Electrician vs. Electrical Engineer: Everything You Need To Know
| Update: June 30, 2025
When you hear the words “electrician” and “electrical engineer,” it’s easy to mix them up. Both careers work with electricity, but one is hands-on and toolbelt-ready, while the other is rooted in design and big-picture planning. So how do you know which one is right for you? This guide will explore the difference between electrical engineering and electrician career paths.
What Is an Electrician?
Electricians are skilled tradespeople who install, maintain, and repair electrical systems in homes, businesses, and industrial settings. They’re the ones who make sure your lights turn on, your outlets work, and your building meets safety codes. Electricians work with wiring, circuit breakers, lighting, and sometimes even advanced systems like solar power or smart home technology.
Most electricians work with their hands and use tools like pliers, wire strippers, and voltmeters. It’s a very hands-on job that takes focus, problem-solving, and precision. If you like seeing the results of your work right away and want to jump into a career that doesn’t require a traditional four-year degree, an electrician program could be the way to go.
Electrician Career Levels
Most electricians move through a few key stages, gaining skills and responsibilities.
- Apprentice: As an apprentice, you’ll learn the trade by working under licensed electricians while also completing classroom training.
- Journeyman: This comes after finishing an apprenticeship and passing the required licensing exams. Journeymen can work independently on most jobs and are often responsible for mentoring apprentices.
- Master Electrician: With several more years of experience and further licensing, electricians can become masters in their field. Master electricians take on larger projects, supervise teams, and sometimes even start their own businesses.
Each of the election levels brings more responsibility and more advanced work. It’s a career that gives you flexibility and options.
Now that we’ve covered the electrical engineer vs. electrician question, it’s time to talk about trade programs. If you’re thinking about how to become an electrician, consider the Electrician Technician Program at UEI College. Training is fast, focused, and designed to get you into the field quickly.
