Electricians
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.
BLS SOC 47-2111 · O*NET-SOC 47-2111.00 · BLS 2025–2035 · O*NET 31.0
Median annual wage, 2025
$63,190
Projected change, 2025–2035
9.2%
2025–2035 annual average openings
72,700
AI exposure
Moderate
Editorial analysis
AI can help find the fault. Someone still has to open the panel.
Electricians are a good example of a job that AI can change without being able to perform most of it. Software can help interpret diagrams, search electrical codes, identify likely causes of a fault, prepare estimates, document completed work, and analyze data from smart building systems. None of that replaces safely working on energized or de-energized electrical equipment in an unpredictable physical setting.
Buildings are not clean digital environments
Existing wiring may differ from plans. Renovations reveal undocumented changes. Equipment fails in unusual ways. Access is awkward. A diagnostic system might suggest where the problem lies, but the electrician still has to confirm it physically and perform the repair safely.
- Troubleshooting tools can become more intelligent.
- Estimating, code lookup, and job documentation can take less time.
- Smart buildings, energy storage, solar installations, EV charging, and automated controls create new technical systems for electricians to understand.
- Dexterity, safety awareness, licensing, and physical problem-solving provide substantial insulation from purely software-based automation.
AI may actually increase the technological content of electrical work. Electricians who are comfortable with connected systems, sensors, controls, renewable-energy equipment, and diagnostics may find that the occupation evolves rather than disappears.
Labor-market picture
Two measures, different questions
These measures offer two different ways to understand the occupation: BLS projections show how national employment may change over time, while relative AI exposure highlights where tasks may intersect with AI-related capabilities. Read them with the work profile and your local context to decide what deserves closer investigation.
Employment
- Employment, 2025
- 821,000 jobs
- Projected employment, 2035
- 896,900 jobs
- Projected change, 2025–2035
- 75,900 jobs (9.2%)
Relative AI exposure
BLS category: Moderate. This is a relative task-exposure classification, not a forecast of employment change, automation, wages, or worker replacement.
Relative AI exposure · Moderate
Work profile
Representative tasks
These task statements come from O*NET 31.0. They are source facts, not labels assigned by the AI exposure measure.
- Prepare sketches or follow blueprints to determine the location of wiring or equipment and to ensure conformance to building and safety codes.
- Place conduit, pipes, or tubing, inside designated partitions, walls, or other concealed areas, and pull insulated wires or cables through the conduit to complete circuits between boxes.
- Work from ladders, scaffolds, or roofs to install, maintain, or repair electrical wiring, equipment, or fixtures.
- Use a variety of tools or equipment, such as power construction equipment, measuring devices, power tools, and testing equipment, such as oscilloscopes, ammeters, or test lamps.
- Assemble, install, test, or maintain electrical or electronic wiring, equipment, appliances, apparatus, or fixtures, using hand tools or power tools.
- Connect wires to circuit breakers, transformers, or other components.
Skills that matter
Skills in the source profile
Importance uses O*NET's 1–5 scale. Level uses its 0–7 scale. Select a skill to see its source definition and reported values.
Technology and tools
These technology records come from O*NET and show software or tools reported in the occupation profile. They describe work context, not a required checklist for every employer.
- Document management software
- Computer aided design CAD software
- Industrial control software
- Analytical or scientific software
- Project management software
- Data base user interface and query software
- Spreadsheet software
- Office suite software
Preparation
- Typical entry education
- High school diploma or equivalent
- Related experience
- None
- On-the-job training
- Apprenticeship
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Source provenance
Labor-market and exposure facts: bls-ep-2025-35. Work profile: onet-31.0. Verify release details on the Sources page.