1

Electric Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

In this position an Electric Locator possesses the craft qualifications of a Journeyman Electrician and performs correct, safe, and efficient locating of underground utilities including electric and ...

New

next page

Showing results 1-20

Electric information

See California salary details

$15

$34

$47

How much do electric jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 30, 2026, the average hourly pay for electric in California is $34.48, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $26.83 and $40.34 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is an electrician?

Electricians are skilled tradespeople responsible for installing, maintaining, and repairing electrical systems in homes, businesses, and industrial settings. They work with wiring, circuit breakers, outlets, lighting, and various electrical components to ensure safe and reliable electricity flow. Electricians must follow strict safety codes and regulations to prevent hazards such as electrical fires or shocks. They may also troubleshoot electrical problems and upgrade existing electrical systems to meet modern standards.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an electrician, and why are they important?

To thrive as an Electrician, you need a solid understanding of electrical systems, safety protocols, and wiring regulations, typically supported by completion of an apprenticeship and relevant licensing. Familiarity with tools like multimeters, circuit testers, and electrical blueprints, along with knowledge of the National Electrical Code (NEC), is essential. Attention to detail, problem-solving abilities, and strong communication skills help electricians work safely and efficiently, especially when collaborating with clients or teams. These competencies ensure compliance, minimize safety risks, and lead to reliable, high-quality electrical installations and repairs.

What are some common challenges faced by electricians when working on commercial projects, and how can they be managed?

Electricians working on commercial projects often encounter challenges such as coordinating with other trades, adhering to tight project timelines, and ensuring compliance with complex electrical codes and safety standards. Effective communication with project managers and other contractors can help prevent scheduling conflicts and rework. Staying updated on the latest codes and regularly participating in safety trainings are crucial for minimizing risks and ensuring quality work. Building strong teamwork skills and being adaptable to fast-changing job site conditions are also important for success in this environment.

What is the difference between Electric vs Electrician?

AspectElectricElectrician
Required CredentialsTypically no formal certification neededRequires licensing and certifications
Work EnvironmentOften in manufacturing, construction, or industrial settingsResidential, commercial, or industrial electrical work
Industry UsageUsed as a job title or role descriptionSpecific licensed trade profession
Common Search IntentGeneral electrical work or rolesLicensed electrical work or careers

While 'Electric' often refers to a role or job involving electrical work, an 'Electrician' is a licensed professional with specific certifications. The electrician performs specialized tasks requiring formal training, whereas 'Electric' may be used more broadly or informally to describe electrical roles or positions.

What are different types of electrical jobs?

Electrical jobs include roles such as electrician, electrical technician, electrical engineer, and electrical apprentice. These positions involve installing, maintaining, and repairing electrical systems in residential, commercial, or industrial settings, often requiring specific certifications and knowledge of tools like multimeters and wiring codes.

What are the most commonly searched types of Electric jobs in California?

The most popular types of Electric jobs in California are:

What cities in California are hiring for Electric jobs?

Cities in California with the most Electric job openings:

Infographic showing various Electric job openings in California as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 82% Full Time, 14% Part Time, 3% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 92% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 5% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $71,717 per year, or $34.5 per hour.

Pacific Gas and Electric Company
Utilities • 10K+ employees

9.0

Company rating: 9.0 out of 10

Based on 47 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

4th of 53 rated energy and utility

Great coworkers

People enjoy working here

Good employer


$65.27/hr

Full-time

Posted 5 days ago


Job description

Requisition ID # 174066 

Job Category: Maintenance / Construction / Operations 

Job Level: Individual Contributor

Business Unit: Energy Delivery

Work Type: Onsite

Job Location: Oakland

Department Overview

Gas Operations is focused on ensuring the safe and reliable flow of natural gas to our customers.  Gas Operations is responsible for all aspects of PG&E's gas distribution and transmission operations, including planning, engineering, maintenance and construction, restoration, and emergency response.

Position Summary

This is an IBEW Local 1245 represented classification, which has over 100 years of experience representing employees at PG&E. This job is subject to collective bargaining.

In this position an Electric Locator possesses the craft qualifications of a Journeyman Electrician and performs correct, safe, and efficient locating of underground utilities including electric and gas, as well as 'standby' duties when a contractor is excavating near critical PG&E facilities. This includes completing necessary documentation and acting as liaison to 3rd party contractors, customers, and private landowners. The classification may perform gas locate and mark duties as required in conjunction with electric locate and mark job assignments. Standby work for other than Company construction jobs is primarily performed by the Gas Compliance classifications and may be assigned to other Gas Department classifications, however, if additional resources are needed, the Electric Locator may perform standby duties if DOT operator qualified. The damage prevention tasks and activities, including those listed above, are not exclusive to this classification. Electric locators must complete training and meet qualifications initially and annually thereafter.

This position will be used to fill vacancies in the Bay Area region. Available positions are planned for the following locations: San Francisco and Hayward.

This position is a DOT (Department of Transportation) covered classification and is subject to random drug and/or alcohol screening. 

Per Letter of Agreement 16-28, Electric Locators are in a 24-month commitment to the classification.

PG&E is providing the hourly rate that the company in good faith believes it might pay for this position at the time of the job posting. This position is subject to collectively bargained hourly wage rates and increases. The starting wage rate for this position is $65.27 per hour.  This wage rate is specific to the locality of the job. The wage rate is based on multiple factors, including, but not limited to, specific skills, education, licenses or certifications, experience, market value, geographic location, collective bargaining agreements, and internal equity. 

Job Responsibilities

  • Completes the necessary documentation and acts as liaison to 3rd party contractors, customers and private land owners
  • Performs standby duties when a contractor is excavating near critical PG&E facilities
  • Performs correct, safe and efficient locate and mark duties of underground utilities including electric and gas
  • DOT-Operations/Maintenance AND Emergency 

Qualifications

Minimum:

  • Must be at least 18 years of age.
  • Must possess a High School diploma, GED or equivalent work experience.
  • Must possess and maintain a valid California Class C Driver's License
  • Ability to work in all types of weather extremes.
  • Ability to drive safely in all weather and road conditions.
  • Ability to work extended hours, nights, weekends and holidays.
  • Completion of IBEW/Joint Apprentice Training Committee (JATC) sanctioned Electrician training program
  • Must be able to wear company provided Personal Protective Equipment (PPE). 

Desired:

  • Previous Military experience
  • Electrician Journey certification
  • Manhole safety Training
  • PG&E construction or utility experience
  • 5 years Journey level experience in industrial electrical construction
  • Experience with electronic or mechanical equipment
  • Instrumentation and Control experience
  • Electrical Experience with Substation or Power Generation
  • High voltage experience
  • Experience working with testing equipment and troubleshooting
  • Previous experience with Locate and Mark of Utilities

Pre-Employment Testing

PG&E Employees: You must have qualified on all prerequisite tests prior to submitting an application; and all secondary tests prior to interviewing. For more information on prerequisite and secondary exams, including study guides, please visit the Pre-employment testing program website.

  • Physical Test Battery
  • Work Orientation Inventory-Physical/Technical Driving
 


What Pacific Gas and Electric Company employees say

Pay

Benefits

Hours and flexibility

Workplace

Get the full story on Breakroom