How to Become an Industrial Electrician

Are you ready to spark a rewarding career as an industrial electrician? If so, you’re in the right place! In this comprehensive guide, we’ll answer the question “How to become an industrial electrician,” and we’ll walk you through all of the steps—from getting started to landing your first job.

In this article, we’ll:

Review the steps needed to become an industrial electrician
Demonstrate how the right software can maximize job efficiency
Explore the differences in work and pay between industrial and other types of electricians

Let’s dive in and explore how to become an industrial electrician so you can power up your future in the industry!

What Is an Industrial Electrician?

An industrial electrician is a skilled professional who installs, maintains and repairs electrical systems and equipment in industrial settings like factories, manufacturing plants and warehouses.

They ensure that electrical machinery and equipment run smoothly and safely to keep businesses humming along.

Step 1: Earn Your High School Diploma

The first step on your journey to becoming an industrial electrician (or any electrician) is to earn your high school diploma, GED, or equivalent. This foundational education will provide you with the essential math and science skills you’ll need to succeed in the field.

Step 2: Get Hands-On Experience Through an Apprenticeship

Next, gain hands-on experience through an apprenticeship program. These programs typically last four to five years and combine on-the-job training with classroom instruction.

During your apprenticeship, you’ll learn everything—from reading blueprints to troubleshooting electrical systems under the guidance of experienced professionals.

Step 3: Obtain Necessary Licenses and Certifications

After completing your apprenticeship, you’ll need to obtain the necessary licenses and certifications to work as an industrial electrician.

Requirements vary by state, so be sure to research the specific requirements in your area. Some states may require you to pass an exam or demonstrate a certain level of experience to obtain your license.

Step 4: Keep Learning and Growing in Your Career

The learning doesn’t stop once you’ve become a licensed industrial electrician! To stay competitive in the field, it’s essential to keep up with advancements in technology and industry trends.

Consider pursuing additional certifications or continuing education courses to expand your skill set and advance your career, such as:

Master Electrician License: For industrial electricians looking to take their careers to the next level, obtaining a master electrician license is a common goal. This credential requires additional experience and may involve passing an exam covering advanced electrical concepts and code requirements.
Electrical Contractor License: Industrial electricians who aspire to start their own electrical contracting business can pursue an electrical contractor license. This credential allows individuals to legally operate a business and perform electrical work for clients.
Specialized Certifications: Depending on their areas of interest or expertise, industrial electricians can pursue specialized certifications in specific areas of electrical work. For example, certifications in areas such as industrial automation, programmable logic controllers (PLCs), renewable energy systems or fire alarm systems can help industrial electricians specialize in niche markets and expand their career opportunities.
Safety Certifications: Safety is paramount in the electrical industry, and industrial electricians can benefit from obtaining safety certifications such as the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) 10-hour or 30-hour Construction Safety certification. These certifications demonstrate knowledge of safety protocols and regulations and help ensure a safe working environment for themselves and their colleagues.
Continuing Education Credits: Staying up-to-date with the latest advancements and regulations in the electrical industry is essential for industrial electricians. Many organizations offer continuing education courses and seminars that provide valuable insights and opportunities for professional development.

Step 5: Consider Specializing or Advancing Your Career

As you gain experience in the field, you may choose to specialize in specific areas of industrial electrical work, such as:

Automation
Robotics
Renewable energy

Also, you could pursue opportunities for advancement, such as becoming a master electrician, project manager or electrical contractor.

The Benefits of Software for Industrial Electricians

In addition to following the steps above, industrial electricians can also benefit from using electrician software to streamline operations and enhance productivity.

Top-shelf electrical software like FieldEdge helps industrial electricians manage schedules, track work orders and communicate with the team more efficiently.

By leveraging the power of electrical software, you can save time, minimize errors and deliver exceptional service to clients.

Here are some of the features of the best electrical software:

Dispatch Board: See all work orders on a single screen: assigned, unassigned and completed.
Customer Management: Review all work performed and any equipment a customer has installed. Store and show images to customers to illustrate current issues.
QuickBooks Integration: Every transaction made in FieldEdge transfers into QuickBooks, eliminating most double-data entries.
Price Presentation: Digital price books are a great tool to sell additional equipment and help customers choose the best option for them.
Quotes & Invoices: Reduce unpaid invoices and get paid faster by taking payments on the job or sending an invoice with a few taps or clicks.
Mobile CRM: Allows you to run your business from anywhere – no more being chained to a computer service. Cloud-based software allows you to create work orders and dispatch techs from your phone, tablet or laptop.

Industrial Electricians Pay vs. Commercial and Residential

When comparing the pay of industrial electricians with other types of electricians, several factors come into play. These include industry, experience, location and specific job duties. Here’s a general comparison:

Industrial Electricians: Industrial electricians often earn higher wages compared to other types of electricians due to the specialized nature of their work and the potential hazards associated with industrial environments.
Commercial Electricians: Commercial electricians work in non-residential settings, such as office buildings, retail stores and schools. While commercial electricians may earn slightly lower wages than industrial electricians, their pay can still be competitive, especially for those with specialized skills or certifications.
Residential Electricians: Residential electricians work in residential settings, such as homes and apartment buildings. Residential electricians may earn lower wages compared to industrial electricians, their pay can still be competitive, especially for those with extensive experience or specialized skills.
Location: Electrician wages can vary significantly depending on location. For example, electricians working in urban areas or regions with a high cost of living may command higher wages compared to those working in rural areas or regions with a lower cost of living.
Experience and Education: Experienced electricians with specialized skills or certifications typically earn higher wages compared to entry-level electricians.

Want to streamline your processes with next level software? Schedule a personalized FieldEdge demo today!