Industrial Electricians
(NOC 7242)
in All Trades and TransportationIndustrial electricians install, maintain, test, troubleshoot and repair industrial electrical equipment and associated electrical and electronic controls. They work for electrical contractors and maintenance departments of factories, plants, mines, shipyards and other industrial businesses.
Job Outlook
Good
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Compared to: All Trades and Transportation
Outlook: good, a better than average chance of qualified individuals finding work.
Size of the occupation in Nova Scotia: large, with job opportunities occurring regularly.
Demand: Employment growth will lead to several new positions. Some positions become available due to employee turnover. A moderate number of positions will become available due to retirements. There are a moderate number of unemployed workers with recent experience in this occupation.
Work hours: full-time, usually. Both permanent and temporary positions are common. There is some self-employment opportunity so the opportunity to work for yourself may appeal to some jobseekers.
Demand for industrial electricians exceeds supply in some parts of the province, which suggests favourable hiring prospects for jobseekers. Those who already have a Red Seal and certification should have little difficulty finding work. Industrial electricians may be self-employed contractors, members of a union, or employed by a single industrial facility. A current barrier to employment for apprentices and those who are considering becoming an industrial electrician is a shortage of journeypersons to supervise them during their apprenticeship.
Hourly Pay
$20.00
Minimum$32.10
Median$39.00
MaximumAnnual Pay
$25,547
Minimum$69,719
Median$122,683
MaximumCompared to: All Trades and Transportation
Hourly Pay
$15.00
Minimum$24.00
Median$37.00
MaximumAnnual Pay
$7,580
Minimum$37,269
Median$79,787
MaximumAbout the job
Nature of work
Industrial electricians install, maintain, test, troubleshoot and repair industrial electrical equipment and associated electrical and electronic controls. They work for electrical contractors and maintenance departments of factories, plants, mines, shipyards and other industrial businesses.
Job duties
Industrial electricians:
- Read and interpret drawings, blueprints, schematics, and electrical code specifications to determine layout of industrial electrical equipment installations.
- Install, examine, replace, or repair electrical wiring, receptacles, switch boxes, conduits, feeders, fibre-optic and coaxial cable assemblies, lighting fixtures and other electrical components.
- Test electrical and electronic equipment and components for continuity, current, voltage and resistance.
- Maintain, repair, install and test switchgear, transformers, switchboard meters, regulators, and reactors.
- Maintain, repair, test and install electrical motors, generators, alternators, industrial storage batteries and hydraulic and pneumatic electrical control systems.
- Troubleshoot, maintain and repair industrial, electrical, and electronic control systems and other related devices.
- Conduct preventive maintenance programs and keep maintenance records.
- May install, maintain, and calibrate industrial instrumentation and related devices.
Sample job titles
- industrial electrician
- maintenance electrician - industrial
- marine electrician
- mine electrician
- plant electrician
- plant maintenance electrician
- rig electrician
- ship's electrician
Skills
- Manual dexterity
- Planning, organizational, and communication skills
- Analytical and problem-solving skills
- Mathematical ability
- Mechanical ability
- Good vision and hearing
- Good eyesight and the ability to distinguish colours
- Physical strength and stamina
- Communication skills including reading skills
- Ability to do precision work
- Computer skills
Job requirements
- High school or equivalent (usually).
- Training through a 7,200-hour apprenticeship program with three apprenticeship levels: to become an apprentice you first need to have a job - enter an apprenticeship agreement either directly through an employer or after graduating from a college-level pre-apprenticeship program; learn on the job, mentored by a certified journeyperson who signs off on skills in a logbook.
- Trade Qualifier option, 10,800 hours, and other criteria.
- Certification for industrial electricians is voluntary in Nova Scotia.
- Write and score a minimum of 70% on the Red Seal exam for industrial electricians.
- Red Seal Endorsement (RSE) allows for interprovincial mobility.
- Additional construction electrician certification may be required for industrial electricians when the employers are not owners of the industrial electrical equipment.
