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How much you make as an electrician depends on where you live, your experience level, and the kind of work you take on. A master electrician handling industrial projects, for example, can expect much higher pay than an apprentice doing residential service.
Whether you’re thinking about becoming an electrician or want to see how your current pay stacks up, this guide breaks down average salaries by state, what drives wage differences, and ways to grow your income.
Wage data is from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics program, May 2025 (electricians, SOC 47-2111). Pay by license level and job role comes from ZipRecruiter, accessed October 2026. BLS wage data covers employees, not self-employed owners.
Quick answer: How much do electricians make in 2026?
The national median wage for electricians is $63,190 per year, or $30.38 per hour. The lowest-paid 10% earn less than $42,640, and the top 10% earn more than $108,510. Pay depends on where you work, your license level, and whether you work for someone else or run your own business. Oregon, Illinois, and Hawaii pay the most, with state medians between $96,460 and $101,310.
Key takeaways:
Here’s what to know about electrician salaries:
Average salary range: Electricians earn a median of $63,190 per year ($30.38 an hour). The lowest-paid 10% earn less than $42,640, and the top 10% earn more than $108,510.
Top-paying states: Oregon, Illinois, and Hawaii have the highest median electrician wages
Pay factors: Location, experience, and certifications have the biggest impact on earnings.
Highest-paying roles: Electrical systems designers and certified electricians have the highest typical pay ranges.
Table of contents
- Average electrician salary in the U.S.
- Electrician salary by license type
- How much do electricians make when they start?
- Electrician business owner salary
- Electrician salary by state
- Highest-paying electrician jobs
- What affects an electrician’s salary?
- How to increase your salary as an electrician
- Starting your own electrician business
Average electrician salary in the U.S.
Electricians make a median of $63,190 per year, or $30.38 per hour (BLS, May 2025). Here’s how that breaks down by hour, week, month, and year, from the lowest-paid 10% to the top 10%.
| Pay period | 10th percentile | Median | 90th percentile |
|---|---|---|---|
| Hourly wage | $20.50 | $30.38 | $52.17 |
| Weekly wage | $820 | $1,215 | $2,087 |
| Monthly wage | $3,553 | $5,266 | $9,042 |
| Annual wage | $42,640 | $63,190 | $108,510 |
Electrician salary by license type
Like many skilled trades, your paycheck grows the longer you work in the field. Starting out as an apprentice, you’ll likely earn a modest wage. But after a few years, your annual salary can rise quickly.
Here is the hourly and annual pay you can expect as you grow your career:
| License level | Annual salary | Hourly rate |
|---|---|---|
| Apprentice electrician | $47,449 | $22.81 |
| Journeyman electrician | $68,058 | $32.72 |
| Master electrician | $79,936 | $38.43 |
Read more: Electrician licensing guide, state-by-state
Apprentice electrician salary
Apprentice electricians make an average of $22.81 per hour, or around $47,449 per year. These electricians are in training and work under the supervision of licensed professionals while completing a formal apprenticeship program. They handle entry-level tasks like running wire, installing outlets, and assisting with repairs, but they can’t work independently or pull permits.
Journeyman electrician salary
Journeyman electricians make an average of $32.72 per hour, or about $68,058 per year. This license level allows you to work independently, supervise apprentices, and take on a wider variety of projects, from wiring new homes to servicing commercial systems. It typically takes four to five years of training to qualify as a journeyman, and you’ll need to pass a licensing exam.
Master electrician salary
Master electricians make an average of $38.43 per hour, or around $79,936 per year, with top earners making into the six figures. This advanced license requires several years of experience beyond journeyman status and the successful completion of additional exams. Master electricians can design electrical systems, pull permits, ensure code compliance, supervise teams, and run their own electrical businesses.
How much do electricians make when they start?
Most electricians start as apprentices, learning on the job while they earn. BLS lists apprenticeship as the typical on-the-job training for electricians. Apprentices typically earn $38,000 to $52,500 a year, or about $18.27 to $25.24 an hour. For a wider view, the lowest-paid 10% of electricians earn less than $42,640 a year, or $20.50 an hour. Pay rises as you log hours and earn your license.
Read more: How to become an electrician
Electrician business owner salary
Starting your own electrician business is a great way to unlock higher earnings. New or small businesses typically make around $70,000, while larger and more established companies can generate over $150,000. Where you land in this range depends on a few key factors:
- Business size and location: Operating in a busy city or running a larger team usually means more jobs and higher revenue.
- Services offered: Specializing in areas like commercial work, emergency services, or renewable energy can let you charge premium rates.
- Customer base and reputation: Repeat clients, referrals, and positive reviews keep your schedule full and income steady.
- Efficiency and team management: Organizing jobs well and leading your team effectively helps boost profits without burning you out.
Starting an electrician business? Try Housecall Pro to simplify scheduling, manage jobs efficiently, and keep your profits growing.
