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Architectural Design Technology Careers and Jobs

Select, Find and Prepare for Architectural Design Technology Careers and Jobs - all on one page

For people who want architecture-adjacent design work without the multi-year licensure path of a registered architect. Use the tools below to see which architectural design technology roles fit your background and goals.

This major prepares students for the drafting and technical-design side of architecture, distinct from the licensed-architect track that requires a professional degree. Use the tools below to explore Architectural Design Technology-related job titles sorted by growth rate, salary, or required education. You can start with entry points like CAD Drafter, or look ahead to advanced roles such as Architectural Designer or Project Coordinator. Along the way, you will see specific certifications, such as Autodesk Certified Professional (AutoCAD/Revit), that can help you move up the career ladder.



4 Steps to Use This Page: 1-Explore Careers of Intrerest 2-See Job Listings Matched to Career 3-Prepare for the Career 4-See External Career Resources

Here is a short Helper Video External Link

This page will take you through 4 steps to (1) Select from Architectural Design Technology careers/jobs, (2) Find Architectural Design Technology job listings, (3) Prepare for Architectural Design Technology careers, and (4) Provide Architectural Design Technology career-specific resources.

Step 1: Select a Career/Job: This page starts with 4 ways for you to identify and select from listings of Architectural Design Technology careers/jobs:
A) Fastest Growing Architectural Design Technology Careers - 2025 to 2035 (est.)
These listings are based on job growth estimates and helps you to identify the fastest growing and evolving Architectural Design Technology careers. Some careers may not initially seem related to Architectural Design Technology, so relevant Architectural Design Technology jobs are listed alongside each listing. This can also help us to identify which careers (bottom of the listing) may have negative growth - perhaps due to automation or planned obsolescence.
B) Median Annual Salary U.S. Architectural Design Technology Careers
These listings are sorted (descending) by median annual salary in the U.S. This may help us to identify our ideal career. We may not qualify at this time for the desired career, but this listing and the results provided can help us to explore job details, as well as learn how to appropriately prepare for the career.
C) Architectural Design Technology Career Ladders (Educational Requirements)
These listings will help us to identify Architectural Design Technology careers sorted by educational requirements (with the most difficult to obtain listed first). This may help us to identify career ladders (as we scroll down the list), and help us to get jobs that we qualify for now.
D) Select From a Listing of 13 Architectural Design Technology Jobs.
The list may be quite long. There are two ways you might like to use this list:
1) Filter - As you enter a word, you will filter (limit) the list of job titles
2) Browse the list (Don't Filter) - You can simply explore the list of job titles. There may be many that you might never have considered to be of interest.
Once you have identified a job title of interest, simply click on it.

Step 2: Find a Job: After you have selected a career/job title above, you will see a form asking for your location. You will see several radio selection choices to utilize the job search site of your choice.

Step 3: Prepare For a Career: In this section you will gain access to detailed information to help you prepare for the chosen career. Information may include (not every career choice includes all of the elements below - updates occur quarterly):
Core Duties: Lists the primary worker-related tasks performed in this occupation
Supplemental Duties: Lists additional tasks that are performed but are secondary to the core duties
Work Activities: Summarizes the broad types of behaviors and actions related to this career
Specific Work Activities: Provides more granular day-to-day activities tied to the work performed
Essential Skills: Provides foundational skills that are core to performing this specific occupation
Transferable Skills: Provides career-portable skills that can be applied across multiple occupations and industries
Day-in-the-Life Summaries: Provides a snapshot of the key activities performed on a typical workday in this career
Knowledge Required: Provides the requirements regarding the acquisition of facts and principles
Software Skills: Lists software tools commonly used in this occupation, organized by category and priority
Preparation Required: Provides a summary of the required experience and education
Education Required: Detailed breakdown of the education required
Training and Experience Required: Detailed breakdown of the training and Training and Experience Required
Local Salary Information: Provides national and local salary ranges
Certifications: Provides appropriate government and private-sector certifications and/or credentials that may be required
Professional Associations: Provides professional associations that are related to the career selected
Job Listings: Provides links to active current job listings for the selected career, along with multiple similar job titles to explore. All information appears on this page without navigating away.
Related Careers to Consider: Lists up to 20 careers that might be of interest to you (related to your initial choice - what they do, what they know, and what they're called), ranked by best fit.

** If you clicked on a link from section D (as described in Step 1 above), you will see one or more links to an occupation that is usually a bit more general than your initial job selection - the link(s) is directly related to the specific job you identified through your prior selections.
*NOTE: It is possible that there may not be a career path identified for the specific job you selected in Step 1. If this is the case, scroll up the page and click on a different career/job.

