7 Alternative Career Change Options for Electricians (+ Salary Expectations)
In this article, I’m going to explore seven alternative career paths for electricians who are looking to change jobs or expand their skills and knowledge. I will also include salary statistics for each option to help current electricians make informed decisions about their potential career change opportunities.
Key Takeaway: Electricians who are looking to change career paths have many options to choose from. Each of the seven job alternatives mentioned in this article offers unique opportunities and challenges, and electricians with the right skills and interests can thrive in any of these roles. Electricians may decide to change career paths for various reasons, such as physical injuries, loss of interest in their work, or a desire for new challenges or better pay.
Each of these careers offers unique opportunities and challenges, and electricians with the right skills and interests can thrive in any of these roles. Whether you are a seasoned electrician looking for a new challenge or just starting out in the field, these career paths offer exciting opportunities for personal and professional growth.
Why Do Electricians Change Career Paths?
There are many reasons why electricians may decide to change career paths. Some may be motivated by physical injuries that make it difficult to continue working in the field. For example, electricians who work in construction may suffer from back injuries or other physical problems that make it difficult to perform the demanding physical tasks required in their job. In these cases, a career change may be necessary to find a job that is less physically demanding.
Another reason electricians may consider changing career paths is a loss of interest in their work. While some electricians may find great satisfaction in their work, others may become burnt out or simply lose interest in the tasks they are asked to perform. In these cases, a change in career path may be necessary to find a job that is more fulfilling and enjoyable.
There are also many other reasons why electricians may decide to change career paths. Some may want to take on new challenges or broaden their skills and knowledge, while others may be looking for better pay or job security. Whatever the reason, electricians who are considering a career change have many exciting options to choose from and can find a new path that aligns with their goals and interests.
Also Read: Is being an electrician hard on your body?
What Other Jobs Can an Electrician Do?
Electricians are skilled professionals who have a strong foundation in electrical theory and practice. As a result, they are well-suited to a variety of different jobs within the electrical industry, as well as in other fields that require a strong understanding of electricity and electrical systems. Some possible career paths for electricians who are looking to change jobs or expand their skills and knowledge include:
1. Electrical Engineer
Average Salary: 101.780$ per year (source)
Electrical engineers design, develop, test, and supervise the manufacture of electrical equipment, such as electric motors, radar and navigation systems, communications systems, and power generation equipment. Here are some ways to move into this field of expertise.
Obtain a bachelor’s degree in electrical engineering: Most electrical engineering jobs require at least a bachelor’s degree in electrical engineering or a related field. You can find programs at universities and colleges, as well as online degree programs.
Gain practical experience: In addition to your formal education, it is important to gain practical experience working as an electrician or in a related field. This will help you develop the skills and knowledge needed to succeed as an electrical engineer.
The field of electrical engineering is constantly evolving, so it is important to stay up-to-date on the latest technologies and techniques. You can do this by taking continuing education courses, attending conferences, and staying engaged in the electrical engineering community.
2. Renewable Energy Technician
Average Salary: 90.000$ per year (source)
Renewable energy technicians install and maintain renewable energy systems, such as solar panels, wind turbines, and geothermal systems. If you are an electrician who is interested in becoming a renewable energy technician, there are several steps you can take to make this transition:
Gain experience working with renewable energy systems: As an electrician, you likely have a strong foundation in electrical theory and practice. To transition to a renewable energy technician, you will need to gain experience working with renewable energy systems, such as solar panels, wind turbines, and geothermal systems. You can gain this experience by volunteering or interning with a renewable energy company, or by taking on renewable energy projects on your own.
Complete relevant training and education: Many employers require renewable energy technicians to have a formal education in renewable energy technology or a related field. You can find programs at technical schools, community colleges, and universities that offer training in renewable energy technology. Some programs may even offer credits for your previous experience as an electrician.
By following these steps, you can lay the foundation for a successful career as a renewable energy technician. With hard work and dedication, you can use your skills and knowledge as an electrician to build a rewarding career in this exciting field.
3. Building Automation Technician
Average Salary: 67.788$ per year (source)
A building automation technician is a professional who installs, maintains, and repairs automated control systems for building HVAC, lighting, and security systems. These systems use sensors, controllers, and other electronic devices to monitor and control the various systems within a building, such as a temperature, humidity, and lighting levels.
And Yes, an electrician can certainly become a building automation technician. In fact, many electricians choose to transition to this career path because it allows them to use their skills and knowledge in a new and exciting way. To become a building automation technician, an electrician will need to gain experience working with building automation systems, complete relevant training, and education, and potentially obtain professional certification. With the right skills and experience, an electrician can successfully transition to a career as a building automation technician.
To become a building automation specialist, you should especially gain the following skills:
Building automation technology: You should also gain knowledge and experience working with building automation technology, such as HVAC, lighting, and security systems. This includes understanding how these systems work, how to troubleshoot and repair them, and how to program and configure them.
Computer skills: Building automation systems often rely on computer systems and software to control and monitor the various systems within a building. You should therefore gain proficiency in computer skills, including programming languages and software applications.
Problem-solving skills: Building automation systems can be complex, and you will need to be able to troubleshoot and solve problems when they arise. You should therefore develop strong problem-solving skills to be able to identify and resolve issues quickly and effectively.
