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
Read more
Compared to: All Trades and Transportation
The employment outlook over the next few years for this occupational group is “good”, which indicates the chances of a qualified individual finding work is better than average when compared to other occupations in Nova Scotia. This is a fairly large occupation in Nova Scotia so job opportunities occur fairly regularly. The number employed in this occupation is expected to grow significantly over the next few years, which will provide additional opportunities for employment. With a moderate percent of workers being 55 years of age and older, retirements are expected to contribute somewhat to employment opportunities over the coming years. Industrial Electricians most commonly work full-time hours. Furthermore, the jobs may either be permanent or temporary positions, as both are common. With employment conditions being somewhat seasonal, periods of downtime or layoff throughout the year affect some workers. Also, a average portion of the workforce is self-employed, so having the option to "work for yourself" may appeal to some individuals’ interests/motivations.
The median employment income for 41% of Industrial Electricians who worked full-time, year-round in 2015 was $73,141. Across all occupations in Nova Scotia, 59% of those who worked full-time year round had a median employment income of $43,600.
(Source: 2016 Census)
Hourly Pay
$20.00
Minimum$32.00
Median$39.80
MaximumAnnual Pay
$25,547
Minimum$69,719
Median$122,683
MaximumCompared to: All Trades and Transportation
Hourly Pay
$13.50
Minimum$27.25
Median$35.50
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
- This work requires good mechanical and electrical skills. You should have a strong background in mathematics and the sciences. Basic calculation and blueprint-reading skills are needed. You must also be able to follow instructions and be comfortable working with tools. Good eyesight, colour vision, and hand-eye coordination are necessary.
Job requirements
- High school is usually required.
- A four- or five-year industrial electrician apprenticeship program or a combination of over five years of work experience in the trade and some high school, college or industry courses in industrial electrical equipment is usually required to be eligible for trade certification.
- Trade certification for industrial electricians is voluntary in Nova Scotia.
- Additional construction electrician certification may be required for industrial electricians when the employers are not owners of the industrial electrical equipment.
- Red Seal Endorsement (RSE) is also available to qualified industrial electricians upon successful completion of the interprovincial Red Seal examination.
Other considerations
- The wage rate for apprentices is usually a percentage of the journeyperson rate, increasing upon completion of each stage of the apprenticeship program. Progression to supervisory positions is possible with experience.
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 incomeAnnapolis Valley
$65,711 median annual incomeSouthern
$56,829 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 do this work.
Trade Inactive: This trade is currently inactive in Nova Scotia.
Contacts
Additional resources
There are no additional resources for this occupation.