Home / Military to civilian jobs / Marines / 1141
That is Marines MOS 1141. Civilian jobs, federal paths, and how the work reads on a resume.
What is in this guide
What the translation looks like
How it reads in service
Planned and deployed MEP generator power distribution for 200-person FOB, sizing loads for communications, lighting, and climate control across 15 structures
How a hiring manager reads it
Planned and deployed temporary infrastructure for 200-person remote site, performing load analysis across 15 facilities and sizing power generation to support communications, environmental controls, and critical operations
Roles this background maps to
Median pay, BLS OEWS May 2024
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Marine Corps MOS 1141 Electricians are the Marines who keep the lights on — literally. Part of the 13xx Engineer occupational field, 1141s install, maintain, troubleshoot, and repair electrical systems across Marine Corps installations and in expeditionary environments where there is no existing infrastructure to rely on.
Training runs through the Marine Corps Engineer School at Camp Lejeune, NC (or historically through MCCES at Twentynine Palms, CA for communication-electronics tracks). The curriculum covers NEC (National Electrical Code) compliance, interior and exterior wiring, power distribution panels, lighting systems, and generator operations — including the MEP (Mobile Electric Power) series generators that are the backbone of Marine Corps field power. Some 1141s also train on high-voltage distribution, transformer maintenance, and three-phase power systems depending on their unit and billet.
In garrison, 1141s wire buildings, maintain base electrical infrastructure, and keep power distribution systems up to code. In the field, the job changes completely — running power to forward operating bases, command posts, and field camps where nothing exists. That means sizing generators, running temporary distribution lines, setting up lighting for night operations, and troubleshooting under conditions where the nearest supply depot might be days away. Duty stations include Camp Lejeune, Camp Pendleton, Okinawa, and wherever Marine engineer battalions deploy worldwide.
What makes 1141s valuable to civilian employers is straightforward: they have hands-on electrical experience across both permanent installations and temporary field systems, they understand NEC code, they work safely under pressure, and they bring a discipline to lockout/tagout and safety protocols that many civilian apprentices take years to develop.
1141s land in federal trades and facilities engineering — WG-2805 Electrician, the federal facilities maintenance series, and DoD installations all hire Marine electricians out of uniform. I worked across federal engineering and the demand for cleared electrical backgrounds at DoD bases is consistent. — Brad Tachi, Navy Diver veteran & BMR founder
The number that decides most of this: how does civilian pay compare to what the paycheck looks like now?
Marines mid-career
$58K to $82K
E-5 to E-7 total comp: base plus BAH, BAS and the tax advantage.
Civilian Electrician
$47K to $101K
BLS median across the direct-match civilian roles on this page.
Federal, GS-9 to GS-13
$58K to $120K
1 matching GS series, plus locality pay and step increases.
Comparable on average
Civilian pay for Electricians lands in the same range as mid-career enlisted total comp.
Military comp is approximate and moves with location and dependents. Civilian is the BLS median. Federal includes locality pay. The real number depends on duty station, family status, GS step and overtime.
The electrical trade is one of the most direct military-to-civilian transitions in the skilled trades. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (May 2024), the median annual wage for electricians is $65,280 (O*NET 47-2111.00), with projected employment growth of 6% — faster than average. The top 10% of electricians earn over $104,180. That median climbs higher for industrial electricians working in manufacturing, power generation, and oil and gas.
For 1141s, the transition path typically runs through a state journeyman licensing process. Every state has different requirements, but military electrical experience often counts toward the apprenticeship hours needed for a journeyman or master electrician license. The Helmets to Hardhats program connects veterans with union apprenticeship programs through the IBEW (International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers) and NECA (National Electrical Contractors Association), and many IBEW locals give credit for military electrical training.
