If a construction manager hires an electrician, the electrician becomes a/an what?

The most accurate choice in this scenario is that the electrician becomes a subcontractor. When a construction manager hires an electrician, the electrician is typically contracted to perform specific tasks related to electrical work as part of a larger construction project.

Subcontractors are essential in construction projects as they have specialized knowledge and skills that are necessary for certain aspects of the work. They operate under a contract with the primary contractor, in this case, the construction manager, who is ultimately responsible for the entire project. The construction manager, often referred to as the prime contractor, oversees the project and coordinates the efforts of various subcontractors.

While the terms "employee" and "independent contractor" may apply in different contexts, hiring an electrician in the capacity described usually indicates a subcontractor relationship instead. Prime contractors manage the overall construction process and retain the legal and financial responsibility for the project, differentiating them from subcontractors who focus on specific trades.