Read more: How to pay yourself as a business owner
Electrician salary by state
Where you live has a big impact on how much you make as an electrician. States with higher costs of living and a strong union presence tend to pay more, while states with smaller markets or more competition pay less.
Here’s a breakdown of electrician hourly rates and salaries by state:
| State | Hourly | Annual |
|---|---|---|
| Alabama | $26.78 | $55,690 |
| Alaska | $43.00 | $89,440 |
| Arizona | $29.36 | $61,060 |
| Arkansas | $23.59 | $49,070 |
| California | $36.62 | $76,160 |
| Colorado | $29.92 | $62,230 |
| Connecticut | $37.28 | $77,540 |
| Delaware | $30.63 | $63,700 |
| District of Columbia | $37.97 | $78,970 |
| Florida | $27.52 | $57,250 |
| Georgia | $28.04 | $58,320 |
| Hawaii | $46.38 | $96,460 |
| Idaho | $30.29 | $63,000 |
| Illinois | $47.87 | $99,560 |
| Indiana | $32.93 | $68,490 |
| Iowa | $29.26 | $60,860 |
| Kansas | $31.66 | $65,860 |
| Kentucky | $28.71 | $59,720 |
| Louisiana | $29.59 | $61,540 |
| Maine | $36.24 | $75,380 |
| Maryland | $35.33 | $73,490 |
| Massachusetts | $38.18 | $79,420 |
| Michigan | $36.67 | $76,270 |
| Minnesota | $37.58 | $78,160 |
| Mississippi | $29.26 | $60,860 |
| Missouri | $31.45 | $65,410 |
| Montana | $36.90 | $76,760 |
| Nebraska | $29.24 | $60,820 |
| Nevada | $35.37 | $73,570 |
| New Hampshire | $30.21 | $62,840 |
| New Jersey | $37.14 | $77,250 |
| New Mexico | $28.07 | $58,390 |
| New York | $37.86 | $78,750 |
| North Carolina | $27.31 | $56,800 |
| North Dakota | $31.59 | $65,710 |
| Ohio | $31.11 | $64,700 |
| Oklahoma | $29.33 | $61,010 |
| Oregon | $48.71 | $101,310 |
| Pennsylvania | $32.50 | $67,600 |
| Rhode Island | $35.62 | $74,090 |
| South Carolina | $28.24 | $58,740 |
| South Dakota | $29.51 | $61,390 |
| Tennessee | $29.37 | $61,090 |
| Texas | $28.16 | $58,570 |
| Utah | $29.81 | $62,000 |
| Vermont | $30.49 | $63,430 |
| Virginia | $30.24 | $62,900 |
| Washington | $45.78 | $95,220 |
| West Virginia | $31.16 | $64,810 |
| Wisconsin | $36.80 | $76,540 |
| Wyoming | $36.59 | $76,120 |
What states pay electricians the most?
States with high costs of living tend to pay electricians the most. For example, Hawaii has the highest cost of living index at 193.3—almost twice the national average—and its paychecks reflect that. These states also have complicated electrical systems that require advanced skills and drive up demand.
The table below shows the five states that pay electricians the most:
| State | Low | Median | High |
|---|---|---|---|
| Oregon | $59,550 | $101,310 | $131,530 |
| Illinois | $49,240 | $99,560 | $123,660 |
| Hawaii | $45,730 | $96,460 | $124,590 |
| Washington | $52,170 | $95,220 | $133,950 |
| Alaska | $58,420 | $89,440 | $123,200 |
What states pay electricians the least?
Lower pay is often tied to lower costs of living, fewer large-scale projects, and competitive markets that drive down rates because multiple electricians are vying for the same jobs.
Below are the five lowest-paying states for electricians:
| State | Low | Median | High |
|---|---|---|---|
| Arkansas | $34,910 | $49,070 | $74,460 |
| Alabama | $37,640 | $55,690 | $78,230 |
| North Carolina | $40,130 | $56,800 | $75,060 |
| Florida | $38,190 | $57,250 | $77,180 |
| Georgia | $37,180 | $58,320 | $84,000 |
Highest-paying electrician jobs
Certain electrician roles pay more because of their scope or specialization. Here are the nine highest-paying electrician roles, ordered by the low end of each pay range, from highest to lowest.
| Role | Typical annual range |
|---|---|
| Electrical systems designer | $86,000–$104,500 |
| Certified electrician | $74,000–$143,500 |
| Electrical superintendent | $63,000–$95,000 |
| Maintenance electrician | $56,000–$72,000 |
| Traveling electrician | $52,000–$66,000 |
| Service electrician | $51,000–$66,500 |
| Construction electrician | $49,000–$60,500 |
| Wiring technician | $38,000–$52,500 |
| Transformer builder | $37,500–$44,500 |
Read more: Types of electricians: levels, fields, and skills needed
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What affects an electrician’s salary?
