Independent Electrical Contractors
Merit Shop Contractors Are Powering America’s Growth
The electrical industry is experiencing unprecedented demand driven by infrastructure investment, energy expansion, advanced manufacturing, data centers, healthcare, transportation, and emerging technologies.
To better understand the industry’s size and impact, IEC commissioned an independent economic analysis of the U.S. electrical contracting market conducted by Geo Strategy Partners.
The findings highlight the critical role merit shop electrical contractors play in building America’s infrastructure, developing the workforce, and meeting growing demand for electrical construction services.
Annual Revenue Generated by Merit Shop Electrical Contractors
Merit shop contractors account for approximately 81% of the electrical contracting market, representing an estimated $232 billion in annual industry revenue.
Merit Shop Electrical Contracting Firms Nationwide
More than four out of every five electrical contracting businesses operate as merit shop companies.
Merit Shop Employment Growth Since 2023
Employment among merit shop contractors grew faster than the overall electrical contracting industry and more than doubled the growth rate of electrician employment across all industries.
Electricians Employed by Merit Shop Contractors
Merit shop contractors employ nearly three-quarters of the electrical contracting workforce.
IEC engaged Geo Strategy Partners, a nationally recognized economic consulting firm, to conduct an in-depth analysis of the electrical contracting industry.
The study examines:
The result is one of the most comprehensive analyses of the merit shop electrical industry available today.
As America invests in infrastructure, energy, manufacturing, and technology, the need for skilled electricians continues to grow. This research demonstrates the economic impact of merit shop contractors and the essential role they play in developing the workforce needed to power the future.
