Introduction
Have you ever considered a career that combines the excitement of working with electricity and the satisfaction of contributing to critical infrastructure? If so, becoming a high voltage electrician might be the perfect choice for you. This rewarding profession offers excellent job growth, a competitive salary, and numerous benefits. In this blog post, we’ll outline the steps you need to take to become a high voltage electrician, discuss the income potential, and highlight the benefits of pursuing this electrifying career path.
Education
To become a high voltage electrician, you’ll need to complete a high school diploma or GED. Following this, you’ll need to enroll in an electrical training program at a trade school or community college, where you’ll learn about electrical theory, safety practices, and blueprint reading. These programs typically take 1-2 years to complete and often include hands-on training to familiarize you with real-world electrical systems.
Complete an Apprenticeship
Once you’ve completed your education, you’ll need to participate in an apprenticeship program to gain the necessary experience. These programs usually last 4-5 years and involve both classroom instruction and on-the-job training under the supervision of a licensed electrician. As a high voltage electrician apprentice, you’ll learn about the installation, maintenance, and repair of high voltage electrical systems.
Obtain Licensure and Certification
After completing your apprenticeship, you’ll need to obtain a state-specific electrician’s license by passing an exam that tests your knowledge of electrical theory, codes, and safety practices. Some states may also require a separate high voltage electrician certification, which demonstrates your expertise in working with high voltage systems.
Income and Job Growth
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), the median annual wage for electricians as of May 2021 was $60,040, with the highest 10% earning more than $98,000 per year. High voltage electricians, given their specialized skills and training, can potentially earn even higher wages. The BLS projects a 7% growth rate for electricians’ employment from 2020 to 2030, faster than the average for all occupations. The demand for skilled electricians is expected to grow due to the increasing need for electrical infrastructure maintenance and the expansion of alternative energy sources like wind and solar power.
Benefits of Becoming a High Voltage Electrician
- Job Security: Due to the essential nature of electrical infrastructure and the growing demand for skilled workers, high voltage electricians enjoy excellent job security.
- High Earning Potential: High voltage electricians, as specialists, typically command higher salaries than general electricians.
- Opportunities for Advancement: With experience, high voltage electricians can advance to supervisory roles or even start their own contracting businesses.
- Challenging and Rewarding Work: High voltage electricians work on complex and critical electrical systems, making the job both challenging and rewarding.
- Versatile Skill Set: The skills and knowledge acquired as a high voltage electrician can be applied in various industries, such as utility companies, construction, and telecommunications.
Conclusion
A career as a high voltage electrician offers a unique combination of challenge, security, and financial reward. By following the outlined steps and dedicating yourself to continuous learning and skill development, you can energize your career and make a lasting impact in the world of electrical infrastructure
