Why High School Graduates Should Consider an Electrical Career
Graduating from high school is an exciting milestone, but it also comes with important decisions about your future. While many students are encouraged to pursue a four-year college degree, there are other rewarding career paths that offer stability, financial security, and growth opportunities—one of the best being an electrical career.
If you’re a recent high school graduate (or about to graduate), here’s why becoming an electrician might be the perfect choice for you.
1. High Demand for Skilled Electricians
The electrical trade is one of the most in-demand professions in the country. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, employment for electricians is projected to grow faster than the average occupation over the next decade. As technology advances and industries rely more on electrical power, skilled electricians are needed to keep homes, businesses, and industrial facilities running efficiently.
This means job security—a valuable benefit in today’s ever-changing job market.
2. Earn While You Learn (No Student Debt)
Unlike traditional college routes, where students accumulate thousands of dollars in student loans, an electrical apprenticeship allows you to earn money while you train.
Apprenticeship programs offer on-the-job training under the supervision of experienced electricians.
Most programs pay apprentices as they learn, allowing you to avoid student debt while building a career.
Training includes hands-on experience and classroom instruction, preparing you for state licensing exams.
Instead of paying for a degree, you get paid to develop a high-paying skill.
3. Competitive Pay and Career Growth
Electricians earn excellent wages compared to other careers that don’t require a college degree. In Oklahoma, a journeyman electrician can earn $55,000 - $75,000 per year, while a master electrician or electrical contractor can make over $100,000 annually.
Even at the apprenticeship level, you start earning a respectable wage that increases as you gain experience. Plus, as you move from apprentice to journeyman and eventually to master electrician, you have the opportunity to start your own business, take on leadership roles, or specialize in high-demand fields such as:
✔ Industrial and Oilfield Electrical Work
✔ PLC Programming & Automation
✔ SCADA System Installation & Maintenance
✔ Renewable Energy & Solar Power
The possibilities are endless in the electrical industry.
4. Hands-On Work That’s Never Boring
If you enjoy working with your hands, solving problems, and staying active, then an electrical career is a great fit. Instead of being stuck in a desk job, electricians work in various environments, including:
Residential Homes – Installing wiring, electrical panels, and lighting.
Commercial Buildings – Setting up power systems for businesses.
Industrial Facilities – Working with machinery, automation, and control systems.
Oil & Gas Industry – Managing electrical infrastructure for energy production.
Every job is different, offering new challenges and opportunities to learn.
5. Opportunities for Specialization and Advancement
As an electrician, you can choose a specialty and advance in your career over time. Whether you’re interested in renewable energy, automation, industrial controls, or high-voltage electrical work, there are numerous paths you can take.
Additionally, electricians can work toward becoming a Master Electrician or Electrical Contractor, which opens the door to starting your own business or managing large-scale projects.
6. A Career That Can’t Be Replaced by Automation
With advancements in artificial intelligence (AI) and automation, many jobs are at risk of being replaced. However, electricians remain essential because their work requires problem-solving, adaptability, and hands-on skills that machines can’t replicate.
As long as people and businesses rely on electricity, electricians will always be in demand.
7. It’s Easier to Get Started Than You Think
Becoming an electrician doesn’t require a four-year degree, but it does require training and certification. Here’s how to start:
Meet Basic Requirements – Be at least 18 years old with a high school diploma or GED.
Find an Apprenticeship – Apply to a union (IBEW) or non-union (IEC, trade school, or contractor) apprenticeship program.
Complete Your Training – Work under licensed electricians while learning through classroom instruction.
Pass the Journeyman Exam – After completing 8,000 hours of training, take the Oklahoma journeyman licensing exam.
Advance Your Career – Work toward becoming a Master Electrician or Electrical Contractor.
Start Your Electrical Career with Houston Electric
If you’re looking for electrical career opportunities in Oklahoma, Houston Electric is hiring apprentices, journeyman electricians, and automation specialists.
We offer:
✔ Competitive pay
✔ Hands-on training and mentorship
✔ A strong team environment focused on safety and quality
📍 Location: Garber, OK
📞 Phone: (580) 863-2863
📧 Email: contact@houstonelectricinc.net
Apply today! Visit our Careers Page to learn more.
Final Thoughts
Choosing a career after high school can feel overwhelming, but becoming an electrician is a smart choice for anyone who enjoys working with their hands, solving problems, and earning a great salary without student debt.
With job security, excellent pay, and opportunities for growth, the electrical trade is one of the best career paths available today. If you're ready to start, contact Houston Electric and take the first step toward a rewarding electrical career!
