Electrician job description
Where we source our data
Let’s get real. Job information online can often be overly optimistic — conveniently glossing over the raw bits. But when you’re making decisions about your future, you need all the facts.
That’s why we anonymously surveyed electricians about their job, with hopes of getting an honest insight into what it’s really like.
While we did our best to ensure respondents were Australians and verified their job titles with proof of employment, we can’t guarantee complete accuracy — or that your experiences in the field will reflect theirs. So, we suggest that you take these insights as a guide only and try to talk to people in the field before making an important decision.
Where we source our data
Let’s get real. Job information online can often be overly optimistic — conveniently glossing over the raw bits. But when you’re making decisions about your future, you need all the facts.
That’s why we anonymously surveyed electricians about their job, with hopes of getting an honest insight into what it’s really like.
While we did our best to ensure respondents were Australians and verified their job titles with proof of employment, we can’t guarantee complete accuracy — or that your experiences in the field will reflect theirs. So, we suggest that you take these insights as a guide only and try to talk to people in the field before making an important decision.
Physical
Based on our career survey data, these are the words that workers would use to describe their jobs.
Intellectual
Based on our career survey data, these are the words that workers would use to describe their jobs.
Detail-oriented
Based on our career survey data, these are the words that workers would use to describe their jobs.
Tasks and responsibilities for an electrician
Electricians can work as employees for a larger company, can work as sole traders or run their own electrician business, and some electricians may specialise in certain areas.
So, what does an electrician do? An electricians work can include:
- Consulting with customers or other tradespeople to establish wants and needs
- Installing and testing electrical systems and components
- Maintaining and repairing electrical appliances and faulty wiring
- Removing potential electrical hazards
- Consulting wiring diagrams and specifications to determine electrical sequences
- Ensuring a stocked inventory of necessary supplies and parts
- Troubleshoot problems
Reasons to choose this job
Based on our career survey data, these are the factors that workers said were most important to them when choosing this job.
Respected
Electricians are highly-skilled professionals that have vast knowledge of electrical systems and are the only people that can conduct specific electric work in many settings.
Learning opportunities
Starting out as an electrician will eventually result in high-value knowledge of electrical systems, and the more specialised you become, the more senior your role in a company. You can take your knowledge into different careers or even start your own business,
Job security
As long as we need electricity, we will need electricians. Electricians have specialised and unique knowledge of electrical wiring and safety processes and are needed in new constructions as well as current buildings for repairs or renovations.
Job satisfaction
Overall job satisfaction
This overall score combines the critical factors in job satisfaction. It includes fulfilment, stress levels, and opportunities for advancement, based on our career survey data.
Stress level
How stressful workers feel their job is, based on our career survey data.
Fulfilment
How personally rewarding workers feel their job is, based on our career survey data.
Skill level
The skill level required to do this job is based on both our career survey data and official data from the Labour Market Information Portal.
Job market trends for an electrician
The electrician occupation is commonly known to have great job satisfaction, and roles are performed in all states and regions. In 2020, there were 169,000 electricians in Australia. This number has been stable for the previous five years and is expected to grow strongly — likely to reach 187,400 by 2025.
Median salary
Where this data comes from
Median salary
We use the median salary over the average because it’s more realistic — unusually high or low salaries don’t skew the median. It shows the true middle point, which is what your typical worker in this job earns.
This figure is from the Australian Bureau of Statistics. It’s the official median full-time adult salary for non-managers, before tax. (Includes salary sacrifice.)
Source: Australian Bureau of Statistics, ABS Survey of Employee Earnings and Hours (cat. no. 6306.0), Customised Report
Projected job growth
Job growth projections, using data from the Australian Bureau of Statistics. These calculations were made before COVID-19 and may not accurately reflect the labour market. Use these numbers as a general guide only.
Where this data comes from
Median salary
We use the median salary over the average because it’s more realistic — unusually high or low salaries don’t skew the median. It shows the true middle point, which is what your typical worker in this job earns.
This figure is from the Australian Bureau of Statistics. It’s the official median full-time adult salary for non-managers, before tax. (Includes salary sacrifice.)
Source: Australian Bureau of Statistics, ABS Survey of Employee Earnings and Hours (cat. no. 6306.0), Customised Report
Projected job growth
Job growth projections, using data from the Australian Bureau of Statistics. These calculations were made before COVID-19 and may not accurately reflect the labour market. Use these numbers as a general guide only.
Projected job growth
Where this data comes from
Median salary
We use the median salary over the average because it’s more realistic — unusually high or low salaries don’t skew the median. It shows the true middle point, which is what your typical worker in this job earns.
