11 Types of Electricians: What’s the Difference?
It’s shocking how many types of electricians there are
Highlights
Electrician types vary by certification level and specialization.
Most people will want to hire a residential electrician for home projects.
Wirepeople is another name for inside electricians.
Always double-check an electrician’s certifications before hiring them.
Unless you have serious skills, the electrical systems in your home are not something you want to mess with. For any major electrical repairs or projects, you will likely need to hire one of many types of electricians. So who do you pick?
Understanding more about the levels of certifications and specialties will help you get the right person for any electrical work you need completed. That’s exactly where we come in. Explore each type of electrician and the common certification levels below to help you confidently make a decision on which electrician to hire near you.
| Type of Electrician | Job Description |
|---|---|
| Apprentice | Work under supervision |
| Journeyperson | Certified to work on their own |
| Master | Highest level of certification |
| Residential | Everyday electrical repair in homes |
| Commercial | Business-related electric work |
| Industrial | Repair and install new electric lines in machinery and other large-scale plants |
| Maintenance | Maintains large-scale electrical equipment |
| Installation | Installs new electric lines |
| Construction | Constructs electrical grids |
| Auto | Works with wiring in vehicles |
| Marine | Maintains electrical equipment on board boats and other water vessels |
1. Apprentice Electrician
If you have an apprentice electrician working in your home, they should never be working unsupervised. Apprenticeship programs are typically the first step toward becoming a licensed electrician. These programs usually take about four years to complete. During that time, an individual will receive many hours of on-the-job and in-class experience and instruction overseen by a more experienced electrician.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Supervised by experienced electricians | Limited to small projects |
| Lower cost than other electricians | Needs to work under supervision |
| Knowledge of the most recent changes in electrical industries | Might take longer to complete projects |
Best for: Those looking for low-cost electrical work with small projects to complete
2. Journeyperson Electrician
Journeypeople (also referred to as licensed electricians) regularly work on home electrical jobs. These individuals have completed the entire apprenticeship program and passed an exam to apply for their license. Gaining this level of certification enables them to work without supervision and offers the assurance that they have sufficient experience for any job in their specialty.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Certified to work on electrical components | Limited to smaller and less complex projects |
| Available for residential and commercial projects | Not as knowledgeable as a master electrician |
| Trained to provide reliable services |
Best for: Homeowners looking for help with small to medium-sized electrical jobs
3. Master Electrician
Unless you have an exceptionally complex job in your home, it’s unlikely you will need a master electrician. This is the highest level of electrical certification achievable. The requirements vary, but typically this certification involves completing around 4,000 hours of work as a journeyperson and passing an in-depth exam.
Master electricians often have licensed contracting businesses and supervise a staff of electricians on complex commercial, industrial, or large-scale residential projects.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Holds the highest electrical certification possible | Higher cost than other types of electricians |
| Highly knowledgeable and experienced in electrical systems | Availability might be limited |
| Performs top-quality work | Might not take on small projects |
Best for: Homeowners with highly complex electrical needs that can’t be serviced by other types of electricians
4. Residential Electricians
This is the most common type of electrician and the one you are most likely to employ for any home electrical system upgrades, repairs, or installations. From circuit breaker upgrades to air conditioning repairs to yard security lighting installation, they cover a wide range of around-the-home work. You can hire an independent residential electrician or one that works for an electrical contractor.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Diagnoses and repairs electrical components in homes | Limited to residential projects |
| Required to be knowledgeable of residential codes and regulations | Higher cost for emergency repairs and services |
| Lower cost than specialized electricians | Permits and inspections might be required for certain projects |
Best for: Homeowners looking to upgrade, repair, or install electrical components
5. Commercial Electricians
If you’ve owned, managed, or worked in an office setting, you will have undoubtedly come across a commercial electrician. Performing similar work to a residential electrician but in a commercial setting, these individuals often work with larger-scale businesses.
