ensure that building wiring and electrical systems meet safety codes. Their work involves inspecting fuse boxes, lighting, and overall electrical layouts. They may work for local governments or private companies, helping ensure every installation is up to standard.
Top-Paying Electrician Jobs and What They Involve
Electricians work in a variety of environments, from homes and office buildings to oil rigs and boats. While their tasks and pay can differ, most electrician roles require a good understanding of electrical systems, attention to detail, and adherence to safety standards. Below is a list of high-paying electrician jobs, their key responsibilities, and salary ranges.
Electrical Designer: $58,500 to $82,500 Annually
Electrical designers are responsible for creating electrical systems in homes, businesses, or industrial sites. They must ensure all designs follow safety regulations and don’t interfere with existing systems. Additionally, they create plans for high-voltage systems, including layouts for control panels or power lines.
Automation Technicians: $75,000 to $77,900 Annually
Automation technicians manage the electrical systems used in manufacturing and processing plants. They must understand programming, as they are often responsible for setting up, fixing, and improving automated systems.
Electricians on Oil Rigs: $65,000 to $85,000 Annually
This is one of the best-paying roles in the industry. Oil rig electricians install and maintain electrical equipment offshore. The position includes general electricians, electrical technicians, and chief electricians, each with different levels of responsibility.
Electrical Systems Designers: $65,000 to $85,000 Annually
These professionals are in demand across the utility, power distribution, and telecom industries. Their job involves helping design public grids and routing power lines for safe and effective delivery.
Journeyman Electrician: $50,000 to $69,000 Annually
A journeyman electrician installs and repairs electrical systems for both residential and commercial buildings. In this role, you may also train apprentices, test systems, locate faults, and ensure everything meets code requirements.
Construction Electrician: $44,500 to $62,500 Annually
These electricians work on new construction projects. They plan, install, and maintain wiring and electrical systems that power lighting, heating, and communication. Their work ensures that buildings are safe and up to standard.
Traveling Electrician: $45,500 to $62,000 Annually
As the name implies, traveling electricians move from one location to another. Their tasks often include installing wiring, troubleshooting issues, and performing system repairs in different settings.
Electrician Technician: $39,500 to $59,500 Annually
Electrician technicians handle maintenance and repair of both home and industrial electrical systems. Their responsibilities also include inspecting devices, replacing faulty components, and testing systems for performance.
Commercial Electrician: $42,000 to $57,000 Annually
Commercial electricians focus on the electrical needs of businesses and large buildings. This role requires physical agility, planning skills, and the ability to work in tight spaces. Most commercial electricians start as apprentices before advancing to higher roles.
Low Voltage Electrician: $38,000 to $55,500 Annually
Low voltage electricians specialize in wiring systems that power devices like security cameras, alarms, and entertainment systems. They typically work on smaller residential or business projects and ensure that systems are installed safely.
Electrical Installer: $34,500 to $54,000 Annually
These professionals follow electrical diagrams to build and modify systems. Tasks include installing panels, circuit breakers, lighting, and HVAC systems. They also troubleshoot problems and ensure each installation meets quality and safety standards.
Marine Technician: $40,000 to $45,000 Annually
Marine technicians work on boats and watercraft. They install and maintain electrical systems that control navigation and onboard equipment. As more people invest in boats, this specialty is becoming increasingly valuable.
Conclusion
Electrician salaries can vary depending on factors like location, industry, and experience level. However, roles in automation, oil rigs, and design tend to offer higher pay. If you’re currently working as an electrician, it’s worth researching local salary averages to see how your compensation compares. And if you’re exploring related careers, you might also want to check out truck driving opportunities, which can also offer competitive pay.
{BUTTONS}Reference
[1] Educational Requirements “Electrician: Educational Requirements and Career Profile” BestAccreditedColleges.org, 2021
[2] Job Responsibilities Of Different Electricians “What Do Electricians Do In 2022?” NEIT, 2022
[3] Commercial Electricians “Commercial Electricians | What They Do And Why You Need One” Hawkeye Electric, Inc., 2022
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