Is Being an Electrician a Good Trade to Get Into?
Many people reach a point in their career when they want a change, a job that offers stability, better work-life balance, and the satisfaction of working with their hands. One profession that consistently comes up in these conversations is electrical work.
But is becoming an electrician really worth it? What’s the reality of the trade, the lifestyle, and the earning potential? And more importantly, what kind of insurance coverage should an electrician in California have before stepping onto a job site?
Let’s break it down.
Why So Many People Are Switching to the Trades
In recent years, more professionals are leaving long-hour, travel-heavy jobs, like trucking, for trades that keep them closer to home. Being an electrician offers that, along with the chance to problem-solve, build something tangible, and develop skills that are always in demand.
The trades have another benefit that’s hard to ignore: job security. Every city needs electricians. Homes, offices, retail stores, and manufacturing plants all rely on reliable electrical systems. In a state like California, where construction and renovation projects never stop, licensed electricians and electrical contractors are constantly in demand.
Union vs. Non-Union Electrical Work
One of the first decisions new electricians face is whether to join a union. Union electricians, especially those with the IBEW (International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers), often report strong wages, healthcare benefits, and retirement plans. Apprenticeships through union programs tend to be structured, with a clear path from trainee to journeyman to master electrician.
Non-union electricians, on the other hand, often enjoy more flexibility and can move faster into independent contracting or business ownership. Many start by working under a licensed contractor and later obtain their own C-10 Electrical Contractor License in California.
Both routes can lead to six-figure incomes, especially when you factor in overtime and specialized skills like industrial wiring, solar installations, or smart home systems.
The Reality of the Job
Let’s be honest: electrical work isn’t easy. You’re often climbing ladders, crawling through attics, and working in tight spaces. Your knees, back, and hands will feel it over time.
But for many, the physical aspect is part of the appeal. It’s not a desk job. You see the results of your work every day, lights turning on, systems powering up, homes getting energy-efficient upgrades.
A licensed electrician in Los Angeles described it this way: “There’s no shortcut. You work your way up, get your certifications, learn the National Electrical Code, and after a few years, you start to see how valuable those skills really are.”
That investment in yourself pays off. Electricians often gross anywhere from $80,000 to $130,000 a year once they’re fully licensed and experienced, with some earning more through overtime or running their own contracting business.
Lifestyle and Work-Life Balance
Compared to long-haul trucking or other travel-heavy careers, being an electrician offers a better balance. Most electricians work locally, often home every night, weekends off, and predictable hours once established.
That said, early in your career you’ll likely face long days and unpredictable schedules, especially in construction or large commercial projects. It takes time to earn the flexibility that experienced contractors enjoy.
As one journeyman put it, “Enjoy the overtime while you can, but save your money. You’re working a job and a half to get those earnings. Plan for the future.”
Why Electrical Contractors Need Proper Insurance Coverage
Once you’re working independently or starting your own business, having the right insurance is not optional, it’s a legal and financial necessity.
Every insured electrician in California should carry at least the following:
General Liability Insurance
Protects you if a client’s property is damaged or someone is injured due to your work. For example, if a short circuit causes a fire or a client trips over your equipment on-site, this coverage helps cover costs and legal fees.
Workers’ Compensation Insurance
If you hire employees, California law requires you to carry workers’ comp. Electrical work is high-risk, even experienced pros face hazards like shocks, burns, or falls. Workers’ comp ensures your team is covered and keeps your business compliant.
Commercial Auto Insurance
Many electricians in Los Angeles drive vans or trucks loaded with tools, ladders, and materials. A personal policy doesn’t cover those vehicles for business use. You’ll need a commercial auto insurance policy to protect your business assets if you’re in an accident while on the job.
Tools and Equipment Coverage
Replacing stolen or damaged tools can be expensive. This coverage helps you recover fast if your tools are stolen from a job site or damaged during transport.
Professional Liability Insurance
If a wiring job fails inspection or causes a loss for a client, this coverage protects you against claims of errors or negligence.
How Insurance Impacts Your Credibility and Contracts
Carrying the right coverage isn’t just about protection, it builds trust.
Many general contractors and property owners in California won’t even consider hiring an electrical contractor unless they’re insured and bonded. Having proof of electrical contractor insurance shows you’re legitimate, professional, and prepared to handle large-scale projects.
It also helps you win more bids, especially on public or commercial contracts where insurance certificates are mandatory.
The Business Side of Becoming an Electrician
Beyond wiring and installation, electricians often run their own small businesses. You’re managing scheduling, invoicing, materials, and client relationships.
In California, most electricians eventually want to become licensed electrical contractors. That means passing exams, meeting experience requirements, and filing proof of insurance with the Contractors State License Board (CSLB).
Once you’re licensed, your opportunities expand, from subcontracting for builders to bidding on government jobs to launching your own brand serving homeowners across Los Angeles and surrounding counties.
Career Outlook: California and Los Angeles
California ranks among the top-paying states for electricians. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the average annual wage for electricians in California exceeds $80,000, with experienced contractors easily earning more.
Los Angeles, in particular, continues to see growth in solar energy, EV charging stations, and commercial retrofitting, all of which rely on qualified electrical professionals.
That demand means steady work and income potential for those entering the field today. Apprenticeships are still open, and union locals across the region are actively recruiting.
Lessons From the Field
Electricians who’ve been in the trade for years often share the same advice:
- Start with the right mentor. The quality of your early training determines your confidence and safety.
- Take care of your body. Electrical work can be hard on your knees and back, so pace yourself and invest in good gear.
- Learn the code. Understanding the National Electrical Code (NEC) separates average electricians from great ones.
- Save early. Don’t rely solely on overtime; start building savings and planning for retirement early in your career.
- Stay insured. Protect your income and reputation from day one.
Becoming an electrician can absolutely be a rewarding, stable, and profitable career, especially in California and Los Angeles, where the demand for skilled trades continues to rise.
But success in this trade doesn’t happen overnight. It takes years of training, hands-on experience, and smart business decisions, including carrying the right electrical contractor insurance to protect your livelihood.
If you’re transitioning into the electrical trade or already operating as an insured electrician, now is the time to make sure your coverage matches your goals.
Our agency helps California electricians find affordable, customized coverage that fits their business size and future plans.
Get a quote today and protect the work you’re building for tomorrow.