Working as an Electrician
Industry Overview
Demand for Construction Electricians depends largely on growth in the Construction industry. Over the next few years, the pace of residential construction is expected to slow, while industrial construction is expected to remain stable. Demand for these workers will remain, despite the shift in construction activity. In general, those working as maintenance electricians tend to find more stable employment than construction electricians.
Industrial Electricians: More than half of the job openings in the coming years are expected to come from new job growth. Large construction and transportation projects in the Mainland/Southwest may continue to be a source of job growth for industrial electricians. The increased use of automation in mills, mines, smelting, oil and gas operations and in construction will result in an increase in demand for industrial electricians who can install and maintain these new systems.
Work performed by electricians is expanding to include alternative energy supplies, such as solar power, wind power and fuel cells, wiring for smart homes and automated systems for high-tech industries and complex computer offices. Electricians who specialize in new technologies are expected to be in demand.
Sources: A Career as an Electrician: Becoming an Electrician in BC, WorkBC Career Profiles for Electricians
Job Outlook in BC
You can learn more about working as an electrician in BC from:
Types of Employers
Electricians may work for electrical contracting companies, industrial plants, and construction companies, or are self-employed.
Industrial Electricians may work for:
- heavy industry
- maintenance departments of factories, mines, mills, oil and gas plants, shipyards, and other industrial establishments
Power System Electricians may work for:
- electric power generation and transmission companies
This is a very specialized occupation with very few employers in the province. BC Hydro is the main employer.
Salary
The median annual salary for electricians in BC is:
- Construction Electricians $60,482 (electricians who have their own business may earn more)
- Industrial Electricians $80,817.
- Power Systems Electricians $87,595
If you are training as an apprentice, you generally earn a percentage of a fully trained electrician’s salary. You receive increases in pay as you complete each year of your apprenticeship.
If you are employed full-time, you may also receive benefits such as paid sick days, and dental coverage.
Job Bank Canada provides average salaries in BC regions:
Construction Electricians
Source: Job Bank, Wage Report
Industrial Electricians
Source: Job Bank, Wage Report
Power Systems Electricians
Sources: Job Bank Wage Report, Career Cruising database (Profile for Electrician)
Working Hours
Electricians typically work 40 hours per week, with possible overtime. Shift work is common for industrial and maintenance electricians, and you may have to work evenings and weekends. Independent contractors may work 12 to 14-hour days, or 60 to 70 hours a week. Maintenance electricians may work nights and on the weekend. They may also get called in to work without much notice.