Despite the fact that electricians often earn a fair wage, some people wonder whether or not it’s possible to make six figures as an electrician.
The good news is that there are plenty of ways to get to the point where you can actually make a substantial income as an electrician. Using your salary to invest in your professional development and taking part in a variety of side jobs are just a few things that can help you reach this goal.
Start Your Own Business
If you are a professional electrician and have been looking for ways to improve your income, starting your own business could be the answer. Running a business is a great way to make more money and have the freedom to take on any job you want. But it can also be risky, so you must be sure you are ready for the challenge before jumping in.
The first step to starting your own business as an electrician is to get licensed. This is a legal requirement in most states and requires you to pass a background check. After getting your license, you can start looking for jobs. It is also good to take continuing education courses to stay up to date on the latest safety guidelines and building codes.
Once you are fully licensed, you can begin taking on electrical work and hiring employees. Once you have hired workers, make sure to provide them with all the tools and equipment they need to do their jobs. You should also take care of security and insurance for your equipment so you can protect yourself in case of theft or damage.
You can also promote your electrical business on social media to build visibility and credibility. Posting before and after photos, answering customer questions, and sharing DIY tips can help you build trust with your customers.
Finally, develop a system for incentivizing referrals from your existing customers. Word-of-mouth advertising is one of the most effective ways to grow your electrical business. Personal referrals are four times more likely to result in sales than company-generated referrals.
It’s important to keep your employees happy so they can continue to work for you and refer new customers to you. Trades consultant Ben Stark suggests focusing on employee buy-in and keeping them involved in the process by showing them that they have a say in the growth of your electrical contracting business.
You can start your own electrical business by getting licensed, finding a property to use as an office or warehouse space, and investing in the equipment you need to complete your jobs. You can also get insurance to cover your assets and hire a team of professionals to handle more complex projects.
Ask for a Promotion or Raise
Asking for a promotion or raise can be stressful. In fact, 18 percent of women and a quarter of men have experienced some form of emotional distress at their annual performance review, according to one survey.
But you don’t have to feel stressed out about your next performance review if you know how to handle the situation correctly. As one manager told LiveCareer, a little preparation can go a long way.
Start by ensuring you understand why you want a raise or promotion. This can help you decide whether to pursue it or not and what to say when it comes time for your next review.
Another important step is to research salary data for your position. This will help you determine what your current pay is compared to similar positions within your company, a career expert says.
If you’re in a new role and your salary is below what other electricians make in your area, it’s time to ask for a raise. You can do this by gathering salary information and presenting it to your boss in a professional manner, according to career expert Kirsten Ducot.
She says that bringing up the idea of a raise early in the year is also a good idea. It gives your boss time to give you feedback on your work and keep the discussion fresh in their minds as they prepare for your next review cycle, she suggests.
Even if your supervisor says no to a raise request, you shouldn’t take it personally, said career expert and former hiring manager Jason Clavel. Instead, focus on what you can do to improve your work and your skills to earn a better wage or more money in the future, Clavel recommends.
It’s also a good idea to ask for a raise when you’ve achieved something noteworthy at your job. This will show your supervisor that you have a strong track record of success and are willing to go above and beyond for the company.
The best time to ask for a promotion or raise is when you perform at your best. This will increase your chances of getting the compensation you deserve and make your supervisor more likely to approve your request, according to career experts.
Change Your Specializations
Electrical workers are in high demand, but the job market is constantly changing. So if you think that you’re suited for a different specialization, it’s not too late to change your career path and get more out of your work.
A common reason that people choose to change their majors is when they realize they have a passion for something else and want to pursue it more intensively. For example, if you’re an art major and your artistic side really comes to the fore, you may be able to switch to a program that focuses on graphic design or illustration.
Another common reason to change your major is if you’re unhappy with the job you have now or are ready for a new challenge. In this case, you may be able to get a better salary or job with better benefits if you switch to an electrical specialty that is in higher demand.
Whether you decide to go the traditional route or start your electrical education at a trade school, it’s important to make sure that you’re learning as much as possible about the industry. This can help you develop the skills and knowledge you need to find a better job or take your electrical business to the next level.
You can keep your certification by taking continuing education courses if you’re already a licensed electrician. These classes will update you on the latest safety guidelines, building codes, and other regulations that apply to your profession. They also can add to your resume and allow you to qualify for a better job or get a raise at your current one.
Electricians can work on projects that range from small residential homes to large commercial buildings. They can even install and repair machines in factories, mines, or power plants.
To become an electrician, you must first complete an apprenticeship program, which usually lasts four or five years and involves classroom instruction and on-the-job training. During this time, you learn the ins and outs of the job by working under an experienced professional in the field.
Get Better at What You Do
If you have a career as an electrician, there are plenty of ways that you can make six figures. You just need to find the right opportunities.
The first step in making six figures as an electrician is to get better at what you do. You can do this by learning more about the industry and learning how to improve your skills.
One way that you can do this is to enroll in a professional training program. Trade organizations like the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers often run these programs. They can teach you the basics of electricity and how to apply them in your day-to-day work.
Another option is to take your skill set to the next level by becoming an electrician with a higher certification or licensing level. This can allow you to earn more money in the long run and help you stand out from other electricians.
For instance, you can become a licensed master electrician and charge more than a mid-line journeyman. You can also learn about specialized fields, such as industrial or commercial wiring, to increase your income potential.
You can also start your own business as an electrician, which could be a great way to make a lot of money in the long run. You’ll have to put in a lot of hard work to get it off the ground, but it can be worth it in the end.
There are many people who do this successfully, and it’s worth trying if you want to make six figures as an electrician. You can also use sites like Airtasker to find a range of electrical tasks that you can complete for extra income.
Electricians can be very dangerous, and this profession has many risks. You may have to do strenuous work, such as climbing up ladders or crawling through basements. This can be stressful, but it’s important to remember that you are protecting yourself and others when you do this work.
While the media loves to focus on negativity, you should watch for ways to find happiness in your work. You can do this by finding a career you enjoy, learning more about the industry, and finding mentors who can help you.