Construction and Extraction

Helpers--Electricians

Construction laborers and helpers perform tasks, such as using, supplying, or holding materials or tools and cleaning work areas and equipment, on construction sites.

9/100
#758 of 825
$42,670
median pay, U.S.
63,630
employed (2024)
+0.2%
growth, 2024–34
6,800
openings per year
High school diploma or equivalent
typical entry education

Is helpers--electricians a good career?

It scores 9/100 and ranks #758 of 825 occupations on pay, growth, employment and openings. Here's what the federal data says, with no editorializing.

Advantages

  • No college degree typically required to enter

Possible tradeoffs

  • Pays below the U.S. median wage ($42,670 vs $61,390)
  • Slower-than-average projected growth (+0.2%)

What helpers--electricians earn

Wages: BLS OEWS May 2025

Pay is a range, not a number. Half of U.S. helpers--electricians earn between $36,830 and $48,470 a year.

Best-paying states

Washington statewide
$61,110
Missouri statewide
$58,340
Colorado statewide
$56,420
Connecticut statewide
$56,020
California statewide
$52,080
Oregon statewide
$49,800
Massachusetts statewide
$48,340
$48,300
New Mexico statewide
$48,030
Hawaii statewide
$47,890
$20k $70k $120k

Best-paying metros

01 Seattle, WA $76,100
02 St. Louis, MO $64,560
03 San Francisco, CA $61,260
04 Portland, OR $52,690
05 San Diego, CA $51,030
06 Bakersfield, CA $50,880
07 Santa Maria, CA $50,160
08 Stockton, CA $50,160

Strongest employment concentration

01 Texas 7,320
02 North Carolina 6,770
03 Florida 5,810
04 New York 4,120
05 Tennessee 3,240
06 Louisiana 3,190

Live helpers--electricians jobs

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How to become a helpers--electrician

Typical education
High school diploma or equivalent
Work experience
None
On-the-job training
Short-term on-the-job training
Outlook
Employment is projected to grow much faster than average through 2034.

Education

Although laborers and helpers typically do not need a formal educational credential, employers may prefer to hire those who have a high school diploma or the equivalent. For example, an employer may require or prefer that helpers of electricians and helpers of pipelayers, plumbers, pipefitters, and steamfitters have completed high school.

High school classes that may be helpful include mathematics, such as algebra and geometry, and those that are part of career and technical education programs, such as construction technology or welding.

Training

Construction laborers and helpers typically learn on the job. They may start out by shadowing experienced workers, observing what those workers do and performing tasks under their guidance.

Some construction laborers complete apprenticeship programs. Apprenticeship programs, which are usually sponsored by local unions or trade associations, combine on-the-job training with technical instruction.

Licenses, certifications & registrations

Employers often require that construction laborers and helpers complete safety certification that meets Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) guidelines, either before or after being hired.

A valid driver’s license also may be required.

Some workers choose to earn optional certifications related to their tasks, such as rigging or scaffolding. Certification helps workers demonstrate that they have the knowledge to perform more complex tasks.

Advancement

After gaining experience, laborers may have opportunities to supervise staff, oversee jobsites, or start their own business.

Helpers sometimes move into construction trades after gaining experience in the field, along with completing any required credentials or training. For example, an electrician’s helper might earn a high school equivalency to enter an electrician apprenticeship and, eventually, go on to become an electrician.

Important qualities

Color vision. Electricians’ helpers must be able to distinguish different colors of wire to help the lead electrician.

Interpersonal skills. Construction laborers and helpers need to work as a team, cooperating with and assisting others. They also may interact with customers.

Math skills. Construction laborers and some helpers need to do basic math calculations, such as when measuring on jobsites or assisting a surveying crew.

Mechanical skills. Construction laborers are frequently required to operate and maintain equipment, such as jackhammers.

Physical stamina. Construction laborers and helpers must be able to do strenuous tasks throughout the day.

Physical strength. Construction laborers and helpers must be able to lift or move heavy materials and equipment.

Related occupations

High school diploma or equivalent · $42,360 median
No formal educational credential · $42,670 median
No formal educational credential · $43,780 median
Questions about becoming a helpers--electrician
How much do helpers--electricians make?

The national median wage is $42,670 a year, with the middle half earning between $36,830 and $48,470 (BLS OEWS May 2025).

Is helpers--electricians a good career?

On the Jobs.best index it scores 9 of 100 and ranks #758 of 825 occupations, weighing pay, growth, employment and openings. Employment is projected to change +0.2% through 2034.

What education do you need to become a helpers--electrician?

The typical entry-level education is high school diploma or equivalent.

Where do helpers--electricians earn the most?

Among states, Washington pays the highest median ($61,110). Local pay for every state and metro is below.

U.S. Bureau of Labor StatisticsWages: BLS OEWS May 2025 · Projections: BLS EP 2024–34
Sources: OEWS-M2025 · EP-2024-34 · OOH-2024-34. How we score careers →