Electricians are among the best-paid skilled tradespeople in the US, with growing demand from EV infrastructure, renewable energy, and construction. Here is a complete look at electrician compensation in 2026.
Pay at a Glance (BLS Data)
Bureau of Labor Statistics wage estimates for electricians, across all industries:
| Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Equivalent |
|---|---|---|
| 10th (entry level) | $42,640 | $20.50 |
| 25th | $49,430 | $23.76 |
| 50th (median) | $63,190 | $30.38 |
| 75th | $83,940 | $40.36 |
| 90th | $108,510 | $52.17 |
| Average (mean) | $71,490 | $34.37 |
Source: US Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics, May 2025, for Electricians (all industries). Hourly figures are annual wages divided by 2,080 hours. “Not published” means BLS withheld the estimate, usually because wages are above its top reporting limit.
Electrician Salary Overview
By License / Experience Level
| Level | Hourly | Annual |
|---|---|---|
| Apprentice (Year 1–2) | $18–$24 | $37,000–$50,000 |
| Apprentice (Year 3–5) | $24–$32 | $50,000–$66,000 |
| Journeyman Electrician | $28–$40 | $58,000–$83,000 |
| Master Electrician | $38–$58 | $79,000–$120,000 |
| Electrical Contractor / Owner | $60–$120+ | $125,000–$250,000+ |
Apprenticeship programs typically run 4–5 years through IBEW or NECA. You earn wages throughout — no tuition debt.
Median Annual Salary (BLS, May 2025)
- Electricians overall: $63,190
- Top 10%: $108,510+
- Bottom 10%: $42,640
Electrician Salary by State
| Rank | State | Avg Salary | Starting Salary | Median Salary |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Oregon | $99,750 | $59,550 | $101,310 |
| 2 | Washington | $94,470 | $52,170 | $95,220 |
| 3 | Hawaii | $92,870 | $45,730 | $96,460 |
| 4 | Illinois | $92,230 | $49,240 | $99,560 |
| 5 | Alaska | $90,040 | $58,420 | $89,440 |
| 6 | District of Columbia | $88,860 | $51,950 | $78,970 |
| 7 | New Jersey | $86,700 | $48,570 | $77,250 |
| 8 | California | $85,860 | $46,800 | $76,160 |
| 9 | New York | $84,860 | $45,740 | $78,750 |
| 10 | Massachusetts | $81,560 | $46,990 | $79,420 |
| 11 | Minnesota | $80,830 | $47,480 | $78,160 |
| 12 | Connecticut | $77,390 | $47,680 | $77,540 |
| 13 | Maine | $77,250 | $54,180 | $75,380 |
| 14 | Pennsylvania | $75,770 | $45,600 | $67,600 |
| 15 | Nevada | $75,710 | $46,110 | $73,570 |
| 16 | Maryland | $75,450 | $46,450 | $73,490 |
| 17 | Wyoming | $74,860 | $48,240 | $76,120 |
| 18 | Rhode Island | $74,150 | $42,990 | $74,090 |
| 19 | Michigan | $73,840 | $42,980 | $76,270 |
| 20 | Wisconsin | $73,810 | $44,830 | $76,540 |
| 21 | Vermont | $73,360 | $47,470 | $63,430 |
| 22 | Missouri | $72,310 | $43,860 | $65,410 |
| 23 | Montana | $71,930 | $49,130 | $76,760 |
| 24 | Indiana | $70,820 | $43,190 | $68,490 |
| 25 | Delaware | $70,750 | $38,280 | $63,700 |
| 26 | North Dakota | $70,460 | $46,440 | $65,710 |
| 27 | Kansas | $69,200 | $42,660 | $65,860 |
| 28 | Ohio | $68,840 | $40,750 | $64,700 |
| 29 | Virginia | $67,850 | $40,780 | $62,900 |
| 30 | West Virginia | $67,840 | $43,620 | $64,810 |
| 31 | Idaho | $66,600 | $38,830 | $63,000 |
| 32 | Colorado | $66,310 | $45,520 | $62,230 |
| 33 | New Hampshire | $65,780 | $43,190 | $62,840 |
| 34 | Utah | $65,290 | $39,940 | $62,000 |
| 35 | Arizona | $64,220 | $45,540 | $61,060 |
| 36 | Nebraska | $63,960 | $40,400 | $60,820 |
| 37 | Tennessee | $63,540 | $39,600 | $61,090 |
| 38 | Oklahoma | $63,410 | $37,900 | $61,010 |
| 39 | Iowa | $63,190 | $39,770 | $60,860 |
| 40 | Louisiana | $62,350 | $38,750 | $61,540 |
| 41 | South Dakota | $61,980 | $44,320 | $61,390 |
| 42 | Kentucky | $61,410 | $37,110 | $59,720 |
| 43 | Georgia | $61,090 | $37,180 | $58,320 |
| 44 | New Mexico | $59,620 | $36,650 | $58,390 |
| 45 | Texas | $59,280 | $37,920 | $58,570 |
| 46 | South Carolina | $59,030 | $44,330 | $58,740 |
| 47 | Mississippi | $58,000 | $38,200 | $60,860 |
| 48 | Florida | $57,660 | $38,190 | $57,250 |
| 49 | Alabama | $57,510 | $37,640 | $55,690 |
| 50 | North Carolina | $56,850 | $40,130 | $56,800 |
| 51 | Arkansas | $53,470 | $34,910 | $49,070 |
| — | National | $71,490 | $42,640 | $63,190 |
Source: US Bureau of Labor Statistics OEWS, 2025 estimates, fetched 2026-09-29. Figures cover Electricians (cross-industry). Some states are omitted where BLS did not publish a reliable estimate. States with high union density (IL, NY, HI, AK) consistently pay more. Right-to-work states generally pay less but have lower cost of living.
