An electrician installs, repairs, and maintains electrical systems in buildings and on equipment
An electrician is a tradesperson who works with electrical wiring, equipment, and systems. They install new electrical infrastructure in homes and buildings, fix problems when systems fail, and perform regular maintenance to keep electricity flowing safely. Electricians work on everything from the wires behind your walls to the circuit breaker panel, light fixtures, outlets, and appliances that use electricity.
The work requires both hands-on skill and technical knowledge. Electricians must understand electrical codes — the safety rules that govern how electrical work is done — and they need to read blueprints, use specialized tools, and troubleshoot problems when something goes wrong. Most electricians work for contractors, property management companies, or as independent business owners.
Key Takeaways
- Electricians install new wiring and electrical systems, repair broken circuits and outlets, and maintain equipment to prevent failures.
- Most electricians complete a multi-year apprenticeship and pass a licensing exam before they can work independently.
- Residential electricians work in homes; commercial electricians work in office buildings and retail spaces; industrial electricians work in factories and plants.
- Electrical codes vary by location, so an electrician licensed in one state may need additional training or licensing to work in another.
The three main types of electrical work
Residential electricians work in homes and apartment buildings. They install outlets, switches, and light fixtures; run wiring through walls; upgrade electrical panels when a household needs more power; and repair problems like dead outlets or flickering lights. Most of the electrical work a homeowner encounters involves a residential electrician.
Commercial electricians work in office buildings, retail stores, hospitals, and other non-industrial businesses. Their work is similar to residential work but often at a larger scale — they might wire an entire office floor or install the electrical system for a new shopping center. Commercial buildings have different code requirements than homes, so commercial electricians learn those specific rules.
Industrial electricians work in factories, power plants, and manufacturing facilities. They maintain and repair heavy machinery, large motors, and complex electrical systems that run production equipment. Industrial work often involves higher voltages and more specialized knowledge than residential or commercial work.
How electricians become licensed
Most states require electricians to be licensed, which means they have completed training and passed an exam. The path typically starts with an apprenticeship — a paid job where a new electrician learns from an experienced one while working on real projects. Apprenticeships usually last four to five years and combine on-the-job training with classroom instruction in electrical theory, safety, and code.
After completing an apprenticeship, an electrician becomes a journeyman by passing a licensing exam. A journeyman electrician can work independently and supervise apprentices. Some electricians go further and become master electricians by passing an additional exam and gaining several more years of experience. Master electricians can start their own businesses and pull permits for electrical work.
Licensing requirements vary by state and sometimes by city. An electrician licensed in one state may not be automatically licensed in another — they may need to pass a new exam or complete additional training to meet local code differences.
What electricians do on a typical job
When you call an electrician to fix a problem, they start by diagnosing what is wrong. They use a multimeter or other testing equipment to check whether power is reaching an outlet, whether a circuit breaker has tripped, or whether a wire is damaged. Once they know the problem, they decide whether to repair it or replace the faulty component.
For larger projects — like rewiring a room, upgrading a panel, or installing a new circuit — the electrician plans the work by reading the building's electrical layout, checking local codes to make sure the plan is legal, and getting any required permits. They then run new wiring, install boxes and fixtures, connect everything safely, and test the system before turning it on.
Safety is central to every job. Electricity can cause serious injury or death, so electricians follow strict procedures: they turn off power before working on live circuits, use insulated tools, wear protective equipment, and test wires to confirm they are not energized before touching them.
When you need an electrician versus when you do not
You need a licensed electrician for any work that involves running new wiring, installing circuits, or working inside a circuit breaker panel. Most building codes require a licensed electrician to pull permits and do this work — doing it yourself or hiring an unlicensed person can create fire hazards, void your home insurance, and result in fines.
straightforward tasks like changing a light bulb, replacing a switch cover plate, or resetting a tripped breaker are safe to do yourself. Replacing an outlet or light fixture is a gray area — some people do it safely, but if you are unsure, calling an electrician is the safer choice. Any work that requires you to turn off the main breaker or work inside a panel should always be done by a licensed electrician.
How to find and hire an electrician
Start by asking for recommendations from friends, family, or neighbors who have had electrical work done. You can also search online for licensed electricians in your area — most states have a licensing board website where you can verify that an electrician holds a current license.
Get estimates from at least two or three electricians before hiring. A good estimate includes a description of the work, the materials that will be used, the labor cost, and the timeline. Ask whether the electrician is insured and bonded — this protects you if something goes wrong or if the work is not completed.
Check that the electrician is licensed in your state and that their license is current. Ask for references from recent jobs and follow up with at least one. Once you hire someone, make sure they pull any required permits — this ensures the work meets code and is inspected by the local authority.
Electrical codes and why they matter
Electrical codes are rules that govern how electrical systems must be designed, installed, and maintained. They exist to prevent fires, shocks, and other hazards. Most of the United States follows the National Electrical Code (NEC), which is updated every three years. However, states and cities can adopt their own versions or add stricter rules on top of the NEC.
An electrician's job includes knowing which code applies to your location and making sure their work meets it. When you hire a licensed electrician, you are paying partly for their knowledge of these codes. Unlicensed work often violates code, which can create safety problems and cause trouble when you sell your home or file an insurance claim.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between an electrician and an electrical engineer?
An electrician installs and repairs electrical systems using existing designs and following codes. An electrical engineer designs electrical systems, calculates power requirements, and creates the plans that electricians follow. Engineers typically have a college degree; electricians complete an apprenticeship and licensing exam.
Can an electrician work on my home's wiring if they are licensed in a different state?
Not without additional steps. Most states require electricians to be licensed in that state specifically. An out-of-state electrician may be able to take a reciprocal exam or explore for a temporary license, but you should verify this with your state's licensing board before hiring them.
How much does it cost to hire an electrician?
Costs vary widely depending on your location, the complexity of the work, and whether it is an emergency call. A straightforward repair might cost $100 to $300, while a larger project like rewiring a room could run $1,000 or more. Always get a written estimate before work begins.
Do I need a permit for electrical work in my home?
Most jurisdictions require permits for any work that involves new wiring, circuits, or panel upgrades. Permits may support the work is inspected and meets code. A licensed electrician will know what permits are needed and will pull them as part of their job.
What should I do if an electrician's work does not seem right?
Ask the electrician to explain what they did and why. If you remain concerned, you can request a second opinion from another licensed electrician or contact your local building department to request an inspection of the work.