Beyond journeyman electrician work, the career ladder is wide. Electrical contractors who start their own businesses can earn well above the BLS median. Electrical inspectors (BLS median $72,120, O*NET 47-4011.00) leverage code knowledge for government and insurance inspection roles. Power plant electricians, solar and renewable energy installers (BLS median $48,800, O*NET 47-2231.00 — growing 8%), and electrical project managers all draw on the same foundational skills. Construction estimators who specialize in electrical work use their field experience to price jobs accurately — something that cannot be learned from a textbook alone.
The BLS projects that 80,200 new electrician jobs will be added between 2023 and 2033. Infrastructure spending, data center construction, EV charging station buildouts, and the ongoing demand for residential and commercial electrical work all drive this growth. Former 1141s who obtain their journeyman license are entering a market that wants them.
| Civilian job title | Industry | BLS median salary | Outlook | Match |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| ElectricianO*NET 47-2111.00 | Construction / Maintenance / Manufacturing | $65,280 | Faster than average (6%) | strong |
| Industrial ElectricianO*NET 47-2111.00 | Manufacturing / Oil & Gas / Utilities | $65,280 | Faster than average (6%) | strong |
| Power Plant ElectricianO*NET 51-8013.00 | Utilities / Energy | $100,520 | Little or no change (-2%) | strong |
| Construction & Building InspectorO*NET 47-4011.00 | Government / Construction / Insurance | $72,120 | About as fast as average (4%) | moderate |
| Solar Photovoltaic InstallerO*NET 47-2231.00 | Renewable Energy / Construction | $48,800 | Much faster than average (8%) | moderate |
| Electrical & Electronics Repairers, Commercial/IndustrialO*NET 49-2094.00 | Manufacturing / Utilities / Government | $68,600 | About as fast as average | moderate |
| Electrical Power-Line Installer/RepairerO*NET 49-9051.00 | Utilities / Telecommunications | $82,340 | Faster than average (7%) | moderate |
| Maintenance & Repair Worker, GeneralO*NET 49-9071.00 | Government / Healthcare / Education / Manufacturing | $46,700 | About as fast as average (4%) | moderate |
Largest electrical workers union. Many locals give credit for military electrical training toward apprenticeship hours. Contact local offices with training records.
Largest specialty contractor in North America. Power line construction, substations, renewable energy. Strong veteran hiring track record.
Power distribution, transmission, and substation construction and maintenance. Operates across the eastern US.
One of the largest employee-owned electrical contractors. Data centers, healthcare, transportation, renewable energy projects nationwide.
Fortune 500 electrical and mechanical construction services. Government and commercial projects across the US.
One of the largest construction and engineering firms globally. Hires veterans for electrical, project management, and construction management roles.
Global EPC firm. Defense, energy, and infrastructure projects. Values military electricians for field installation and maintenance roles.
Largest military shipbuilder in the US. Hires electricians for ship electrical systems installation, testing, and maintenance at Newport News and Ingalls shipyards.
Defense contractor with shipbuilding (NASSCO, Bath Iron Works) and technology divisions. Electrician and facilities maintenance roles.
Largest residential solar company in the US. Hires licensed electricians for solar installation and maintenance. Growing market.
Largest generator of renewable energy from wind and solar. Electricians needed for wind farm and solar facility maintenance.
Manages Navy and Marine Corps facilities worldwide. WG-2805 electrician positions at bases where you may have served. Federal benefits and retirement.
Dam, lock, and federal infrastructure maintenance. Electrician and electrical engineer technician positions nationwide.
VA hospitals and medical centers need electricians for facility maintenance. Federal benefits, union representation, and strong veteran culture.
Manages federal buildings and real estate. Electrician and building maintenance positions across major federal facilities.
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Federal employment for former 1141s starts with the Wage Grade (WG) system, not the General Schedule (GS). Electrician positions at federal installations are classified under WG-2805 (Electrician) and WG-2810 (Electrician, High Voltage). These are hands-on trade positions with pay based on local prevailing wage surveys — in many areas, federal WG electricians earn as much or more than their private sector counterparts, with better benefits and retirement. Veterans' preference applies to all of these positions.
