Electrical jobs are available for people with different levels of skills that start from entry-level apprentices and helpers posts to professors who teach in colleges about electrical engineering and other related disciplines. The chances of getting an electrical job at various corporations, the government or even as an independent contractor depend on the specific training that one receives. In general, education is very important in each type of electrical job because of the continual advancement in technology and the changes in electrical regulations.
Electrician
An electrician works in commercial and residential installation and repair of electrical systems and he is present among the first ones on a construction site, where he installs electrical power systems in order to give electricity on the job location. Electricians must possess knowledge of local and national electric codes, and be capable of understanding electrical blueprints to guarantee the precise installation of electrical equipment and system. An electricians' job includes working with hand tools like saws, drills and ladders. A good physical condition is an advantage for electricians who work inside and outside, climb ladders and stairs and carry supplies and equipments. Electricians go through a four-year apprenticeship training which is mixed with classes and training on-the-job; however, they continuously learn in their careers to stay informed about changes in local and national electric codes.
Field Technicians
Field technicians are in charge of repairing, installing and maintaining electrical devices and other components. Companies usually hire field technicians to keep the work field operational, especially in production industries where stopping a production line for repair is not a choice; while electrical companies hire field technicians to travel and aid customer equipment, which may be computerized, market sales, heavy-duty industrial commands, airport radar systems or production-line robots. There are some self-employed field technicians, who answer when clients call about equipment difficulties. Customers and employers prefer a field technician with a degree in electronics, and sometimes some employers may ask even for a professional certification.
Electrical Engineer
Electrical engineers are the persons who design electrical systems, components and devices. Engineers are generally included in a design project attentive with the design of electricity boards for homes, constituents of an electrical power network or other electrical devices and systems. Since the electrical engineering encloses several fields, electrical engineers must specialize in fields such as bioelectrical engineering, computer systems or solid-state electronics. An electrical engineer must have at least a bachelor's degree in order to be qualified to enter in an area of electrical engineering. Most of the engineers continue their education for acquiring a master's degree or a doctorate because it is advantageous for the extent of their careers and also required because of the continual adjustments and improves in electrical technology. Salary for electrical engineer goes from $65,000 to $113,000.