The national median wage for electricians is $61,590 per year ($29.61/hour) as of BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics. The top 25% earn more than $79,280, and the top 10% exceed $101,000. Union electricians in major metro areas — particularly through IBEW locals in Illinois, New York, and Hawaii — commonly earn $80,000–$120,000+ when overtime and benefits are included.
Electrician Salary by State (2026)
Union density has an outsized effect on electrician pay. States with strong IBEW locals (Illinois, New York, Hawaii) pay electricians 40–50% more than low-union states.
| State | Average Electrician Salary |
|---|---|
| Alabama | $52,310 |
| Alaska | $78,440 |
| Arizona | $59,480 |
| Arkansas | $51,090 |
| California | $77,240 |
| Colorado | $65,780 |
| Connecticut | $75,130 |
| Delaware | $68,910 |
| Florida | $54,320 |
| Georgia | $54,170 |
| Hawaii | $87,690 |
| Idaho | $57,240 |
| Illinois | $89,990 |
| Indiana | $65,440 |
| Iowa | $60,890 |
| Kansas | $56,720 |
| Kentucky | $57,830 |
| Louisiana | $57,230 |
| Maine | $59,470 |
| Maryland | $68,640 |
| Massachusetts | $78,860 |
| Michigan | $69,250 |
| Minnesota | $75,680 |
| Mississippi | $37,500 |
| Missouri | $69,470 |
| Montana | $61,110 |
| Nebraska | $60,120 |
| Nevada | $71,820 |
| New Hampshire | $64,830 |
| New Jersey | $82,380 |
| New Mexico | $57,630 |
| New York | $84,410 |
| North Carolina | $53,840 |
| North Dakota | $65,270 |
| Ohio | $67,120 |
| Oklahoma | $52,640 |
| Oregon | $79,860 |
| Pennsylvania | $72,490 |
| Rhode Island | $73,810 |
| South Carolina | $42,020 |
| South Dakota | $52,830 |
| Tennessee | $52,670 |
| Texas | $55,430 |
| Utah | $59,810 |
| Vermont | $60,120 |
| Virginia | $60,380 |
| Washington | $77,530 |
| West Virginia | $56,280 |
| Wisconsin | $70,840 |
| Wyoming | $62,590 |
| Washington, D.C. | $82,750 |
Source: BLS OES May 2024. Annual mean wage.
Electrician Salary by Career Stage
| Level | Hourly | Annual |
|---|---|---|
| Apprentice, Year 1 | $20–$26 | $41,000–$54,000 |
| Apprentice, Year 3 | $25–$33 | $52,000–$69,000 |
| Apprentice, Year 5 | $29–$38 | $60,000–$79,000 |
| Journeyman (JW) | $31–$48 | $64,000–$100,000 |
| Master Electrician | $38–$58 | $79,000–$120,000 |
| Electrical Contractor (Owner) | varies | $100,000–$250,000+ |
Union pay scales (IBEW) are typically at the higher end of each range; non-union in the same market is typically 20–35% lower.
Electrician Salary by Specialty
| Specialty | Average Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| Industrial Electrician | $74,000–$96,000 |
| Lineman (Power Line) | $85,000–$115,000 |
| Commercial Electrician | $64,000–$88,000 |
| Residential Electrician | $55,000–$75,000 |
| Low-Voltage / Fire Alarm | $52,000–$72,000 |
Industrial and power line electricians earn the most due to hazard pay and specialized skills.
Overtime Potential
Electricians have significant overtime earning potential, particularly in commercial and industrial construction. A journeyman electrician in Illinois earning $47/hour at base:
- Straight time (40 hrs/week × 50 weeks): $94,000
- 10 hrs/week overtime at time-and-a-half: additional $35,250
- Total annual compensation with regular OT: ~$129,250
Union contracts often include double-time on Sundays and holidays, further boosting earning potential for those willing to work those shifts.
Worked Example: Take-Home Pay for an Illinois Journeyman
A journeyman electrician in Illinois earning $89,990 per year:
- Gross monthly: $7,499
- Federal income tax (22% bracket, single): ~$1,090/month
- FICA (7.65%): ~$574/month
- Illinois state income tax (4.95% flat): ~$371/month
- Union dues (approximately 1.5% of wages): ~$112/month
- Estimated net take-home: ~$5,352/month (~$64,224/year)
At $89,990 gross, an Illinois IBEW journeyman also typically receives union health insurance (full family coverage) and pension contributions — adding $15,000–$25,000 in additional compensation value.
Apprenticeship Path
Electricians enter the trade through a 4–5 year Joint Apprenticeship and Training Committee (JATC) program, most affiliated with the IBEW. Key facts:
- Earn while you learn: Apprentices are paid from day one
- No tuition: Classroom training costs are covered by the JATC
- Progressive pay raises: Wages increase every 6–12 months
- Journeyman license: Awarded after completing 8,000 hours of on-the-job training + coursework
- Master’s license: Requires additional years of journeyman experience + exam (requirements vary by state)
To apply, contact your local IBEW or National Electrical Contractors Association (NECA) JATC. Waitlists exist in high-demand areas.
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