Is Being an Electrician Worth It in 2024?

[@CarlMurawski]

My favorite work gear: 1. Work boots: bit.ly/3T2FA8f 2. Work jacket: carhartt.pxf.io/QOr5Ez 3. Flannel shirt: bit.ly/3PDtBxj 4. Made in USA Tee Shirt: bit.ly/3yAma1p 5. Wool Socks: bit.ly/3WyzQpW 6. Flashlight: bit.ly/473dNvq 7. Hoodie: bit.ly/3qXvhV1 8. EDC Pen: bigidesign.com/carlmurawski 9. Work shirt: bit.ly/48deO4P 10. Work Pants: bit.ly/3JEn834

[@charleslopaneciii97]

@@CarlMurawski 600 dollar boots…

[@CarlMurawski]

@@charleslopaneciii97 buy once, cry once

[@keithpomella9953]

@@CarlMurawski I started in the IBEW in 1985 as a apprentice wireman 1 when I was 29 yrs. Old, Tough union to get into. I already had experience going in but never in a structured program, makes a big difference 👍

[@lvlheaven9943]

​@keithpomella9953 why never a structured program?

[@CarlMurawski]

@ it all depends… I’ve known guys who got in shortly after being licensed. But the easiest way is to apply at a building or facility you helped construct. That gives you an edge over any other applicants since you know what went into creating the building.

[@PrecursorYang]

I started my apprenticeship with the electrician union early this year at 29 years old. Definitely never too late.

[@Hopeofmen]

Ditto, though I work for a non union company. I love being an electrician, even when pulling wire is a pain.

[@BOoMbap3]

Same... pulling wire, lighting circuits, socket outlets etc I hate doing those.

[@LuisFlores-mc2tc]

@hmoobmikah you weren't abused, and you actually had someone that wanted to teach??? Lucky

[@FazeMonk95]

@@LuisFlores-mc2tc there’s non union companies that are greater than unionized ones don’t be fooled

[@PrecursorYang]

@LuisFlores-mc2tc one of my journeyman is a good guy. He actually makes us physically do the work AFTER he teaches us how to do it in the first place. He's honestly a good teacher. All of the apprentices on our jobsite loves working with him. He actually take responsibility over our screw ups. He says sorry when it wasn't his fault, when it was ours. He's a Christian man.

[@aaronwidder4458]

Ive been an electrician 20 years now, and have had my masters 3 years now. Theres one thing that never ceases to amaze me. Which is how hard it is to find someone worth training and making into an electrician. I tell the helpers all the time, "its not hard to shine this day and age". All you have to do now, is just show up!

[@Xris18713]

Honestly it was like that in the old days as well..

[@kgt9535]

Good help is hard to find...the younger gens (for the most part) just have so much unnecessary baggage and issues that come along with them in the field; and nobody wants to be juggling that and the work demands.

[@Samurai-jv3ud]

Okay boomers

[@johnlee7622]

@@Samurai-jv3udprobably have a broccoli haircut and don’t like being told what to do even though you have no idea what you are doing!!!

[@buddymax4388]

KEEPING OF THE PHONE IS A BIG ONE.

[@GManibusanII]

Just passed my journeyman exam today at 33, it’s never too late to start!

[@CarlMurawski]

Congratulations!!!

[@brianharper8304]

good on you , I qualified at 41 & am still going strong 17 years later

[@nathanieljentzen7931]

Also passed my Journeyman License at age 33. Congratulations!

[@Stover6996]

Right there with you. 34 and in the process of submitting my paperwork for the test. Covid ended one career for me but kickstarted a better one.

[@jasonblaha6891]

Congrats bro

[@Lone_Wolf1022]

I’m 46. Using the GI bill to complete a 9 month Electrician apprentice program . Always strive to learn and grow. Never stay stagnant.

[@PrecursorYang]

Look into the "hardhat to helmets" program. They help vets transition into the trades.

[@Petesworkshop2225]

@Lone_Wolf1022 That's me now... eight years in this position just got stagnant. Used to love this stuff, I guess just got tired. Learning is always exciting, then you learn it sucks.

[@ZMAN166]

@@Lone_Wolf1022 What program did you go through? I'm planning to do the same soon

[@Lone_Wolf1022]

@@ZMAN166 I am doing a 9 month program at the Lamson Institute here in San Antonio TX. There are similiar schools that offer the same. I'm using the G.I Bill but without student aid it's about 18K or so.

[@Hatim.13]

Check the IBEW helmets to hardhats program, it's a 5 years apprenticeship, if you live in a pro union state you ll be making 6 figures when you top out, and you still can a nice pension/annuity if you do it for the rest of your career

[@fox_5oh203]

All the cons sound sooooooooo much better than being a dealership technician. Im packing my box at the end of the year and never looking back cant wait to start a new career

[@LONEWULFINTHECUT3]

@@fox_5oh203 i worked at a Ford dealership as a used car porter. get the hell outta there bro! 💯

[@ASIWproductions]

As someone who's worked as a dealer tech and is now a union journeyman electrician at 29, screw working on cars for other people. I'll keep that as my hobby though. Id highly recommend trying to get a union apprenticeship. You'll probably really like having a minimalist tool list compared to buying a ton of tools as a mechanic.

