electrician salary

Average Salary, Hourly Rates & State Comparisons (2025)

Electricians are the backbone of the trade that keeps the United States running — powering homes, businesses, cities, and critical infrastructure. In this profession, the combination of technical skills, formal certification, and hands-on experience opens doors to steady income, competitive wages, and opportunities for advancement.

Whether you’re exploring job postings for apprenticeship roles or looking to expand your responsibility as a master electrician, this guide provides the most up-to-date information, salary estimates, and key factors that determine earnings across every category and location.

make money with wires

1. National Electrician Salary Overview

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the median annual wage for electricians in May 2024 was about $62,350 — roughly $29.50/hour. However, electrician salaries can vary greatly depending on skills, certification, and where you work.

National Salary Estimates:

  • Apprentice / Entry-Level: $40,000–$60,000/year
  • Journeyman Electrician: $55,000–$75,000/year
  • Experienced Journeyman: $70,000–$100,000+
  • Master Electrician: $76,600 and above

Union electricians often see a 20% boost in compensation, plus additional benefits such as retirement plans, health coverage, and paid time off.

2. Salary by Experience Level

Electricians move through clear categories of experience, each with different responsibilities, wages, and expectations.

Chart: Average Salary by Experience Level (2025)

How much do electricians make?

Role Annual Salary Range
Apprentice $40,000 – $60,000
Journeyman Electrician $55,000 – $75,000
Experienced Journeyman $70,000 – $100,000+
Senior / Master Electrician $76,600+

Example: In San Francisco, an experienced journeyman might earn well above the national average due to high cost of living and strong demand for electrical services in the city.

3. State-by-State Salary Comparisons

Location plays a huge role in wage levels. States with high demand or a higher cost of living — such as California, Massachusetts, and Illinois — tend to offer higher pay, while states with fewer large urban areas may pay less but have lower expenses.

Chart: Average Electrician Salary by State (2025)

electrician_salary

State Avg Annual Salary State Avg Annual Salary
Alabama $54,490 Montana $64,940
Alaska $82,160 Nebraska $59,890
Arizona $59,420 Nevada $68,650
Arkansas $49,800 New Hampshire $60,780
California $84,330 New Jersey $78,530
Colorado $62,760 New Mexico $58,880
Connecticut $69,010 New York $83,550
Delaware $64,340 North Carolina $53,610
Florida $52,380 North Dakota $72,850
Georgia $57,930 Ohio $64,360
Hawaii $88,280 Oklahoma $59,750
Idaho $55,240 Oregon $85,330
Illinois $88,040 Pennsylvania $73,100
Indiana $68,450 Rhode Island $68,840
Iowa $63,810 South Carolina $55,360
Kansas $62,080 South Dakota $56,790
Kentucky $56,618 Tennessee $57,710
Louisiana $57,990 Texas $56,350
Maine $64,920 Utah $59,760
Maryland $69,100 Vermont $56,190
Massachusetts $81,840 Virginia $64,730
Michigan $65,870 Washington $88,620
Minnesota $78,790 West Virginia $65,690
Mississippi $56,980 Wisconsin $72,080
Missouri $67,850 Wyoming $68,000

4. Factors That Influence Electrician Pay

Many factors affect earnings in this industry, including:

  1. Skills & Qualifications – Specialized technical skills and advanced certifications raise earning potential.
  2. Licensing Requirements – Each state’s rules differ; some require more training, education, and testing.
  3. Specialization – Industrial automation, renewable energy, and high-voltage systems often command higher wages.
  4. Cost of Living – Higher living costs in cities like San Francisco or New York lead to higher pay rates.
  5. Employer Type – Large contractors, union shops, and government agencies often pay more.
  6. Overtime Opportunities – Big projects and emergency services can dramatically boost income.
  7. Trends in the Job Market – New technology, green energy, and economic growth in certain industries raise demand.

5. Benefits & Perks

Beyond base compensation, electricians in many fields enjoy:

  • Health, dental, and vision coverage
  • Retirement accounts with employer contributions
  • Paid leave and sick days
  • Access to skill-building courses (sometimes through college partnerships)
  • Opportunities for career advancement within their industry
  • Access to training databases for ongoing learning

6. Employment Outlook & Trends

The job market for electricians remains strong. The BLS predicts 11% growth from 2023–2033 — far faster than many other categories in the construction and maintenance industries. This equals about 80,200 electrician jobs opening each year.

Growth is fueled by:

  • Renewable energy expansion
  • Infrastructure upgrades
  • Smart home and industrial automation adoption
  • Skilled technicians replacing retiring workers

7. Career Planning Questions

People entering the profession often ask:

  • What qualifications and certifications do I need in my state?
  • What are the licensing requirements in Oklahoma, North Dakota, or Connecticut?
  • Which areas or cities offer the best salary estimates?
  • How can I balance expenses against my income?

Keeping your credentials updated in the state licensing database ensures you’re competitive in every job posting.

Wiring a circuit box

8. The Bottom Line

From New Jersey to Wyoming, from Arkansas to South Dakota, and from Wisconsin to Mississippi, electricians enjoy steady income, valuable skills, and strong career advancement potential. Whether you’re looking at electrician jobs in Missouri or running your own business in San Francisco, this trade offers competitive money, stable employment, and growth opportunities in nearly every location.