Step 4: Career-Specific Resources (detailed and constantly updated): Continue to scroll down the page and you will find tabs that provide detailed (updated) links specific to the career you selected. This information includes:
Videos: Provides a listing of video links related to this career. A great way to get a quick overview of the occupation.
Resumes: Sources for resume materials and techniques. This can help to get you started.
Job Description: Sources that provide job descriptions, which are vital to resume and interview preparation.
Interviews: Provides links that can help you to prepare for and successfully complete the job interview. Can also assist with coffee chats.
Step by Step: Provides links to resources that can help to organize the career search process.
LinkedIn: One of the best professional social media sites that provides links, opportunities, and networking specifically for careers and career development.




Step 1 of 4: Select a Career/Job

8 Architectural Design Technology careers are listed below (sorted by Percentage Change in Total Job Openings - 2025 to 2035 est.). Architectural Design Technology-related jobs specific to each career are also provided. This shows which careers are emerging and growing the fastest. Please Scroll and Select below:

Occupations U.S. Job Openings 2025-2035 (% change) Architectural Design Technology-Related Jobs

Civil Engineers 6.4% Zoning Engineer
Occupation: Civil Engineers U.S. Job Openings 2025-2035: 6.4% Architectural Design Technology-Related Jobs: Zoning Engineer
Architectural and Civil Drafters 5.2% Architectural CAD Drafter (Architectural Computer-Aided Design Drafter); Architectural CAD Technician (Architectural Computer-Aided Design Technician); Architectural Designer; Architectural Drafter; Architecture Drafter
Occupation: Architectural and Civil Drafters U.S. Job Openings 2025-2035: 5.2% Architectural Design Technology-Related Jobs: Architectural CAD Drafter (Architectural Computer-Aided Design Drafter); Architectural CAD Technician (Architectural Computer-Aided Design Technician); Architectural Designer; Architectural Drafter; Architecture Drafter
Landscape Architects 4.4% Landscape Architectural Designer
Occupation: Landscape Architects U.S. Job Openings 2025-2035: 4.4% Architectural Design Technology-Related Jobs: Landscape Architectural Designer
Architects, Except Landscape and Naval 4.3% Architectural Designer
Occupation: Architects, Except Landscape and Naval U.S. Job Openings 2025-2035: 4.3% Architectural Design Technology-Related Jobs: Architectural Designer
Architecture Teachers, Postsecondary 2.6% Architectural Design Professor
Occupation: Architecture Teachers, Postsecondary U.S. Job Openings 2025-2035: 2.6% Architectural Design Technology-Related Jobs: Architectural Design Professor
Cost Estimators -3.1% Building Construction Estimator; Commercial Construction Estimator; Construction Estimator
Occupation: Cost Estimators U.S. Job Openings 2025-2035: -3.1% Architectural Design Technology-Related Jobs: Building Construction Estimator; Commercial Construction Estimator; Construction Estimator
Electrical and Electronics Drafters -3.4% Electromechanical Design Drafter
Occupation: Electrical and Electronics Drafters U.S. Job Openings 2025-2035: -3.4% Architectural Design Technology-Related Jobs: Electromechanical Design Drafter
Mechanical Drafters -6% Mechanical Design Drafter
Occupation: Mechanical Drafters U.S. Job Openings 2025-2035: -6% Architectural Design Technology-Related Jobs: Mechanical Design Drafter

8 Architectural Design Technology careers are listed below (sorted by U.S. National Median Salary). Architectural Design Technology-related jobs specific to each occupation are also provided. Please Scroll and Select below::

