Electrician Boise is needed in almost every building and work environment. With a high school diploma and the right skills, you can secure this career without accruing the student debt others incur through a four-year college track.
But it’s not easy to find qualified electricians. Those who are drawn to the profession face multiple challenges, including a shortage of training programs and long wait times for services.
In a society that relies on technology, many people don’t realize how satisfying and useful manual labor can be. Manual work gives individuals a sense of control over their own lives, cultivates a strong community and teaches people to think for themselves. In addition, many people who work with their hands enjoy the satisfaction of creating something that will make a difference in other’s lives. This type of work activates a group of neurons that produce serotonin, which is linked to happiness and well-being.
Working with one’s hands requires a great deal of focus and attention to detail. It also helps develop patience and perseverance. Moreover, the skills learned from manual labor can be used to launch a successful business. For example, electricians are in high demand, and they often get paid very well for their skills. Unlike most other jobs, electricians don’t need a college degree and can start their career with an apprenticeship.
The Case For Working With Your Hands highlights the importance of manual labor in fostering self-reliance and resourcefulness. This is especially important in an era when many tasks are automated and the workforce is increasingly dependent on technology. Engaging in physical labor cultivates the ability to adapt and find innovative solutions in a rapidly changing world.
Furthermore, engaging in manual labor teaches individuals humility and fosters a deep appreciation for the labor of others. This is especially true when performing tasks requiring technical proficiency and practical skill. Seeing the complexity and intricacy of different types of manual labor firsthand is a powerful experience that teaches individuals to value and appreciate the skills and expertise of their peers. This is a crucial component of a healthy and productive society.
Working for Yourself
If you love being your own boss and having the freedom to choose what jobs you take on, then working as a freelance electrician is probably for you. But it’s not without its challenges. For starters, there are specific benchmarks you’ll need to meet before you can become a licensed electrician/business owner in your area. The first step is becoming an electrician’s apprentice, which typically involves completing a five-year program that includes classroom learning and 8,000 hours of on-the-job training.
Then there’s the process of obtaining all your business documentation and licensing, which can vary by state. Finally, you’ll need to invest in the necessary tools and equipment to get started.
It’s also important to keep in mind that if you aren’t present at your job site 100% of the time, you’re going to have trouble sustaining your business. And you’ll also need to make sure that all of your licenses and certifications remain up-to-date, as operating without them can open you up to legal trouble.
Another challenge is finding clients to work for. You’ll need to either find someone that you trust to do good work and who’s a good fit with your personality, or you’ll have to work hard to build your reputation in your local area. And once you have a client base established, you’ll need to continue to market yourself in order to keep your schedule full.
Good Pay
A big part of why many people choose to become electricians is because of the lucrative pay. Depending on how and where you specialize in the field, you can make an excellent living.
Service Electricians troubleshoot electrical problems, repair faulty wiring and install new components. This role offers the opportunity to directly help clients, and it pays well. According to ZipRecruiter, Service Electricians make around $60,000 per year on average. Meanwhile, Electrical Systems Designers work on the back-end of the industry by creating blueprints and schematics for electrical systems in buildings to ensure they meet safety codes and function efficiently. These jobs typically pay between $65,000 and $75,000 annually.
As you gain experience, you can also increase your salary by taking on a managerial or supervisory role. This can lead to higher paychecks, especially if you’re overseeing a team of more junior electricians.
As with any profession, the demand for skilled workers fluctuates. When the economy is booming, it’s easy for an electrician to earn a lot of money. However, when the economy slows down, demand for electricians decreases. This is why it’s important to keep up with the latest trends in the tech sector to ensure that your skills remain relevant and that you can stay competitive.