By gaining these skills, you can position yourself for success as a building automation specialist and build a rewarding career in this exciting field.
Also Read: Should electricians be worried about robots and automation?
4. Industrial Electrician
Average Salary: 56.894$ – 71.244$ per year (source)
An industrial electrician is a professional who installs, maintains, and repairs electrical systems in industrial settings, such as factories, power plants, and mines. Industrial electricians must have a strong understanding of electrical theory and practice, as well as knowledge of the specific equipment and systems used in industrial settings.
A regular electrician can become an industrial electrician by gaining experience in industrial environments, completing relevant training and education, and potentially obtaining professional certification. To gain experience in industrial environments, an electrician can volunteer or intern with a company that operates in the industrial sector, or take on industrial projects on their own. Relevant training and education can be obtained through programs at technical schools, community colleges, and universities that offer training in industrial electricity. Depending on where they live, an electrician may also need to obtain a professional certification to work as an industrial electrician. By gaining these skills and experiences, a regular electrician can successfully transition to a career as an industrial electrician.
5. Telecommunications Technician
Average Salary: 81.852$ per year (source)
A telecommunications technician is a professional who installs, maintains, and repairs telecommunications systems, such as telephone systems, internet networks, and satellite systems. Telecommunications technicians must have a strong understanding of electrical theory and practice, as well as knowledge of the specific equipment and systems used in telecommunications.
An electrician can become a telecommunications technician by gaining experience with telecommunications systems, completing relevant training and education, and potentially obtaining professional certification. To gain experience with telecommunications systems, an electrician can volunteer or intern with a company that installs and maintains these systems, or takes on telecommunications projects on their own. Relevant training and education can be obtained through programs at technical schools, community colleges, and universities that offer training in telecommunications technology. Depending on where they live, an electrician may also need to obtain a professional certification to work as a telecommunications technician. By gaining these skills and experiences, an electrician can successfully transition to a career as a telecommunications technician.
6. Electrical Sales Representative
Average Salary: 83.422$ per year (source)
An electrical sales representative is a professional who sells electrical products and services to customers. They may work for an electrical supply company, a manufacturer, or a distributor, and may sell products such as wire, cable, lighting fixtures, and electrical equipment. Electrical sales representatives may also provide technical support and advice to customers and may be responsible for maintaining relationships with existing customers and finding new business opportunities.
An electrician can become an electrical sales representative by gaining experience in sales and customer service, completing relevant training and education, and potentially obtaining professional certification. To gain experience in sales and customer service, an electrician can work as a salesperson in a related field or volunteer or intern with a company that sells electrical products and services. Relevant training and education can be obtained through programs at technical schools, community colleges, and universities that offer training in sales and marketing. Depending on where they live, an electrician may also need to obtain a professional certification to work as an electrical sales representative. By gaining these skills and experiences, an electrician can successfully transition to a career as an electrical sales representative.
7. Offshore Electrician
Average Salary: 90.000$ per year (source)
Offshore electricians are responsible for installing, maintaining, and repairing electrical systems on offshore platforms, such as oil rigs and offshore wind farms. These platforms operate in harsh and often remote locations, so offshore electricians must be able to work independently and be comfortable with being away from home for long periods of time.
If you are an electrician who is interested in becoming an offshore electrician, there are several steps you can take to make this transition:
Obtain relevant certifications: You will often need to have specific certifications, such as an offshore survival certificate, a medical certificate, and a basic offshore induction and emergency training (BOSIET) certificate. You can obtain these certifications through specialized training programs.
Stay up-to-date on industry developments: The field of offshore energy is constantly evolving, so it is important to stay up-to-date on the latest technologies and techniques. You can do this by taking continuing education courses, attending conferences, and staying engaged in the offshore energy community.
Networking: Networking can also be a valuable way of finding a job as an offshore electrician. By building relationships with professionals in your industry, you can learn about job openings that may not be advertised publicly, get advice and guidance from experienced professionals, and learn about the culture and expectations of different companies. Networking can increase your chances of finding a job and help you build a successful career in this field.
Read more on becoming an offshore electrician in this article.
3 Additional Job Alternatives for Electricians (Bonus)
In addition to these traditional career paths within the electrical industry, electricians may also consider jobs in fields that require a strong understanding of electricity and electrical systems. Some examples of these types of jobs include electrical drafter, electrical designer, and electrical estimator. With their strong technical skills and knowledge, electricians can find rewarding and challenging jobs in a variety of different fields.
On Changing Your Career Path as an Electrician (Final Thoughts)
Electricians who are looking to change careers or expand their skills and knowledge have several exciting options to choose from. These options range from traditional roles within the electrical industry, such as electrical engineering and renewable energy technician, to more specialized positions, such as building automation technician and telecommunications technician.
Also Read: What type of electrician makes the most amount of money?
Each of these careers offers unique opportunities and challenges, and electricians with the right skills and interests can thrive in any of these roles. If you are an electrician who is considering a career change, it is important to research your options and find a path that aligns with your goals and interests. By exploring these alternative career paths, you can build a rewarding and fulfilling career as an electrician or in a related field.