Occupations National Median Salary Architectural Design Technology-Related Jobs

Civil Engineers $ 100,840 Zoning Engineer
Occupation: Civil Engineers National Median Salary: $ 100,840 Architectural Design Technology-Related Jobs: Zoning Engineer
Architects, Except Landscape and Naval $ 99,280 Architectural Designer
Occupation: Architects, Except Landscape and Naval National Median Salary: $ 99,280 Architectural Design Technology-Related Jobs: Architectural Designer
Architecture Teachers, Postsecondary $ 96,870 Architectural Design Professor
Occupation: Architecture Teachers, Postsecondary National Median Salary: $ 96,870 Architectural Design Technology-Related Jobs: Architectural Design Professor
Landscape Architects $ 79,870 Landscape Architectural Designer
Occupation: Landscape Architects National Median Salary: $ 79,870 Architectural Design Technology-Related Jobs: Landscape Architectural Designer
Cost Estimators $ 78,740 Building Construction Estimator; Commercial Construction Estimator; Construction Estimator
Occupation: Cost Estimators National Median Salary: $ 78,740 Architectural Design Technology-Related Jobs: Building Construction Estimator; Commercial Construction Estimator; Construction Estimator
Electrical and Electronics Drafters $ 76,870 Electromechanical Design Drafter
Occupation: Electrical and Electronics Drafters National Median Salary: $ 76,870 Architectural Design Technology-Related Jobs: Electromechanical Design Drafter
Mechanical Drafters $ 71,550 Mechanical Design Drafter
Occupation: Mechanical Drafters National Median Salary: $ 71,550 Architectural Design Technology-Related Jobs: Mechanical Design Drafter
Architectural and Civil Drafters $ 66,150 Architectural CAD Drafter (Architectural Computer-Aided Design Drafter); Architectural CAD Technician (Architectural Computer-Aided Design Technician); Architectural Designer; Architectural Drafter; Architecture Drafter
Occupation: Architectural and Civil Drafters National Median Salary: $ 66,150 Architectural Design Technology-Related Jobs: Architectural CAD Drafter (Architectural Computer-Aided Design Drafter); Architectural CAD Technician (Architectural Computer-Aided Design Technician); Architectural Designer; Architectural Drafter; Architecture Drafter

8 Architectural Design Technology careers are listed (sorted by Education/Preparation Requirements - descending) to provide career ladders. Architectural Design Technology-related jobs specific to each career are also provided.

Education/Preparation Categories:
5 = Usually requires graduate school (e.g., Master's degree, Ph.D., M.D., or J.D.)
4 = Usually requires a four-year Bachelor's degree
3 = Usually requires vocational training, related on-the-job experience, or Associate's degree
2 = Usually requires a high school diploma or GED, but not always
Please Scroll and Select below:
Occupations Education/Preparation Architectural Design Technology-Related Jobs

Architects, Except Landscape and Naval 5 Architectural Designer
Occupation: Architects, Except Landscape and Naval Education/Preparation: 5 Architectural Design Technology-Related Jobs: Architectural Designer
Architecture Teachers, Postsecondary 5 Architectural Design Professor
Occupation: Architecture Teachers, Postsecondary Education/Preparation: 5 Architectural Design Technology-Related Jobs: Architectural Design Professor
Civil Engineers 4 Zoning Engineer
Occupation: Civil Engineers Education/Preparation: 4 Architectural Design Technology-Related Jobs: Zoning Engineer
Cost Estimators 4 Building Construction Estimator; Commercial Construction Estimator; Construction Estimator
Occupation: Cost Estimators Education/Preparation: 4 Architectural Design Technology-Related Jobs: Building Construction Estimator; Commercial Construction Estimator; Construction Estimator
Landscape Architects 4 Landscape Architectural Designer
Occupation: Landscape Architects Education/Preparation: 4 Architectural Design Technology-Related Jobs: Landscape Architectural Designer
Architectural and Civil Drafters 3 Architectural CAD Drafter (Architectural Computer-Aided Design Drafter); Architectural CAD Technician (Architectural Computer-Aided Design Technician); Architectural Designer; Architectural Drafter; Architecture Drafter
Occupation: Architectural and Civil Drafters Education/Preparation: 3 Architectural Design Technology-Related Jobs: Architectural CAD Drafter (Architectural Computer-Aided Design Drafter); Architectural CAD Technician (Architectural Computer-Aided Design Technician); Architectural Designer; Architectural Drafter; Architecture Drafter
Electrical and Electronics Drafters 3 Electromechanical Design Drafter
Occupation: Electrical and Electronics Drafters Education/Preparation: 3 Architectural Design Technology-Related Jobs: Electromechanical Design Drafter
Mechanical Drafters 3 Mechanical Design Drafter
Occupation: Mechanical Drafters Education/Preparation: 3 Architectural Design Technology-Related Jobs: Mechanical Design Drafter

Scroll through the picklist (below). There are 13 specific Architectural Design Technology job titles listed. Select those that may be of interest - you will get active job listing links, along with detailed resources to help you prepare for a career related to that job.
You can use this form two ways:

hidden filler

Filter - As you enter a keyword, you will filter (limit) the list of job titles below

Browse the list (Don't Filter) - You can simply explore the list of job titles. There may be many that you might never have considered to be of interest.

Enter a Keyword (filter the list below)
OR - leave blank and scroll through the choices:



Select a Job Title (Scroll and Select) :

Step 2 of 4: Find a Job

Find Job Listings: Electricians.


Search results will open in a new tab.

Note: Job search results work best for U.S.-based locations. For international searches, try searching for "[job title] in [city, country]" directly on the selected job board, or visit their country-specific website.

