Is Being an Electrician Worth It in 2026?

Video Description

While a career in the electrical trade can offer numerous advantages, there are also many disadvantages that electricians may face. In this video, I draw on my 20-year career as an electrician to discuss the pros and cons of a career in the electrical trade. Read the article: https://carlmurawski.com/20-year-career-as-an-electrician-would-i-do-it-again/ Pros: 1. Variety It's quite difficult for me to think of a trade with more variety than electrical. Most people may picture an electrician installing a light fixture in a house or running conduit in a new high-rise building. But I've found myself working alongside a railroad track in the middle of a state forest, inside a nuclear submarine base, and keeping my lunch away from snapping turtles in a swamp. 2. Earning Potential According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the median annual wage for electricians is significantly higher than the national average for most other occupations at $60K/yr. Though, in some locations, it's much higher. 3. Demand I can only speak for myself and the area I live in, but we can't hire people fast enough. A huge portion of our workforce is over the age of 50 and plenty will be retiring soon. 4. Satisfaction There really is a huge feeling of satisfaction when you drive by a building you helped wire, or see a highway sign you installed. Completing an electrical installation is a clear example of seeing the results of your effort. 5. Job security Electricity isn't going anywhere. If anything, demand will only increase. If you learn the right skills and have a good work ethic, being an electrician could be a career that lasts a lifetime. Cons: 1. physical work This is the most important downside in my opinion. Working with your hands relies on your ability to do so, and if you lose that ability by getting injured, sick, or otherwise disabled, it could mean the end of your career. 2. Jobsite conditions This one can vary widely, so I'm speaking in generalities. Usually, electricians are exposed to the heat of summer, the cold of winter, and everything in between. Now, there were times when I could work in climate-controlled environments, but those are usually seen as a luxury. 3. The Commute I have rarely worked on a job with less than an hour's commute. And that's in my little state of Connecticut! I could only imagine in states like Texas or Montana where everything seems two hours apart. 4. The "image" This is becoming less and less an issue, but the connotation of "construction worker" or "electrician" isn't always a good one. Of course, this isn't universally true, plenty of people see the trades as an honest way to earn a good living. 5. Moochers If you're an electrician, it's like owning a pickup truck: everyone will need something. With friends and family, it can be difficult to avoid the pressure of doing free work. - Patreon: https://bit.ly/3CgauCW - Merch: https://exlsv.com/collections/carl-murawski -Website: https://www.carlmurawski.com -Instagram: http://bit.ly/2qIHzaB -Discord: https://discord.gg/RrDrYkAJxH #Carlmurawski #tradesman #electrician BEST OF THE BEST (This list is continually updated) BUDGET WORKWEAR -Work Boots: https://ktku.co/3h -Work Pants: https://carhartt.pxf.io/nXy3r9 -Work Jacket: https://carhartt.pxf.io/K00d39 -Work Shirt: https://wrangler.sjv.io/Vm1z7J TOP TIER WORKWEAR -Work Boots: https://rebrand.ly/duweo8u -Work Pants: https://rebrand.ly/a13vwy1 -Work Jacket: https://ktku.co/oh -Work Shirt: https://rebrand.ly/ji596y7 CASUAL WEAR -Waxed Jacket (budget): https://rebrand.ly/s116zp1 -Waxed Jacket (top tier): https://rebrand.ly/g6ewpc3 -Wool Coat: https://bit.ly/3N2W9Qg -Leather jacket: https://bit.ly/3LAKOUZ EDC -Budget Knife: https://rebrand.ly/1vmhgwp -Pen: https://bigidesign.com/?dt_id=105329 -Flashlight: https://bit.ly/473dNvq Timestamps: 0:00 Electrical Trade 1:02 Variety 2:04 Earning Potential 3:03 Demand 3:45 Job Satisfaction 4:33 Job Security 5:14 Physical Demand 6:34 Jobsite Conditions 7:21 Culture 7:48 Image 8:24 Moochers Reviews of high quality workwear, boots, and clothing for men to help you own better and own less. I've been working with my hands for my entire life as a mechanic, tow truck driver, and eventually a licensed electrician. Being a blue collar guy, I look for certain elements in a product: is it durable? Is it high-quality? Will it perform well over its service life? Whether boots, pants, jackets, or tools I believe it's best to buy once and cry once by getting the best you can afford. With so many options these days, choosing the best product can become a difficult decision, but that's where I come in. Helping you stay stylish, rugged, and handsome. I don't care where it's made as long as it's made well and allows you to own less and own better.