Electrician Salary Guide- Make Your First $100k Electricians earn strong wages across the United States today. The electrician salary varies widely depending on your location. Most electricians make between $45,000 and $95,000 per year. However, the highest-paying states for electricians offer much better compensation. Your earnings depend on your experience, certifications, and the location where you work. This guide shows you exactly how much electricians make nationwide.
Average Electrician Salary in the United States The typical electrician's salary ranges from $57,787 to $62,350 yearly. That translates to roughly $28 to $30 per hour. Entry-level electricians start around $40,000 to $45,000 annually. Experienced professionals can easily earn $70,000 or more each year. The national average electrician salary currently stands at approximately $60,000 per year. Meanwhile, some states pay electricians nearly $100,000 each year. Location makes the most significant difference in your take-home pay. Additionally, your license level and specialization have a substantial impact on your earnings.
Furthermore, electricians can increase their income through overtime and specialized work. Many electricians add $8,250 per year just from overtime alone. Therefore, your specialization has a direct impact on your overall earnings as an electrician. Union electricians generally earn higher wages than non-union workers consistently. Union jobs provide better benefits and retirement plans as well. Most union electricians make 1020% more than their counterparts.
Highest Paying States for Electricians in 2025 High-Paying States (Intermediate Salary $74,000+) State
Entry Level (<2 years)
Intermediate (2-4 years)
Senior (4-7 years)
California
$66,300
$77,800
$83,800
New Jersey
$65,200
$76,500
$82,500
Washington
$64,900
$76,200
$82,100
Massachusetts
$64,300
$75,500
$81,300
New York
$63,700
$74,800
$80,600
Connecticut
$63,200
$74,200
$80,000
Hawaii
$62,800
$73,700
$79,400
Alaska
$62,300
$73,100
$78,800
Maryland
$62,100
$72,900
$78,600
Illinois
$61,800
$72,500
$78,200
New Hampshire
$61,600
$72,300
$77,900
Oregon
$61,500
$72,200
$77,800
Middle-Paying States (Intermediate Salary $68,000$73,999) State
Entry Level (<2 years)
Intermediate (2-4 years)
Senior (4-7 years)
Colorado
$61,300
$71,900
$77,500
Delaware
$61,200
$71,900
$77,400
Virginia
$61,300
$71,900
$77,500
Minnesota
$60,900
$71,500
$77,000
Rhode Island
$60,900
$71,500
$77,000
Pennsylvania
$60,300
$70,800
$76,300
Texas
$60,300
$70,800
$76,300
Michigan
$59,500
$69,900
$75,300
Georgia
$59,400
$69,700
$75,100
Arizona
$59,200
$69,500
$74,800
North Carolina
$59,200
$69,500
$74,900
Nevada
$59,300
$69,600
$75,000
Utah
$59,000
$69,200
$74,600
Wisconsin
$59,000
$69,200
$74,600
Maine
$58,800
$69,000
$74,300
New Mexico
$58,700
$68,900
$74,200
Missouri
$58,600
$68,700
$74,000
Louisiana
$58,400
$68,600
$73,900
Ohio
$58,400
$68,500
$73,800
Florida
$58,300
$68,400
$73,700
Indiana
$58,200
$68,200
$73,500
Kansas
$58,100
$68,200
$73,500
Low-Paying States (Intermediate Salary Below $68,000) State
Entry Level (<2 years)
Intermediate (2-4 years)
Senior (4-7 years)
Tennessee
$57,800
$67,900
$73,100
Nebraska
$57,600
$67,600
$72,900
North Dakota
$57,500
$67,400
$72,600
Idaho
$57,400
$67,400
$72,600
Oklahoma
$57,300
$67,200
$72,400
South Carolina
$57,300
$67,200
$72,500
Vermont
$57,300
$67,300
$72,500
Iowa
$57,200
$67,100
$72,300
Kentucky
$57,200
$67,100
$72,300
Alabama
$57,000
$66,900
$72,100
Montana
$56,900
$66,700
$71,900
Arkansas
$56,000
$65,700
$70,800
South Dakota
$56,000
$65,800
$70,900
Mississippi
$55,400
$65,100
$70,100
West Virginia
$55,000
$64,600
$69,600
Wyoming
$55,000
$65,100
$70,100
Electrician Pay by Experience Level Your experience level dramatically affects your electrician's hourly rate and salary. Let me break down earnings at each career stage in clear terms.
