Do electricians make good money?

[Anonymous]

My nephew is considering becoming an electrician. Do they make good money? Is it a stable job? Would you suggest union or non union?

[Anonymous]

I would suggest he get go to night school for business degree while study to be an electrician. Would be a great career path but he needs to know how to run a business..just as important as being a good electrician esp in today's world. Would not suggest going the union route..while they make a good initial per hour..too much a deas end job. FYI my family is in the trades which is why both my brothers and I went to college..my dad wanted an easier path for us.

[Anonymous]

They can make good money, yes. The union apprenticeship is a great program; the apprentices can work and earn (at apprentice rates) while they are taking classes toward licenses. They also help folks with job placement after they are done.

He should call the JATC and ask about what sorts of programs they are offering.

http://www.ibewlocal26.org/
http://www.washdcjatc.org/

[Anonymous]

Would it be possible for him to join the union in order to take advantage of the apprenticeship? Learn the trade, go to night school, etc. and then leave the union to open his own business? Or is that too far-fetched?

[Anonymous]

Yes. They are also smart. If I had to do it all over again I would consider it! Turn in my law dgeree for an apprenticeship

[Anonymous]

It can be. My father retired a few years ago after a 40-year career as a union electrician in Boston. During that time, he worked for the same for 30+ years and always had steady work, including overtime if he wanted it.

He made a comfortable salary, probably $90-100k in current dollars. But he has a pension to envy from the IBEW.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:It can be. My father retired a few years ago after a 40-year career as a union electrician in Boston. During that time, he worked for the same for 30+ years and always had steady work, including overtime if he wanted it.

Sorry, that should have read, "he worked for the same contractor for 30+ years..."

[Anonymous]

You owe the union back for a certain amount of time. You then wind up stuck in the union much better to own your non union business. Union workers are difficult and you wind up taking on their laziness..again from a family of trades people..my dad was the only one who was able to see beyond the union handicap

[Anonymous]

I can say that IBEW workers make extremely good money. IBEW was at my prior federal agency (a production facility) and, esp those who got a large night differential, made over 6 figures. IBEW is a powerful union and they advocate fiercely on behalf of their members.

[Anonymous]

My cousin is a master electrician and makes very good money.

[Anonymous]

My dad retired last year after 40+ years in the IBEW, both my Grandfathers and my uncle and cousins were in the trade. My Dad worked 40 hour weeks only his last few years and was making about 100k. There is ALWAYS the opportunity for overtime and my Dad got a security clearance and that made extra $$ as well. For every poster that says that union workers are "lazy", there are going to be posters that say the same about non-union workers (and that their training isn't nearly as thorough). If your newphew likes to work with his hands and doesn't want the grind of driving a desk, it's a great stable career with the ability to make a good living.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:My dad retired last year after 40+ years in the IBEW, both my Grandfathers and my uncle and cousins were in the trade. My Dad worked 40 hour weeks only his last few years and was making about 100k. There is ALWAYS the opportunity for overtime and my Dad got a security clearance and that made extra $$ as well. For every poster that says that union workers are "lazy", there are going to be posters that say the same about non-union workers (and that their training isn't nearly as thorough). If your newphew likes to work with his hands and doesn't want the grind of driving a desk, it's a great stable career with the ability to make a good living.

Agreed. I am the previous poster with the retired IBEW Dad. My Dad worked incredibly hard his whole life- he is the least lazy person I have ever met! Plus, he is a damn good electrician and very smart. He went to Boston College before he became an apprentice. My grandfather was also a union electrician.

I would not trust a non-union electrician to work on my house. You just don't know what you are going to get!

[Anonymous]

It depends...starting linemen at major power companies easily earn $100-$125 plus overtime. A residential electrical contractor will earn much less, and not get the pension/benefit perks.

Overall though it is a good career especially if you can start small and work your way up, either in the union or independently by building your own business.

[Anonymous]

I think any type of skill like that (especially a plumber) can make great money. I think someone posted a "Im married to a plumber ask me anything" once and her husband owned the business and was making over 200k. Agree with PP that owning a business can be critical to making the big bucks. But hell, even just working for someone can probably be good. Bonus for not dealing with student loans or cyclical job trends etc. Everyone needs to turn the lights on! And with more and more tech in our lives, it seems there is a lot of opportunity to grow the field