The Electrician's New Frontier: Automation Trends, Careers, and Technologies

Last Updated: 2026-05-28T10:46:12.575-04:00

Electricians are increasingly involved in the world of automation. Here's a summary of the latest news and information at the intersection of these two fields:

Career Opportunities and Skills

Students are being encouraged to explore careers in industrial automation. Field trips to automation companies, like the one Chariho Career and Technical Center’s Electrical Technology class took, are giving students a look at the industrial side of the electrical field. This includes working on a wide variety of systems, from medical tubing equipment to automated systems for major brands.
The skills required for an automation technician are similar to those of an electrician, including technical skills, communication skills, attention to detail, and problem-solving.
The average salary for an automation technician is around $61,350 per year, slightly higher than the average for an electrical technician at $54,720 per year.

Technological Advancements and Industry Trends

Siemens has introduced the new generation of its Simatic S7-1200 G2 control system, which is designed to be ready for the NIS2 directive for cybersecurity. This new system is more powerful, has more memory, and a more compact design.
Wago, a German electrical engineering manufacturer, is introducing its first Matter-enabled products. The company believes that the Matter standard will change the electrical industry and that electricians will need to be well-versed in it.
Post Electric, a licensed electrical contractor, is expanding its services to include comprehensive home automation and smart technology integration. This move is in response to the growing demand from homeowners to modernize their electrical systems and incorporate connected home technologies.

Reducing Costs Through Automation

Automation can help electrical contractors reduce overhead costs in several ways:
Streamlined Administrative Tasks: Automating tasks like project documentation and time tracking can save time and reduce labor costs.
Improved Resource Management: Automated scheduling and material management can optimize labor use and reduce delays and excess inventory costs.
Automated Financial Reporting: Real-time insights into project costs and profitability can help contractors identify cost-saving opportunities.
Enhanced Project Management: Automated task tracking, progress monitoring, and budget management can help keep projects on time and within budget.
Efficient Inventory Management: Automated inventory tracking and reordering can prevent overstocking and reduce storage costs.
Reduced Compliance Costs: Automating record-keeping and reporting processes can help contractors stay compliant with industry regulations.
Optimized Payroll Processing: Automating payroll calculations can reduce errors and administrative costs.
Improved Communication and Collaboration: A centralized platform for communication can improve project efficiency.

Companies Hiring Electrical Engineers for Automation

Major companies are actively hiring electrical engineers for roles in AI, electrification, and automation. Some of the top companies include:
Nvidia
Apple
Tesla
Intel
Siemens
ABB
RTX
Lockheed Martin
Schneider Electric
TSMC

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