Step 3 of 4: Prepare For a Career





Electricians

Description: Install, maintain, and repair electrical wiring, equipment, and fixtures. Ensure that work is in accordance with relevant codes. May install or service street lights, intercom systems, or electrical control systems.

U.S. Total Employment (2025):
821,000
U.S. Total Employment (2035 est.):
896,900
Employment Change (2025-2035 est.):
75,900 (9.2%)
Average Annual Job Openings (2025-2035 est.):
72,700
Please click on a section below to expand and see detailed occupational information related to "Electricians":

Core Duties

Important Core Job Duties (in order of importance)
For the Top 5 most important - How can you build experience and skill doing these? This will help now, to begin preparing for this type of occupation.
Importance (%) Description
Importance: 100 (%) Description: Place conduit, pipes, or tubing, inside designated partitions, walls, or other concealed areas, and pull insulated wires or cables through the conduit to complete circuits between boxes.
Importance: 100 (%) Description: Work from ladders, scaffolds, or roofs to install, maintain, or repair electrical wiring, equipment, or fixtures.
Importance: 100 (%) Description: Use a variety of tools or equipment, such as power construction equipment, measuring devices, power tools, and testing equipment, such as oscilloscopes, ammeters, or test lamps.
Importance: 100 (%) Description: Assemble, install, test, or maintain electrical or electronic wiring, equipment, appliances, apparatus, or fixtures, using hand tools or power tools.
Importance: 100 (%) Description: Repair or replace wiring, equipment, or fixtures, using hand tools or power tools.
Importance: 100 (%) Description: Prepare sketches or follow blueprints to determine the location of wiring or equipment and to ensure conformance to building and safety codes.
Importance: 100 (%) Description: Test electrical systems or continuity of circuits in electrical wiring, equipment, or fixtures, using testing devices, such as ohmmeters, voltmeters, or oscilloscopes, to ensure compatibility and safety of system.
Importance: 100 (%) Description: Plan layout and installation of electrical wiring, equipment, or fixtures, based on job specifications and local codes.
Importance: 100 (%) Description: Fasten small metal or plastic boxes to walls to house electrical switches or outlets.
Importance: 100 (%) Description: Diagnose malfunctioning systems, apparatus, or components, using test equipment and hand tools to locate the cause of a breakdown and correct the problem.
Importance: 99 (%) Description: Connect wires to circuit breakers, transformers, or other components.
Importance: 98 (%) Description: Inspect electrical systems, equipment, or components to identify hazards, defects, or the need for adjustment or repair, and to ensure compliance with codes.
Importance: 97 (%) Description: Perform physically demanding tasks, such as digging trenches to lay conduit or moving or lifting heavy objects.
Importance: 97 (%) Description: Install ground leads and connect power cables to equipment, such as motors.
Importance: 91 (%) Description: Construct or fabricate parts, using hand tools, according to specifications.
Importance: 91 (%) Description: Direct or train workers to install, maintain, or repair electrical wiring, equipment, or fixtures.
Importance: 90 (%) Description: Maintain current electrician's license or identification card to meet governmental regulations.
Importance: 89 (%) Description: Perform business management duties, such as maintaining records or files, preparing reports, or ordering supplies or equipment.
Importance: 78 (%) Description: Advise management on whether continued operation of equipment could be hazardous.
Importance: 69 (%) Description: Provide preliminary sketches or cost estimates for materials or services.
Supplemental Duties
Important Supplemental Job Duties (in order of importance)
For the Top 5 most important - How can you build experience and skill doing these? This will help now, to begin preparing for this type of occupation.
Importance (%) Description
Importance: 56 (%) Description: Provide assistance during emergencies by operating floodlights or generators, placing flares, or driving needed vehicles.
Work Activities

