Updated for 2024
To say that electricians have an important job is an understatement. From squeezing into tight spaces to handling high voltages to ensuring client satisfaction – electricians don’t just help to keep the lights on, they play a vital role in our day-to-day lives.
If you’re a business owner with electricians on the payroll or a journeyperson yourself, paying and earning a fair wage is essential to the services provided and effective cost management. But how do you know what is fair and competitive in the industry?
We analyzed data from across the internet to break down the average electrician salary by state and major cities across the country, as well as the highest paying electrician jobs to consider … and the results may shock you! Stay informed on the industry standards with this in-depth guide to electrician salary.
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The information outlined in this post is based on data compiled from various industry sources intended to provide an average calculation for electrician salaries in the U.S.
Average Hourly Rate for Electricians Nationwide
Although electricians’ salaries may vary by region, according to ZipRecruiter, the average income for an electrician across the United States is around $61,391 annually, or $29.51/hour. This includes all levels of expertise, from electrician apprentice to mid and senior-level positions.
It’s also important to note this average does not account for the difference in cost-of-living expenses, region to region. That means the average salary for an electrician working in San Diego would be significantly higher than one working in a small town in North Carolina.
Average Electrician Salary by State
Whether you’re thinking about becoming an electrician or just curious about the highest-paid regions in the U.S., we’ve outlined a state-by-state comparison of electrician salaries to understand these differences, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics.
| State | Average Hourly Rate | Average Annual Salary |
| Alabama | $26.20 | $54,490 |
| Alaska | $39.50 | $82,160 |
| Arizona | $28.57 | $59,420 |
| Arkansas | $23.94 | $49,800 |
| California | $40.54 | $84,330 |
| Colorado | $30.17 | $62,760 |
| Connecticut | $33.18 | $69,010 |
| Delaware | $30.93 | $64,340 |
| Florida | $25.18 | $52,380 |
| Georgia | $27.85 | $57,930 |
| Hawaii | $42.44 | $88,280 |
| Idaho | $26.56 | $55,240 |
| Illinois | $42.33 | $88,040 |
| Indiana | $32.91 | $68,450 |
| Iowa | $30.68 | $63,810 |
| Kansas | $29.85 | $62,080 |
| Kentucky | $28.18 | $56,618 |
| Louisiana | $27.88 | $57,990 |
| Maine | $31.21 | $64,920 |
| Maryland | $33.22 | $69,100 |
| Massachusetts | $39.35 | $81,840 |
| Michigan | $31.67 | $65,870 |
| Minnesota | $37.88 | $78,790 |
| Mississippi | $27.39 | $56,980 |
| Missouri | $32.62 | $67,850 |
| Montana | $31.22 | $64.940 |
| Nebraska | $28.79 | $59,890 |
| Nevada | $33.00 | $68,650 |
| New Hampshire | $29.22 | $60,780 |
| New Jersey | $37.76 | $78,530 |
| New Mexico | $28.31 | $58,880 |
| New York | $40.17 | $83,550 |
| North Carolina | $25.78 | $53,610 |
| North Dakota | $35.02 | $72,850 |
| Ohio | $30.94 | $64,360 |
| Oklahoma | $28.72 | $59,750 |
| Oregon | $41.03 | $85,330 |
| Pennsylvania | $35.15 | $73,100 |
| Rhode Island | $33.10 | $68,840 |
| South Carolina | $26.61 | $55,360 |
| South Dakota | $27.30 | $56,790 |
| Tennessee | $27.74 | $57,710 |
| Texas | $27.09 | $56,350 |
| Utah | $28.73 | $59,760 |
| Vermont | $27.02 | $56,190 |
| Virginia | $31.12 | $64,730 |
| Washington | $42.61 | $88,620 |
| West Virginia | $31.58 | $65,690 |
| Wisconsin | $34.65 | $72,080 |
| Wyoming | $32.69 | $68,000 |
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The Highs and Lows of Electrician Salaries in the U.S.
So, what does all of this data mean for the bottom line? We’ve compiled the top ten highest and lowest-paying states for electricians, so you don’t have to! The following information is based on the state’s average electricians’ salary, and wages may vary within each state based on different factors (more on that in just a bit).
Highest Paying States for Electricians
1) Washington: $42.61/hour $88,620/year
2) Hawaii: $42.44/hour $88,280/year
3) Illinois: $42.33/hour $88,040/year
4) Oregon: $41.03/hour $85,330/year
5) California: $40.54/hour $84,330/year
6) New York: $40.17/hour $83,550/year
7) Alaska: $39.50/hour $82,160/year
8) Massachusetts: $39.35/hour $81,840/year
9) Minnesota: $37.88/hour $78,790/year
10) New Jersey: $37.76/hour $78,530/year
Lowest Paying States for Electricians
10) Mississippi: $27.39/hour $56,980/year
9) South Dakota: $26.61/hour $56,790/year
8) Texas: $27.09/hour $56,350/year
7) Vermont: $27.02/hour $56,190/year
6) South Carolina: $26.61/hour $55,360/year
5) Idaho: $26.56/hour $55,240/year
4) Alabama: $26.20/hour $54,490/year
3) North Carolina: $25.78/hour $53,610/year
2) Florida: $25.18/hour $52,380/year
1) Arkansas: $23.94/hour $49,800/year
Cities with the Highest Electrician Salaries
For a closer look, here are the top ten highest-paying metropolitan cities for electricians. From Hawaii to the Pacific Northwest, the San Francisco Bay Area to Illinois, expect to pay or earn more in these regions.
