Electrician Salary in USA 2025
Pay by state, experience level, and license type
Median Annual Salary (USA)
Electrician Salary Overview
This guide covers electrician salary in the US for 2025, including national averages, pay by state, and how earnings change with experience and license level. Whether you're considering an electrical apprenticeship, evaluating job offers, or planning to upgrade your license, these figures provide the benchmarks you need.
Electricians are in high demand as the US invests in grid upgrades, new construction, renewable energy, and EV charging infrastructure. This demand has pushed electrician wages upward in recent years, making it one of the strongest high paying jobs without a degree.
The data here draws from BLS estimates, trade salary surveys, and industry reports, presented as realistic ranges rather than exact locked-in numbers. Actual earnings depend on overtime, union membership, region, and whether you work for an employer or run your own business.
What Electricians Earn: National Snapshot
Electrician pay in the US falls solidly in the middle-class range, with significant upside for experienced tradespeople. BLS data shows median electrician pay around $61,500 per year (approximately $29.50/hour), while various 2025 salary guides report average salaries ranging from the high-$50,000s to low-$70,000s depending on the source and methodology.
These are gross pay estimates before taxes. Total annual income can be significantly higher when overtime, shift differentials, and emergency call-outs are included—skilled electricians in busy markets often earn $75,000–$90,000+ when factoring in extra hours.
| Metric | Typical Electrician Pay (USD) | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Median Annual Wage (National) | ~$61,500 | Based on recent BLS data |
| Average Annual Salary | ~$58,000–$68,000 | Varies by source; blended estimates |
| Typical Hourly Wage | ~$28–$33/hour | Varies by state, experience, job type |
| With Significant Overtime | $75,000–$95,000+ | Busy markets, commercial/industrial work |
To convert hourly wages to annual salary or vice versa, use our salary calculator. For context on how electrician pay compares to other professions, see our guide to average salary in the US.
Electrician Salary by Experience and License Level
Electrician compensation follows a clear progression tied to licensing milestones. Each step up—apprentice to journeyman to master—brings meaningful pay increases.
Apprentice / Entry-Level Electrician
Apprentice electricians earn while they learn, typically making $38,000–$48,000 annually ($18–$23/hour) depending on region and program. While below the overall electrician average, this is strong pay for someone in training—especially compared to unpaid internships or minimum-wage jobs in other fields.
Apprenticeships typically last 4–5 years, combining paid on-the-job training with classroom instruction. Pay usually increases each year as skills develop. By the final year of apprenticeship, many earn close to journeyman starting wages.
Journeyman Electrician
Journeyman electricians—fully licensed professionals who have completed their apprenticeship and passed required exams—see significant pay bumps. Most journeymen earn $55,000–$75,000 annually ($26–$36/hour), with higher figures in strong markets and for those working consistent overtime.
This is where most electricians spend the bulk of their careers. Journeymen have full authority to perform electrical work independently (within licensing requirements) and represent the backbone of the trade. Union journeymen in major metros often earn toward the higher end of this range with strong benefits packages.
Master Electrician
Master electricians have achieved the highest license level, demonstrating advanced expertise through additional exams and experience requirements. Master electrician salaries typically range from $70,000–$100,000+ annually, with significant variation based on role and market.
Many master electricians take on supervisory roles, run crews, handle complex commercial or industrial projects, or start their own contracting businesses. Business owners' income varies widely—some earn $150,000+ in good years, while others face the risks inherent in running a small business.
Foreman and Estimator Roles
Electricians who move into foreman (crew supervisor) or estimator (project bidding) roles often earn premiums above standard journeyman or master wages. These positions require both electrical expertise and management or business skills, commanding $75,000–$95,000+ in many markets.
Electrician Salary by State
Electrician pay varies widely by state. Geographic location is one of the biggest factors affecting what you'll earn—differences of $15,000–$25,000+ between high-paying and low-paying states are common.
Highest-Paying States for Electricians
Multiple salary surveys consistently identify these states among the highest-paying for electricians: Washington, Massachusetts, California, Oregon, New York, New Jersey, Illinois, and Alaska. Electricians in these states often earn $70,000–$85,000+ on average, with journeymen in major metros earning even more.
These higher wages often reflect strong union presence, high construction activity, and elevated cost of living.
Mid-Range States
States like Colorado, Minnesota, Connecticut, Nevada, Maryland, and Texas offer competitive electrician wages—typically around the national average or slightly above. These markets often provide good balance between compensation and cost of living.
Lower-Paying States
Some southeastern and rural states report average electrician salaries in the $45,000–$55,000 range. Mississippi, Arkansas, West Virginia, and parts of the rural South and Midwest typically fall into this category. However, lower cost of living in these areas often means comparable purchasing power despite lower nominal wages.
| State Tier | Typical Electrician Salary | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Higher-paying (WA, MA, CA, OR, NY, NJ) | $68,000–$85,000+ | Strong demand, union presence, higher living costs |
| Mid-range (CO, MN, TX, NV, MD) | $58,000–$68,000 | Around national average; varied cost of living |
| Lower-paying (MS, AR, WV, rural areas) | $45,000–$55,000 | Below average but often lower living costs |
For context on wage floors across states, see our guide to minimum wage by state.
Electrician Salary by Industry and Work Type
Not all electrical work pays the same. The type of projects you work on significantly affects your earning potential.
Residential Service
Residential electricians handling home repairs, panel upgrades, and new home construction typically earn around or slightly below the national average. The work is often varied and can offer flexibility, especially for those running their own small operations.
