Hiring an Electrician: Job Description, Pay, and More 

From lights and climate control to powering appliances and equipment, electrical systems make modern daily life possible and convenient. Electricians install these systems during construction and maintain them for optimal function and safety. 

Are you hiring an electrician? If so, keep reading to learn: 

• General job duties for an electrician 
• Qualifications of the position 
• Skills to look for when hiring an electrician 
• Interview questions for your electrician candidates 

Let’s dive in! 

What Is an Electrician? 

An electrician is a skilled tradesperson who works with electrical and lighting systems in homes, business buildings, factories, and large power grids. When the power goes out, electricians are the professionals who troubleshoot the problem to identify the source.  

They can install, maintain, and repair electrical wiring, its components, and equipment. Electricians can even lay the groundwork for data and communication systems to run smoothly. 

What To Include in Your Electrician Job Description 

Prior to hiring an electrician, you’ll need to write a compelling job description. A clear and comprehensive job posting empowers potential applicants to understand the role while organically filtering applicants who could be the right fit for your team.  

Here are two important aspects of an electrician job description (in detail) to help you get started. 

Job Duties 

The skilled work of electricians powers the infrastructure that drives our society. Here are some of the core responsibilities that define an electrician’s job duties: 

Read and interpret blueprints or technical diagrams to understand the wiring, outlets, and equipment layout. 

• Install electrical systems, including running wires, lighting fixtures, control panels, and other components. 
• Maintain electrical systems, including regular inspections, testing, and cleaning to ensure smooth operation and prevent problems. 
• Inspect, diagnose, and troubleshoot malfunctions, using their expertise and tools to pinpoint the cause. 
• Repair and replace electrical wiring, equipment, and fixtures using hand and power tools. 
• Follow building and safety regulations. 

Qualifications 

To become an electrician, most employers require a high school diploma and a four- to five-year apprenticeship. Job seekers in this field should note that candidates who have attended technical school or received hands-on training in the military may qualify for a shorter apprenticeship. 

Specific licensing requirements vary by state, but most states require practicing electricians to be licensed. Some states also require continuing education. 

Skills 

As skilled tradespeople, electricians need a strong understanding of electrical codes and safety regulations to ensure their work meets the required standards. They must also be able to use various tools like blueprints, meters, and hand/power tools to properly perform their jobs. 

Here’s a mix of hard and soft skills electricians need to success in their jobs: 

• Experience installing electrical wiring, conduits, panels, transformers, and other components 
• Problem-solving Ability to diagnose electrical problems, identify faulty components, and perform repairs following safety protocols 
• Communication 
• Experience using various electrical tools such as multimeters, wire strippers, crimpers, power tools, and testing equipment 
• Attention to detail 
• Ability to interpret electrical schematics and blueprints to understand electrical system layouts for installation or repair 
• Safety awareness 
• Knowledge of Programmable Logic Controllers (PLC) 
• Time management 
• Knowledge of National Electrical Code (NEC) and local electric codes 

Depending on the specific role and industry, additional skills like working at heights, knowledge of specific electrical systems, or familiarity with building automation systems may be needed. 

Pay for Electricians  

According to the Bureau of Labor and Statistics, the median annual pay for an electrician in the U.S. is $61,590. Specific compensation will vary based on experience, job requirements, and location. 

Once your clear and detailed electrician job description has attracted qualified candidates for your role, you’re ready to start the interview process! 

Electrician Interview Questions 

When interviewing electricians, you want to assess their technical expertise and problem-solving abilities effectively. The following questions are designed to help you identify skilled candidates. 

Interview Questions: to Assess Technical Skills 

1. Describe the difference between AC and DC and explain their applications in electrical systems. 

2. Tell me about the functions of grounding and bonding in an electrical system and their importance for safety. 

3. How does wire gauge (thickness) relate to current carrying capacity? 

4. Walk me through the steps involved in calculating the total load on a circuit. 

5. Explain the purpose and operation of transformers, circuit breakers, and ground fault circuit interrupters (GFCIs). 

6. How would you troubleshoot a flickering light fixture in a building? 

7. Describe the different types of electrical meters and how you would use them to measure voltage, current, and resistance. 

8. Can you explain the working principle behind dimmers? 

9. What safety precautions should be taken when working with high-voltage electrical systems? 

10. Walk me through the steps involved in safely replacing a faulty electrical outlet. 

11. What are some common causes of electrical panel malfunctions, and how would you identify them? 

12. Can you explain the different types of electrical test equipment and how they’re used for troubleshooting? 

Problem-Solving and Decision-Making 

13. How would you approach troubleshooting a power outage in a residential setting? 

14. Imagine working on a tight deadline and suddenly discovering a safety hazard with the electrical system. How would you prioritize your actions and make a safe decision while keeping the project on track? 

15. You’re called to a client’s house, and lights are flickering throughout the home. However, your initial tests reveal nothing out of the ordinary. How would you go about diagnosing the problem? 

16. Describe a situation where you had to troubleshoot a complex electrical problem. What was the issue, and how did you diagnose and fix it? 

17. There are times when multiple solutions might exist for an electrical problem. How do you evaluate your options and decide the best course of action? 

to Assess Soft Skills 

18. Describe a situation where you had to explain a complex electrical issue to a client with no technical background. How did you ensure they understood the problem and the solution? 

19. How would you handle a customer who is frustrated or impatient about an electrical issue in their home or business? 

20. Can you give an example of when you went above and beyond to ensure customer satisfaction on the job? 

21. Tell me about a time you had to collaborate with other tradespeople (e.g., plumbers, carpenters) on an electrical project. How did you ensure clear communication and efficient teamwork? 

22. Have you ever disagreed with a coworker on the best approach to an electrical task? How did you resolve the situation? 

23. Describe your ideal work environment and how you contribute to a positive and collaborative team atmosphere. 

24. What motivates you to excel in your role as an electrician? How do you stay focused and maintain a high quality of work throughout the day? 

25. How do you prioritize your tasks when faced with multiple competing demands on your time? 

26. How do you stay up to date on advancements in new technologies and regulations and adapt your skills accordingly? 

27. Describe a situation where you had to learn a new electrical skill or procedure. How did you approach the learning process, and what resources did you use? 

28. Are you more comfortable working independently, being responsible, and taking initiative, or prefer more direct supervision? 

We Can Help You Hire a Qualified Electrician 

Electricians ensure safety, keep buildings powered, and are regularly adapting to new technologies, so hiring a qualified candidate is vital. Needing some help sourcing an electrician? This is where we come in! We are a full-service staffing and temp agency with a global reach and can connect skilled electricians with employers across 50+ countries. Connect with us today to get started.