Entry-Level Electrician Salary The entry-level electrician salary typically ranges from $40,000 to $45,000 per year. Most apprentices initially begin earning $15 to $18 per hour. First-year apprentices make the least while they learn the trade. However, wages increase each year as you complete training requirements. You gain hands-on experience while earning a paycheck simultaneously. Most apprenticeship programs last four to five years in total. During this time, your electrician's starting salary increases by $3,000 to $5,000 per year. Second and third-year apprentices earn $45,000 to $55,000 annually. By your final apprenticeship year, you can make $55,000-$60,000. Moreover, you build valuable skills that last your entire career.
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Journeyman Electrician Salary The salary of a journeyman electrician ranges from $55,000 to $75,000 per year. Most journeyman electricians earn between $26 and $36 per hour. You can work independently after passing your journeyman licensing exam. This independence opens up many more job opportunities for you. Journeyman electricians with five to ten years of experience earn more. These experienced electrician salary figures often reach $70,000 to $80,000. Specializing in commercial or industrial work increases your earning potential. Additionally, obtaining specialty certifications enhances your marketable skills and increases your earning potential.
Master Electrician Salary The master electrician's salary typically ranges from $75,000 to $95,000. Some master electricians in high-paying states easily exceed $100,000 annually. Master electricians can supervise other workers and run businesses legally. This advanced license represents the highest achievement in the trade. Master electricians often successfully start their own electrical contracting companies. Business owners can earn more than employed electricians overall. The average salary for an experienced electrician at this level ranges from $85,000 to $90,000.
Factors That Affect The Electrician Salary Geographic location remains the single most significant factor in electrician compensation. Moving to a higher-paying state can increase earnings by $20,000 to $40,000. Urban areas generally pay more than rural locations for electrical work. However, you must weigh higher wages against increased living costs. Your license level and certifications directly impact your earning power. Licensed electricians earn 20-40% more than unlicensed helpers on average. Employers seek electricians with diverse skill sets and credentials. The type of electrical work you perform significantly affects your compensation. Industrial electricians typically earn more than residential electrician workers do. Experience and job tenure steadily increase an electrician's salary over time. Most electricians see regular raises of 3-5% annually throughout their careers. Building a strong reputation ultimately leads to better job offers. Furthermore, experienced workers receive first consideration for overtime and premium jobs. Union membership versus non-union status consistently creates substantial wage differences. Union electrician workers earn approximately 20% more on average nationwide. They also receive better health insurance and overall retirement benefits. On the other hand, non-union workers often have more flexible schedules.
Electrician Career Outlook and Job Growth The future looks exceptionally bright for electricians across the nation right now. Demand for skilled electrician jobs continues to grow at a rate faster than average. The Labor Statistics bureau projects 6% job growth through 2032. Several factors drive this strong demand for qualified electrician workers. First, the construction industry continues to expand in most regions currently. New homes, offices, and factories all need electrical system installations. This creates thousands of new electrician positions each year consistently. Second, the growth of renewable energy fuels demand for specialized electrician training workers. Third, aging infrastructure requires extensive repair and modernization work across the nation. Older buildings often require electrical system upgrades to meet current building codes. This renovation work provides steady employment for experienced electricians everywhere. Infrastructure spending will continue to support electrician jobs for decades to come. Fourth, the installation of electric vehicle charging stations creates entirely new opportunities. Businesses and homes are increasingly installing EV charging equipment that requires the services of electricians. This emerging market is expected to grow exponentially over the next decade. Early adopters of EV charging skills will command premium wages. Moreover, many experienced electricians are reaching retirement age currently nationwide. This creates openings for younger workers entering the skilled trades. The electrician
shortage means excellent job security for new workers. Employers actively compete for qualified electricians with better wages and benefits. Additionally, becoming an electrician requires less time and money than college. Most electrician training programs take four to five years total. You earn cash during an apprenticeship instead of accumulating student debt. This makes the electrical trade an attractive career choice. The combination of strong wages and job security makes electricians invaluable. Economic downturns tend to affect electricians less consistently than many other professions. People often require electrical repairs and maintenance work to be done properly. This recession resistance provides excellent long-term career stability and peace of mind. Furthermore, the continuous integration of technology increases the complexity of electrical systems. Smart homes, automation, and advanced controls require the expertise of skilled electricians. These high-tech skills command premium wages in the current marketplace. Electricians who embrace technology will thrive in the years to come. That's exactly what you get to learn in trade schools near you.
