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ConstructionTop JobColorado Talent Pipeline Report-aligned occupation with strong annual openings, growth, and wage signals.Green JobOccupation aligned to O*NET green economy classifications.Critical OccupationOccupation identified by industry partners as critical to business success.Climate CriticalOne of the 20 occupation classifications Colorado identified as essential to meeting the state's climate goals and needing focused workforce investment.

Electrician - Journeyman

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.

Annual openings

1,994

Median wage

$62,230

Typical education

High school (GED), plus completion of an approved apprenticeship, which includes additional technical instruction.

Growth 2026–2032

+9%

Median wage source: Colorado BLS OEWS (2025).

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Career requirements

What does this career require?

Explore education, required qualifications, voluntary credentials and employer preferences for this role. Check the details to see which apply.

Typical education

High school (GED), plus completion of an approved apprenticeship, which includes additional technical instruction.

Credential requirement

Credential requirements not reported

Credential detail

To obtain a Journeyman Electrician License, you will need 8,000 hours of experience earned in no less than four years (with 2,000 of the hours in commercial, industrial, or substantially similar work) with an additional 288 hours of classroom education.

Experience detail

Work experience under the guidance (possibly as an apprentice) of a Skilled Tradesperson is expected.

Work-based learning

Build Colorado provides more information about this job as well as links to organizations that provide apprenticeships for them.

Employer competency information

Feedback from employers identifies the following critical competencies and how they apply for this job

  • Troubleshooting, Problem-solving, & Mechanical Mindset — Able to diagnose and resolve advanced electrical and mechanical issues.
  • Teamwork & Communication — Ability to work and communicate well with a variety of team members and clients and able to mentor and coach others.
  • Working with Tools and Processes — Assembles, installs, tests, uses, and maintains a variety of tools and equipment. Proficient at reading and interpreting blueprints and able to execute quality control processes.
* Electricians are in high demand in the Construction and Energy industries. They have been identified as a Critical Occupation in the Energy Renewables industry. Increased demand for Vehicle Charging Stations is helping to drive the increasing demand for Electricians.
* In Colorado, if you are an Electrician working in the solar industry, you need to go through an apprenticeship registered with the Department of Regulatory Agencies (DORA). Previously, work could be completed by someone with a NABCEP certification, but now a Licensed Electrician is required.
* As of June 2026, Electrical Journeymen that belong to a union earn at least $49/hour, in addition to a pension, annuity, and health benefits!

Is this work a fit?

What the work actually feels like

How people in this career tend to spend their time, the interests it draws on, and a look at a typical day.

Work style

The type of work can vary by job and employer.

  • With childrenNo
  • On a computerNo
  • OutdoorsMay vary
  • With your handsYes

Interests it draws on

  • Trades
  • Electrical

Automation exposure

High exposure

Many tasks are repeatable, so technology could reshape the day-to-day over time.

A typical day

  1. Prepare sketches or follow blueprints to determine the location of wiring or equipment and to ensure conformance to building and safety codes.
  2. 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.
  3. Work from ladders, scaffolds, or roofs to install, maintain, or repair electrical wiring, equipment, or fixtures.
  4. 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.
  5. Assemble, install, test, or maintain electrical or electronic wiring, equipment, appliances, apparatus, or fixtures, using hand tools or power tools.
  6. Connect wires to circuit breakers, transformers, or other components.

Also includes

Specializations that share this occupation’s labor-market data.

  • Electrician - Residential Wireman
  • Electrician - Master Craftsman
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