[@JamesSmith-xs7sr]

Hung up autoteching 2 months ago myself. (After 30 years of it) I WISH I had gotten into electical field back then instead. I know electrical very well, albeit low voltage dc... Auto tech is a dying/scamming trade without a doubt!

[@starkparker16]

Pro- Everybody you know will have ceiling fans Con- You will put in all those ceiling fans

[@CarlMurawski]

Hahahaha this is so true

[@lacuzon39000]

I give 20% off for fan installation in winter and +50% in summer .

[@GeoFry3]

@lacuzon39000 I personally prefer doing indoor work during the summer and outdoor work in the winter. Gladly do those installs during the summer at reasonable rates.

[@lacuzon39000]

@@GeoFry3 i meant usually installing fan in many cases involves crawling in attic space for wiring and setting up a proper fan box and it’s not fun in the summer .

[@GeoFry3]

@lacuzon39000 True. I wasn't thinking along those lines. A fan replacement is what I was thinking. Going into the attic for any reason is a fee. Going into the attic during the summer is a much higher fee.

[@MarkJohnson-ht8wd]

You nailed it. 35 years as an electrician. I'm in my late 60's and now doing maintenance electrical work. Still on a ladder and yes, my body is always sore. The money is excellent because of a shortage of skilled workers. I remember the days of absolutely no work anywhere. It was soul crushing. Would I do it again? YES!

[@DreX-8810]

@@MarkJohnson-ht8wd You should implement Beta Alinine , creatine & protein shake for your body recovery sir. I do Jiu Jitsu n it helps immensely

[@ErickChinoC]

the electrical trade is vast , started doing commercial and high end residential , but past 16 years went into hvac bms controls, more technical less grunt work. I love the trades!

[@samthiel4315]

I’ve been working with medium and high voltage for the last 4 years and it has been extremely rewarding and lucrative and will continue to be as I progress in my career. Thankful to guys like Carl promoting this industry.

[@andrewsalazar98]

I’ve been an electrician for the past 5 years, and the earning potential is definitely there, especially if you go union.

[@PrecursorYang]

Unionpayscales shows you the union pay rate in each local city and state.

[@francismarion6400]

Depends where you are at. I know non-union electricians making $100hr.

[@PrecursorYang]

@francismarion6400 it does depend on where you live. Union total package includes on the paycheck hourly rate +free health insurance + pension and or 401k. Although it may seem less thst union make up less on the paycheck than nonunion, that doesn't include the free healthcare and pension 401k cost that the contractor pays for them. Non union you have to pay that out of pocket or choose to go without. If you do the math on how much your 401k and Healthcare is costing you, you can see your real take home pay.

[@francismarion6400]

@hmoobmikah Hard to do a true comparison of Healthcare cost with so many variables. Some of the non-union electricians I'm around also get Healthcare and 401k. If you are in an area of high demand, you can get as much or more than the typical union pay and benefits.

[@benjamintorres9211]

@@francismarion6400 those electricians are definitely in the vast minority when it comes to non-union. How many non-union electricians make $100 an hour seriously speaking lol not many and if ghey are licensed and running their own company than that’s not even a real comparison since they’re no longer an employee. Union all the way IBEW Local 400

[@Dukenoger]

As a trade school electrical instructor, I search for videos that give a fair outlook on the electrical trades. This one is the best I’ve seen. Thanks for the content and assistance with the next generation of Sparkies!

[@CarlMurawski]

Thank you for doing what you do!!

[@johnlee7622]

Nom union shops in my area pay guys w less than 20 years experience about what the guy selling u cell phones at T mobile makes, but they want you to work your balls off and bring in 2k worth of tools to every job u show up at, I would never recommend the trades to anyone, and when I do I say you need to go union or open a shop, cuz those are the only two ways you will ever buy a house doing this absoloutly brutal work

[@Dukenoger]

U sound like u made of Jello bro. Yeah … it’s probably not for you.

[@ArjunaKunti]

The cons of this video are not seem to be bad at all.

[@JIm-w1b]

I made a lucrative career out of being a factory electrician/mechanic what's also called maintenance, but maintenance means different things to different people. I was jack of all trades, I did it all, welding, machining, plumbing, machinery installation and repair, servicing and adjusting, building maintenance, HVAC. I served an informal apprenticeship as a helper and learned on the job. While sometimes things were hectic and busy, most of the time, I was on call, and generally had a lot of sitdown coffee time, and a steady 40 work week with some, but minimum overtime. If you're a handy kind of person who can work with tools, I would definitely recommend you get into maintenance. In the year 2014 when I retired, I was making $38 an hour with benefits. I'm also white and learned to speak Spanish, my company paid for it, what was a real advantage here in Texas

[@Priority57]

Industrial maintenance here also. The pay is great well over 100k. I'm never bored with this job

[@timmaybanks5473]

I worked in the trades for 30 years and everything you said is 100% true glad to be retired and finally relax god bless you brother.

[@CarlMurawski]

Congratulations on making it out!

[@BetterThanYesterday69]

If you could do it over again would you go into a trade or do something different

[@tombrewsaugh1399]

39 years in the trade retired in 2013. Have had both sholders operated on. Joint in right thumb repaired. Have arthritis in both knees, both hands, and upper back. Have a small fracture in one of my vertebes. But I enjoyed the feeling of accomplishment when the job was done and everything worked.

