Electrician
Industrial electricians install, maintain, and repair complex electrical power systems across Louisiana’s refineries, chemical plants, and heavy industrial facilities. Unlike residential or commercial electricians, industrial electricians work with high-voltage distribution, motor control centers (MCCs), hazardous classified locations, and heavy power infrastructure critical to keeping continuous manufacturing processes running safely.
What do
they do?
Install power & distribution systems
Bend and run rigid conduit, pull heavy cable, and wire switchgear, transformers, and motor control centers (MCCs).
Maintain motors & drives
Connect, test, and troubleshoot three-phase electric motors, variable frequency drives (VFDs), and starters.
Diagnose electrical faults
Utilize digital multimeters, insulation testers (meggers), and circuit analyzers to locate grounds, shorts, and failed components.
Read electrical prints & schematics
Interpret one-line diagrams, electrical schematics, and National Electrical Code (NEC) standards to safely plan installations.
What you can earn
Wages grow quickly
with experience
Year 1-2
Year 4-6
8+ Years
Gulf Coast Supply & Demand
Why now is the right time to enter this field
Louisiana’s industrial sector is experiencing sustained project activity through the late 2020s.
Demand for electricians continues to outpace availability.
How do I become an electrician?
FAQ
Common Questions
Which industry certifications are most in demand by employers?
NCCER LEVEL 1-4
Do I need an associate degree, or is a certificate enough?
NCCER programs qualify you for contractor helper/entry roles immediately.
What other prerequisites are required?
- Safety Council Orientation Badge
- Valid Driver’s License
- TWIC Card
Do I have to pass a drug screen and background check?
Yes. Industrial plants, chemical facilities, and refineries maintain strict zero-tolerance policies. You will be required to pass pre-employment and random screenings and clear a background check.
What is a TWIC card, and do I need one?
A Transportation Worker Identification Credential (TWIC) issued by TSA is mandatory for unescorted access to maritime and petrochemical facilities along the Mississippi River, Gulf Coast, and Louisiana ports.
Can I enter this trade with a prior record?
Certain felony convictions disqualify candidates from obtaining a TWIC or plant security badge (especially related to violence, weapons, or industrial sabotage). Non-violent or older infractions may be reviewed case-by-case through an appeal or waiver process.
Is a valid driver’s license required?
Yes. Almost all contractors and plant facilities require a valid driver’s license to drive inside operating plant boundaries and access remote sites.