Beyond the trades track, 1141s with leadership experience or interest in moving into management can target a range of GS series. The following represent realistic matches — not every 1141 will qualify for every series, but each is worth exploring on USAJobs:
Build your federal resume before you start applying — federal resumes require more detail than private sector resumes, including hours per week, supervisor information, and specific duties. See the Federal Resume Format Guide for current OPM requirements.
| Series | Federal job title | Typical grades | Match | Explore |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| GS-0856 | Electronics Technician | GS-7, GS-9, GS-11 | 4 of 5 | View details |
Federal raters match your record against the announcement's specialized experience statement. BMR writes the federal format for any GS series above, with the hours per week and supervisor detail a rater looks for.
Free to start. Federal and private sector formats included.
Not everyone stays in a related field. These paths run on the transferable half of the job: leadership, risk, logistics, planning.
Turbine techs trace electrical faults and service generation equipment in the field, the same diagnostic work you did on MEP generators and distribution panels, now in a fast-growing energy sector.
Transfers: Diagnosing electrical faults from schematics, Power-generation and distribution knowledge from MEP generators, Working safely around high voltage at height, Hydraulic and electromechanical troubleshooting.
How to get there: Most enter through a 6-month to 2-year wind-energy technology certificate at a community college, then employer-paid safety and climb training. GI Bill covers the certificate.
BLS OEWS May 2024 · Much faster than average (7% or higher)
HVAC work is half electrical-controls troubleshooting, so your schematic reading and circuit diagnosis transfer directly, with the refrigeration mechanics learned on the job.
Transfers: Reading wiring diagrams and control schematics, Diagnosing electrical control and motor circuits, Code-compliance habit from NEC training, Systematic fault isolation on integrated systems.
How to get there: Entry is typically a 6-month to 2-year HVAC program at a trade school plus EPA 608 certification, then an apprenticeship. GI Bill funds the program and many employers hire and train.
BLS OEWS May 2024 · Much faster than average (7% or higher)
Biomedical equipment repair is schematic-driven electronic and electrical diagnosis on life-critical devices, the exact troubleshooting habit you built, applied in healthcare rather than the field.
Transfers: Circuit-level diagnosis from schematics, Electrical fault isolation on complex systems, Precision work to documented standards, Calibration and safety-test discipline.
How to get there: Employers hire from an associate degree in biomedical equipment technology, or train veterans with strong electronics backgrounds on the job. GI Bill covers the associate program.
BLS OEWS May 2024 · Much faster than average (7% or higher)
Factory machinery runs on motors, drives, and control panels, so your electrical diagnosis plus the mechanical sense from field gensets is exactly what keeps a production line running.
Transfers: Electrical and control-circuit troubleshooting on machinery, Reading electrical and mechanical schematics together, Power-distribution knowledge for plant equipment, Methodical diagnosis to minimize downtime.
How to get there: Manufacturers hire and train mechanics; a one-year industrial-maintenance or mechatronics certificate accelerates hiring and pay. GI Bill funds the certificate.
BLS OEWS May 2024 · Much faster than average (7% or higher)
Live-event and broadcast AV work is wiring, power distribution, and fast on-the-spot troubleshooting of a signal chain, a natural home for someone who already builds and fixes field electrical systems.
Transfers: Wiring, signal routing, and connector work, Power distribution for production rigs, Reading system diagrams and troubleshooting live, Calm fault isolation under time pressure.
How to get there: Entry is often a certificate or associate in audio/video production plus hands-on portfolio work; many techs start as crew and learn on the job. GI Bill covers coursework.
BLS OEWS May 2024 · Average (3% to 4%)
Elevator work is high-voltage controls plus precision mechanical assembly under strict safety code, drawing on the same wiring, NEC-code habit, and diagnostic discipline you already have.