[@BetterThanYesterday69]

If you could do it over again would you still go into a trade or do something different

[@userxRQx93x]

Tell us those shoulders weren't injured during work ? I am now starting to see how dangerous this job actually is on the job.

[@xartisan9063]

@@userxRQx93x Honestly all construction Jobs are pretty dangerous. And the same dangerous chemicals you run into in construction are in the food. So possibly darned if you do and darned if you don't.

[@xartisan9063]

@@userxRQx93x Honestly all construction Jobs are pretty dangerous. And the same dangerous chemicals you run into in construction are in the food. So possibly darned if you do and darned if you don't.

[@unti419]

I retired at 61 after three shoulder surgeries, What can you when your shop sends out anyone that walks in the door, and they have no concept of what a shovel is. I had to do a lot of work that others couldn't do and had no desire to do, just get the project completed. I have both knees bad, my right hip bad, I worked way to hard to get these projects done, while the clueless crackheads the company hired stood by and watched.

[@the_swoletariat1621]

I was doing Traveling Transmission Powerline work the last 7 years, went to 16 states to work, 3 storm jobs, and am also an NCCCO crane operator. I just switched to Union Ironworking and I’m liking it a lot!

[@Martin4Mary4Ever]

I feel this man. The best electrician I've worked with was a tiny last with the mouth of a sailor. She couldn't keep up with hanging equipment but she knew how to wire and ensure others wire well

[@MrSwagMan-l1h]

@@Martin4Mary4Ever doesn't sound like the best

[@mistermoo7602]

@@MrSwagMan-l1h Looks like somebody is insecure about the idea of a woman checking your work. If she's the best she's the best.😂

[@MrSwagMan-l1h]

@@mistermoo7602 You're making things up in your mind off the internet, go outside lol

[@martinschulz9381]

Working as a welder I worked around many electricians over the years. I found them generally to be pretty smart capable people...kind of a cut above on the work sites. I always enjoyed talking to them as I had many technical questions. "Aluminum or copper?" Good video.

[@CarlMurawski]

Much appreciated! I've wired up many banks of welders and found some great people in the trade.

[@brodriguez11000]

I imagine electrician isn't a very forgiving field if one doesn't know what they're doing.

[@TexasElectrician77]

Copper all day.

[@NyMari8700]

You are appreciated and greatly needed. I never lowball my electricians. You work with dangerous currents and know everything I dont. I am grateful for your experience ❤

[@CarlMurawski]

I appreciate that, it definitely is a rewarding job!

[@g59s]

hey carl, ive basically watched all your videos on this account and your other one, my brother recently decided he wanted to become a electrician, im a nursing student but still enjoy all ur videos so i sent him a handfull of ur videos talking about apprenticeships and workwear and he found ur videos very helpfull, cheers.

[@CarlMurawski]

Thanks so much! I really hope they’re helpful.

[@JGKohlenberg]

Retired electrician from industry and an Ivy League school here. The trade treated me well overall. What I found most important was a willingness to learn new things and the ability to think logically. With these traits any new electrician or apprentice can prosper. Great video ✌️

[@chrisweld2903]

I'm glad I found your video. Currently a factory welder of CNH construction, a month ago we were told the factory will be closing in May of 2026. I've welded for this company for 13yrs currently. I want to stay in the trades,looking towards becoming an electrician. I'll be 42 when that time comes.

[@Boneheaddiesel1]

I get where your coming from as I'm a welder and have been doing that since I was 15 ( now 36 ) I've learned alot of the pros and cons and I've also bounced around because it can get old. As a welder I've done quite a few different versions and learned where you actually make money. I recommend it to alot of people but I also tell them the truth and that turns alot of ppl away unfortunately. Yes you can make money as a welder but the real money is on like oil rigs, underwater welding, oil pipeline and boiler maker leaving the majority share production welding which is a mixed bag. I'm glad someone is saying these things especially now and I wish I could be able to tell more ppl like you.

[@UncivilisedSavage]

As an electrician, an industrial electrician working mostly on high speed automated production lines, it has not been the best investment I have made. It's been the worst investment when I factor in the damage my body has endured doing the work. I can weld, rebuild gearboxes, diagnose and rebuild car engines. The only fulfilling work I could do which doesn't pay much is work on farm machinery, which will be more brutal but it will be worth it as my mental health will not be negatively affected by the demands of ruthless venture capitalist executives.

[@johnarcher9480]

Electricians will be in more demand than ever with the ever increasing automation of industry, and even the home.

[@huemann7637]

Unless the economy collapses due to ridiculous monetary policy…

[@BlackDub21]

@@huemann7637 automation and smart grids ftw

[@CruiseWavy396]

Not true. Right now there are thousands of union electricians not working because our economy is shot. Because of the new world order being ushered in by tyrannical leaders, we won't be seeing a change in the economy for the better. Hurricanes and floods are going to ravage North America first.

[@Turnpost2552]

Well then that would be a society collapse. (Weall cant prepare for an armagaddeon)

[@1984Kojot]

Simple electrician won't do that sort of things.

[@charlesking678]

I'd say service is different. I'm in Atlanta and because of corporations realizing there is big money in service (in particular residential service), the price of jobs is going up and the pay to the techs is going down. I dunno if I'd recommend it anymore because the money isn't what it used I be.

