Why Raising the Minimum Wage to $15-$17 Per Hour Wouldn’t Change My Choice as an Electrician

Electricians don't make just 15 dollars an hour. The average hourly wage for electricians ranges from $25 to $60, depending on the location, experience, and the complexity of the job. If the minimum wage were raised to $15 or even $17 per hour, it would not be enough to compete with the potential earnings of an electrician who, given enough competence and an open willingness to improve their skill set, stands to make significantly more over time. Even if such a raise were phased in over several years, implying stagnation at $15 per hour, it suggests that the individual has substantial room for improvement in their current role.

The Dilemma of Minimum Wage vs. Electrician Salary

Electrician Salary Range: As a starting point, let’s consider the typical entry-level and top-end wages for electricians. According to BLS data, electricians in the United States typically earn between $25 and $60 per hour, with the median earnings around $50,000 per year. Whereas the national average minimum wage was $7.25 per hour until 2009, and has since climbed to $7.25 in 2009 and eventually to $15.00, there exists a stark disparity between what an electrician and a fast-food worker might earn.

Why Stay in a High-Demand Career?

Interest and Skill Advancement: Some people might argue that flipping burgers is a harder job than being an electrician. However, the reality is, it takes specific training and skill to work in an electrician field, and the job itself is beneficial both in terms of skill advancement and career growth. An electrician can earn more money, learn valuable skills, and find job satisfaction, unlike the monotonous and potentially demeaning job of serving fast food.

Real-World Considerations

Multitude of Factors Note: If you're working as an electrician and currently making $15 per hour, it's highly unlikely that the job is sustainable long-term. Being educated in the field, you would recognize the stagnation and look for ways to improve your position. Additionally, McDonald's is aware of the political pressures to artificially increase fast-food worker wages, and they are actively exploring ways to reduce their labor costs, such as automating processes and improving efficiency. These changes make it evident that the minimum wage increase won't be enough to attract experienced electricians to the fast-food industry.

Job Satisfaction and Personal Fulfillment

Choose Your Career Wisely Rationale: Do you want to work as a fast-food cashier? Think about your aspirations and the nature of the job:

Do you find the routine of flipping burgers fun and fulfilling? Do you enjoy the culinary skills and career development opportunities that come with being an electrician? Would you rather spend your time on tasks that directly contribute to home safety and the growth of the community, or dealing with the daily challenges and copious paperwork of a service-related job?

Many electricians report a high level of job satisfaction due to the practical application of their skills, the ability to solve problems, and the tangible results they produce. Being an electrician offers opportunities for career advancement, whether it's working on projects that keep communities safe or contributing to the design of cutting-edge technology.

Conclusion

The lack of aspiration to remain in a low-paying job, such as flipping burgers, suggests that electricians should focus on improving their skills and finding opportunities within their field for advancement. The true value of being an electrician lies in the satisfaction of working in a high-demand profession that offers both financial and personal growth opportunities.