Important General Work Activities (in order of importance)
For the Top 5 most important - How can you build experience and skill doing these? This will help now, to begin preparing for this type of occupation.
Importance (%) Description
Importance: 94 (%) Description: Performing General Physical Activities: Performing general physical activities includes doing activities that require considerable use of your arms and legs and moving your whole body, such as climbing, lifting, balancing, walking, stooping, and handling materials.
Importance: 93 (%) Description: Communicating with Supervisors, Peers, or Subordinates: Providing information to supervisors, co-workers, and subordinates by telephone, in written form, e-mail, or in person.
Importance: 90 (%) Description: Organizing, Planning, and Prioritizing Work: Developing specific goals and plans to prioritize, organize, and accomplish your work.
Importance: 89 (%) Description: Getting Information: Observing, receiving, and otherwise obtaining information from all relevant sources.
Importance: 89 (%) Description: Monitoring Processes, Materials, or Surroundings: Monitoring and reviewing information from materials, events, or the environment, to detect or assess problems.
Importance: 87 (%) Description: Updating and Using Relevant Knowledge: Keeping up-to-date technically and applying new knowledge to your job.
Importance: 86 (%) Description: Establishing and Maintaining Interpersonal Relationships: Developing constructive and cooperative working relationships with others, and maintaining them over time.
Importance: 86 (%) Description: Handling and Moving Objects: Using hands and arms in handling, installing, positioning, and moving materials, and manipulating things.
Importance: 84 (%) Description: Coordinating the Work and Activities of Others: Getting members of a group to work together to accomplish tasks.
Importance: 84 (%) Description: Inspecting Equipment, Structures, or Materials: Inspecting equipment, structures, or materials to identify the cause of errors or other problems or defects.
Importance: 83 (%) Description: Identifying Objects, Actions, and Events: Identifying information by categorizing, estimating, recognizing differences or similarities, and detecting changes in circumstances or events.
Importance: 83 (%) Description: Making Decisions and Solving Problems: Analyzing information and evaluating results to choose the best solution and solve problems.
Importance: 79 (%) Description: Operating Vehicles, Mechanized Devices, or Equipment: Running, maneuvering, navigating, or driving vehicles or mechanized equipment, such as forklifts, passenger vehicles, aircraft, or watercraft.
Importance: 79 (%) Description: Judging the Qualities of Objects, Services, or People: Assessing the value, importance, or quality of things or people.
Importance: 78 (%) Description: Training and Teaching Others: Identifying the educational needs of others, developing formal educational or training programs or classes, and teaching or instructing others.
Importance: 77 (%) Description: Evaluating Information to Determine Compliance with Standards: Using relevant information and individual judgment to determine whether events or processes comply with laws, regulations, or standards.
Importance: 75 (%) Description: Guiding, Directing, and Motivating Subordinates: Providing guidance and direction to subordinates, including setting performance standards and monitoring performance.
Importance: 75 (%) Description: Thinking Creatively: Developing, designing, or creating new applications, ideas, relationships, systems, or products, including artistic contributions.
Importance: 74 (%) Description: Communicating with People Outside the Organization: Communicating with people outside the organization, representing the organization to customers, the public, government, and other external sources. This information can be exchanged in person, in writing, or by telephone or e-mail.
Importance: 73 (%) Description: Analyzing Data or Information: Identifying the underlying principles, reasons, or facts of information by breaking down information or data into separate parts.
Importance: 73 (%) Description: Scheduling Work and Activities: Scheduling events, programs, and activities, as well as the work of others.
Importance: 73 (%) Description: Estimating the Quantifiable Characteristics of Products, Events, or Information: Estimating sizes, distances, and quantities; or determining time, costs, resources, or materials needed to perform a work activity.
Importance: 73 (%) Description: Repairing and Maintaining Mechanical Equipment: Servicing, repairing, adjusting, and testing machines, devices, moving parts, and equipment that operate primarily on the basis of mechanical (not electronic) principles.
Importance: 72 (%) Description: Developing and Building Teams: Encouraging and building mutual trust, respect, and cooperation among team members.
Importance: 71 (%) Description: Processing Information: Compiling, coding, categorizing, calculating, tabulating, auditing, or verifying information or data.
Importance: 70 (%) Description: Monitoring and Controlling Resources: Monitoring and controlling resources and overseeing the spending of money.
Importance: 70 (%) Description: Interpreting the Meaning of Information for Others: Translating or explaining what information means and how it can be used.
Importance: 70 (%) Description: Repairing and Maintaining Electronic Equipment: Servicing, repairing, calibrating, regulating, fine-tuning, or testing machines, devices, and equipment that operate primarily on the basis of electrical or electronic (not mechanical) principles.
Importance: 70 (%) Description: Drafting, Laying Out, and Specifying Technical Devices, Parts, and Equipment: Providing documentation, detailed instructions, drawings, or specifications to tell others about how devices, parts, equipment, or structures are to be fabricated, constructed, assembled, modified, maintained, or used.
Importance: 68 (%) Description: Documenting/Recording Information: Entering, transcribing, recording, storing, or maintaining information in written or electronic/magnetic form.
Importance: 67 (%) Description: Resolving Conflicts and Negotiating with Others: Handling complaints, settling disputes, and resolving grievances and conflicts, or otherwise negotiating with others.
Importance: 66 (%) Description: Coaching and Developing Others: Identifying the developmental needs of others and coaching, mentoring, or otherwise helping others to improve their knowledge or skills.
Importance: 65 (%) Description: Developing Objectives and Strategies: Establishing long-range objectives and specifying the strategies and actions to achieve them.
Importance: 64 (%) Description: Controlling Machines and Processes: Using either control mechanisms or direct physical activity to operate machines or processes (not including computers or vehicles).
Importance: 64 (%) Description: Providing Consultation and Advice to Others: Providing guidance and expert advice to management or other groups on technical, systems-, or process-related topics.
Specific Work Activities