1) San Jose, CA: $42.61/hour $88,620/year
2) San Francisco, CA: $42.44/hour $88,280/year
3) Mount Vernon, WA: $42.33/hour $88,040/year
4) Seattle, WA: $41.03/hour $85,330/year
5) Richland WA: $40.54/hour $84,330/year
6) Chicago, IL: $40.17/hour $83,550/year
7) Urban Honolulu, HI: $39.50/hour $82,160/year
8) Bellingham, WA: $39.35/hour $81,840/year
9) Portland, OR: $37.88/hour $78,790/year
10) Decatur, IL: $37.76/hour $78,530/year
Nonmetropolitan Areas with the Highest Electrician Salaries
To better illustrate the salary range from city to region, here are the top five highest-paying nonmetropolitan regions for electricians. These areas seem to mirror the high-paying metropolitan.
1) South Illinois: $40.96/hour $85,200/year
2) Eastern Washington: $40.84/hour $84,950/year
3) Alaska: $40.10/hour $83,420/year
4) Central Oregon: $39.22/hour $81,570/year
5) Hawaii: $38.79/hour $80,680/year
What Factors Influence Electrician Salaries?
Variables beyond geographic location can impact how much an electrician makes. If you are starting an electrical business or want to become an electrician, consider these influencing factors:
Experience level: Just like most professions, apprenticeships typically don’t earn the same salary as an experienced journeyperson or master electrician. The good news is the knowledge gained in the field as an apprentice provides the experience necessary to grow into a higher-paying position.
Specialized industry: While the basics of how electricity works remain the same, many specialized industries require a licensed electrician based on their needs. Keep reading to learn more about the highest-paying specialized industry electrician positions.
Unionization: If an electrician is part of a union, they can often negotiate higher wages and benefits if the union membership includes a collective bargaining agreement.
Economic climate: If a city or region’s infrastructure development and construction projects yield a higher demand for qualified electricians, the salary average would likely be higher compared to areas developing at a slower pace. Additional factors include inflation, regulatory changes, and industry trends. Keep reading to learn more about the electrical industry’s economic forecast.
Which Electrician Jobs Pay The Highest?
Aside from the natural progression from apprentice to journeyperson to master electrician, there are a wide variety of specialty industries in need of electricians. But how do you know which electrician jobs pay the most? We’re glad you asked! Here are the highest-paying electrician jobs to consider when narrowing down your search.
The information listed is based on nationwide averages. Actual salaries may vary based on other factors, including location, education, and industry experience.
| Industry Profession | Salary Range per Year |
| Certified Electrician | $74,000-$143,000 |
| Electrical Systems Designer | $86,000-$104,000 |
| Electrical Superintendent | $63,000-$95,000 |
| Maintenance Electrician | $56,000-$66,500 |
| Service Electrician | $51,000-$66,000 |
Industries with the Highest Level of Employed Electricians
The number of jobs available can also impact electricians’ salaries. The demand for qualified electricians is up, and the following industries offer the highest employment opportunities. Annual salaries vary depending on the industry and range from $59,990-$81,220 annually.
1) Building Equipment Contractors – 522,600 employed
2) Employment Services – 24,590 employed
3) Local Government (excluding schools and hospitals) – 15,280 employed
4) Nonresidential Building Construction – 13,140 employed
5) Utility System Construction – 11,130 employed
Additional Resources for Electrical Business Owners
Owning and operating an electrical business can be challenging, to say the least. But with Housecall Pro, you can spend more time focusing on your clients’ needs while our platform takes care of the rest. Not only are we a top-choice software for service professionals, but we also offer many resources to help grow your electrical business. This includes:
- Electrical contractor software to streamline your business needs.
- Electrical contractor CRM: Turn those leads into happy clients.
- Electrician interview questions: What to ask to ensure you hire the perfect candidate.
- Electrical SEO tips: Stand out against the competition with these tips to improve your website SEO.
- Electrical pricing guide: Maximize your profits with our comprehensive guide to industry pricing.
- Electrician books: Must-read books to expand your knowledge of the industry.
The Future of Electrician Jobs and Beyond
The electrical industry is growing at an unprecedented rate and there isn’t a better time than now to become an electrician. As technology advances, so does the need for electricians, especially in the smart home and renewable energy fields.
The U.S. (along with the rest of the world) is seeing a shortage of licensed electricians, creating a higher demand for services than electricians available. Current projections anticipate 6% industry growth by 2032, twice as fast as all other occupations. So, if you’re starting an electrical business or thinking of becoming an electrician, the future is bright!
Electrician Salary: Frequently Asked Questions
- Is Electrical a Good Career in the United States?
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Yes. Electricians are currently in high demand in the U.S. and the industry is growing, ensuring job security for years to come.
- Do Electricians Make Good Money?
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Yes. Although, the average salary of an electrician can vary based on location, demand, and industry.
- Do You Need to be Licensed to Become an Electrician?
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It depends on the state requirements. Some states require licensing, some require certification. However, expect to spend at least 8,000 hours of on-the-job training. Learn more about state-by-state electrician licensing requirements.
- How Much Does an Electrician Make in the U.S.?
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As mentioned above, the average salary for an electrician is around $61,391 annually, or $29.51/hour. This includes all levels of expertise, from apprentice to mid and senior-level positions. Actual salaries may vary based on other factors.
- What State Pays Electricians the Most?
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Currently, Washington State has the highest average salary for electricians nationwide.
