With all modern facilities running on electricity, electrical work isn't just about keeping the lights on—it's about ensuring safety and efficiency in every aspect of the building's operations.
This is especially true in complex projects such as large-scale commercial structures and healthcare facilities.
Electrical contractors play a critical role in these projects as they install and maintain the systems that power our built environment.
In this article, we dive into the responsibilities of an electrical contractor, the steps to becoming one, and how to be successful in this role.
Table of contents:
An electrical contractor is a licensed professional responsible for designing, installing, and maintaining electrical systems. They work in residential, commercial, and industrial settings, and part of their job is to ensure construction site safety, compliance, and efficiency in electrical projects.
Electrical contractors can operate as a business or firm overseeing construction projects. These entities handle everything from system design and installation to maintenance and compliance with electrical codes. Electricians, on the other hand, are skilled tradespeople who perform hands-on electrical services, such as wiring, repairs, and troubleshooting. They often work under an electrical contractor or as independent professionals.
If you're hiring, consider your needs: for small residential repairs, an independent electrician may be enough, but for large-scale projects, new installations, or compliance-heavy work, hiring an electrical contracting firm ensures everything runs smoothly from start to finish.
What types of work do electrical contractors take on? Here’s a list of the most common electrical work and services in construction projects.
Outside line electrical contractors focus on high-voltage power transmission and distribution. They install and maintain the power lines that connect homes, businesses, and industrial facilities to the grid. These professionals work on substations, transformers, and infrastructure that keep electricity flowing safely and efficiently.
This type of work involves smart building technology. Think: security systems, data networks, fire alarms, and energy management solutions. Electrical contractors who are well-versed in integrated systems ensure that the building has the connectivity it needs to function smoothly.
From wiring new houses to upgrading electrical panels and installing smart home systems, residential electrical contractors ensure homes are set up for success.
Industrial electrical contractors work on large-scale facilities like factories, power plants, and refineries. They install heavy-duty electrical systems and see to it that industrial facilities comply with regulations. Their work keeps production lines running like a well-oiled machine.
Whether it's an office building, a retail space, or a restaurant, commercial electrical contractors design and install electrical systems that support business operations. They set up and maintain the power supply required to run complex energy management solutions in a commercial construction environment.
Electrical maintenance contractors provide ongoing service to keep systems safe and operational. This includes troubleshooting, repairs, routine inspections, and preventive maintenance to minimize downtime and extend the lifespan of electrical infrastructure in homes, businesses, and industrial sites.
Low voltage electrical contractors specialize in systems that operate on 50 volts or less. Telecommunications, security, and audiovisual setups, are just a few examples of low voltage work. Electrical contractors focusing on low voltage perform tasks like installing fiber optics, surveillance cameras, fire alarms, and structured cabling.
Electrical contractors can execute a variety of tasks on any given day. It all depends on the project and the client's needs.
Electrical contractors oversee the entire lifecycle of electrical systems, from planning and design to installation and long-term maintenance. During the early stages of the project, they work closely with architects and engineers to design an electrical system that meets the building's needs while staying compliant.
During installation, they handle wiring and panel setup, as well as setting up electrical components like lighting control systems and renewable energy solutions.
Then, once the system is in place, electrical contractors will provide routine inspections, troubleshooting, and preventive maintenance.
Some of the more specific tasks that electrical contractors perform include:
Now that we've covered the key responsibilities of electrical contractors, let's look at how they come to life. Here are some examples of construction projects they could take on.
The best electrical contractors have mastered both technical expertise and soft skills. Consider the following.
Becoming an electrical contractor requires training, education—and depending on your location—specific licenses and certifications. Requirements will vary by state and even local governments, so do some research on what it takes to become an electrical contractor in your area.
That being said, the general requirements include the following.
Start with a solid educational foundation, which can include:
Practical experience is crucial for mastering the trade:
Most states and localities have specific licensing requirements, which often mean:
To stay competitive and compliant, electrical contractors should pursue:
Here's a look at the career journey of someone who's already in the electrical contracting field.
Most professionals start in entry-level roles that provide hands-on experience and foundational knowledge:
Once they gain experience, electrical contractors can choose to move on to more advanced roles like:
The job outlook for electrical contractors and similar roles is strong.The Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) projects employment growth of 11% from 2023 to 2033, which is much greater than average compared to other occupations. Data from ZipRecruiter shows that electrical contractors in the United States have an average salary of $73,830 per year or $35 per hour.
Construction technology solutions like electrical contractor software can make life easier for electrical contractors and the entire team.
Electrical contractors are key players in any modern construction project, so the demand for these professionals will continue to be strong.
If you're looking to become an electrical contractor, start by building a solid educational foundation and gaining hands-on experience. Also, be sure to stay updated on industry trends, construction tech, and evolving electrical codes so you're always up-to-date with the latest standards and tools.
These steps will set you up for a successful career, whether you're aiming to work on large-scale projects or start your own contracting business.
Looking for more resources for construction subcontractors? Check out our Resource Center.
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