Want to win more jobs with less effort?
Grow your business and send quick quotes with our home service software.
Want to see your potential revenue?
See what businesses like yours earn with Housecall Pro in 1 - 2 minutes.
Thinking about a career as a commercial electrician or looking to grow your electrical business? Understanding what you can earn—and how to maximize your income—is key to making informed financial decisions.
This guide breaks down commercial electrician salaries for 2025, what factors influence earnings, and practical tips to grow your income.
Key takeaways
Here’s what to know about commercial electrician pay and career growth:
Average salary: Commercial electricians make a median of $71,300 per year, or $34.28 per hour.
Strong job outlook: Employment for electricians is projected to grow 9% by 2034.
Higher earnings with experience: Advanced licenses and leadership roles lead to better pay.
Location matters: States like Oregon and Washington offer the highest median wages.
Specialization pays off: Certifications in green energy or industrial systems boost income.
Opportunity to grow: Starting your own business increases your control over rates and workload.
Jump ahead
- Average commercial electrician salary in the U.S.
- Commercial vs. residential electrician salary
- How much commercial electricians make by state
- What states pay commercial electricians the most?
- Commercial electrician salary by license type
- Highest-paying commercial electrician jobs
- What affects a commercial electrician’s salary?
- How to increase your commercial electrician's salary
- Starting your own commercial electrician business
Average commercial electrician salary in the U.S.
Commercial electricians make a median of $71,300 per year, or $34.28 per hour. However, pay varies widely based on experience, certification, location, and whether you work for a private company, union, or government contractor.
Here’s a breakdown of typical earnings for a commercial electrician in the U.S. based on national averages:
| Pay Period | Typical Range* |
| Hourly Wage | $21–$50 |
| Weekly Wage | $840–$2,000 |
| Monthly Wage | $3,637–$8,660 |
| Annual Wage | $44,980–$103,060 |
*All data in this guide is compiled from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) and reputable salary sites such as ZipRecruiter and Indeed.
Commercial vs. residential electrician salary
Both commercial and residential electricians work with electrical systems, but the type of projects you handle can make a big difference in pay. Whereas commercial electricians typically make about $71,300 annually, residential electricians earn closer to $62,350 per year. This is because commercial electricians often take on larger projects, high-voltage systems, and work in offices, factories, or other commercial spaces, while residential electricians focus on homes and smaller jobs.
Experience, certifications, and specialized skills can boost pay in either field, but commercial work usually offers more opportunities for leadership roles, bigger projects, and even running your own business.
How much commercial electricians make by state
Pay for commercial electricians varies widely across the U.S. due to factors like cost of living, demand, and union presence.
Here’s a look at the average hourly and annual pay by state:
| State | Hourly | Annual |
| Alabama | $20.16–$45.13 | $41,930–$93,870 |
| Alaska | $29.73–$50.66 | $61,840–$105,370 |
| Arizona | $25.54–$49.06 | $53,130–$102,040 |
| Arkansas | $19.16–$39.44 | $39,850–$82,030 |
| California | $21.76–$59.58 | $45,260–$123,920 |
| Colorado | $25.00–$50.34 | $52,000–$104,710 |
| Connecticut | $27.06–$58.53 | $56,280–$121,740 |
| Delaware | $26.35–$48.31 | $54,810–$100,480 |
| Florida | $19.25–$41.14 | $40,040–$85,560 |
| Georgia | $22.36–$41.04 | $46,510–$85,350 |
| Hawaii | $29.06–$46.80 | $60,440–$97,340 |
| Idaho | $20.63–$44.68 | $42,910–$92,930 |
| Illinois | $18.71–$49.98 | $38,920–$103,960 |
| Indiana | $18.83–$42.24 | $39,170–$87,860 |
| Iowa | $24.78–$42.71 | $51,550–$88,840 |
| Kansas | $20.69–$49.90 | $43,040–$103,780 |
| Kentucky | $18.54–$41.61 | $38,570–$86,540 |
| Louisiana | $22.91–$48.51 | $47,650–$100,900 |
| Maine | $28.54–$43.56 | $59,360–$90,610 |
| Maryland | $17.20–$52.14 | $35,770–$108,460 |
| Massachusetts | $22.96–$50.59 | $47,750–$105,220 |
| Michigan | $18.25–$41.20 | $37,960–$85,690 |
| Minnesota | $23.25–$43.00 | $48,360–$89,430 |
| Mississippi | $20.17–$44.50 | $41,950–$92,570 |
| Missouri | $16.92–$43.36 | $35,200–$90,200 |
| Montana | $14.79–$61.61 | $30,770–$128,150 |
| Nebraska | $23.94–$40.40 | $49,790–$84,020 |
| Nevada | $22.13–$49.86 | $46,040–$103,700 |
| New Hampshire | $22.77–$46.64 | $47,350–$97,000 |
