Electrical Maintenance Jobs – Outlook for Demand and Salaries Is Strong
Electrician Industry Jobs Should Bounce Strongly After the COVID-19 Lockdown
Though unemployment has ballooned because of COVID-19, the outlook for electrical maintenance jobs is remarkably strong. Yes, we’re looking at a poor year this year (like most sectors), but 2021 could see a big bounce in demand for electrical maintenance skills. It is estimated that over 75% of manufacturing, construction & industrial organizations are having trouble filling their skilled-trade roles. That could put upward pressure on salaries that are already rising faster than the national average. If you’ve got the experience and skills as an electrical maintenance professional, there could be some golden opportunities available to you.
What’s Going to Drive Demand for Electrical Maintenance Jobs?
In the United States, the demand for electrical maintenance jobs and electricians is heavily reliant on the construction industry. There is no doubt that this will be dented this year as COVID-19 takes its toll. Moving forward, construction is likely to pick up and, with it, demand for qualified electricians will grow.
As the general economy returns to normal (whatever that normal will be), you can expect consumer confidence to return. This will help to reignite the residential market. In addition, we’re likely to see an increase in government spending. Whether we elect a Republican or Democrat president, our bet is that there will be money spent to stimulate the economy. If this is the case, there will be a lot of construction work going on, and especially on infrastructure and building such as hospitals, clinics, medical centers, schools, municipal buildings, etc.
Recent History Is Likely to Repeat
According to industry reports, growth in the electricians’ industry grew by an average of 2.5% per year in the last five years. This growth has been founded on the construction industry, but covers all specializations from new work through to maintenance and repairs. The construction market is expected to remain the driver of growth in the demand for electricians and electrical services over the next five years. Interest rates are likely to remain low, credit is likely to remain easy to obtain, and government spending on construction will probably grow at least as fast as in recent years, if not faster.
Salaries for Electrical Maintenance Jobs Are Likely to Grow
There are more than a million skilled electricians employed in the United States, working in industries as varied as:
• Electric power and systems
• Telecoms
• Fire and security
• Infrastructure
• Manufacturing
• Residential construction
However, with the expected growth in the industry, the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) and National Electrical Contractors Association (NECA) forecast that the skills shortage in the industry will grow further. According to NECA, around 7,000 join the industry each year, but 10,000 retire. The BLS forecast that jobs for electricians will grow by 10% between 2018 and 2028 – faster than the average of all industries.
Not only are more skilled electricians retiring than are entering the industry, but the number of jobs in the industry is growing. This is creating a great opportunity for you to make a move and push your own pay higher – as reported by PayScale, the salary potential for skilled electrical employees is shockingly high.
Is Now the Best Time to Search for Electrical Maintenance Jobs?
According to Salary.com, the average earnings for electrical maintenance technicians is around $46,000, with the top-earners averaging more than $54,000. With the right skills, the right attitude, and the right employer, there is no reason why you shouldn’t be earning above average and more. For the best qualified and experienced, much more. And in management roles, six-figure salaries could be possible for the right person.
If you are considering switching roles or seeking a new challenge with a new employer, contact MAC Incorporated today. We have many clients working with us to fill their electrical maintenance jobs. A more rewarding role could be only a phone call away.