Other considerations
- Industrial electricians work either indoors or outdoors in extreme climate conditions. Work may be at heights or in confined spaces.
- Risks include electrical shocks, arc flashes, falls, and injuries from lifting and kneeling.
- Industrial electricians typically work a 40-hour workweek. Overtime may be required.
- Apprentices usually earn a percentage of the journeyperson (fully qualified) rate. This percentage increases as each level of the apprenticeship program is completed.
- With experience, industrial electricians may act as mentors and trainers to apprentices in the trade. They may also advance to managerial, inspection, facilitation, or teaching positions.
- Everyone has fair access to participate and succeed in the apprenticeship system. Everyone who develops the necessary skills and abilities should be able to succeed in the trades and trade qualification system. Work environments in the province support women and equity-seeking communities.
By the numbers
Quick look
employed in 2016
employed full-time
self employed
median age
Compared to: All Trades and Transportation
employed in 2016
employed full-time
self employed
median age
Where will I likely work?
Halifax
$72,809 median annual incomeCape Breton
$76,812 median annual incomeNorth Shore
$71,782 median annual incomeSouthern
$56,829 median annual incomeAnnapolis Valley
$65,711 median annual incomeCompared to: All NS Occupations
Halifax
North Shore
Annapolis Valley
Cape Breton
Southern
Top Industries of Employment
Manufacturing
Construction
Mining, quarrying, and oil and gas extraction
Public administration
Transportation and warehousing
What is the age of Employment?
25-34
45-54
55-64
35-44
15-24
65+
Compared to: All Trades and Transportation
45-54
55-64
35-44
25-34
15-24
Top levels of education
Trade Certification
$74,504 median annual incomeCollege Diploma
$68,500 median annual incomeHigh school
$56,777 median annual incomeBachelor
$59,558 median annual incomeDiploma Below Bachelor
N/ACompared to: All Trades and Transportation
Trade Certification
$46,494 median annual incomeHigh school
$31,260 median annual incomeCollege Diploma
$42,050 median annual incomeLess than high school
$28,319 median annual incomeBachelor
$30,527 median annual incomeEducation & training
Electrician - Pre-apprenticeship College Program
College or Trades ProgramThese programs preapre students to apply technical knowledge and skills to install, operate, maintain, and repair electric apparatus and systems such as residential, commercial, and industrial electric-power wiring; and DC and AC motors, controls, and electrical distribution panels. They include courses in the principles of electronics and electrical systems, wiring, power transmission, safety, industrial and household appliances, job estimation, electrical testing and inspection, and applicable codes and standards.
Institutions providing this program
Various, NS
Electromechanical Technology/Electromechanical Engineering Technology
College or Trades ProgramThese programs prepare students to apply basic engineering principles and technical skills in support of engineers engaged in developing and testing automated, servomechanical, and other electromechanical systems. They include courses in prototype testing, manufacturing and operational testing, systems analysis and maintenance procedures, and report preparation.
Institutions providing this program
Various, NS
High School Diploma or Equivalent
High School ProgramAdults without a high school diploma can contact the Nova Scotia School for Adult Learning (NSSAL) for tuition-free programming across the province. NSSAL oversees adult education programs in Nova Scotia. NSSAL partners with the Nova Scotia Community College, Adult High Schools, Université Sainte-Anne, and community-based learning organizations to deliver programs. NSSAL offers clear, accessible pathways from adult basic education to a high school credential or GED.
Institutions providing this program
Various, NS
Various, NS
Various, NS
Industrial Electronics Technician
College or Trades ProgramThese programs prepare students to apply technical knowledge and skills to assemble, install, operate, maintain, and repair electrical/electronic equipment used in industry and manufacturing. They include courses in installing, maintaining and testing various types of equipment.
Employment requirements & contacts
Regulations
Certificate of Qualification (Voluntary): This is a designated trade in Nova Scotia. Employers may require certification, but a certificate is not needed to legally work in this trade.
Trade Inactive: This trade is currently inactive in Nova Scotia.