Transfers: High-voltage and control-wiring installation, Reading electrical and mechanical schematics, Safety-critical work under strict code, Systematic diagnosis of integrated drive systems.
How to get there: Entry is a competitive 4-year NEIEP apprenticeship (paid) leading to licensure; veterans preference and a strong electrical background are advantages in the application.
BLS OEWS May 2024 · Faster than average (5% to 6%)
The skills behind the specialty carry further than the specialty. BMR rewrites your bullets for any of the paths above without making it sound like you have never done the work.
Free to start. Try as many angles as you want.
If you are staying in the electrical trade, your terminology is the industry standard. Hiring managers at electrical contractors, industrial plants, and construction firms know exactly what NEC compliance, panel work, and generator maintenance mean. This section is for 1141s targeting careers outside of electrical and construction work.
The translations below reframe your Marine Corps electrical experience into language that resonates with hiring managers in project management, operations, logistics, and corporate roles — people who have never wired a panel or sized a generator.
Before, in service
Planned and deployed MEP generator power distribution for 200-person FOB, sizing loads for communications, lighting, and climate control across 15 structures
After, on the resume
Planned and deployed temporary infrastructure for 200-person remote site, performing load analysis across 15 facilities and sizing power generation to support communications, environmental controls, and critical operations
Before, in service
Diagnosed and repaired electrical faults across base infrastructure including 480V distribution panels, lighting circuits, and motor control centers, reducing system downtime by 35%
After, on the resume
Performed systematic diagnostics on complex technical systems, identifying root causes of failures across multiple interconnected subsystems and reducing system downtime by 35% through targeted repairs
Before, in service
Managed preventive maintenance program for 12 MEP-series generators, maintaining 95% operational readiness through scheduled servicing, parts forecasting, and technician task assignment
After, on the resume
Directed preventive maintenance program for fleet of 12 critical power generation assets valued at $2.4M, achieving 95% operational availability through scheduled servicing, spare parts inventory management, and technician scheduling
Before, in service
Enforced lockout/tagout procedures for all electrical maintenance operations, conducted safety briefs, and maintained zero electrical safety incidents across 24-month assignment
After, on the resume
Administered hazardous energy control program, conducting safety assessments before each maintenance operation, delivering safety training to all personnel, and maintaining zero OSHA-recordable incidents over 24-month period
Before, in service
Calculated electrical loads and designed distribution layouts for expeditionary camp supporting 3 buildings, ensuring NEC compliance and adequate capacity for mission-critical systems
After, on the resume
Performed technical capacity analysis for multi-facility site, designing resource distribution plans that met regulatory standards while ensuring adequate capacity for all critical operations under projected demand scenarios
Before, in service
Conducted quarterly electrical readiness inspections across 8 buildings, documenting deficiencies, prioritizing repairs, and reporting status to battalion engineer officer
After, on the resume
Performed quarterly quality assurance audits across 8 facilities, documenting compliance gaps, prioritizing corrective actions by risk level, and presenting status reports with recommendations to senior management
Before, in service
Trained 8 junior Marines on NEC code compliance, panel installation, and generator operations, developing hands-on evaluation criteria and maintaining individual training records
After, on the resume
Developed and delivered technical training program for 8 personnel, creating competency-based evaluation criteria, conducting hands-on practical assessments, and maintaining individual qualification records per organizational standards
Before, in service
Coordinated electrical installation timeline with HVAC, plumbing, and structural teams during FOB construction, sequencing work to avoid trade conflicts and meet 30-day completion deadline
After, on the resume
Coordinated cross-functional work schedules across 4 technical teams during site construction project, managing task dependencies and sequencing to eliminate conflicts and deliver project within 30-day deadline
BMR turns your 1141 duties and accomplishments into civilian bullets aimed at the job you are applying for. No manual translation.
Free to start. Tailored to each posting.