This figure is from the Australian Bureau of Statistics. It’s the official median full-time adult salary for non-managers, before tax. (Includes salary sacrifice.)
Source: Australian Bureau of Statistics, ABS Survey of Employee Earnings and Hours (cat. no. 6306.0), Customised Report
Projected job growth
Job growth projections, using data from the Australian Bureau of Statistics. These calculations were made before COVID-19 and may not accurately reflect the labour market. Use these numbers as a general guide only.
Where this data comes from
Median salary
We use the median salary over the average because it’s more realistic — unusually high or low salaries don’t skew the median. It shows the true middle point, which is what your typical worker in this job earns.
This figure is from the Australian Bureau of Statistics. It’s the official median full-time adult salary for non-managers, before tax. (Includes salary sacrifice.)
Source: Australian Bureau of Statistics, ABS Survey of Employee Earnings and Hours (cat. no. 6306.0), Customised Report
Projected job growth
Job growth projections, using data from the Australian Bureau of Statistics. These calculations were made before COVID-19 and may not accurately reflect the labour market. Use these numbers as a general guide only.
Pathway options
Job pathways are drawn from the Australian Apprenticeships Pathways site.
Getting started as an apprentice electrician can lead to electrician job opportunities, more senior roles in the industry, specialisations, and even owning a business.
Where an electrician career path can lead you:
Junior
-
Trade assistant
Most common qualification:
Cert II in Construction (CPC20120) -
Pipelayer
Most common qualification:
Certificate III in Civil Construction (Pipe Laying) (RII30920) -
Road construction worker
Most common qualification:
Certificate III in Civil Construction (Road Construction and Maintenance) (RII30920) -
Traffic controller
Most common qualification:
Certificate III in Civil Construction (Traffic Management) (RII30920)
Mid
-
Builder
Most common qualification:
Certificate IV in Building and Construction (CPC40120) -
Electrician
Most common qualification:
Certificate III in Electrotechnology Electrician (UEE30820) -
Construction estimator
Most common qualification:
Certificate IV in Building and Construction (Building) (CPC40120) -
Building inspector
Most common qualification:
Diploma of Building and Construction (Building) (CPC50220) -
Construction site foreman
Most common qualification:
Certificate IV in Building and Construction (Building) (CPC40120) -
Contract administrator
Most common qualification:
Certificate IV in Building Project Support (Contract Administrator) (CPC40320)
Senior
-
Construction project manager
Most common qualification:
Diploma of Building and Construction (Management) (CPC50320) -
Construction manager
Most common qualification:
Diploma of Building and Construction (Management) (CPC50320) -
Quantity surveyor
Most common qualification:
Bachelor of Construction Management
Skills you might already have
Based on our career survey data, the soft skills that workers said were most needed to do their job well.
The natural contract administrator skills you can bring to the job are as essential as the practical ones. Some people will find that their natural abilities and soft skills make their job more enjoyable and produce better work.
Some electrician prerequisites are:
Decision-making
Electricians can work with other professionals but they can often do jobs on their own. As experts in the electric field, strong and confident decision making skills are a must.
Active listening
Communication is an essential skill in a role as an electrician. When dealing with clients, homeowners or other stakeholders day to day, you need to be able to interoperate wants and needs effectively and active listening is vital.
Problem-solving
Like most jobs, electrician work can face issues along the way. A clear head and strong problem-solving skills are needed every day.
Attention to detail
Electrical and wiring systems can be complex. A good eye for detail ensures you will not miss any connections and perform the role as electrician efficiently.
Hard skills
The job-specific skills that workers said were most important, supplemented with data from JobOutlook and online job advertisements.
Through your apprenticeship and job training course, electricians learn the practical skills to perfecom electrical work safely with electrical systems and provide a quality service.
What do you need to know to be an electrician:
General computer operation and proficiency
Occupational health and safety
Report on electrical problems
Provide basic sustainable energy solutions
Select and assemble electronic components
Voltage knowledge
Electrical equipment knowledge
How to become an electrician
-
Become an electrical apprentice
To become a licensed electrician in Australia you must complete an Australian apprenticeship program. The apprenticeship takes around four years to complete and allows you to gain your qualification while being employed by a sole trader or company and earning a wage.
The qualification gained through your apprenticeship is a Certificate III in Electrotechnology Electrician (UEE30820), and you will also be required to complete specific licensing assessments.
-
Study
If you are not quite ready to delve into a four year apprenticeship, you can study a course like a Certificate II in Electrotechnology (Career Start) (UEE22020) through an RTO (registered training organisation) or TAFE to establish whether this is the right career for you before taking on further study.
