How To Hire Traveling Electricians: A Comprehensive Guide
3
min read
Seth Brown
Table of Contents
Rural infrastructure projects are creating massive demand for skilled workers who can travel to different locations. Data centers, renewable energy facilities, and other critical infrastructure require specialized electrical expertise. Consider this: a large data center consumes over 100 megawatts of power—enough for 20,000 American homes—and uses 10-50 times more energy per floor space than typical office buildings. Traveling electricians have become critical to these projects, bringing specialized skills across regions. This guide shows you how to find, hire, and manage traveling electricians for your projects.
Benefits of Hiring Traveling Electricians
Traveling electricians bring substantial advantages to your projects:
- Project Flexibility: Deploy skilled professionals across different regions without maintaining permanent staff
- Cost Control: Reduce expenses tied to local labor shortages and overtime costs
- Specialized Expertise: Access professionals with experience across diverse electrical systems and environments
- Rapid Scaling: Quickly staff up or down based on project demands
Qualifications and Skills Required
Look for these critical abilities when hiring traveling electricians:
Technical Skills:
- Advanced Electrical Proficiency: Experience installing, maintaining, and troubleshooting complex systems including renewable energy installations and smart building technology
- Multi-Region Code Knowledge: Familiarity with varying electrical codes and regulations across different jurisdictions
- Tool Mastery: Proven skills with specialized equipment like digital ammeters and advanced diagnostic tools
Soft Skills:
- Clear Communication: Ability to coordinate with diverse teams and explain complex issues to non-technical stakeholders
- Independent Problem-Solving: Capacity to troubleshoot and resolve issues without constant supervision
- Adaptability: Quick adjustment to new work environments, teams, and local practices
Steps to Hire Traveling Electricians
Follow this streamlined process to find and hire top electrical talent:
1. Create Compelling Job Listings
Develop job descriptions that highlight:
- Specific technical requirements for your projects
- Clear compensation structure including per diems and travel allowances
- Project durations and location details
- Career advancement opportunities
Post these descriptions on Indeed, ZipRecruiter, and trade-specific platforms to reach qualified candidates.
2. Conduct Effective Interviews
Structure your interviews to assess:
- Technical capabilities through scenario-based questions
- Past experience with travel work and adaptability
- Communication skills and problem-solving approaches
- Availability and travel preferences
3. Verify Credentials Thoroughly
Before making offers:
- Check licensing and certifications for each jurisdiction
- Contact references focusing on reliability and work quality
- Verify safety records and compliance history
- Confirm insurance coverage and liability protection
Contract and Compensation Planning
Develop clear agreements covering:
Contract Components:
- Detailed Scope: Precise job responsibilities and performance expectations
- Compensation Structure: Base pay, overtime rates, and per diem allowances
- Travel Terms: Transportation arrangements, accommodation standards, and expense policies
- Duration and Extension: Project timeline with options for continuation
Competitive Packages:
- Premium Pay Rates: Offer 15-30% above standard local rates for skilled traveling professionals
- Comprehensive Per Diems: Provide daily allowances covering lodging, meals, and incidentals
- Quality Accommodations: Arrange comfortable, convenient housing options
- Schedule Flexibility: Create work rotations that allow for home visits and adequate rest
Construction and infrastructure development continue to accelerate, with billions invested in data centers, renewable energy, and grid modernization. These projects demand specialized electrical expertise in locations often facing severe skilled labor shortages. By building effective strategies for hiring and managing traveling electricians, you position your electrical company to take on more ambitious projects across broader geographic areas. Whether your focus is commercial, industrial, or specialized electrical work, the right traveling professionals help you deliver high-quality results anywhere opportunity calls.
FAQs
How much extra do I need to pay traveling electricians?
Traveling electricians earn 15-30% higher base wages plus $15-$100+ daily per diem payments. This premium compensates for their flexibility, specialized skills, and temporary relocation.
Where can I find traveling electricians for hire?
Find traveling electricians on Indeed, ZipRecruiter, through specialized electrical staffing agencies, and the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers (IBEW). Technical schools also provide pipelines for emerging talent.
What should I include in a traveling electrician contract?
Contracts should specify job duties, payment terms, travel arrangements, per diem rates, project duration, performance metrics, safety requirements, and policies for project changes.
How do I handle housing for traveling electricians?
Extended-stay hotels, corporate apartments, and managed workforce housing work best. Many companies negotiate discounted rates with national chains to control costs while ensuring comfort.
Do traveling electricians need different licenses for each state?
Verify electrician licenses, state-specific certifications, and code knowledge relevant to each location. Top traveling electricians maintain multi-state licenses and stay current through continuing education.
What safety training do traveling electricians need?
Safety orientations, verification of certifications (OSHA, fall protection, lockout/tagout), and providing necessary personal protective equipment (PPE).
How much does it cost to hire traveling electricians?
Budget for $66,753 average annual base pay plus per diems, travel expenses, and accommodations. Total investment runs 30-50% higher than local rates but eliminates recruitment costs and downtime.
Need qualified traveling electricians for your project?
Buildforce helps electrical contractors find, hire, and manage qualified traveling electricians while reducing administrative overhead and compliance risks.