Which ones you need depends on where you are headed.
RecommendedCost $400-$600 examTime 3-6 months studyGI Bill eligible
RequiredCost $200-$350 examTime 2-4 months studyGI Bill eligible
RequiredCost Exam fee $50-$300 (varies by state)Time 2-4 years apprenticeship (military credit may reduce)GI Bill eligible
RecommendedCost Exam fee $50-$400 (varies by state)Time 2-4 years as journeyman
RequiredCost $150-$300Time 4 days (available online)
BeneficialCost $100-$250Time 1-2 days
BeneficialCost $20-$40 exam feeTime 1-2 days study
RequiredCost Free (build at bestmilitaryresume.com)Time 1-2 hours
RecommendedCost $400-$600 examTime 3-6 months studyGI Bill eligible
BeneficialCost $225-$300 examTime 2-3 months studyGI Bill eligible
RecommendedCost $350-$500 examTime 3-6 months studyGI Bill eligible
BeneficialCost $125 examTime 2-4 weeks studyGI Bill eligible
RequiredCost $150-$300Time 4 days (available online)
RecommendedCost $300-$500 exam feeTime 3-6 months studyGI Bill eligible
BeneficialCost $200-$500 training courseTime 2-3 days
Placement decides whether a screener ever sees it. BMR knows where each one ranks, what to call it, and how to frame it.
Free to start. Built around your real certs and clearance.
IBEW Apprenticeship Programs: The International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers (IBEW) is the largest electrical workers union. Many IBEW locals give credit for military electrical experience toward apprenticeship hours. Contact your local IBEW office with your training records and DD-214 before paying for any civilian apprenticeship — you may already qualify for advanced standing. The Helmets to Hardhats program connects you directly with participating locals.
NECA: The National Electrical Contractors Association represents electrical contracting firms. Their job board and contractor directory help you find employers. If you plan to start your own electrical business, NECA membership provides business resources and networking.
State Licensing Boards: Every state has different journeyman and master electrician license requirements. Check your state's licensing board before you separate — some states accept military training toward license requirements, others do not. Get the paperwork started early.
SkillBridge: Several electrical contractors and construction companies participate in DOD SkillBridge, allowing you to work full-time in your last 180 days of service while still receiving military pay. Search the database for electrical, construction, and facilities management openings. This is the single best transition program available — use it.
Solar and Renewable Energy: The solar industry is growing at 8% (BLS). Electricians with NEC knowledge are in high demand for solar installation and maintenance. NABCEP certification adds value if you want to specialize.
Project Management: The PMP certification (PMI) opens doors in any industry. 1141s who managed electrical projects, coordinated with other trades, or led teams on construction sites likely have enough documented project hours to qualify. Cost: ~$555 (PMI member). GI Bill covers many PMP prep courses.
Safety & EHS Careers: Start with OSHA 30-Hour Construction (~$150-300, available online). For a serious career path, target the CSP (Certified Safety Professional) from BCSP. Your electrical safety experience (lockout/tagout, arc flash awareness, confined space) counts toward the experience requirement.
Federal Employment (USAJobs): Create your USAJobs profile immediately. Use the Veterans filter. Key agencies: NAVFAC, USACE, GSA (General Services Administration), VA hospitals, Department of Energy. Federal resumes are 2 pages max. Build yours here.
Veteran Networking: American Corporate Partners (ACP) provides free mentorship from corporate executives. You get paired with someone in your target industry. ACP is legitimate and completely free for veterans.
Education Benefits: Your GI Bill covers certification exam fees and many prep courses. Use the GI Bill Comparison Tool to verify program approval before enrolling.
Translate Your MOS: Use BMR's career crosswalk tool to explore all civilian career paths for your background, and the military resume builder to create a resume that translates your experience for civilian hiring managers.
