Electricians Remain Future-Proof as AI and Automation Reshape the Electrical Industry
Last Updated: 2026-05-30T02:04:07.924-04:00
According to a recent report, electricians face a very low risk of being replaced by AI, with only a 14% automation risk. The demand for electricians is expected to grow by over 80,000 new positions nationally through 2026, driven by an aging infrastructure, the rise of EV charging networks, and the energy transition. The report notes the irony that the AI data centers driving automation fears require electricians for their construction and maintenance, making the job increasingly "future-proof."
In other news and developments:
- Business Automation: Software is increasingly being used to automate administrative and operational tasks for electrical businesses. This includes tools for scheduling, creating quotes, sending invoices, and managing customer follow-ups like review requests and safety inspection reminders. Construction accounting software also helps reduce overhead by automating financial reporting, resource management, and payroll.
- Smart Home Technology: The demand for home automation and smart technology integration is growing. One electrical contractor recently expanded its services to meet this demand, focusing on whole-home electrical assessments, panel upgrades, and the integration of smart devices like lighting, thermostats, and security systems. In line with this trend, the German electrical engineering company WAGO has introduced its first products based on Matter, a new smart home standard. The company believes electricians will play a key role in installing the foundational infrastructure for these evolving smart homes.
- Industrial Automation: In the industrial sector, there is a focus on upgrading control systems. Siemens highlighted a case where an automation company easily migrated from the Simatic S7-1200 to the next-generation S7-1200 G2 control system. The new system is more powerful, compact, and certified to modern cybersecurity standards like IEC 62443, aligning with the requirements of the NIS2 Directive.
- Automated Electrical Planning: New software solutions can automate tedious design tasks for electricians. These tools can take a simple floor plan and generate a detailed electrical plan, create project quotes with labor costs, calculate the necessary types and lengths of cables, and automatically design the electrical cabinet.
- Education and Career Opportunities: The field of industrial automation continues to offer career opportunities. A recent field trip for electrical technology students to an automation systems integrator showcased the variety of work in the industry, from creating systems for medical tubing to control systems for major food brands.
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