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Trade Spotlight: Electricians in the Pacific Northwest 

What Do Electricians Do?

Electricians install, maintain, and repair electrical wiring, systems, and equipment.
They make sure everything meets safety codes and keeps power running smoothly — whether it’s lighting up a home, wiring a factory, or keeping an entire city powered.
Some electricians specialize in systems like renewable energy, EV charging, or industrial control systems.

Work Environment

Electricians work indoors and outdoors — at homes, businesses, factories, and construction sites.
The job often means travel between work sites, tight spaces, climbing ladders, and long hours standing or kneeling.
It’s hands-on work that requires focus, problem-solving, and physical endurance.

How to Become an Electrician

Most electricians start through a 4- to 5-year apprenticeship that combines on-the-job training with classroom instruction.
Apprentices work under licensed journeymen and earn while they learn.
After completing an apprenticeship, you can earn your journeyman license — and later move up to master electrician.

Specializations are growing fast in areas like:

  • Renewable energy systems

  • Smart buildings and automation

  • Electric vehicle charging infrastructure

  • Industrial control and data systems

Pay in the Pacific Northwest (2025)

StateAverage Pay (2025)Range

Washington~$78,000/yr (~$38/hr)$56K – $100K+

Oregon~$70,000/yr (~$34/hr)$50K – $95K+

Idaho~$60,000/yr (~$29/hr)$50K – $70K

 

⚡ Union electricians (IBEW) and those working on data centers, renewables, or industrial projects often make well above these averages.

Job Outlook

Electricians are in high demand across the Pacific Northwest.
Nationally, jobs are expected to grow about 9% from 2024–2034, and regional growth in the Northwest is even higher thanks to major infrastructure and clean energy projects.

Key growth drivers:
1st -  Renewable energy (solar, wind, battery storage)
2nd- EV charging and electrification projects
3rd-  Semiconductor and data center expansion
4th-  Aging workforce and steady retirements

If you’re skilled, reliable, and ready to learn, job prospects are very strong.

Real Talk for the PNW

Pay varies depending on where you live.
Urban areas like Seattle, Portland, and Boise pay more due to higher living costs.
Rural areas pay a bit less but come with a lower cost of living — and sometimes steadier work.

Specialize early, get certified, and keep learning new technologies.
That’s how you’ll stay ahead in the field — and keep the lights on for everyone else.

Learn More

To get started or find local apprenticeship info:

 

Start learning today, and you’ll build a career that’s always in demand — rain, shine, or snow.

👉 Learn more about career paths in the trades? Email us here! (We promise a quick reply)

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