Important Specific Work Activities
How can you begin to build experience and skill doing these? This will help now, to begin preparing for this type of occupation. Specific Work Activities appear below:
Assist skilled construction or extraction personnel.
Communicate with other construction or extraction personnel to discuss project details.
Create construction or installation diagrams.
Dig holes or trenches.
Direct construction or extraction personnel.
Estimate construction project costs.
Fabricate parts or components.
Inspect electrical or electronic systems for defects.
Install electrical components, equipment, or systems.
Order construction or extraction materials or equipment.
Plan layout of construction, installation, or repairs.
Prepare operational reports.
Repair electrical equipment.
Test electrical equipment or systems to ensure proper functioning.
Thread wire or cable through ducts or conduits.
Train construction or extraction personnel.
Update job related knowledge or skills.
Knowledge Required

Knowledge Required (in order of importance)
For the Top 5 most important - How can you build experience and skill doing these? This will help now, to begin preparing for this type of occupation.
Importance (%) Description
Importance: 72 (%) Description: Building and Construction: Knowledge of materials, methods, and the tools involved in the construction or repair of houses, buildings, or other structures such as highways and roads.
Importance: 70 (%) Description: Administration and Management: Knowledge of business and management principles involved in strategic planning, resource allocation, human resources modeling, leadership technique, production methods, and coordination of people and resources.
Importance: 67 (%) Description: Mechanical: Knowledge of machines and tools, including their designs, uses, repair, and maintenance.
Importance: 67 (%) Description: Mathematics: Knowledge of arithmetic, algebra, geometry, calculus, statistics, and their applications.
Importance: 65 (%) Description: Design: Knowledge of design techniques, tools, and principles involved in production of precision technical plans, blueprints, drawings, and models.
Importance: 62 (%) Description: Customer and Personal Service: Knowledge of principles and processes for providing customer and personal services. This includes customer needs assessment, meeting quality standards for services, and evaluation of customer satisfaction.
Essential Skills

Essential Skills (in order of importance)
These are the foundational skills most central to success in this occupation. For the Top 5 most important, how can you begin building experience and confidence using these skills now?
Importance (%) Description
Importance: 56 (%) Description: Active Listening: Giving full attention to what other people are saying, taking time to understand the points being made, asking questions as appropriate, and not interrupting at inappropriate times.
Importance: 56 (%) Description: Speaking: Talking to others to convey information effectively.
Importance: 56 (%) Description: Critical Thinking: Using logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions, or approaches to problems.
Importance: 54 (%) Description: Active Learning: Understanding the implications of new information for both current and future problem-solving and decision-making.
Importance: 52 (%) Description: Reading Comprehension: Understanding written sentences and paragraphs in work-related documents.
Importance: 52 (%) Description: Monitoring: Monitoring/Assessing performance of yourself, other individuals, or organizations to make improvements or take corrective action.
Transferable Skills

Transferable Skills (in order of importance)
These are skills that can transfer across occupations and industries. For the Top 5 most important, how can you strengthen these skills now so they support both this career and future career flexibility?
Importance (%) Description
Importance: 66 (%) Description: Troubleshooting: Determining causes of operating errors and deciding what to do about it.
Importance: 58 (%) Description: Repairing: Repairing machines or systems using the needed tools.
Importance: 54 (%) Description: Installation: Installing equipment, machines, wiring, or programs to meet specifications.
Importance: 54 (%) Description: Quality Control Analysis: Conducting tests and inspections of products, services, or processes to evaluate quality or performance.
Importance: 54 (%) Description: Judgment and Decision Making: Considering the relative costs and benefits of potential actions to choose the most appropriate one.
Importance: 52 (%) Description: Coordination: Adjusting actions in relation to others' actions.
Importance: 52 (%) Description: Complex Problem Solving: Identifying complex problems and reviewing related information to develop and evaluate options and implement solutions.
Importance: 52 (%) Description: Operations Monitoring: Watching gauges, dials, or other indicators to make sure a machine is working properly.
Day-in-the-Life Summaries