Commercial Construction
Commercial electricians working on offices, retail spaces, hospitals, and larger buildings often earn above-average wages. Projects are typically bigger, more complex, and require larger crews—factors that often translate to better pay.
Industrial and Manufacturing
Industrial electricians maintaining factories, plants, and heavy equipment often earn premium wages—sometimes 10–20% above general electrician averages. This work requires specialized knowledge of industrial systems, motor controls, and safety protocols.
Renewable Energy and Specialty Work
Electricians specializing in solar installation, EV charging infrastructure, data centers, or utility-scale projects often command premium rates. As electrification accelerates, these specializations are seeing strong demand and wage growth.
Related Trades
For comparison with similar trades, see our guides to HVAC technician salary and plumber salary.
Hourly Wage, Overtime, and Union Impact
Most electricians are paid hourly, which means total annual income depends heavily on hours worked. Understanding how overtime and union membership affect pay is essential for realistic expectations.
Overtime Impact
Overtime is common in electrical work, especially during busy construction seasons or when deadlines approach. Time-and-a-half (1.5x regular rate) for hours over 40 per week can add $10,000–$25,000+ to annual income for electricians who regularly work 50–60 hour weeks.
Emergency call-outs and weekend work often pay even higher premiums. Electricians willing to work nights, weekends, or holidays can significantly boost their earnings.
Union vs. Non-Union
Union electricians (typically IBEW members) often earn higher base wages than non-union counterparts—sometimes $5–$15/hour more in the same market. Union positions also typically include comprehensive benefits: health insurance, pension contributions, and apprenticeship training programs.
The tradeoff: union work may involve stricter work rules, dues, and sometimes periods of downtime between assignments depending on the local market. Non-union electricians may have more flexibility but often receive lower wages and fewer benefits.
Self-Employment Considerations
Electricians who start their own contracting businesses have unlimited earning potential but also assume business risk. Successful electrical contractors can earn $100,000–$200,000+, but income varies with jobs won, overhead costs, and economic conditions. Self-employed electricians must also handle their own benefits, taxes, and business management.
How to Increase Your Electrician Salary
Strategic career moves can significantly boost your electrician income over time.
Advance Your License
The clearest path to higher pay is upgrading from apprentice to journeyman to master electrician. Each license level brings immediate pay increases and opens doors to higher-paying positions. Prioritize completing your apprenticeship and passing required exams as soon as you're eligible.
Specialize in High-Demand Areas
Electricians with specialized skills command premium wages. In-demand specializations include: industrial controls and PLC programming, renewable energy (solar, wind), EV charging station installation, data center electrical systems, and fire alarm/low-voltage systems. Pursuing additional certifications in these areas can increase your market value.
Move to Higher-Paying Markets
Relocating to a higher-paying state or metro area can boost earnings 20–40%. However, weigh salary differences against cost-of-living changes—a $75,000 salary in Seattle may not go further than $55,000 in a lower-cost market.
Join a Union
In markets with strong union presence, joining the IBEW can mean significantly higher wages and better benefits than non-union alternatives.
Start Your Own Business
Experienced master electricians who start contracting businesses can earn significantly more than employees—but with added risk and responsibility. Success requires not just electrical skills but business acumen, customer service, and the ability to win and manage projects.
For negotiation strategies, see our salary negotiation guide.
Job Outlook and Demand
Electrician job prospects are excellent. The Bureau of Labor Statistics projects employment growth of 6%+ through 2032—about as fast as average—with approximately 73,000 job openings annually from new positions and retirements.
Demand Drivers
Several factors are fueling demand for electricians: aging infrastructure requiring upgrades and maintenance, new residential and commercial construction, electrification of transportation (EV charging stations), renewable energy installations (solar, wind, battery storage), data center expansion, and smart building/home automation systems.
Resilient Career Path
Electrical work cannot be easily outsourced or automated—buildings need in-person electricians. This makes the trade resilient compared to many other occupations. Combined with strong wages and relatively low educational debt (compared to college paths), becoming an electrician offers an attractive alternative to traditional four-year degrees.
For more careers offering strong pay without college degrees, see our guide to high paying jobs without a degree.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the average electrician salary in the US in 2025?
The median electrician salary is approximately $61,500 per year (~$29.50/hour) according to BLS data. Average salaries from various sources range from $58,000–$68,000 depending on methodology. With overtime, experienced electricians in busy markets often earn $75,000–$95,000+.
Which states pay electricians the most?
Washington, Massachusetts, California, Oregon, New York, New Jersey, and Alaska consistently rank among the highest-paying states for electricians, with average salaries often reaching $70,000–$85,000+. However, cost of living in these states is typically higher as well.
How much do apprentice, journeyman, and master electricians earn?
Apprentices typically earn $38,000–$48,000 annually while training. Journeyman electricians (fully licensed) earn $55,000–$75,000. Master electricians, with the highest license level, typically earn $70,000–$100,000+, with business owners potentially earning significantly more.
Is becoming an electrician worth it financially?
Yes, for most people. Electricians earn solid middle-class wages ($60,000+ median) with minimal educational debt—apprentices are paid while learning. The trade offers strong job security, clear advancement paths, and the potential to earn $80,000–$100,000+ for experienced professionals or business owners. Compared to four-year college degrees with substantial debt, the electrician path often provides better financial ROI.
How long does it take to make a good living as an electrician?
Apprentices earn decent wages ($38,000–$48,000) from day one while training. After completing a 4–5 year apprenticeship and obtaining a journeyman license, most electricians earn $55,000–$75,000—enough to support a family in most markets. Reaching master electrician status or specializing in high-demand areas can push earnings to $80,000–$100,000+ within 8–10 years of starting the trade.