Aside from your location and experience, other factors can affect your pay rate, including the following:
- Certifications and specializations: Holding a journeyman or master electrician license, earning OSHA safety certifications, or specializing in low-competitive niches like solar installations can boost your pay.
- Role and leadership: Supervisory positions offer higher pay than general electrician roles. Electrical superintendents typically earn $63,000–$95,000.
- Market demand: The BLS projects electrician jobs to grow 9% from 2025 to 2035, much faster than the average for all occupations, with about 72,700 openings a year.
How to increase your salary as an electrician
If you want to make more money as an electrician, here are some practical steps to take:
- Gain hands-on experience: Nothing builds your value faster than real-world experience. The more complex jobs you tackle, the more you can charge.
- Obtain a specialty license: Specialize in fields like solar installations, electric vehicle (EV) charging systems, or data center wiring. Demand for these niches is high, while competition is low.
- Relocate to a high-paying state: The five highest-paying states pay electricians about $26,000–$38,000 more than the national median. Before relocating, weigh potential income gains against the cost of living.
- Handle commercial jobs: Commercial and industrial projects are large-scale and involve stricter requirements, but the pay reflects the added responsibility.
- Invest in continuous education: New codes and technologies roll out every year. Staying updated gives you a competitive edge that unlocks higher pay.
- Start your own business: Starting your own electrical business shifts you from hourly wages to profits—a key step for breaking six figures.
Starting your own electrician business
Moving from employee to business owner gives you more control over how much you earn. You set your own rates, decide what jobs to handle, and choose how much work to take on.
Granted, all of that freedom comes with greater responsibility, like handling paperwork, managing customers, and covering overhead costs. But with reliable electrician software, you can streamline operations, increase your profits, and focus on growing your business.
That’s where Housecall Pro comes in. With our all-in-one platform, you can:
- Streamline job scheduling and dispatching to save time and reduce delays.
- Simplify invoicing and payment collection to reduce errors and ensure you get paid on time.
- Track performance metrics to see what’s working and make informed business decisions for more profitability.
- Manage customer relationships to foster brand loyalty and referrals.
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Read more: How to start an electrician business
Electrician Salary FAQ
How much do electricians make per hour?
The national median hourly wage for electricians is $30.38. The lowest-paid 10% earn less than $20.50 an hour, and the top 10% earn more than $52.17. By license level, typical hourly pay is about $18.27–$25.24 for apprentices, $26.68–$36.54 for journeymen, and $28.61–$43.27 for master electricians
Do electricians make $100,00 per year?
Yes. The top 10% of electricians earn more than $108,510 a year, and ZipRecruiter puts the 90th percentile for master electricians at $112,000. Most journeymen and apprentices earn less.
What type of electrician gets paid the most?
Certified electricians have the highest typical range at $74,000–$143,500, and electrical systems designers have the highest starting range at $86,000–$104,500.
Do you need to be licensed to become an electrician?
Yes, most states require a license to become an electrician. Check with your state’s electrical licensing board to learn specific licensing rules in your area.
Do electricians make good money?
Yes. Electricians earned a median of $63,190 in May 2025, compared with $58,150 for construction trades workers and $50,980 for all occupations (BLS). BLS projects employment to grow 9% from 2025 to 2035, much faster than average
How long does it take to become an electrician?
It generally takes four to five years to become an electrician. This includes the time spent completing an apprenticeship program, gaining hands-on experience, and passing the licensing exam. Master electricians need even more time and experience.
How much do apprentice electricians make?
Apprentice electricians typically earn $38,000 to $52,500 a year, or about $18.27 to $25.24 an hour. The top 10% earn around $67,000. Apprentices earn while they train, and pay rises as they log hours and move toward their journeyman license.
How much do journeyman electricians make?
Journeyman electricians typically earn $55,500 to $76,000 a year, or about $26.68 to $36.54 an hour. The top 10% earn around $94,500. Pay varies by state. In Oregon, for example, the typical range is $58,700 to $80,400.
How much do master electricians make?
Master electricians typically earn $59,500 to $90,000 a year, or about $28.61 to $43.27 an hour. The top 10% earn around $112,000. A master license lets you pull permits, supervise crews, and run your own shop, which is where much of the higher pay comes from.
How much do industrial electricians make?
Industrial electricians typically earn $53,500 to $69,000 a year, or about $25.72 to $33.17 an hour, and the top 10% earn around $77,500. Electricians working in manufacturing earned a median of $74,550 in May 2025, compared with $61,570 for electrical contractors.
How much do union electricians make?
Union electrician pay is set by local collective bargaining agreements, so it varies by area.
How much do electricians make in California?
The median electrician wage in California is $76,160 a year, or $36.62 an hour. That’s about $12,970 more than the national median of $63,190. The lowest-paid 10% earn less than $46,800, and the top 10% earn more than $140,340.