Getting Started in Your Electrician Career Now you understand the excellent salary potential available to electricians nationwide today. You have learned which states offer the highest compensation for workers. The path to becoming an electrician begins with finding the proper training. Trade school programs combine daily classroom instruction with hands-on practical training. You learn electrical theory, code requirements, and real-world installation techniques. Most programs prepare you for apprenticeship opportunities with local employers. Research the electrician license requirements in your specific state carefully before starting. Each state maintains different testing and experience requirements for licensing. Some states require four years of apprenticeship, while others need five. Understanding these requirements helps you plan your career path properly. Learn the top qualities needed and start building your career as an electrician today to secure your financial future. The skilled trades offer stable, well-paying jobs that cannot be easily outsourced or relocated overseas. Your electrician skills remain valuable throughout your entire working lifetime. With dedication and continuous learning, you can achieve excellent earnings. The electrician profession provides a clear path to middle-class prosperity. You can support a family comfortably on an electrician's salary. Geographic flexibility enables you to relocate to where opportunities offer the best compensation. Whether you stay local or relocate, electrician jobs provide a secure career. Take action now to begin your journey toward a rewarding career. Research schools, contact apprenticeship programs, and start learning the trade today. Your future as a wellpaid, skilled electrician begins with that decision. The electrical trade requires motivated workers who are ready to learn and grow.
Frequently Asked Questions [FAQs] 1. What is the average electrician salary in the United States? According to the BLS, the average electrician salary in the U.S. is about $62,350 per year (as of May 2024). Most electricians earn between $45,000 and $95,000 annually, depending on location, experience, and certification level. 2. Which states pay electricians the highest salaries? States like California, New Jersey, Washington, and Massachusetts consistently rank among the highest paying for electricians, with intermediate salaries between $74,000 and $78,000 per year. These states have strong union representation and higher living costs that influence wages. 3. What is the difference between salary of a journeyman and a master electrician? A journeyman electrician typically earns between $55,000 and $75,000, while a master electrician earns $75,000–$95,000 or more. Masters can manage teams, pull permits, and run their own businesses, significantly boosting their earnings potential.
4. Does union membership affect electrician earnings? Yes. Union electricians (IBEW members) often earn 10–20% higher wages than non-union counterparts. They also receive better benefits and retirement packages. Union pay scales are standardized and transparent, ensuring fair compensation. 5. Can electricians make over $100,000 a year? Absolutely. Electricians can exceed $100K annually by reaching master status, specializing in industrial or renewable energy systems, working overtime, or owning a business. Electricians in high-cost states or unionized metro areas are most likely to reach six-figure incomes.
Sources 1. U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) — Occupational Outlook Handbook for Electricians. bls.gov 2. BLS — Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (Electricians May 2023): hourly wages, percentiles. bls.gov 3. ServiceTitan — “Electrician Salary: State-by-State Average Pay Rates in 2025”. ServiceTitan 4. WorkWave — “How Much do Electricians Make? A State-by-State Guide”. WorkWave 5. Indeed – Journey-level vs. Master Electrician: salary comparisons. Indeed 6. Glassdoor – Master Electrician salary data (USA). Glassdoor 7. Union Pay Scales – IBEW Union Electrician pay scale overview. unionpayscales.com 8. BuildForce – “How Much to Pay Electricians in 2025: A Complete Guide”. buildforce.com 9. Workiz – “Average electrician salary by state and experience in 2025”. Workiz 10. Repair-CRM – How Much Does An Electrician Make in Each State. Repair-CRM
