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Electrician
Licensed hands-on work installing and maintaining electrical systems — hard to automate, easy to own.
What they actually do
- Install, test and repair wiring and systems to code
- Diagnose faults customers can't see
- Quote work and manage their own jobs once qualified
Who might enjoy this
- People who want to see the finished result of their day
- People who prefer moving to sitting
- People who eventually want to own their own business
Common strengths
Practical problem solvingCareReliabilitySpatial reasoning
Skills needed
Regulations and codeFault findingQuotingCustomer trust
Lifestyle
On-site, early starts, physical. Strong path to self-employment and controlling your own rates.
Potential compensation
Estimated $40k–$120k, with higher ceilings for business owners. Regional and not guaranteed.
Typical career path
- 01Apprentice
- 02Qualified electrician
- 03Approved / master electrician
- 04Own contracting business
How to get started
- 01Find a paid apprenticeship — you earn while you train
- 02Talk to two working electricians about the first three years honestly
- 03Check licensing requirements where you live
Employment options
ContractorsFacilities teamsConstructionUtilities
Independent opportunities
Self-employed contractingSmall crew businessSpecialist niches like EV or solar
Try it yourself
Spend a day on site with a working tradesperson before you commit to an apprenticeship.
Try before you SHFT →SHFT AI perspective
One of the clearest routes from wage work to ownership: the qualification is the moat, and the business model is simple.
Watch on this direction
Related careers
All compensation information is an estimate or range. Actual pay varies widely and is never guaranteed.