If you’ve been thinking about becoming a licensed electrical contractor in Alabama, the reality is that you’re not alone. Many skilled tradespeople eventually consider the jump. Before doing this, however, there’s an important question you must ask yourself: “Is it really worth it?” The short answer to this question is that it can be, but you must understand the responsibilities, opportunities, and challenges that come with it.
So, how about we break down what it means to become an electrical contractor in Alabama and whether it’s the right call for your career?
First Things First: What Will You Be Doing?
Before we can even cover other crucial topics concerning this career, let’s first understand what an electrical contractor does. And no, an electrical contractor and an electrician aren’t the same thing, just in case you’ve got it mixed up. Electricians work under the direction of a contractor, who is, in contrast, licensed to take on projects, bid for work, and hire teams.
A contractor is responsible not just for their electrical work but also for ensuring that the jobs completed under them meet Alabama state codes, safety standards, and contractual obligations. This is ideally one of the reasons why it’s so important to take a premium Alabama electrical continuing education course from a top provider like RocketCert to remain updated on the industry’s best practices.
In Alabama, it’s the Alabama Electrical Contractors Board (AECB) that handles everything pertaining to licensing.
Business Side of the Trade
One of the most notable shifts you will notice when you move from being an electrician to a contractor is the business aspect of the job. As opposed to just wiring a house or repairing a panel and ending it there, you’ll realise you also have to handle contracts, budgets, insurance, and employees.
Of course, such responsibilities require you to understand how to run a business in addition to understanding the trade. For some electricians, this new shift is the most rewarding part, but for others, it can feel overwhelming.
Income Potential
This is the part that most tradespeople who want to make a leap are usually interested in the most. Well, according to recent data from the U.S. Bureau of Labour Statistics, the median pay for electricians is roughly $62,300 per year nationally. Of course, you have the potential to earn significantly more, given that this is just a median figure.
When working in a place like Alabama, where there’s a growing demand for licensed contractors, earnings can easily rise well into the six figures if you’re successful and are winning large contracts and managing huge teams. That said, your income isn’t guaranteed. It will depend on how successful you are when it comes to bidding jobs, managing expenses, and maintaining client relationships.
So, bear in mind that as some contractors thrive, others will be struggling in the same market.
Are There Challenges to Consider?
The good news about trying to be an electrical contractor in Alabama is that there’s a strong and steady demand for electrical contractors. At the same time, however, you will face some hurdles on your way up. These include and aren’t limited to:
- Licensing exam
- Competition
- Start-up costs
- Responsibility load
- And others
Even though some of these challenges may intimidate you, it’s important to think about the sweet fruits of eventually succeeding. That way, you will get the push you need to keep going.
So, Is It Worth It in the End?
So, then, is becoming an electrical contractor in Alabama a good idea? Well, we’d say this depends on what you’re looking for in your career. If you enjoy the hands-on aspect of electrical work and prefer to avoid paperwork and business management, you should be happier staying in your current role.
If, on the other hand, you’re ambitious, want to increase your income, and don’t mind taking on the responsibilities of running a business, this should work for you.