What does an electrical foreman do?

An electrical foreman is an individual who is responsible for supervising power linesmen and electricians in the installation, repair, and maintenance of electrical power lines or electrical systems. Electrical foremen conduct periodic inspections at a construction site to ensure that materials and supplies are available. They must enforce safety regulations, rules, and working conditions among the employees due to their hazardous work setting. They also supervise the operation of an electrical repair shop and train personnel in the safe operation of equipment and tools.
Electrical foreman responsibilities
Here are examples of responsibilities from real electrical foreman resumes:
- Manage and supervise day to day duties of a small crew for upgrades to the DCS and PLC infrastructure system.
- Remove, analyze, identify issue install properly working pressure transducers, effectively accomplishing priorities to go underway.
- Provide work orders for employees and order all electrical components by use of Maximo CMMS system.
- Connect wiring to motor controls, switches, lighting fixtures, receptacles, circuit breakers, and fuses.
- Work with computerize lighting and HVAC systems, require standby generator, access control systems, and closed-circuit surveillance equipment.
- Pipe bending with EMT and rigid.
- Install 1/2 to 1 EMT with approve fitting.
- Comply with electrical safety in the workplace as outlined in NFPA 70E
- Work from ladders, scaffolding, or roofs to perform job specifications.
- Generate daily production and progress work reports, JSA and daily time sheets.
- Used CMMS and machine downtime reports to identify areas to increase machine uptime.
- Formulate and implement the underground cable installation as well as the PVC interconnecting conduit.
- Read and follow blueprints, follow plumbing codes, meet deadlines, pass inspections.
- Experience with sensors and transmitters such as temperature, flow, level, pressure, etc.
- Conduct inspections ensuring that projects meet plans, quality, OSHA and MSHA standards and client requirements.
Electrical foreman skills and personality traits
We calculated that 9% of Electrical Foremen are proficient in NEC, OSHA, and Electrical Systems. They’re also known for soft skills such as Math skills, Mechanical skills, and Color vision.
We break down the percentage of Electrical Foremen that have these skills listed on their resume here:
- NEC, 9%
Assure all work performed meets with all NEC, federal, state, county, local codes and contract documents.
- OSHA, 8%
Introduced electrical safety protocols during demolition operations based on OSHA's Electrical Safe Work Practices.
- Electrical Systems, 6%
Served as layout Journeyman Electrician; completed specific designated electrical systems tasks from putting in power distribution units.
- Work Ethic, 6%
Trained staff in safe work practices and good work ethics.
- Transformers, 5%
Installed transformers and distributional panels.
- Renewable Energy, 4%
Planned/installed all wiring for electrical communications and renewable energy projects.
Most electrical foremen use their skills in "nec," "osha," and "electrical systems" to do their jobs. You can find more detail on essential electrical foreman responsibilities here:
Math skills. One of the key soft skills for an electrical foreman to have is math skills. You can see how this relates to what electrical foremen do because "electrical and electronic engineering technologists and technicians use mathematics for analysis, design, and troubleshooting tasks." Additionally, an electrical foreman resume shows how electrical foremen use math skills: "performed mathematics to determine proper components and installation requirements for generators and electrical panels for maximum energy output. "
Mechanical skills. Another essential skill to perform electrical foreman duties is mechanical skills. Electrical foremen responsibilities require that "electronic engineering technologists and technicians must use hand tools and soldering irons on small circuitry and electronic parts to build components by hand." Electrical foremen also use mechanical skills in their role according to a real resume snippet: "coordinate work with other trades such as mechanical, plumbing, framing, general contractors and architectural firms. "
Communication skills. electrical foreman responsibilities often require "communication skills." The duties that rely on this skill are shown by the fact that "electrical and electronic engineering technologists and technicians must be able to follow instructions from engineers and others." This resume example shows what electrical foremen do with communication skills on a typical day: "install and maintain electrical power, communications, lighting, and control systems in homes, businesses, and factories. "
The three companies that hire the most electrical foremans are:
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Electrical foreman vs. Commercial and industrial electrician
A commercial electrician is different from an industrial electrician since both perform in different environments and have distinct training. Commercial electricians are responsible for ensuring that the electrical components and wiring of the structure are working safely and efficiently. They commonly work on basic electrical installations and repairs of particular equipment. On the other hand, industrial electricians have more specialized and extensive education. Their duties require them to have an in-depth knowledge of their field since accuracy is very crucial in their line of work. They may operate issues relating to extraordinary high voltage systems and micro-control currents of electricity.