[@2Flying.Flocks]

Brother you are on point! Most folks want the job, until it's time to do the job. Put God first, service to others, and regardless of where you end up it is a worthwhile venture.

[@ArneAsada69]

Drink a Monster for breakfast and drink yourself to sleep at night. I felt that one to my core. 😂

[@CarlMurawski]

The struggle is real!

[@joseharo1249]

@@ArneAsada69 I literally had a monster next to me when he said that lol

[@DRaven-of2lv]

@@ArneAsada69 Every blue collar job

[@francismarion6400]

I used to be like that and even thought it was the only way. Been sober 4 years and life is so much better. Still have the energy drinks though.

[@brodriguez11000]

@@DRaven-of2lv Even white collar. Poor diet just seems to be the working man's lot in life.

[@davedevito6204]

Thank you Carl...I teach a 4th year apprenticeship class...I have been looking for someone to invite in and talk about this specific topic...I'm inviting you or at least this video...Very well done...a rarity on KZbin nowadays...No screams, sparks, or BS...just straight up "How it is"...They are almost all residential with a little commercial...I try hard to show them what else is out there...hearing pretty much my exact words from someone else helps cement the "step out of your comfort zone" mentality on them...Thanks again...Dave

[@ItsStribe]

@@davedevito6204 where at?

[@Fishbones89]

I agreed with everything in this video. I understand location has a lot to do with pay but I have been an electrician for 5 years and decided to stick to residential, mainly in the service and repair side. The average wage in my area between the companies is $80,000-$120,000 a year. It is commission work but if you have morals and stick to them you can definitely make a good living and sleep at night knowing you did a good job and got things fixed!

[@solargod3671]

Work smart not hard also stay fit and look presentable. Electrical field pay can easily be 150-200k a year if plan the right path in electrical field.

[@SpidermansSymbiote]

Just passed my Red Seal here. I'm in the IBEW and it's the best choice I ever made.

[@Northwoodschickenchaser]

There's two things in this video that are spot on. #1 is your location. The Minneapolis/St. Paul area was on Fire up until about 2 years ago and I've had to do alot more work out of town than I'd like recently #2 it's still a job that has its ups and downs, some job sites are great work on and others are terrible.

[@jorgefalla3324]

started my apprenticeship at 18 been a year now . best decision of my life . can’t wait to see what the future holds .. TRADESMEN ARE THE FUTURE MILLIONARES

[@BenCarson-sn8ye]

Just retired from 40yrs as a electrician,never had to look for work.I did residential,commercial,industrial.The more you know,the more you are worth.I ran crews,I worked in the office doing estimating.Learn to program several lighting controller systems.(Lutron,Vantage,Radio Ra).In my final years after the company I worked for closed I finished up as a contractor and still will do small jobs.It all depends on how far you want to take it,skys the limit or you can be an apprentice your whole career.Its very physical work,but I enjoyed it.

[@paulawalach1770]

Hello Carl, I,ve been a electrician since 1972. ..... I paid the price of working cheap for the first twenty years as doing free Lance electrical work. I was living in the state of NH. IT IS primarily a non-union with wages not far above a MCdonals restaurant working. Hence, the further north you go in the state the less you can ge5 for the job. My prowess back in 1972 was to work in the electrified mass rail transit and be an IBEW electrician. An impossible venue to find employment in unless you had a relative in. Then I worked heavy industrial automation machine building. That was also non union. But then came a hostile take over of the company, and this was back in 2011, where I took my skill sets and got into working for a rail transit company and got my IBEW UNION CARD. I,m in the railroad division of the IBEW. IT IS A STEP UP FROM WHERE I USED TO WORK AS AN INDUSTRIAL ELECTRICIAN, BECAUSE THE MEN I WORKED WITH DID NOT WANT TO SHARE JOB KNOWLEDGE WITH ME ESPECIALLY WHEN IT CAME TO PLCs variable speed drives etc. It was there form of sexual harassment. Working in a railroad environment there are electrical installations especially within four feet of track that is not covered by the NEC. yet if you install electrical equipment even in that environment, there are specs from the manufactures methods of installation that is required. Like not using wire nuts in wet locations because they are listed for dry locations. Yet every electrical enclosure i,ve ever opened up depicts moisture or the once presence of moisture like rusted out wire nuts that was even covered with electrical tape, plus vibrations from train sets. That is why I used 2006s copper Buchanan splice caps with nylon insulator snap on caps that make it easy to poke in a wiggy probe for trouble tracing, (I don,t like to say trouble shooting. ). You be surprised at what i,ve learned being somewhat self taught. Now my job entails railroad draw bridges. An entirely new electrical leaning experience for me. I,m an old dog being taught new tricks whether I like it or not. I,m now being a maintainer/ or trouble tracer. Rail road draw bridges are very complicated because there are numerous motor drives like span locks and breaking motors etc.along with PLC. STILL LEARNING. AND YES WHEN I BUILT MY HOME BACK IN THE 1980S I WIRED IT IN EMT. EVEN THE DOOR BELL WIRING. JUST LIKE THE MANDATED CHICAGO ELECTRICAL CODE. I WAS PROUD. AS to being an electrician? 52 years and still working? If I had to do it over again , It would of been either I work in the union or I would of become an electrical engineer .....in a way it sucked working non - union. But I loved my trade especially some of the accomplishment of trouble tracing. I may write a book about it and the failures of electrical installations due to installing electricians not following manufacturers protocols. And yes I do ride a pedal bike daily to the shop I work out of.and yes I eat healthy. Especially fermented polish cabbages and some of the like foods vegetarian. My babcia new better. Hence, I like being a shop rat , as opposed to being a traveler on union jobs. MISS PAULA (POLENKA, POLYA) WALACH-FORMER INDUSTRIAL ELECTRICIAN-UNION MEMBER IBEW LICENSED SINCE 1972 Polish, Ukrainian, & Russian heritage.

