The demand for electricity continues to rise across various sectors, including homes, factories, data centers, electric vehicles, and utilities. However, the supply of electricians needed to meet this growing demand is declining. This labor market conundrum poses a threat to the transition to renewable energy, which is crucial for achieving climate goals and reducing carbon emissions. Additionally, other industries such as cryptocurrencies and artificial intelligence, which require significant power, are also affected.
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), the employment of electricians is projected to grow at a rate of 6% annually until 2032, twice the rate of all other occupations. This translates to approximately 73,500 job openings each year. Currently, there are around 762,600 licensed electricians in the United States, earning a median salary of $61,590 per year. However, the shortage of electricians is evident, with only about 7,000 new entrants into the field each year, while nearly 10,000 electricians retire or change careers.
The shortage of electricians not only affects homeowners seeking wiring projects but also impacts entire industries such as construction, manufacturing, renewable energy, technology, and utilities. Project delays and increased labor costs are becoming common due to the lack of skilled electricians.
Efforts are being made to address this shortage on multiple fronts. The International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers (IBEW) and the Independent Electrical Contractors (IEC), representing union and non-union electricians respectively, are expanding their recruitment efforts to attract a more diverse workforce, including women and minorities, to their apprenticeship programs. They are also reskilling existing electricians to work in emerging sectors like wind and solar energy, as well as artificial intelligence and cryptocurrency data centers.
High school students, who have traditionally been encouraged to pursue college degrees, are now being presented with the skilled trades as a viable career option. The mindset regarding trades has shifted, with more students considering apprenticeships as a valuable pathway to a stable profession. High schools are collaborating with local manufacturers to provide hands-on training and introduce students to skilled trades, potentially leading to apprenticeships after graduation.
Becoming a journeyman electrician, whether union or non-union, typically requires a high school diploma or GED and a four-year apprenticeship. The apprenticeship includes 8,000 hours of paid on-the-job training and some classroom instruction. Both the IBEW and IEC fund the training, leaving apprentices with minimal debt upon completion. Universities, community colleges, and technical schools also play a role in training electricians, offering pre-apprenticeship programs and associate or bachelor’s degrees for advanced positions.