Thinking of becoming an electrician—or hiring one?
“Electrician” covers a wide range of specialties. Some handle residential wiring, others work on high-voltage systems in factories or power plants. If you don’t know the differences, you could end up in the wrong role or hire someone without the right experience.
This guide breaks down the main types of electricians, what they do, and who they’re best suited for. Whether you’re planning a career or a project, it’ll help you make the right call.
Electricians by Level: From Apprentice to Master
Electricians move up through a structured career path. Each level comes with different responsibilities, capabilities, and legal permissions. If you’re hiring, choosing the right level ensures your job is done legally and efficiently. If you’re starting out, knowing the path helps you plan your career growth.
Apprentice Electrician
- Who they are: Just starting in the trade.
- What they do: Assist licensed electricians, do basic tasks like running wire or installing outlets under supervision.
- Training: Combines hands-on work with classroom learning—often part of a 3–5 year program.
- License: Not licensed to work alone.
- Salary: ~$41K/year
- Best for: Entry-level learning or assisting on larger jobs.
Hiring tip: Don’t hire an apprentice for solo work—they legally can’t do it. But they’re great as low-cost support on a licensed team.
Journeyman Electrician
- Who they are: Fully licensed, experienced electrician.
- What they do: Handle installations, maintenance, and repairs on their own. Can read blueprints, follow code, and troubleshoot issues.
- Training: Completed apprenticeship and passed the journeyman exam.
- License: Licensed to work independently.
- Salary: ~$61K/year
- Best for: Standard residential or commercial jobs—no supervision needed.
Hiring tip: Journeymen are ideal for most home and small business electrical needs.
Master Electrician
- Who they are: The most experienced and certified.
- What they do: Plan complex systems, manage teams, pull permits, and ensure projects meet all local and national codes.
- Training: Several years as a journeyman plus passing the master electrician exam.
- License: Highest level—can legally design and oversee electrical systems.
- Salary: ~$91K/year
- Best for: Large-scale projects, major renovations, and code-heavy work that needs a permit.
Hiring tip: If your job needs a permit or involves multiple electricians, hire a master to lead it.
Electricians by Field: Where They Work Matters
The environment an electrician works in changes everything—from the codes they follow to the tools they use. Whether you’re hiring or entering the trade, here’s what you need to know.
Residential Electricians
Workplaces:
Houses, condos, apartments
Typical Jobs:
- Lighting installs
- Outlet repairs
- HVAC and panel wiring
- EV charger hookups
- Smart home systems
Skills Required:
Strong knowledge of residential electrical code, solid troubleshooting ability, customer-friendly approach
Average Salary: ~$62K/year
Best For:
Home upgrades, remodels, and quick repairs
📈 Residential electricians are in high demand, especially with the rise of green home systems and EV charging stations. They also play a major role in one of the most profitable home services niches in 2025.
Commercial Electricians
Workplaces:
Retail stores, offices, schools,and restaurants
Typical Jobs:
- Large-scale lighting systems
- Security wiring and alarms
- Energy management systems
- Code-compliant installations
Skills Required:
Deep understanding of local/state commercial code, blueprint reading, and safety protocol knowledge
Average Salary: ~$54K/year
Best For:
Spaces with high foot traffic, complex layouts, or demanding inspection requirements
Industrial Electricians
Workplaces:
Factories, plants, manufacturing sites, and energy facilities
Typical Jobs:
- High-voltage systems
- Machinery wiring and controls
- Preventive maintenance
- Automation and robotics setup
Skills Required:
Technical expertise in industrial systems, OSHA safety compliance, ability to handle high-risk environments
Average Salary: ~$61K/year
Best For:
Facilities where system failure equals serious downtime or safety risk
Electricians by Specialty: What They Actually Do
“Electrician” isn’t just one job, it’s an umbrella for dozens of specialties. From solar panels to ship wiring, each niche demands unique skills, tools, and environments.
And here’s why this matters now more than ever:
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, employment for electricians is expected to grow 11% between 2023 and 2033, outpacing many other trades. Driving this growth? Renewables, smarter buildings, and major infrastructure upgrades.
Let’s look at the key specialties, and who they’re best for.
Automotive Electricians 🚗
These pros keep modern vehicles running, especially as cars become more computerized.