[@paulawalach1770]

Hi Carl, Thanks for getting back to me. And yes, I ve been to the Ukraine and visited where my maternal grandmother was born just north of Kiev. And yes I took a picture of an electric service with a goose neck wire entry of two wires only of straight 220volts. I did not take notice at the time whether it was a grounded reference, of either leg. But what fascinated me was the extent of electric mass transit system especially electric trolley buses with the two pole overhead wire configuration of current collection. And Ukraine having the longest trolley bus system in the world going from Yalta to almost to Odessa over 50 miles of 600volt overhead cdeteatenary distribution. With numerous substation feeders. Wowww. Anyways if you can give me your e-mail address, I can send you some comments i,ve made about how EVs are "PREDATORY ENGINEERED " BY the automakers to fail or catch fire. One example of that is even in my ICE vehicles I have a carbon monoxide detector. And yes ,, my gas hot air furnace in my home circuit is looped through a reverse acting relays so if there was a carbon monoxide , from that gas furnace, it would be shut down when going into alarm mode. Same thing with my attic ventilator,,,,,, when there is smoke,,,, that ventilator also shuts down, because air movement would excelerate the fire. I,m still learning the trade. Paula Walach

[@mattsrollingworld1081]

Paula !!! You sound awesome. Write the Book !!!

[@billystpaul8907]

The trades are begging for workers here in MN and WI as well. A college degree used to mean something. No more. I wish I would have learned a trade instead of driving for the last 45 years. Don't get me wrong, I enjoy it, but there have both good and bad times. My brother was a plumber his whole life and it provided a very good living.

[@veehickle4095]

The trades in mn wouldn't need to beg for help if they adjusted their start times in the winter. Nobody wants to set lamp posts outside, in the dark, 0 degrees f at 6am.

[@billystpaul8907]

@@veehickle4095 I know, I start at 5am and the winters really get me down. I hate it when it gets dark by the time I get home from work at 4:30..

[@PrecursorYang]

​@billystpaul8907 For real? I know that the IBEW in MN pays really good. Your winters must be brutal!!

[@brandonbarnes8997]

Nah college is still good. My old lady a rn second year already almost making Six figures not even mid 20s. Her brother an engineer making six figures a couple years in. It's definitely great if you good with the books.

[@MrSeth166]

Plumbers here in LA California are the most expensive trades... They charge more than a doctor... They might be doing $200k to $250k easy...

[@gamingwithdcthetruth85]

I love the electrician on our team. He comes in handy when i can't shut power off to do work in the building.

[@solargod3671]

I’m in the electrical field and about to retire at 40 in 3yrs. Find out which type of electrical projects you would attend to be more efficient with pay . It’s about working smart not working your body off.

[@SuperZippyzippy]

Im a 12.5 year electrician at 46.. the work can suck ass some days, but it's a decent career

[@jaytoofresh]

Actually, a pretty good video. I’m a guy who did the trades for two years as a brick, Mason and trade school and I really like his perspective and I’m glad that he showed both sides.

[@I_am_Katsu]

I just started my electrician career as a helper 5 days ago I’m learning fast and I’m kinda liking it

[@AltafHussain-ko3lq]

@@I_am_Katsu I want to talk with you bro ,I am too,like you

[@I_am_Katsu]

@ talk about what bro?

[@angelbarajas8297]

You uploaded this video a day before I planned to visit a technical school to potentially learn a trade. I was on the fence with learning electrical technologies or something in the HVAC field. Theres a lot of fruit packing warehouses with cold rooms in my area, so I might choose the latter. Thanks for uploading this so I have an idea of what I might be getting into.

[@PrecursorYang]

My brother has a friend who used to work in HVAC. He quit 2 years in. He just couldn't do the work environment.

[@blackbeardtx371]

I'm a veteran of the electrical trade with 10+ years in, I've work industrial, commercial and rezzy, this video is pretty spot on! I've been talking to my high school age sons about possibly entering a trade so I may send them this video. I will say as far as dating, I never had issues with women turning their nose up, I never say "I work in construction" but rather I was specifically an "electrician", the first one can imply anything from sweeping floors to project manager. I'm in TX in a smaller city so blue collar is pretty well respected and most people know sparkys make good money(or can anyway). So little advice for your buddy!

[@edwinmondragon3762]

Thank you so much for making these. As a voc ag teacher, I encourage every trade kids are interested in but have little experience in each trade itself. This is usable when a kid asks about being an electrician.

[@CarlMurawski]

You are so welcome! Thank you for doing what you do, guiding today’s youth is incredibly important.

[@jgomez7535]

Nice video. My electrical career has gone from Maintenance electrician to electrical/instrumentation/controls technician. Work varies from 480v motor control, PLC troubleshooting and process control. 99% indoor work, 40 hrs plus O/T and always in demand. Down side is alot of mandatory O/T.