Day-in-the-Life Summaries
These summaries show the main types of activities you are likely to perform on a regular basis in this occupation. How can you imagine your typical workday — using these examples to see if this type of work fits you?
Activity: Communicate with others about operational plans or activities.
Activity: Connect components or supply lines to equipment or tools.
Activity: Create visual designs or displays.
Activity: Direct construction or extraction activities.
Activity: Estimate project development or operational costs.
Activity: Fabricate devices or components.
Activity: Inspect commercial, industrial, or production systems or equipment.
Activity: Install commercial or production equipment.
Activity: Maintain current knowledge in area of expertise.
Activity: Perform general construction or extraction activities.
Activity: Plan work activities.
Activity: Prepare reports of operational or procedural activities.
Activity: Purchase goods or services.
Activity: Repair electrical or electronic equipment.
Activity: Test performance of equipment or systems.
Activity: Train others on operational or work procedures.
Software Skills

Software Skills
These are examples of software tools commonly used in this occupation, organized from most to least important for your career preparation. How can you start learning or practicing the highest-priority tools so that you feel confident using them on the job?
Emerging Tech Skills
Computer aided design CAD software:
Autodesk AutoCAD
Document management software:
Adobe Acrobat
Electronic mail software:
Microsoft Outlook
Enterprise resource planning ERP software:
SAP software
Office suite software:
Microsoft Office software
Operating system software:
Microsoft Windows
Spreadsheet software:
Microsoft Excel
Word processing software:
Microsoft Word
General Software Tools
Accounting software:
Turtle Creek Software Goldenseal
Analytical or scientific software (scroll table below):
Construction Master Pro
Electrosoft FlashWorks
Elite Software E-Coord
Elite Software Inpoint
Elite Software Outpoint
Elite Software Short
Elite Software VDROP
Lighting calculation software
SoftEmpire Electrical Calculations
Computer aided design CAD software:
One Mile Up Panel Planner
Data base user interface and query software (scroll table below):
Database software
Insight Direct ServiceCEO
Resolve Systems Service Management
Sage 300 Construction and Real Estate
Shafer Service Systems
Industrial control software:
AVEVA InTouch HMI
Programmable logic controller PLC software
Supervisory control and data acquisition SCADA software
Process mapping and design software:
SmartDraw
Project management software:
Craftsman CD Estimator
Word processing software:
Socrates Contractor's Library
Preparation Required
Preparation Required - How much preparation is needed to obtain this type of job?
Job Zone Three: Medium Preparation Needed

Previous work-related skill, knowledge, or experience is required for these occupations. For example, an electrician must have completed three or four years of apprenticeship or several years of vocational training, and often must have passed a licensing exam, in order to perform the job.

Most occupations in this zone require training in vocational schools, related on-the-job experience, or an associate's degree.

Employees in these occupations usually need one or two years of training involving both on-the-job experience and informal training with experienced workers. A recognized apprenticeship program may be associated with these occupations.

These occupations usually involve using communication and organizational skills to coordinate, supervise, manage, or train others to accomplish goals. Examples include hydroelectric production managers, desktop publishers, electricians, agricultural technicians, barbers, court reporters and simultaneous captioners, and medical assistants.
Education Required

Education Required - by frequency of educational attainment
This shows you details about the level of education most commonly held by workers in this occupation. How can you begin planning the educational pathway that will prepare you best for this type of work?
Frequency of Attainment (%) Level of Education
Frequency of Attainment: 61.7 (%) Level of Education: Post-Secondary Certificate
Frequency of Attainment: 30.6 (%) Level of Education: High School Diploma or the equivalent (such as a GED)
Frequency of Attainment: 2.3 (%) Level of Education: Less than a High School Diploma
Frequency of Attainment: 2.3 (%) Level of Education: Some College Courses
Frequency of Attainment: 1.8 (%) Level of Education: Associate's Degree or other 2-year degree
Frequency of Attainment: 1.3 (%) Level of Education: First Professional Degree - awarded for completion of a program that: requires at least 2 years of college work before entrance into the program, includes a total of at least 6 academic years of work to complete, and provides all remaining academic requirements to begin practice in a profession.
Training and Experience Required