They handle:
- Electrical diagnostics
- Rewiring
- Ignition and sensor systems
Average Salary: ~$77K/year
Best for: Auto shops, commercial fleets, or anyone managing a modern vehicle inventory.
Solar Panel Electricians ☀️
As solar energy adoption surges, these electricians are in high demand. They’re trained in renewable systems and electrical grid integration.
Typical tasks include:
- Installing rooftop and ground-mount panels
- Configuring inverters and battery systems
- Ensuring safety and code compliance
Average Salary: ~$68K/year
Best for: Eco-conscious homeowners, green builders, and off-grid dreamers.
Wind Turbine Electricians 🌬️
Working on wind farms means high-altitude, high-stakes labor. This role isn’t for the faint of heart—but it’s critical in renewable energy expansion.
They typically:
- Install and service turbine control systems
- Diagnose issues in harsh weather
- Perform scheduled maintenance up towers
Salary: Varies by location and project scope
Best for: Electricians with a head for heights and a passion for sustainability.
Marine Electricians ⚓
These specialists work on boats, ships, and yachts, keeping navigation and onboard systems in top shape—even in saltwater conditions.
Common tasks:
- Repairing lighting and radar
- Fixing sonar, nav systems, and onboard power
- Waterproof wiring and corrosion control
Salary: ~$48K–$64K/year
Best for: Portside contractors, boatyards, and private vessel owners.
Electrical System Designers 📐
Not everyone wires buildings—some design the systems from the ground up.
They:
- Use CAD software to design full-scale electrical layouts
- Plan power distribution for efficiency and safety
- Work closely with architects, engineers, and code inspectors
Average Salary: ~$89K/year
Best for: Complex commercial builds or anyone needing serious planning before the first wire is run.
Inside Wirepersons 💡
These electricians focus on internal power systems: lighting, outlets, switches, security, and communication networks.
They’re a staple on:
- Residential fit-outs
- Commercial renovations
- Multi-unit housing projects
Average Salary: ~$64K/year
Best for: Contractors building or upgrading indoor spaces.
Outside Linemen ⚡
These are the folks handling high-voltage lines, utility poles, and underground cable—often in all kinds of weather.
Their role includes:
- Emergency storm response
- Power grid maintenance
- Outdoor installation of major components
Average Salary: ~$80K/year
Best for: Utility companies, municipalities, and essential infrastructure work.
What Type of Electrician Should You Be (Or Hire)?
Whether you’re stepping into the electrical trade or hiring for a project, one-size-fits-all doesn’t work here. Each type of electrician brings a specific skill set, and making the wrong match can cost you time, money, or safety.
If You’re Becoming an Electrician:
Start by identifying what actually interests you.
- Into cars and tech? Automotive electricians stay busy in shops and dealerships—and as EVs rise, so does demand.
- Like blueprints and planning? Electrical system design or the path to master electrician might be right up your alley.
- Prefer hands-on, everyday variety? Residential or commercial work lets you see fast results with every job.
You don’t have to specialize immediately—but knowing where you want to end up will help guide your training, licensing, and job choices. And if you’re already thinking ahead, here’s a creative edge: naming your future business well matters.
Check out 101 Electrical Company Names People Will Actually Remember for ideas that stand out in a crowded field.
If You’re Hiring an Electrician:
Avoid common mistakes by matching the electrician’s experience and field to the actual job.
- Need a panel upgrade in your house? Hire a residential journeyman.
- Opening a new warehouse or retail space? Call a commercial or industrial electrician.
- Installing solar? Don’t call a generalist—get a certified solar electrician.
Also, understand experience levels. Apprentices are still learning. Journeymen can run standard jobs. Masters pull permits, lead teams, and design systems.
Choose the Right Spark
Electricians keep everything powered—homes, businesses, entire cities.
But here’s the deal: not all electricians do the same work. If you’re chasing a career in the trades, pick your path with purpose. If you’re hiring, don’t guess—get the right expert for the job.
Knowing the difference saves you headaches, callbacks, and wasted money.Want more pro tips and insights to power up your business or career?
Check out more blog posts from Hook Agency—packed with practical advice and industry know-how, tailored for contractors like you.
