Occupation

Occupation Description:  

Electricians

SD Change Rating  Grow more slowly than average (6-12%)
2010 Current Employment  1,755
2020 Projected Employment  1,870
10% Start Wage  $14.03
25% Start Wage  $16.57
Average Wage  $20.86
* Wages Updated to Quarter Ending September 2012

Electricians plan electrical layouts and install and repair wiring, electrical fixtures, apparatus and control equipment. Various types of testing equipment are used to examine circuits and proper installation. Electricians may be required to furnish preliminary sketches, along with cost estimates of materials, for some jobs. They must have knowledge of proper materials to use for different projects.

There are several different levels of electricians, and the type of electrical service they can provide varies according to how they are licensed. Their wages also vary accordingly. An apprentice electrician is a person who is learning the trade under the supervision and employment of a South Dakota licensed Class B electrician or electrical contractor. A journeyman electrician is a person who has the necessary qualifications, training, technical knowledge and experience in wiring, installing and repairing electrical apparatus and equipment. An electrical contractor is a person with the necessary qualifications, training, experience and technical knowledge to plan, lay out and supervise the installation and repair of electrical wiring, apparatus and equipment for electric light, heat and power.

Work Place Examples:  Top South Dakota industries in which you can find employment for this occupation.

  1. Building equipment contractors
  2. Power generation and supply
  3. Federal Government
  4. Local Government
  5. Animal slaughtering and processing

Working Conditions:  

Electricians work both indoors and outside. It may be necessary to work in cramped quarters. There is some danger from electrical shock, but safety precautions reduce that danger. Working from heights may also be required at times. Work is generally 40 hours a week; however, evening, weekend or holiday work may occur in emergencies.

Training Qualifications:  For training related information such as where you can go to receive training and programs offered in South Dakota, please click on the Training Providers & Programs link on the menu to the right.

Hiring Preference - High school diploma or equivalent
Training Requirement - Long-Term Training lasting over one year in length or work experience

Good color vision is required for electricians, because wiring is usually color-coded.

Apprenticeship Training:  

Apprenticeship training is available for this occupation. This training consists of up to 8,000 hours of both formal classroom training and on-the-job experience.

Licensing Requirements:  If licensing is required please check the link below for information on requirements.

Website: n/a
Description: n/a
Address: http://www.state.sd.us/dol/Boards/electrical/ELEC_HOM.htm

Skills:  Skills required for success in this occupation!

  • Installation - Installing equipment, machines, wiring, or programs to meet specifications.
  • Troubleshooting - Determining causes of operating erros and deciding what to do about it.
  • Repairing - Repairing machines or systems using the needed tools.
  • Equipment Selection - Determining the kind of tools and equipment needed to do a job.
  • Equipment Maintenance - Performing routine maintenance on equipment and determing when and what kind of maintenance is needed.
  • Quality Control Analysis - Conducting tests and inspections of products, services, or processes to evaluate quality or performance.
  • Mathematics - Using mathematics to solve problems.
  • Reading Comprehension - Understanding written sentences and paragraphs in work related documents.
  • Science - Using scientific rules and methods to solve problems.
  • Critical Thinking - Using logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions or approaches to problems.

Interest Areas:  These are the interest areas for this occupation! You may wish to check out other occupations that match your interests. If you haven't tried it yet, you might want to take the built-in interest surveys under the section entitled Examine Your Possiblities.

  1. Realistic - "Doer" These individuals prefer to work with objects, things, machines, tools, plants, or animals. They have mechanical ability, enjoy being outdoors, and working with their hands.
  2. Investigative - "Thinker" These individuals are interested in science and logic. They like to analyze, evaluate and solve problems, and enjoy learning and understanding the causes of events.
  3. Conventional - "Organizer" These individuals are detail oriented and organized. They like to analyze data, keep financial records and do research. They can be counted on to be accurate and enjoy structure and closure.

O*Net Link:  For additional occupational information you should check out this link!

http://online.onetcenter.org/link/summary/47-2111.00

SDWorks:  Find your South Dakota career opportunity for this occupation!

https://apps.sd.gov/applications/LD10SDWORKS_SS_Seeker/SS_Seeker_Quick_Search.aspx?ONet=47211100

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