Energy Is America's #1 Priority: Insights from Doug Burgum’s All In Interview

America’s energy future depends on skilled electricians, and now is the time to join this high-demand field. In a recent All In podcast interview at the Cheniere LNG facility in Sabine Pass, Louisiana, U.S. Secretary of the Interior and Chair of the National Energy Dominance Council Doug Burgum shared a bold vision for U.S. energy dominance. As Secretary, Burgum oversees 500 million acres of public land, 700 million acres of subsurface minerals, and agencies like the Bureau of Land Management, Bureau of Indian Affairs, and Bureau of Reclamation, while his chairmanship drives policies to boost energy production. From powering AI data centers to outpacing China, Burgum highlighted the critical role electricians play in building the infrastructure for America’s energy needs. Here’s why becoming an electrician is a smart career move and how you can get started.

The Energy Crisis: Why Electricians Are Essential

Burgum emphasized America’s shift from energy scarcity to abundance, with the Cheniere facility—once an import terminal—now the world’s second-largest LNG exporter, thanks to the shale revolution. But the demand for power is skyrocketing:

• AI and Manufacturing: “The demand for power is going to go up,” Burgum said, driven by AI data centers and advanced manufacturing. The U.S. must double its electricity capacity by 2040, requiring electricians to wire these facilities.
• Global Competition: China is adding coal-powered capacity equivalent to “five Americas” in 15 years. Electricians are vital to keeping the U.S. competitive in the AI arms race, which Burgum calls “the real threat.”
• National Security: Exporting energy to allies reduces reliance on adversaries like Russia and Iran. Electricians ensure the infrastructure for LNG facilities and power plants runs smoothly.

With industry estimates projecting a need for 800,000 electricians by 2035, this career offers job security and growth, especially in states like Texas and Arizona, where tech and energy projects are booming.

Burgum’s Vision: Powering America with Skilled Trades

As Chair of the National Energy Dominance Council, Burgum is removing barriers to energy production, and electricians are central to his plan:

• Reliable Energy: Coal, natural gas, and nuclear power plants must stay online to avoid “Biden brownouts.” Electricians maintain and upgrade these facilities, with LNG plants as a quick solution for 2025–2030.
• Infrastructure Growth: Burgum’s team is fast-tracking projects, like a copper mine permit that took 29 years, to support energy and tech. Electricians wire the data centers and factories driving this growth.
• Economic Impact: America’s vast public lands and minerals are a “balance sheet” worth trillions. Electricians help unlock this potential, creating jobs and reducing national debt through energy development.

Burgum’s message is clear: “The more energy that’s produced in the United States, the better it is for the globe and American prosperity.” Electricians are the backbone of this vision.

Why Choose a Career as an Electrician?

Electricians enjoy stable, well-paying careers with diverse paths. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics reports 6% job growth through 2032, with about 42,000 electrician jobs opening annually due to retirements and demand. Median salaries are $60,240, but journeymen earn $70,000–$100,000, and master electricians can exceed $120,000, often 1.5 times the national average. The AI boom ensures job security, as data centers and renewable energy projects require skilled wiring that automation can’t replace.

You can start as an apprentice with no experience, earning $15–$25/hour while training, and progress to journeyman or master roles. Certifications like OSHA 10, available through our OSHA page, or state licenses boost your resume. In Texas, the TDLR Apprentice Electrician License costs just $20, while Arizona’s TSMC-driven market offers apprenticeships without a state license.

How to Become an Electrician

Ready to power America’s future? Here’s how to start your electrician career:

• Begin as an Apprentice: Join a program through IBEW, IEC, or ABC to earn while you learn. In Texas, get a TDLR license for $20; in Arizona, register with programs like www.azapprenticeship.org. No experience needed—just a high school diploma or GED. Check out electrician job opportunities in your area on our jobs board.
• Gain Experience: Log 4–5 years (8,000 hours) of on-the-job training to become a journeyman, mastering skills like wiring, troubleshooting, and blueprint reading.
• Get Certified: Earn credentials like OSHA 10 or state journeyman licenses to stand out. Visit our certifications page for trending options.
• Advance Your Career: After journeyman status, pursue a master electrician license for higher pay and leadership roles, or specialize in areas like solar or industrial systems.

A 2025 Executive Order backing 1 million apprenticeships makes now the perfect time to enter this field, with opportunities in every state.

Power Up Your Career as an Electrician

Secretary Burgum’s All In interview underscores that energy is America’s top concern, and electricians are the key to meeting this challenge. Whether you’re wiring AI data centers, LNG facilities, or renewable energy grids, a career as an electrician offers stability, growth, and impact.

Start your journey today with our step-by-step guide to becoming an apprentice electrician.