| New Jersey | $25.36–$48.55 | $52,740–$100,990 |
| New Mexico | $24.18–$48.16 | $50,290–$100,160 |
| New York | $24.31–$48.70 | $50,560–$101,290 |
| North Carolina | $23.59–$44.43 | $49,080–$92,410 |
| North Dakota | $30.99–$63.42 | $64,470–$131,910 |
| Ohio | $19.27–$41.15 | $40,090–$85,600 |
| Oklahoma | $20.14–$42.81 | $41,890–$89,040 |
| Oregon | $29.87–$52.86 | $62,120–$109,960 |
| Pennsylvania | $21.03–$43.87 | $43,750–$91,250 |
| Puerto Rico | $10.95–$29.02 | $22,770–$60,360 |
| Rhode Island | $33.94–$38.46 | $70,600–$79,990 |
| South Carolina | $21.94–$41.87 | $45,630–$87,090 |
| South Dakota | $19.55–$43.19 | $40,660–$89,840 |
| Tennessee | $17.47–$40.64 | $36,340–$84,540 |
| Texas | $21.86–$52.53 | $45,460–$109,260 |
| Utah | $21.95–$39.76 | $45,650–$82,690 |
| Vermont | $23.79–$41.83 | $49,480–$87,000 |
| Virginia | $22.07–$41.92 | $45,910–$87,190 |
| Washington | $32.38–$55.21 | $67,350–$114,840 |
| West Virginia | $23.85–$43.13 | $49,610–$89,700 |
| Wisconsin | $21.63–$41.13 | $44,980–$85,550 |
| Wyoming | $30.04–$63.08 | $62,480–$131,210 |
What states pay commercial electricians the most?
Some regions pay commercial electricians well above the national average. Oregon, Washington, Illinois, Hawaii, and Massachusetts tend to pay commercial electricians more due to higher costs of living, strong union presence, and consistent demand from industrial growth and dense urban development.
| State | Low | Median | High |
| Washington | $67,350 | $92,230 | $114,840 |
| Oregon | $62,120 | $90,210 | $109,960 |
| North Dakota | $64,470 | $86,280 | $131,910 |
| Wyoming | $62,480 | $83,200 | $131,210 |
| Illinois | $38,920 | $60,420 | $103,960 |
What states pay commercial electricians the least?
Missouri, Maryland, Montana, Michigan and Alabama report median salaries below the national average for commercial electricians. Lower costs of living and fewer large commercial hubs contribute to reduced earnings in these states.
| State | Low | Median | High |
| Missouri | $35,200 | $51,260 | $90,200 |
| Maryland | $35,770 | $77,920 | $108,460 |
| Montana | $30,770 | $75,180 | $128,150 |
| Michigan | $37,960 | $63,920 | $85,690 |
| Alabama | $41,930 | $64,780 | $93,870 |
Commercial electrician salary by license type
Earnings for commercial electricians typically rise with experience, licensing level, and specialized skills. As you gain hours on the job, pursue advanced certifications, or take on leadership roles, your income potential grows.
Whether you’re just starting out or already managing large-scale projects, there’s room to earn more. Here’s a look at how commercial electrician salaries can increase over time:
| Experience Level | Annual Salary | Hourly Rate |
| Entry (0–2 years) | $40,000–$60,000 | $19–$29 |
| Intermediate (2–4 years) | $55,000–$75,000 | $26–$36 |
| Senior (4+ years) | $65,000–$90,000 | $31–$43 |
| Expert/master or specialized roles | $80,000–$120,000+ | $38–$58+ |
Apprentice commercial electrician salary
Apprentice commercial electricians are just beginning their careers, working under the supervision of licensed journeymen or masters. Daily tasks include helping with wiring, installing fixtures, preparing materials, and learning safety procedures. Apprentices can’t work independently.
The average wages for commercial electrician apprentices are:
- Hourly: $18–$29
- Annual: $37,000–$52,000
Most apprenticeships last four to five years and combine classroom instruction with hands-on fieldwork. During this time, apprentices gain exposure to complex commercial systems like lighting controls and large-scale power distribution.
Journeyman commercial electrician salary
Journeymen electricians have completed an apprenticeship and passed a state or local licensing exam. They’re qualified to work independently on most commercial electrical systems, read blueprints, install panels and conduits, and troubleshoot complex wiring issues. Journeymen often supervise apprentices.
Here’s the average salary for journeyman electricians working on commercial projects:
- Hourly: $28–$38
- Annual: $58,000–$75,000
To reach this level, electricians typically log 8,000 hours of supervised fieldwork and complete technical coursework. Many journeymen continue their education by pursuing specialized training or certifications in areas like fire alarm systems, renewable energy, or automation to increase earning potential.
Master commercial electrician salary
Master electricians represent the highest level of licensing and expertise. They plan and oversee major electrical projects, including new construction and large-scale upgrades. Masters can pull permits, manage teams, and run their own contracting businesses.