Navy Electrician's Mate (EM) | Coast Guard Electrician's Mate | Air Force 3E0X1 Electrical Systems | USMC 1345 Engineer Equipment Operator | USMC 1371 Combat Engineer | Army 12B Combat Engineer
Most people do this backwards: wait for terminal leave, then panic. This is the sequence that works. Already out? Same plan, day one is today.
Days 0 to 30
Days 30 to 60
Days 60 to 90
According to BLS May 2024 data, the median annual wage for electricians is $65,280 (O*NET 47-2111.00). The top 10% earn over $104,180. Industrial electricians and those in oil and gas, power generation, or union positions often earn above the median. Your pay will also depend on your state, whether you are journeyman or master licensed, and whether you work union or open shop.
Requirements vary by state. You typically need a combination of classroom hours and supervised apprenticeship hours, then must pass a licensing exam. Many states accept military electrical training and experience toward these hour requirements — some give full credit, others partial credit. Contact your target state licensing board directly with your military training records to find out exactly where you stand. The IBEW and Helmets to Hardhats program can also help navigate this process.
Many IBEW locals give credit for military electrical training and experience toward apprenticeship requirements. This is not universal — it depends on the specific local. Contact the IBEW local in your target area with your training records and MOS documentation. Some locals may place you into an advanced apprenticeship year rather than starting from scratch. The Helmets to Hardhats program coordinates directly with IBEW locals to facilitate this.
Many 1141s transition into project management (BLS median $100,750), safety management (BLS median $83,910), construction management ($106,980), operations management ($102,950), or logistics ($80,880). Your transferable skills — team leadership, risk assessment, project planning, equipment management — are valued in these fields. The Career Change Paths section above has specific entry paths, O*NET codes, and salary data for each option.
No. MOS 1141 does not normally require a security clearance beyond the standard background investigation that all Marines complete. Some specific billets may require a Secret clearance depending on the unit and mission, but this is not standard for the MOS. If you do hold an active clearance from a previous assignment, it has real value — defense contractors and some federal agencies pay premiums for cleared candidates.
Veterans Preference gives you 5 or 10 extra points on federal hiring assessments (10 for disabled veterans). For Wage Grade (WG) electrician positions, Veterans Preference is applied the same way as GS positions. You need your DD-214 (Member 4 copy) and SF-15 form. Some agencies use Direct Hire Authority which can expedite hiring for veterans. Start with WG-2805 (Electrician) positions on USAJobs and filter by Veterans.
Yes. The GI Bill covers registered apprenticeship programs, including many IBEW and non-union electrical apprenticeships. You receive a monthly housing allowance while apprenticing, which supplements your apprentice wages. The GI Bill also covers certification exam fees and prep courses. Use the VA GI Bill Comparison Tool to verify that your specific program is VA-approved before enrolling.
According to BLS data, the states with the highest employment levels for electricians include California, Texas, New York, Florida, and Ohio. However, the highest-paying states are Illinois, New York, Oregon, Hawaii, and New Jersey, where the annual mean wage exceeds $80,000. Data center construction hubs (Northern Virginia, central Ohio, Texas) and areas with major infrastructure projects also have strong demand. Union markets tend to pay higher but have more competitive entry.
Prioritize based on your target career. For staying in electrical work: your state journeyman exam should be the top priority. Get your military training records organized and contact the licensing board early. For safety careers: OSHA 30-Hour Construction (available online, can be done on active duty). For project management: start PMP prep if you have enough project hours. Universal: keep your First Aid/CPR current through separation. See the Certifications section above for a full breakdown by career path.
Yes, but you will need a master electrician license in most states, which requires additional experience beyond the journeyman level. Some veterans use SBA veteran-owned business programs and NECA membership resources to launch contracting businesses. The earning potential for electrical contractors is well above the BLS median for employee electricians. Plan for the licensing timeline — it typically takes 2-4 years as a journeyman before qualifying for the master exam.
Salary data from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS), May 2024. Career data from O*NET OnLine.
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