Electrician Salary by Specialty
| Specialty | Annual Salary Range |
|---|---|
| Residential Electrician | $48,000–$72,000 |
| Commercial Electrician | $58,000–$88,000 |
| Industrial Electrician | $65,000–$95,000 |
| Solar / PV Installer | $55,000–$80,000 |
| EV Charging Installer | $58,000–$85,000 |
| Instrumentation & Controls | $75,000–$110,000 |
| High-Voltage Lineman | $80,000–$130,000 |
Industrial and controls specialties command the highest pay. Solar and EV installation are fast-growing segments with strong wage trajectory.
Union vs. Non-Union Electricians
| Factor | Union (IBEW) | Non-Union |
|---|---|---|
| Hourly base wage (journeyman) | $35–$60 | $26–$40 |
| Benefits (health, pension) | $15–$25/hr equivalent | Varies / often none |
| Total compensation | $50–$85/hr | $26–$45/hr |
| Overtime rules | Strictly enforced | Varies by employer |
| Apprenticeship | Formal 5-year program | On-the-job, informal |
Union electricians earn significantly more in total compensation, especially in high-cost metro areas. Non-union work offers more flexibility but typically fewer benefits.
Electrician Career Path
Apprentice (Year 1–5)
↓
Journeyman Electrician (license required)
↓
Master Electrician (additional exam + experience)
↓
Electrical Contractor / Business Owner
Licensing requirements vary by state. Most states require:
- Journeyman: 4–5 years apprenticeship + written exam
- Master: 2+ years as journeyman + exam
- Contractor: Master license + business licensing
How to Increase Your Earnings as an Electrician
| Strategy | Estimated Income Boost |
|---|---|
| Get journeyman license | +$15,000–$25,000/yr vs. unlicensed |
| Get master electrician license | +$20,000–$40,000/yr |
| Join a union | +$10,000–$30,000/yr in total comp |
| Specialize in industrial / controls | +$15,000–$30,000/yr |
| Work overtime consistently | +$10,000–$25,000/yr |
| Start your own electrical business | 2x–5x journeyman wages (with risk) |
| Move to a high-paying state | +$5,000–$30,000/yr |
Job Outlook for Electricians
The BLS projects 9% job growth for electricians through 2035. Key demand drivers:
- EV infrastructure: Charging station installation nationwide
- Solar & battery storage: Residential and commercial installs
- Data centers: Massive electrical infrastructure buildouts
- Construction boom: Housing and commercial development
- Grid modernization: Aging electrical infrastructure replacement
Electrician is one of the few careers with strong job security, above-average wages, no college debt, and growing demand simultaneously.
Electrician Income: Sample Monthly Budgets
Journeyman Electrician — $68,000/yr (Texas, married filing jointly)
| Category | Monthly |
|---|---|
| Take-home pay (est.) | $4,600 |
| Housing (mortgage/rent) | $1,400 |
| Transportation | $600 |
| Food & groceries | $700 |
| Utilities | $200 |
| 401(k) contribution | $300 |
| Other expenses | $400 |
| Remaining | $1,000 |
Master Electrician — $105,000/yr (Illinois, single)
| Category | Monthly |
|---|---|
| Take-home pay (est.) | $6,200 |
| Housing | $1,800 |
| Transportation | $700 |
| Food & groceries | $600 |
| Utilities | $200 |
| 401(k) max contribution | $1,950 |
| Other expenses | $500 |
| Remaining | $450 |
Is It a Good Career?
Advantages
- Can’t be outsourced — Electrical work requires physical presence. The work won’t move to another country.
- Always needed — Buildings need electricity. Even in recessions, service calls and repairs continue.
Disadvantages
- Physically demanding — Climbing, crawling, heavy lifting, awkward positions take a toll over decades.
- Safety hazards — Electrical shock, arc flash, falls from heights are real risks. Strict safety protocols required.
- Weather exposure — Outdoor work means extreme heat, cold, rain, depending on specialty.
- Irregular hours — Emergency calls, construction deadlines, shutdown work means nights/weekends.
Good fit for
- You’re good at troubleshooting — Electrical problems require logical diagnosis.
- You want clear career progression — Apprentice → Journeyman → Master → Owner is well-defined.
- You value job security over max income — Electrical work offers steady employment at middle-class wages.
Poor fit for
- You want desk work — Electrical work is physical, often uncomfortable.
- You have serious fear of heights — Much electrical work involves ladders, scaffolding, lifts.
- You have mobility limitations — Crawling, climbing, and awkward positions are required.
- You dislike learning codes/regulations — National Electrical Code changes constantly and must be followed.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does it take to become a journeyman electrician? Typically 4–5 years through a formal apprenticeship. You work full-time and earn wages while completing classroom instruction. Most apprentices are 18–25 when they start.
Can electricians make six figures? Yes. Master electricians, industrial specialists, and contractor/business owners commonly earn $100,000–$150,000+. Union journeymen in Illinois and New York can approach six figures with overtime.
Is the electrician trade hard on your body? Less physically demanding than roofing or concrete work, but it involves kneeling, crawling, working in tight spaces, and lifting. Industrial electrical work can be strenuous. The trade has a longer career ceiling than many physically intensive jobs.
What’s the difference between a residential and commercial electrician? Residential electricians work on homes and small buildings (120/240V systems). Commercial electricians deal with larger three-phase systems, higher voltages, and more complex code compliance. Commercial pays more and requires additional knowledge.
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