Commercial electricians can work on installations, maintenance, repairs, and more. Jobs could range from introducing or upgrading security systems to office air conditioning repairs. An understanding of public safety regulations is essential in this field.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Experts on commercial electrical building regulations and codes | Limited to commercial projects |
| Installs and repairs commercial equipment | Higher costs to be expected for specialized commercial equipment |
| Helps ensure electrical safety compliance requirements | Cost more to hire than general electricians |
Best for: Business owners who need electrical components installed or repaired
6. Industrial Electricians
As the name implies, you aren’t likely to come across an industrial electrician in your search for someone to do a home appliance repair. These individuals work on a variety of electrical jobs but all in an industrial setting. Their work could include anything from power or processing plants to factories, manufacturing facilities, or mines. They usually have an in-depth knowledge of large-scale manufacturing and computer systems, as well as complex machinery.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Experts in industrial systems and machines | Higher cost than general electricians |
| Knowledgeable about high-voltage and complex systems | Limited to industrial services |
| Troubleshoots and repairs industrial electrical issues | Longer project timelines |
Best for: Those operating industrial businesses who need electrical installation and repair
7. Maintenance Electricians
If you own a set of condos or apartments that you rent out, you may need a maintenance electrician. They work across commercial, industrial, and residential settings and inspect, monitor, and maintain electrical equipment. They need diagnostic and troubleshooting skills to understand if there’s a need for timely repairs or upgrades for specific electric issues.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Experts in troubleshooting and repair | Limited to maintenance and repair work |
| Performs preventive and routine maintenance | Availability varies and ongoing relationships are often prioritized |
| Keeps systems and equipment running safely and efficiently | Often charges higher rates for emergency services |
Best for: Landlords, homeowners, and business owners looking for an ongoing relationship with an electrician to help install, diagnose, and repair a variety of electrical systems
8. Installation Electricians
If you just found an outdated wiring system in your home, like knob and tube wiring, and need a new electrical system stat, an installation electrician can help. They often work on new build projects and set up the wiring and systems required for lighting, security, and heating and cooling systems, among other things.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Installs electrical systems | Only performs installations |
| Required to be up to date on electrical codes and standards | Needs to coordinate with other professionals on large construction projects |
| Helps to ensure a safe efficient installation | Specialized installations might come at a higher cost |
Best for: Homeowners that need to install electrical components and systems in their home
9. Construction Electricians
Are you finally building your dream home from the ground up? You’ll want to call a construction electrician for that job. As you might guess by the name, construction electricians specialize in electrical systems in both residential and commercial construction sites. This unique type of electrician is responsible for all things electrical in a new construction: creating plans, making prototypes, and working with all of the wiring systems on a site.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Experts in electrical building codes | Limited availability during peak construction seasons |
| Install electricity in new buildings from scratch | Longer project timelines are common |
| Available for large-scale projects | Planning and permit requirements add more time to your project |
Best for: People who need electricity installed in a new building
10. Auto Electricians
If the electrics in your car are wonky, you may need to look for an auto electrician. With extensive knowledge of vehicle diagnostics and computer-based repair tools, the work they do ensures you can operate your vehicle safely.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Knowledgeable about vehicle electronic systems | Limited to automotive work |
| Diagnoses and repairs complex auto electrical issues | Higher cost than general electricians |
| Installs after-market electrical accessories |
Best for: Vehicle owners who need an electrical issue diagnosed or repaired
11. Marine Electricians
Boat owners may need to employ this less common specialist. They often hone their trade at seamanship school and have in-depth knowledge of the marine equipment used on water-faring vessels.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Specialize in marine environments | More costly than general electricians |
| Expert in marine-specific electrical codes | Less availability in non-coastal areas |
| Knowledgeable about corrosion-resistant materials |
Best for: Those who own or operate boats, yachts, and other watercraft
Wirepeople vs. Linespeople
Licensed electricians can move into many specialist fields. Most of these fall into two broad categories: wirepeople and linespeople. For electrical jobs in your home, a wireperson will complete the work for you.
Wirepeople (or inside electricians) work with the electrical components required in residential, industrial, and commercial buildings. Linespeople, also referred to as outside electricians, work with high-voltage power lines sent to buildings and other structures. Their job is incredibly important, but they’re not who you should call to hang a chandelier in your dining room.
What Type of Electrician Is the Best?
Most people living in a home and needing regular service will want to call a residential electrician, but that might not be the case for everyone. The best type of electrician for you will highly depend on the situation you're in and your unique project goals. Here are some of the more common examples of what the best electrician would be in different scenarios:
Residential electrician: You need to upgrade, repair, or replace any electrical system in your home.
Maintenance electrician: You’re a landlord or building owner working in the industrial or commercial space and need consistent upkeep.
Installation electrician: You just moved into a new home and need something installed, like a security system or lighting.
Construction electrician: You’re building a new home or doing an extensive renovation.
Finding a Licensed Electrician
If you’re currently on the hunt to find the best electrician for your job, we have some tips that will help. You always want to ask the right questions to an electrician before making a final hiring decision, including requesting references. Select a licensed, reputable electrician so that you have the assurance that they have the required qualifications and experience.
They’re also required to have appropriate insurance and bonds, so make sure this is the case when you’re talking to pros. There are several ways to verify an electrician’s license, including contacting your state’s Department of Labor.
If you don’t do these checks and simply opt for the most budget-friendly quote, it could leave you open to the risk of faulty electrical work that can be a fire hazard. Plus, your insurance may not cover any damages caused, so make sure you put a lot of time and effort into your search for an electrician.
Can I DIY Electrical Work?
Although it might be tempting to DIY electrical work, it is strongly recommended that you seek out an electrician instead. Electricians have the knowledge and skills required to do the job both efficiently and safely. If you attempt to DIY your electricity, you are putting yourself at risk of catastrophic damage to your property and injury to yourself.