While similarities exist, there are also some differences between electrical foremen and commercial and industrial electrician. For instance, electrical foreman responsibilities require skills such as "transformers," "pet," "renewable energy," and "safety procedures." Whereas a commercial and industrial electrician is skilled in "hand tools," "ladders," "run conduit," and "cable cutters." This is part of what separates the two careers.
Commercial and industrial electricians earn the highest salaries when working in the construction industry, with an average yearly salary of $48,295. On the other hand, electrical foremen are paid more in the construction industry with an average salary of $57,314.commercial and industrial electricians tend to reach similar levels of education than electrical foremen. In fact, commercial and industrial electricians are 1.9% less likely to graduate with a Master's Degree and 0.0% less likely to have a Doctoral Degree.Electrical foreman vs. Foreman/operator
A maintenance electrician is responsible for monitoring the electrical systems of a building, inspecting the wiring and cables for any malfunctions, and perform preventive maintenance as needed to ensure its safety and efficiency. Maintenance electricians upgrade electrical network systems for optimal performance and replacing faulty wiring, as well as installing new equipment in the building as the management advises. They also analyze schematics and blueprints for electrical line placements and running diagnostic tests to identify possible defects for immediate resolution. A maintenance electrician must have excellent knowledge of the electrical industry, especially on recording maintenance reports and solutions.
In addition to the difference in salary, there are some other key differences worth noting. For example, electrical foreman responsibilities are more likely to require skills like "nec," "osha," "electrical systems," and "work ethic." Meanwhile, a foreman/operator has duties that require skills in areas such as "backhoe," "dozer," "sewer lines," and "cdl." These differences highlight just how different the day-to-day in each role looks.
Average education levels between the two professions vary. Foreman/operators tend to reach similar levels of education than electrical foremen. In fact, they're 3.7% less likely to graduate with a Master's Degree and 0.0% more likely to earn a Doctoral Degree.Electrical foreman vs. Maintenance electrician
A journeyman electrician is responsible for performing various electrical tasks such as installation, repair, and maintenance. They have the freedom to provide services as part of a company or as an independent worker. Unlike an apprentice, a journeyman can work without any supervision from a master electrician. Furthermore, a journeyman electrician also has the responsibility to discuss the extent of repairs and explain to clients how to take better care of their appliances and electrical systems. A journeyman will also obtain the necessary supplies for a task and even train apprentices.
Some important key differences between the two careers include a few of the skills necessary to fulfill the responsibilities of each. Some examples from electrical foreman resumes include skills like "work ethic," "transformers," "pet," and "renewable energy," whereas a maintenance electrician is more likely to list skills in "hand tools," "ladders," "production equipment," and "switches. "
Maintenance electricians earn the best pay in the automotive industry, where they command an average salary of $70,114. Electrical foremen earn the highest pay from the construction industry, with an average salary of $57,314.When it comes to education, maintenance electricians tend to earn similar degree levels compared to electrical foremen. In fact, they're 1.3% less likely to earn a Master's Degree, and 0.1% less likely to graduate with a Doctoral Degree.Electrical foreman vs. Journeyman electrician
Even though a few skill sets overlap between electrical foremen and journeyman electricians, there are some differences that are important to note. For one, an electrical foreman might have more use for skills like "pet," "renewable energy," "safety procedures," and "construction projects." Meanwhile, some responsibilities of journeyman electricians require skills like "hand tools," "strong work ethic," "governmental regulations," and "ladders. "
In general, journeyman electricians earn the most working in the construction industry, with an average salary of $60,453. The highest-paying industry for an electrical foreman is the construction industry.In general, journeyman electricians hold similar degree levels compared to electrical foremen. Journeyman electricians are 1.7% less likely to earn their Master's Degree and 0.0% more likely to graduate with a Doctoral Degree.Types of electrical foreman
Updated January 8, 2025