[@tonylam9548]

In Canada , Ontario, linesmen are not considered electricians, they are a separate license and is in a far more of a shortage than electrician.

[@ETY20]

I've been battling a case of tennis elbow lately. All the conventional wisdom is "give it a few months of rest." That's all well and good for me, I'm not a tradesman. But it boggles my mind how someone who works with their hands has to deal with something like this. You guys are just built different.

[@mitri5389]

Most of them are on something. No joke

[@wanderingonfaith6294]

Great video you nailed it.Just retired from the trade and im HAPPY HAPPY HAPPY

[@felipesantillan420]

Electrical has a great variety of jobs. Electro mechanic going on 30 years never been out of work plenty of head hunters.

[@BD-ly7xj]

Former Utility lineman turned storm chaser. Highly recommend it.

[@charlesbaird5907]

I would agree that Lineman get paid really well - especially the storm chasers - case in point my younger brother is a lineman and chased storms for awhile and made over 150K a year for some years - however I have worked both Commercial and Residential and made more in Residential - the benefit of Residential for me was that the company I worked for was hourly+ - you made an hourly wage until you hit a weekly work cost of $5999 then you went commission - so if one week you did $10,000 worth of work you got paid 20% as a gross wage or 2K for the week - if you did that every week for 50 weeks you made 100K for the year - so the potential was there if you were a hustler and knew how to troubleshoot really well.

[@albertrodriguez156]

Im not an electrition but the girl I dated in highschool had a 50 year old dad who was a lineman for years. He got a brain tumer and successfully had it removed but had 3 work friends he started with that had died from cancer. He said that working with high voltage lines definitely had something to do with it.

[@Aldo-d6z]

@@albertrodriguez156 I worked as a lineman for 45 years. I wasn’t a traveling gypsy. Worked for a local utility. I saw old timers retire in the 70s and 80s with no ills aside from advanced age issues. Made great money gave me a great home, pension , lifetime medical benefits for myself and my wife. Yes we had 16 hr days . Money was never an issue though.

[@ExtraCheese666]

Electrician*

[@Aldo-d6z]

@@ExtraCheese666 come on dude .Spell check? Really?

[@ExtraCheese666]

@@Aldo-d6z absolutely

[@francismarion6400]

​@@Aldo-d6zHis goal is to be an English teacher at Haaavad one day.

[@danichicago9140]

As a 25th year IBEW Wiremen apprentice i can say it pays. If you can land a municipal gig its the pinnacle of the industry as far as ot and conditions. 25 years = bilateral carpal tunnel, 1 torn meniscus, C4-7 fusion, 1 pointer finger tip severed and reinstalled, and 50+ random stiches. Anyone over 40 is getting run off if your not a complete worm also. The best system is everyone goes back to the hall after their call. I never had a transfer as a Wiremen. 16 years on outside and i had 1 full calendar year of employment. I loved being laid off in summer

[@PrecursorYang]

People think getting a layoff is terrible. Not so if you're good at managing your money. A layoff is a paid vacation.

[@DavePerry-h5r]

Too much name hire in some IBEW locals.

[@spennythejet]

Excellent video but I did laugh at the job being tough on the body (I'm a plumber so this is an obligation of the trade to jab sparkies) all jokes aside you really nailed a lot of the issues tradesman face for the most part. I live in northern Canada and if you can believe it portapottys are a little worse in - 45 (urinals iced over eno said)

[@tbey74]

In electrical classes now at a trade program in my city. I finish January 2025. Cant wait 😁

[@willreidy5851]

Good video mate, very helpful from the UK.

[@CarlMurawski]

Glad to hear it!

[@lloydbenham]

I've been an industrial electrician for six years now, and it's been a rewarding challenge. I really enjoy working with VFD's, PLC's, and any type of motion controls. I've had decades of computer experience before becoming an electrician, and these new skills really complement everything I've learned about programming and networking.

[@lazadinho]

@@lloydbenham How to learn PLC? Any advice?

[@BOATIE141]

This couldn’t have come at a better time, I’m going into the electrical trade and am on track to getting a NCCER license. Planning on also getting back and getting my engineering degree

[@Plummchild]

I just got a job in the trades and lemme tell you, if you live in an area that is booming they will hire people with 0 experience as long as you are able to show you have the ability to learn

[@imsorryreacts]

@@Plummchild how’s the pay so far

[@ianhall6614]

Two students that completed the welding program I’m in got journeyman level positions at a chevron refinery near me. The need is there

[@Plummchild]

@@imsorryreacts starting at 40k with bonuses for finishing work. Not bad for my lifestyle when I'm also being trained and licensed as well by the company

[@cloroxbleach6039]

@@ianhall6614 Bru I’m doing welding about to finish my school and I have been interested in being an electrician instead 😭

[@tuinfarto608]

@@Plummchild where's the work located?

