Is an online electrician degree worth it?

An online electrician "degree" (usually a certificate or coursework) offers flexibility and affordability but isn't enough on its own, as the trade demands significant hands-on practice, making a hybrid approach with online theory plus in-person labs/apprenticeships best for learning the physical skills and gaining respect from employers. While online classes cover theory like the National Electrical Code (NEC) well and help with scheduling, practical skills (bending conduit, wiring, job site navigation) require real-world experience, which online courses can't fully replicate.

Are online electrician courses worth it?

Yes, online electrician courses are often worth it for gaining foundational knowledge, flexibility, and a competitive edge, especially when supplemented with hands-on experience, but they aren't a complete replacement for practical training; look for accredited programs that cover the National Electrical Code (NEC) and ideally offer ways to gain real-world skills to prepare you for apprenticeships or entry-level roles, say Reddit users and trade experts. 

What degree is best for an electrician?

You don't need a degree to be an electrician; a high school diploma and apprenticeship are standard, but an Associate Degree in Electrical Technology offers the best foundational technical skills, while an Electrical Engineering degree is best for advanced roles in design or management, and Construction Management helps with business aspects. For immediate entry, focus on trade school certificates and apprenticeships for hands-on learning, complementing them with math and physics. 

What is the number one killer of electricians?

The number one killer of electricians is contact with overhead power lines, followed closely by working on or near energized parts, but surprisingly, falls from heights are the leading cause of serious injuries, often surpassing electrical shock in frequency, though electrocution remains a top fatal outcome. Most electrical fatalities involve workers in non-electrical trades unintentionally encountering live wires, not just professional electricians, with complacency and improper safety procedures being major factors.
 

Do electricians make $100,000 a year?

Yes, electricians can make $100,000 a year or more, but it usually requires experience, specialization (like industrial or commercial), union membership, overtime, working in high-cost areas (e.g., California, NYC, Washington), or owning a business, with top roles like Master Electrician or Foreman often reaching or exceeding six figures.
 

Is Being an Electrician Worth It in 2025?

Do electricians make 70 an hour?

Yes, electricians can definitely make $70 an hour, especially journeymen and master electricians with experience, specialization (like solar or industrial), union membership, or by working in high-demand areas, with some specialized roles paying well over $100/hr, though entry-level pay starts much lower. Pay varies greatly by location, experience, union status, and niche, but achieving $70/hr is common for experienced pros and even possible for self-employed contractors charging high rates. 

Can electricians make $200,000?

Yes, electricians can make $200k a year, especially linemen, master electricians, those in high-demand areas, specialists (industrial/commercial), or business owners, often through overtime, specialized skills (like high-voltage work or renewable energy), or running their own profitable companies, though it's less common for standard residential roles. 

At what age do most electricians retire?

Add to that: nearly 30% of union electricians are nearing retirement age, (55-65) according to a 2024 study which means that almost one-third of the current workforce is close to the age where they would otherwise be hanging up their toolbelts and still haven't made plans to leave the industry.

What job has the worst mortality rate?

The most dangerous jobs by death rate in the U.S. consistently include Logging Workers, Fishing and Hunting Workers, and Roofers, with logging often topping the list due to equipment, terrain, and falling objects, while fishing and roofing involve harsh environments, heights, and drowning risks; Refuse Collectors and Pilots also rank high. 

Why do electricians keep one hand in their pocket?

When working with live circuits, remember the old electrician's trick to keep one hand in your pocket. That lessens the chance of a closed circuit across your chest and through your heart.

Is electrician a 2 year degree?

An electrician career doesn't require a 2-year degree, but an Associate's Degree in Electrical Technology is an option, taking about two years, while shorter trade school certificates (under a year) or the traditional 4-5 year paid apprenticeship (with classroom instruction) are also common paths, all leading to the required hands-on experience and licensing exams for journeyman status. 

Are electricians or plumbers in higher demand?

Career Outlook​

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the demand for electricians will likely increase by about seven percent between 2021 and 2031. Meanwhile, plumber jobs have a projected growth rate of only two percent within that same decade. Verdict: Electrician.

Is becoming an electrician a happy career?

While working as an electrician can be a rewarding career, it comes with safety concerns and hazards. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics , electricians get injured on the job more than other trade skill professionals.

What's the quickest way to become an electrician?

The fastest way to become an electrician involves combining accelerated trade school programs (sometimes as short as 7 months) with a focused, fast-tracked apprenticeship, focusing on practical skills and codes, and potentially leveraging prior construction experience, to meet the typical 4-year, 8,000-hour requirement for journeyman licensing sooner than the standard route, often by going through unions (IBEW) or non-union groups (IEC/ABC) for placement. 

What are three disadvantages of being an electrician?

The Cons of Being an Electrician

• Physical Demands and Safety Risks. Yes, being an electrician is physically demanding. ...
• Irregular Hours and On-Call Work. ...
• Training and Licensing – It's a Commitment. ...
• Stress and Pressure – But It's Rewarding. ...
• Less-Than-Ideal Work Environments.

What is the disadvantage of online study?

I believe for me (and I'm sure for many online students) limited interactions can be a great disadvantage! The lack of face-to-face interaction might leave you craving those casual conversations with other people. And let's be honest, online learning demands a level of self-discipline that can be tough to maintain.

What trade has the most deaths?

Construction jobs are among the most dangerous in the world, with workers experiencing the most fatalities of any industry in 2023. Although fatal work injuries have declined in recent years, the number of deaths in construction remains troubling.

What are the most dead-end jobs?

Miscellaneous occupations. Dead-end work is usually regarded as unskilled and the phrase usually applies to those working as shelf stackers, cleaners, call center agents, clerks, or in other menial jobs where the pay is low, and the working hours are long.

What is the most unhealthy job in America?

Among the top 27 jobs that were the unhealthiest were:

• Medical equipment preparers.
• Surgical and medical assistants, technologists, and technicians.
• Podiatrists.
• Anesthesiologists, nurse anesthetists, and anesthesiologist assistants.
• Dentists, dental surgeons, and dental assistants.

Will electricians be needed in 10 years?

The Bureau of Labor Statistics projects electrician employment will grow 8% from 2022 to 2032, faster than the average for all occupations. This translates to approximately 80,400 new electrician positions nationally over the decade.

Do electricians make $100,000 a year?

Yes, electricians can make $100,000 a year or more, but it usually requires experience, specialization (like industrial or commercial), union membership, overtime, working in high-cost areas (e.g., California, NYC, Washington), or owning a business, with top roles like Master Electrician or Foreman often reaching or exceeding six figures.
 

What trade has the lowest life expectancy?

Truck drivers have the lowest life expectancy of any profession in the world, averaging just 61 years of age.

Is it worth being an electrician in 2025?

If you're seeking a high-demand, well-paying career, becoming an electrician can be a rewarding choice. The modern world's demand for electricians is insatiable.

Can you make $500,000 as an electrical engineer?

Yes, some electrical engineers can make $500k, but it's rare and typically requires high specialization in lucrative fields like top-tier tech (AI, silicon design) or critical infrastructure, often involving significant stock/bonuses in total compensation rather than just base salary, with many reaching this level through technical leadership or starting their own successful ventures.
 

Can you live comfortably as an electrician?

To start a career that can provide for you and your family? Being an electrician can provide all of that. You will be able to be financially independent. You will be able to pay your bills, afford to purchase the luxuries that you enjoy, and live a carefree life.