So, you’re thinking about becoming an electrician—great choice! It’s one of the most in-demand skilled trades in California, with strong job security, good pay, and a solid future in everything from homes to high-rises. But before you break out the wire strippers and hard hat, you might be wondering: what’s the difference between a residential electrician and a commercial electrician? And more importantly, which path might be right for you?
Let’s break it down.
What Is a Residential Electrician?
Think of a residential electrician as the go-to expert for anything electrical in someone’s home. These are the pros who install and maintain the wiring systems in houses, apartments, condos—pretty much any place people live.
If you’ve ever hired someone to install a ceiling fan, troubleshoot a circuit breaker that keeps flipping, or upgrade your home’s electrical panel, chances are it was a residential electrician.
Some of the common tasks residential electricians handle include:
- Installing outlets, light fixtures, ceiling fans, and appliances
- Upgrading fuse boxes to circuit breaker panels
- Wiring for new home additions or remodels
- Troubleshooting and repairing faulty wiring
- Ensuring home electrical systems are up to code
Because homes use single-phase power (120/240 volts), the systems residential electricians work on are generally simpler than what you’d find in commercial settings. That doesn’t mean it’s easy—but it’s definitely different.
What Is a Commercial Electrician?
Now, commercial electricians work on a larger scale. Think office buildings, retail stores, schools, hospitals, and factories. Their job is to install, maintain, and repair electrical systems in buildings where people work rather than live.
The work can be more complex because commercial buildings often require three-phase power systems, higher voltages, and more specialized equipment. That means the wiring, conduit, and panels are all designed to handle heavier electrical loads.
Tasks commercial electricians typically handle include:
- Installing transformers, generators, and large-scale lighting systems
- Running conduit through walls, ceilings, or underground
- Setting up power distribution panels for entire buildings
- Troubleshooting high-voltage equipment and systems
- Working with blueprints and building plans for large projects
Because commercial electricians often work on big job sites with construction teams, they need to understand blueprints, electrical schematics, and often follow tighter deadlines than residential electricians.
Tools & Techniques: What’s the Same, What’s Different?
Both types of electricians use many of the same tools—wire cutters, pliers, multimeters—but how they use them can vary. Residential electricians often work in tighter spaces (think attics and crawlspaces), while commercial electricians might find themselves on lifts or scaffolding, installing heavy-duty systems.
And while both follow the National Electrical Code (NEC), commercial projects might also involve extra building codes, safety protocols, and inspections based on the size and use of the building.
Work Environment: Homes vs. Job Sites
As you might expect, the work environment differs too. Residential electricians often work alone or with one other person in someone’s home. Customer service skills come in handy here—you’ll be interacting with homeowners, answering questions, and sometimes calming nerves if something goes wrong.
Commercial electricians, on the other hand, typically work on teams, alongside HVAC techs, plumbers, and general contractors. Jobs may last weeks or months, and schedules can be more structured with early morning start times and larger crews.
Training and Licensing: How Do You Get Started?
Here’s the good news: the foundation for both careers is the same. You’ll start with electrician training, like the Electrician Program at Summit College, which covers electrical theory, safety, wiring, codes, and hands-on practice.
After nine months of training, you’ll enter an apprenticeship (typically 3–5 years), where you’ll gain experience under the supervision of a licensed electrician. Eventually, you’ll take your state licensing exam—and then you’re on your way to becoming a journeyman electrician.
Many electricians start with residential work to gain experience and confidence before moving into commercial jobs, while others stick with one type throughout their career. And once you’re licensed, the choice is yours.
So, Which One Is Right for You?
Choosing between residential and commercial work really depends on your goals and preferences. Here’s a quick comparison:
| Residential Electrician | Commercial Electrician | |
| Work Setting | Homes, apartments | Offices, schools, retail, hospitals |
| Wiring System | Single-phase (120/240V) | Three-phase, high-voltage |
| Tools/Techniques | Standard wiring and fixtures | Conduits, transformers, large-scale systems |
| Customer Interaction | High (with homeowners) | Moderate (with project teams) |
| Complexity | Moderate | Higher |
| Teamwork | Often solo or small teams | Larger crews on construction sites |
Final Thoughts
Whether you’re wiring a dream home or powering up a shopping mall, electricians play a critical role in keeping our world running. Both residential and commercial electricians enjoy solid career opportunities, good pay, and the satisfaction of working with their hands.
At Summit College, our electrician training program gives you the skills and foundation to pursue either path. You’ll get hands-on experience, guidance from industry professionals, and the confidence to succeed—no matter which direction you choose.
Ready to start your journey? Check out our Electrician Program today.
