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Electrician

Also called wireman, wirewoman, electrical worker

Electricians fit and repair electrical circuits and wiring systems. They also install and maintain electrical equipment and machinery. This work can be performed indoors as well as outdoors, in nearly every type of facility.

Will there be jobs?Yes, good prospectsShortage in 20 countries now. 33 jobs to fill by 2035 for every 100 people doing this work today.Electrical and electronics trades workersWhat does it pay?About averageFrom about €1,200 (Bulgaria) to €5,600 (Denmark) a month, depending on the country.Estimate · Electrical and electronics trades workersWhat do I need to study?Upper secondary or vocational7 in 10 finished upper secondary or vocational training. 6 in 10 train through vocational routes.Electrical and electronics trades workersWill AI change it?Very littleLevel 1 of 6. AI could help with only small parts of the tasks.Building and related electricians · ILO

What you'd do

Building and related electricians · ILO
  • Installing, maintaining and repairing electrical wiring systems and related equipment in various buildings such as schools, hospitals, commercial establishments, residential buildings and other structures
  • Examining blueprints, wiring diagrams and specifications to determine sequences and methods of operation
  • Planning layout and installation of electrical wiring, equipment and fixtures, based on job specifications and relevant standards
  • Inspecting electrical systems, equipment and components to identify hazards, defects and the need for adjustment or repair
  • Selecting, cutting and connecting wire and cable to terminals and connectors
  • Measuring and laying out installation reference points
  • Positioning and installing electrical switchboards
  • Testing continuity of circuit
Maintain electrical equipmentInspect electrical suppliesInstall electricity socketsInstall electric switchesInstall electrical and electronic equipment+ 12 more essential skills
What the work is like
  • Indoors and outdoors
  • On your feet most of the day
  • Constant contact with people, including the public
  • Good freedom to decide
  • Usually 40 hours a week
  • Deadlines most weeks
  • Some repetitive tasks
US data: based on the O*NET profile of the US job "Electricians"

Will there be jobs?

Yes, good prospects

20 EU countries are short of building and related electricians now, and a typical number of jobs will need filling by 2035.

People working as electrical and electronics trades workers in the EU
3.16m3.26m3.49m 201520232035

Solid: measured. Dashed: forecast.

Jobs to fill, 2026–2035
175,000 new jobs 915,000 replacing leavers
Jobs to fill per 100 people working now
Electrical and electronics trades workers33
All jobs29
Right now
20 of 27 countries report a shortage of building and related electricians, 2 a surplus.
Building and related electricians · EURES

What does it pay?

About average

Pay depends a lot on the country: from about €1,200 a month (Bulgaria) to €5,600 (Denmark), before tax.

Pick a country at the top of the page to see typical pay there, for people under 30, and compared with all jobs.

Among craft and related trades workers in the EU, women earn 26% less per hour than men. Craft and related trades workers · Eurostat

What do I need to study?

Upper secondary or vocational

Upper secondary or vocational training in electricity and energy is the usual route.

Highest qualification of electrical and electronics trades workers (EU, 2025)
Degree 17%Vocational 62%General secondary 7%Basic schooling 14%
Fields that teach it
Electricity and energy · Electronics and automation
Vocational route, EU
6 in 10 trainees in this field

Pick a country at the top of the page to see where to study and the official course finders.

Will AI change it?

Very little

AI could help with only small parts of the tasks.

How exposed is this job? ILO scale
Very low
Low
Some tasks
Moderate
Significant
High

Average task score 0.19 on a scale from 0 (AI can't do it) to 1 (AI could do it fully).

See the score for each of the 8 tasks
Examining blueprints, wiring diagrams and specifications to determine sequences and methods of operation0.28
Testing continuity of circuit0.26
Inspecting electrical systems, equipment and components to identify hazards, defects and the need for adjustment or repair0.20
Planning layout and installation of electrical wiring, equipment and fixtures, based on job specifications and relevant standards0.20
Installing, maintaining and repairing electrical wiring systems and related equipment in various buildings such as schools, hospitals, commercial establishments, residential buildings and other structures0.18
Measuring and laying out installation reference points0.14
Positioning and installing electrical switchboards0.14
Selecting, cutting and connecting wire and cable to terminals and connectors0.14

Based on what AI could technically do when assessed in 2025. It is not a forecast for a future year, and not a forecast of job losses. Scores for building and related electricians. Source: ILO (2025), adapted (credits).