-
Gain a licence
If you wish to work as an electrician on construction sites you will need to take a short course and obtain a White Card.
Explore related qualifications
As part of an electrician apprenticeship, you must complete a formal electrician qualification (Certificate III in Electrotechnology Electrician (UEE30820) ) which your employer usually organises.
Certificate II in Electrotechnology (Career Start) (UEE22020)
This qualification covers skills for work entry programs providing grounding in safety and fundamental skills and knowledge for work in any electrotechnology discipline. This course can be used as a gateway into the electrical trades, allowing you to try out the industry before committing to a full apprenticeship.
Course duration can vary between providers and can be taken full-time or part time.
1 providers offer this course
Certificate III in Electrotechnology Electrician (UEE30820)
This course provides the skills to select, install, set up, test, fault-find, repair and maintain electrical systems and equipment in buildings and premises. It covers the essential skills and performance capabilities to obtain an ‘Unrestricted Electrician’s Licence’ from the Electrical Regulatory Authority Council (ERAC).
The skills taught for this certification require a licence to practise in certain workplaces. For more information about this, check out MySkills.
Competency development tasks for this accredited qualification are subject to regulations directly related to licensing. Where a licence or permit to practise is not yet held, it may be achieved through a contract of training and apprenticeship.
Studying this qualification is a key requirement for obtaining an ‘Unrestricted Electrician’s Licence’ from the ERAC. You’ll also need to undertake a four-year apprenticeship (or a Trades Recognition Australia (TRA) pathway) and perform electrical installations for at least one year to qualify for the licence.
Where required for Licencing, the certification documentation issued must indicate if the qualification was completed as an apprenticeship or Trades Recognition Australia (TRA) pathway.
The average course duration: for this qualification is 6420 hours.
Related subjects
Trade-based industries are always in need of enthusiastic newcomers. Practical roles that require excellent attention to detail and problem-solving skills are plentiful and come in many shapes and sizes.
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Job cluster: The Artisan
What are job clusters?
The seven job clusters are sets of closely related jobs that share skills, making it easy to apply skills learned in one career to another.
The idea of the seven job clusters first appeared in a 2016 research report by the Foundation for Young Australians, titled “The New Work Mindset”. Researchers analysed thousands of online job advertisements and found that jobs are more similar than commonly thought — and the skills you gain in one position are easy to bring to another. In fact, they can help you get 13 other closely related jobs.
This model is a great way to think about 21st-century careers, where the average person changes career five times. We’ve used this framework (along with the much-loved Holland Codes model) to build a career quiz.
Why not take it and find out which job cluster feels like home?
What are job clusters?
The seven job clusters are sets of closely related jobs that share skills, making it easy to apply skills learned in one career to another.
The idea of the seven job clusters first appeared in a 2016 research report by the Foundation for Young Australians, titled “The New Work Mindset”. Researchers analysed thousands of online job advertisements and found that jobs are more similar than commonly thought — and the skills you gain in one position are easy to bring to another. In fact, they can help you get 13 other closely related jobs.
This model is a great way to think about 21st-century careers, where the average person changes career five times. We’ve used this framework (along with the much-loved Holland Codes model) to build a career quiz.
Why not take it and find out which job cluster feels like home?
A job as an electrician requires a processed, driven mind and great hand-eye coordination. The role has tremendous career progression and a lot of responsibility and is well suited to the career of The Artisan.
The Artisan loves to make things ‘work’, enjoys hands-on tasks and likes to be independent in their work.
Take the Career Quiz to discover what jobs are a great fit for you.
Frequently asked questions
What do you need to be an electrician?
To be an electrician you need the proper qualifications and licences. A Certificate III in Electrotechnology Electrician (UEE30820) covers all of the required units for licensing and permits, and is available as an Australian Apprenticeship.
How to become an apprentice electrician
There are several ways to seek out an electrician apprenticeship. You can speak to anyone you know who might work in the industry or run an electrician business and enquire if there are any opportunities to start an apprenticeship there. You can also look at job websites or local community notice boards for apprenticeship offers.
How long does an electrical apprenticeship take?
An electrical apprenticeship in Australia takes approximately four years to complete.
How to become an electrician without an apprenticeship in Australia
In Australia you must complete a four year apprenticeship and gain formal qualifications and licences before working as an electrician. If you are not quite ready to commit to an apprenticeship you can study for a Certificate II in Electrotechnology (Career Start) (UEE22020) to sample the industry.