What Helpers--Electricians do
The U.S. Department of Labor's O*NET database describes the work of Helpers--Electricians this way: "Help electricians by performing duties requiring less skill. Duties include using, supplying, or holding materials or tools, and cleaning work area and equipment."
The core tasks O*NET records for this occupation include: "Trace out short circuits in wiring, using test meter"; "Measure, cut, and bend wire and conduit, using measuring instruments and hand tools"; "Maintain tools, vehicles, and equipment and keep parts and supplies in order"; "Drill holes and pull or push wiring through openings, using hand and power tools"; "Perform semi-skilled and unskilled laboring duties related to the installation, maintenance and repair of a wide variety of electrical systems and equipment".
Education, experience and training
According to the BLS Employment Projections, the typical education needed to enter this occupation is high school diploma or equivalent. Typical on-the-job training to reach competency is short-term on-the-job training.
Job outlook for Helpers--Electricians
The Bureau of Labor Statistics counted 65,000 jobs in this occupation in 2025 and projects 65,400 in 2035, an increase of 400 jobs (+0.6%). That is slower than the 3.5% projected for all occupations.
About 6,100 openings a year are projected on average, counting both new positions and positions vacated by workers who retire or switch occupations. Relative to today's employment that is 9.4% a year, against 10.3% for all occupations. BLS lists a national median annual wage of $42,670, compared with $50,980 for all occupations.
Where Helpers--Electricians earn the most
Across the 2 states with published data, the employment-weighted average of local median wages for this occupation ranges from $46,469 in New Jersey to $47,561 in New York, a gap of $1,092 (1.02 times). 2 of those 2 states average above the BLS national median of $42,670 and 0 average at or below it.
New Jersey employs the most people in this occupation among the states covered, 5,520, which is 52.5% of the 10,520 counted across them. New York follows with 5,000.
Highest-paying states
New York ($47,561) and New Jersey ($46,469) lead the ranking, while New Jersey ($46,469) and New York ($47,561) are at the bottom. The table below lists every state with a link to its county-level detail.
Frequently asked questions about Helpers--Electricians
What is the national median wage for Helpers--Electricians?
BLS lists a national median annual wage of $42,670. Across the states covered here the average local median ranges from $46,469 to $47,561.
Which state pays Helpers--Electricians the most?
New York, with an employment-weighted average local median wage of $47,561. New Jersey is next at $46,469.
What is the job outlook for Helpers--Electricians?
BLS projects employment to grow by 0.6% between 2025 and 2035, compared with 3.5% for all occupations, with about 6,100 openings a year.
What education do Helpers--Electricians need?
The typical entry-level education is high school diploma or equivalent and short-term on-the-job training, according to BLS.