Why Electricians Leave Jobs Despite Demand: Exploring Reasons

The landscape of the electrical industry is rapidly evolving, driven by the increasing demand for renewable energy, smart grid infrastructure, smart building technologies, and electric vehicles. This surge in demand has led to a crucial need for skilled electricians to meet the growing requirements of these innovative sectors. In fact, the employment of electricians is projected to grow by 6 percent from 2022 to 2032, surpassing the average growth rate for all occupations.

While 7,000 new electricians enter the industry annually, a staggering 10,000 retire from it

With an average of about 73,500 openings for electricians each year over the next decade, the demand is clear. However, a concerning issue arises: there simply aren't enough skilled electricians to fill these roles in the United States. According to data from the National Electrical Contractors Association, while 7,000 new electricians enter the industry annually, a staggering 10,000 retire from it, creating a significant gap in the workforce.

In this article, we delve into the reasons for leaving of skilled electricians from the industry. By examining the challenges and factors influencing their decisions to leave, we aim to shed light on the critical issue of workforce shortages in the electrical field.

What Do Electrician Do ?

Electricians are skilled tradespeople who specialize in installing, maintaining, and repairing electrical systems.

How Much Electricians Get Paid ?

 In May 2023, the median annual wage for electricians stood at $61,590. This median wage represents the midpoint, where half of all electricians earned more than this amount and half earned less. The lower 10% of electricians earned less than $38,470, while the top 10% earned more than $104,180.

 So, Why Are Electricians Quitting Their Jobs ?

Various factors could be contributing to their departure.

Top four Reasons for Leaving

1. Work-life balance

The insights from Unwrapped: Snappy's 2023 Workforce Study shed light on the evolving preferences of workers. Notably, 21.9 percent expressed a preference for fully remote work, while 30.1 percent favored a hybrid model combining remote work and office presence. Surprisingly, nearly half of Americans—48.1 percent—indicated a desire to work exclusively in-person. These findings underscore a widespread need for flexibility in work arrangements.

However, the electrical industry, known for its demanding nature, often requires skilled electricians to work long hours, weekends, and be on-call for emergencies. While their dedication is admirable, this rigorous schedule can take a toll on their personal lives.

The considerable demands on personal time frequently leave electricians feeling overwhelmed and burnt out. Consequently, many are actively seeking roles offering a more predictable schedule and improved work-life balance.

2. Safety concern

Electricians, by the very nature of their work, are exposed to a range of hazards and risks. These risks include working with high-voltage systems, navigating heights for installations or repairs, and handling electrical equipment that poses inherent dangers. The work environment for electricians can vary greatly, from construction sites to industrial settings, each presenting its own set of safety challenges.

Electricians are acutely aware of the potential dangers they face on the job. If they believe that safety measures are not up to standard or if they encounter recurring unsafe conditions, it can erode their confidence in their workplace's commitment to their safety. This lack of confidence in safety practices can be a significant factor in their decision to seek alternative employment where safety is given higher priority.

Ultimately, the choice to leave a position due to safety concerns is a deeply personal one driven by the desire to protect oneself from harm. Electricians, like all workers, deserve to feel safe and secure in their workplace, and when that assurance is lacking, it can prompt them to make the difficult decision to leave for the sake of their own well-being.

3. Health concerns

Being an Electrician is not for everyone. Electricians perform their duties in a variety of environments, including indoor and outdoor settings such as homes, businesses, factories, and construction sites. This often necessitates travel to different work locations, whether locally or over long distances. On-site, electricians frequently find themselves working in tight spaces, which can lead to discomfort. Extended periods of standing and kneeling can also be physically taxing.

Additionally, they may encounter dirt, dust, debris, or fumes, particularly when working outdoors. Exposure to extreme temperatures and adverse weather conditions is common for those working outdoors, while those in factory settings may contend with loud machinery noise.

Furthermore, electricians may be required to perform tasks at considerable heights, such as on construction sites, within buildings, or on projects involving renewable energy. These factors collectively contribute to the physical demands and potential hazards of the profession, which may prompt some electricians to seek alternative career paths.

4. Retirement

As of May 2023, the electrician profession showed signs of change. About 40% of electricians were 45 years old or older, yet the median age was 39.9. This seeming discrepancy indicates that many experienced electricians are leaving the field, either retiring or considering retirement. This trend emphasizes the need for strategies to attract new talent and maintain the vitality and skill level of the electrician workforce in the future.

Wrap up

In wrapping up, it's clear that the electrical industry has some hurdles to overcome in retaining skilled electricians. Tackling these challenges calls for a comprehensive strategy that includes steps to boost work-life balance, bolster safety measures, prioritize worker well-being, and devise plans to attract and retain talent. By taking proactive steps in these areas, the industry sets itself up for success in navigating the evolving landscape and ensuring a sustainable, proficient workforce for the future.

Does your company have a plan to tackle those challenges? Talk to our experts at Volt Careers to learn how we can help you navigate these issues and find solutions tailored to your needs.