[@stevendevilliers471]

36 years in and still enjoying the rewards of a job well executed

[@Greyson-g2o]

My father has been working as a electrician for 30+ years under his own business he’s taught me many things over time still prefers it over his other lines of work during his life

[@Juan_deep]

Sama here im 30 tech college grad cant find a job to save my life so i went back to working w my old man dont see ai taking my job again for the next 50 years

[@richardharris8001]

I love you brother. I am 44 and about to take the aptitude test. I have been a teacher and you can guess why I do not want to be anymore. I can not wait to burn through those hours and years. I am a hard worker, show up. I am an adrenaline junkie and would love lineman work I believe. Mainly though. I want to work and support my family. Im a good ole boy from Houston area and do not turn down hours unless my family has something unmissable of course, graduations, deaths in the family, etc... I so can not wait. Can you tell how excited I am not to be cursed out and spit on by middle school students!? Thanks for this video! Although I am old, I work hard and am recently realizing monsters and Jack Daniels is not the way to go. ha! I used to move dumpsters out of high rise trash chutes manually in 20 degree sleet and rain. I'm good.

[@CarlMurawski]

I hope it all works out for you!

[@Rex_Rectum]

I've been an electrician for 6 years did one year of commercial to start and almost gave up on the trade but I swapped to residential and figured out running pipe just isn't for me

[@JoeFriday-h9n]

I was in flooring , I always wanted to be an electrician because they were always the cleanest on the job

[@cumminspower]

@@JoeFriday-h9n No, not usually…..

[@scottguitar8168]

Our local power plant had an apprenticeship program that I was fortunate to get hired into. While the power plant would automatically consider you a journeyman after 4 years, I took the local test and got my journeyman and masters license. I also got my contractor's license and started my own business for a while after leaving the power plant. For the most part, I enjoyed being an electrician, especially for the power plant that included computer programming for the plc computers that automated our plant.

[@kennethirving3761]

I have been a industrial Electrician over 40 years now. At 62 the ladders were kicking my Butt.Currently Building control panels. I definitely had to slow it down.

[@Kyp031]

I got more into controls, and I love the field.

[@j887276]

Union journeyman locomotive electrician here at class 1 railroad. Steady work, minimum of 40 hours/week current pay about $42/hr, 4 weeks PTO. Made 102k-110k past 5 years with some OT.

[@brianlittle717]

I’m an hvac contractor in west Tn. Sometimes I wish I had joined the electrical trade instead because our work is so seasonal and weather driven. whereas electrical work seems more consistent year round. Our work also seems more emergency. Electricians deal with emergencies and fires and that stuff but a circuit not working doesn’t have to be fixed today like an air conditioner does.

[@ClayAdams-zj8yf]

Ive been an electrician for 37 years. Where I'm from electricians are a dime a dozen. In a town of about 25000 we have around 35. Some licensed some not. Everyone cutting each others throat.

[@AngelAlcalde-g1f]

Texas?

[@clayadams2068]

Yep

[@kepi8893]

27 year Old , Sub Station tech for the past 4 year and i used to work in automation for anhvac manufacturer. The best decision i have ever made

[@Craig-fl8jj]

I've been seeing jobs ads for industrial maintenance electricians that want you to troubleshoot electrical equipment of literally all types, plc programming, vfd drives, welding, carpentry skills, HMI programming, mechanical troubleshooting and repair of gear boxes,conveyor systems, high voltage work, be your own safety man, blue print reading, mechanical blueprint reading, lighting experience, pneumatic experience, hydraulic experience and the list goes on and on. I emailed one back and said just include management experience and operator experience and you can run your entire plant with just 3 or 4 men. I love electrical work but employers today are ridiculous. The pay should be 500 an hour with all the different trades in one. After 32 years I'm done with them.

[@tylerholton6262]

15 years in the electrical trade, has had its ups and downs. I either go take my masters, or stay a journeyman, or find different work. Honestly im burned out, no pun intended.

[@lowlifeangler]

Nice video. I wanted to be an electrician. But in 1992 ,when Clinton got in office, there was no new construction going on. I got in electronics instead. Couldn't afford to finish college. So , I got into Plastics from the ground up. Now ,as an engineer , I'm at a salary pay at 85k yr M-F 8-5. But I can rewire and install a new electric service if i have to . Electrician is a fun trade

[@resik.canada]

your video quality is just amazing

[@CarlMurawski]

Thanks, I put a lot of effort into them!

[@tomp538]

Carl you provided many valuable insights with regard to the electrical trade. But your advice goes for ALL trades... substitute vehicle mechanic/technician and you are describing my life's journey. Especially the relationship anecdote is golden; if he/she won't take you as is, you're better off with someone else...

[@electricianron_New_Jersey]

34 years and I do residential service work for myself. Started in the Seabees and Parlayed that into a full blown career. School never ends and that’s huge part of becoming successful.

[@supercooldude824]

I watch u all the time

[@joshmyers-nt9dr]

plumbers and electricians, we can't do without them. i agree with you, can't keep them off the cellphone, ifd they are talking and not working i can do without them

[@bajothesparky2445]

The 1of the few, that will never let you without money. Cheers 💪⚡

[@thomashardy1851]

I've been doing an associates for general industrial electrician for a coming up on a couple years with the plan of finishing my apprenticeship within the IBEW. I think it's kind of overblown on how willing companies are to hire greenhorns at least in my area, especially since the job market isn't doing well. Most people I know doing their apprenticeship while in school (it's required in California to be enrolled in an electrical school) are working for a relative's company or a family friend's company.