On average, master commercial electricians can expect to earn:
- Hourly: $38–$58
- Annual: $80,000–$120,000+
Reaching this level typically requires several years of journeyman experience, a clean licensing record, and passing a rigorous state exam. Top earners, especially those who own or manage their own companies, can make well over $120,000 annually.
Highest-paying commercial electrician jobs
Some electrical specialties offer higher pay due to advanced technical skills, safety risks, or complex systems. These roles often require additional training, certifications, or niche expertise:
- Substation electrician ($75,000–$95,000): Maintains and repairs high-voltage substations that distribute electricity to entire regions. Requires deep technical training and safety certification.
- Lineworker ($70,000–$90,000): Repairs and maintains high-voltage outdoor systems, including power lines and poles. This job demands strong technical knowledge, physical endurance, and safety awareness.
- Instrumentation technician ($70,000–$90,000): Specializes in calibration and maintenance of instruments used to measure and control industrial processes. Critical in the chemical and energy sectors.
- Industrial electrician ($65,000–$85,000): Handles complex electrical systems within factories, refineries, and large-scale production facilities. Skilled in automation and control systems.
- Wind turbine technician ($65,000–$80,000): Installs and maintains wind turbines with high-altitude electrical and mechanical repairs. The renewable energy boom continues to create opportunities here.
- Solar energy electrician ($60,000–$80,000): Installs and maintains solar panels and inverters for commercial properties. Combines electrical expertise with renewable energy technology.
- Electrical technician ($60,000–$75,000): Builds, tests, and repairs electrical components in manufacturing, lab, or industrial settings. Often assists engineers on system design and quality control.
- Avionics technician ($58,000–$75,000): Installs, tests, and maintains electrical systems used to control and navigate aircraft. Precision is key, and many earn extra through overtime.
- Marine technician ($55,000–$70,000): Works on electrical systems aboard boats and ships, maintaining power distribution, navigation, and communication systems. Specialized marine experience makes these roles in high demand.
Get In Touch: 858-842-5746
Let us earn your trust
On average, Pros increase monthly revenue generated through Housecall Pro by more than 35% after their first year.
See plan options and feature breakdown on our pricing page.
What affects a commercial electrician’s salary?
Several factors influence how much a commercial electrician earns. Beyond experience and location, here are the factors that play the biggest part:
- Certifications and specializations: Union membership, state licensing, and credentials in green energy or industrial systems often lead to higher pay.
- Role and leadership: Supervisors and project managers typically earn more than field specialists due to added oversight and planning duties.
- Industry demand: The BLS projects employment for electricians to grow 9% by 2034, keeping skilled tradespeople in steady demand.
How to increase your commercial electrician’s salary
With steady growth across the trade, there are many ways to raise your earning potential:
- Gain specialized certifications: Credentials in areas like renewable energy, automation, or high-voltage systems can qualify you for higher-paying projects.
- Pursue leadership roles: Advancing to a supervisory or foreman position with management duties typically increases pay.
- Work in high-pay regions or sectors: States with higher costs of living and industries like manufacturing or energy infrastructure typically offer stronger wages.
Starting your own commercial electrician business
Whether you’re transitioning from employee to business owner or simply looking to expand your company into commercial work, taking control of your operations is a major step toward increasing your income. But there are a lot of moving parts to manage, and it can quickly get overwhelming without the right systems in place.
Housecall Pro makes the transition easier with tools designed for efficiency. With our electrician software, you can:
- Schedule and dispatch jobs: Assign the right team to the right job, reduce downtime, and keep projects on track.
- Automate invoices and payments: Get paid faster while minimizing errors and administrative headaches.
- Track performance and profitability: Monitor job costs, team productivity, and overall business health in real time.
- Manage customer relationships: Keep clients happy, encourage repeat business, and generate referrals effortlessly.
Try Housecall Pro’s 14-day free trial today and see how it can help you grow your business. Learn more: How to Start an Electrical Business and Get Your First Customers
FAQ
-
Can you make $100,000 a year as an electrician?
-
Yes. Experienced electricians, especially those in commercial, industrial, or specialized roles, can earn $100,000. Factors like certifications, overtime, union membership, and business ownership can all push annual income above six figures, particularly in high-demand regions or areas with large-scale commercial projects.
-
What types of electricians get paid the most?
-
Electricians specializing in industrial, commercial, or high-voltage work tend to earn the most. Master electrician, instrumentation technician, and electrical contractor roles can offer higher pay due to technical expertise, licensing requirements, and complexity.
-
Do commercial electricians make more than residential electricians?
-
Yes, commercial electricians typically earn more because their work involves larger, more complex electrical systems and stricter code requirements. They often handle high-voltage equipment and large-scale installations that require advanced training and experience.