Training and Experience Required - by frequency of training and work experience attainment
This section shows you how often different types of training and work experience are required for this occupation. How can you start gaining the kinds of experience and training that are most common for this type of work?
Frequency of Attainment (%) Level of Training and Work Experience
Frequency of Attainment: 28.0 (%) Level of Training and Work Experience: Over 6 months, up to and including 1 year
Frequency of Attainment: 22.9 (%) Level of Training and Work Experience: Over 4 years, up to and including 6 years
Frequency of Attainment: 22.2 (%) Level of Training and Work Experience: None
Frequency of Attainment: 19.2 (%) Level of Training and Work Experience: Over 1 year, up to and including 2 years
Frequency of Attainment: 6.5 (%) Level of Training and Work Experience: Over 2 years, up to and including 4 years
Frequency of Attainment: 1.3 (%) Level of Training and Work Experience: Over 10 years
Local Salary Information
Professional Associations
Professional Associations
These associations connect people who work in this occupation or related fields. How can you start using these associations to learn more, build your network, or find mentoring opportunities?
American Lighting Association (ALA) External Link
Edison Electric Institute (EEI) External Link
International Association of Lighting Management Companies (NALMCO) External Link
International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers (IBEW) External Link
National Electrical Contractors Association (NECA) External Link
Job Listings
Job Listings and Similar Occupational Titles - scroll and click to identify common requirements, keywords, and skills in current job listings
Airport Electrician
Antenna Installer
Antenna Rigger
Commercial Electrician
Conduit Installer
Conduit Mechanic
Construction Electrician
Control Electrician
Conventional System Lightning Protection Technician
Diesel Electrician
Diesel Maintenance Electrician
Electric Sign Wirer
Electric Stop Installer
Electric Wirer
Electrical Installer
Electrical Journey Person
Electrical Journeyman
Electrical Maintenance Man
Electrical Maintenance Worker
Electrical Sign Servicer
Electrical Sign Wirer
Electrical System Specialist
Electrical Troubleshooter
Electrical Wirer
Electrical Wiring Lineman
Electrician
Gaffer
Ground Wirer
House Wirer
Housing Maintenance Electrician
Industrial Electrician
Inside Wireman
Interior Electrician
Interior Wirer
Journeyman Electrician
Journeyman Lineman
Licensed Electrician
Lighting Fixture Installer
Lightning Protection Installer
Lightning Protection Technician
Lightning Rod Installer
Lineman
Low Voltage Technician (Low Voltage Tech)
Maintenance Electrician
Marine Electrician
Mine Wirer
Neon Electrician
Neon Installer
Neon Light Installer
Neon Sign Erector
Neon Sign Installer
Neon Sign Mechanic
Neon Sign Servicer
Neon Sign Worker
Neon Technician
Overhead Worker
Paper Mill Electrician
Plant Electrician
Production Machinery Electrician
Protective Signal Repairer
Residential Electrician
Residential Wireman
Searchlight Operator
Service Electrician
Shift Electrician
Ship and Boat Electrician
Ship Wirer
Sign Wirer
Signal Wirer
Solar Electrician
Solar Photovoltaic Electrician
Stage Electrician
Street Light Mechanic
Street Light Repairer
Street Light Servicer
Street Light Wirer
Switch Inspector
Switchboard Installer
Television Antenna Installer
Temporary Services Electrician
Test Man
Test Worker
Traffic Signal Mechanic
Traffic Signal Technician
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Wire Hanger
Wireman
Wirer
Wiring Mechanic


Step 4 of 4: Career-Specific Resources

This section contains detailed external resources appropriate to "Electricians". Explore these resources to start learning more. Links are constantly updated, so bookmark this page.

Videos

Here is a listing of videos related to this career. A great way to get a quick overview of the occupation.


Resumes

Here are resources that allow you to see example resumes for this occupation. It may be helpful to see examples from others who have this type of experience.


Job Description

Here are resources that provide job descriptions, which are vital for resume and interview preparation.


Interviews

There are many great resources that can help guide you through the interview process. These links provide help in preparing and performing an effective interview, specific to this occupation.


Salary Data

Here are links to help you identify salary ranges for this occupation. These data are necessary prior to effective salary negotiations.


Raises

Here are resources that help you to prepare to ask for a raise. These links will help you to prepare for the salary negotiation process.


Jobs

Here are resources that lead to links for actual jobs related to "Electricians". Use these links to find a job.


Jobs

Here are resources that lead to links for actual jobs related to "Electricians". Use these links to find a job.


Classifieds

There are various sources for job classified ads. These links should help get you started to find a job for this occupation.


Step-by-Step

Here are links to help guide you, step-by-step, to become a(n): Electricians


Career Change

Here are resources to help you prepare for a career change. It is helpful to look carefully at the information provided in Section 3: Career Change (detailed previously on this page) prior to using these links. There is much to learn ...


LinkedIn®

Here are links to various posts and groups from LinkedIn ® that relate to this occupation. Great way to start building professional contacts in the field that might be most appropriate for you.


Career Path

Here are links to various resources to help you explore the career path related to the "Electricians" occupation.






Developed by Dr. Ralph Jagodka, Ed.D., Professor Emeritus of Business Management at Mt. San Antonio College and author of the Harvard Business Impact article "What to Do When Students Ask You for Career Advice." - Full bio. © 2026 About This Page