[@paulcarlomagno1673]

Being a commercial electrician you become a jack of all trades you deal with pipe you deal with cutting you deal with installation you deal with rigging you deal with welding sometimes on big outdoor plants so yes you're a physical all around type of guy

[@donteellington7911]

Here in Kansas City union electrician is making $47 an hour before benefits etc, but plumbers are at $55 decisions decisions

[@ViceCoin]

I wished I studied welding, crane, forklift operator skills. And majored in engineering as a hobby.

[@dewayne2189]

I'm a welder and can weld many things: TIG, MIG, stick-whatever. I learned it in four years with a lot of dedication because I enjoyed it; it was fun. But I can't find much money in it unless I travel. I always wanted to be an electrician, even before welding, but never got around to it. Welding just kind of fell into my lap, and I liked it. But I want to get into electrical work and learn that trade, and maybe combine the two and work for myself one day .

[@TexasElectrician77]

I did industrial for about 9 years and the welders always made a lot more money than electricians and other trades, especially if they are combination pipe/structural and can 100% xray weld stainless pipe. Construction is paying $30-$40/hr in Texas for electricians. Industrial pays more but is harder work and longer hours. It’s very hard on the body.

[@What1zTyme]

Good seminar! Thanks!

[@Berta_5.sl0w]

Starting my apprenticeship on Jan 6th!! Super excited

[@Panda_J1]

The health part doesn’t count as even office jobs where you sitting all day can take a toll on your body. Maintaining your health by exercising and stretching is key to live a long life with few issues.

[@jmackinjersey1]

No matter what type of work you do, your body is going to break down. I know desk jockeys that have bad knees. But as you said, it all comes down to how you take care of yourself.

[@banginsteel4978]

40 years in the trade. I'm now retired and loved the trade. Last 20 years I ran a portion of the field and it was getting very hard to find good help. In the Seattle area it's pretty easy to be into 6 figures.

[@nickm9123]

I'm a residential sparky. Technically I'm an apprentice, but I have just south of 10 years infield. I could get my license if I get sponsored for the school. It's worth it.

[@SolarTechFL]

I just got sponsored by my county I'm going to add electrical license to my solar license. Go do it

[@carmmarian8124]

30 years commercial painter. Worked for my dad who was a union contractor. When he retired I took buisness non union. Porto Jon’s are the worst. Since I work for myself now I drive to McDonald’s or closest public place with a bathroom. I’ve dealt with cold or hot Porto Jon’s for to long. Only in an extreme emergency for me anymore. Some of the worst people I’ve ever met have been painters. Love the trade it has served me well over the years but the typical painter is hard to deal with for 8 hours. It’s one major drawback to the trade.

[@263sparky3]

Been an electrician now for 25 years. Never once got a license (I don’t believe in pieces of paper saying I’m qualified) I make real good money and have great benefits. Non union, I don’t do side work and I don’t put in much OT. Just as with anything you do, you give it all you got and you will be compensated. Do something that works for you and you’ll do good at it

[@raymondcausey3926]

Great video Carl! Looking to get licensed by the end of the year. Currently doing residential but soon as I’m licensed I plan on trying out airports or hospitals.

[@unti419]

I retired at 61 as a commercial electrician. I worked for three companies in my career, the last for 18 years. I ran jobs that were mostly ground up churches and schools, plus s few box stores here and there. I agree with a lot of what you say. I can say that the biggest problem I've had is project managers trying to cut cost by not giving me what I need to do the job.

[@ronnie-z4e]

These office people have to do that. The only way a company can invoice customers is from installation. Workers. Office people are pure overhead as they do NOTHING to generate income. They have to cut costs as much as possible to justify their salary. Which is way more than the workers... Go figure that....

[@howcanimiss]

Love the “live better” segments of the channel

[@Old_Sailor85]

An electrician, an electrician, and an electrician are not the same thing. From residential work to power plant control rooms. Indoor maintenance to outdoor construction in ALL weather. 40-hour week or work until you can't, get six hours off and get back at it (for 8 months, a year). Can you go six or eight months without a day off? All of our top techs make $90k with no OT, but OT is required. They all break $100k There are even companies that pay "over scale".

[@mike7gerald]

Learning a trade gives you skills to earn a living, fix things at home or for friends, and keep you out of jail.

[@smittyboy]

Double tradesmen, both electrician and stationary engineer. I'll retire as a stationary engineer, but electricial is where the money is at.

[@metricdeep8856]

There is only going to be more electrical/electricity in our lives. Solid career choice...even better when you go out on your own.

[@mitri5389]

@metricdeep8856 lol until you find out there is 4 to 5 other companies in your area doing exactly that, and they have equipment, vehicles, and workers. Good luck. Also, lay off every winter.

[@metricdeep8856]

@@mitri5389 Are houses the only thing that have wires? The electricians in automation work in clean/air conditioned shops year round...then go onsite for install if they can travel. Good work, no layoffs.

[@mitri5389]

@metricdeep8856 lol most companies I've worked for were, in fact, commercial... it's a bad field. Everyone above 35 had some type of joint reconstructive surgery. There are plenty of other less dangerous, less back breaking fields to work in that pay the same or way better.

[@metricdeep8856]

@@mitri5389 So...give up and do nothing. Enjoy your winters off. Cheers.

[@mitri5389]

@metricdeep8856 I don't work in the trades anymore, so it doesn't affect me.