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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.
Key highlights:
- Electricians typically earn between $39,430 and $106,030 annually.
- Oregon, Washington, and Illinois are the highest-paying states for electricians.
- Location, experience, and certifications have the biggest impact on wages.
- Certified electricians and electrical system designers earn the highest rates in the field.
Average electrician salary in the U.S.
Electricians make an average of $62,350 per year, or $29.98 per hour.* Here’s how that breaks down by hour, week, month, and year using national data for minimum and maximum wages across the U.S.:
- Hourly wage: $18.96-$50.98
- Weekly wage: $758.40-$2,039.20
- Monthly wage: $3,033.60-$8,156.80
- Annual wage: $39,430-$106,030
*All data compiled from a mix of sources including the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics and reputable salary sites such as Glassdoor and Indeed.
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:
- Entry level (0–2 years): $39,430 annually ($18.96 an hour)
- Intermediate (2–4 years): $62,350 annually ($29.98 an hour)
- Senior (4+ years): $106,030 annually ($50.98 an hour)
We’ll break down salaries by electrician license type below. Keep in mind that rates vary depending on where you live.
Read more: Electrician licensing guide, state-by-state
Apprentice electrician salary
Apprentice electricians make an average of $22 to $25 per hour, or between $47,000 and $55,000 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 $33 per hour, or about $68,053 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 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.
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 | $25.20 | $52,420 |
| Alaska | $39.36 | $81,860 |
| Arizona | $28.60 | $59,480 |
| Arkansas | $23.76 | $49,420 |
| California | $30.30 | $76,540 |
| Colorado* | N/A | N/A |
| Connecticut | $36.92 | $76,790 |
| Delaware | $30.28 | $62,970 |
| Florida | $25.53 | $53,100 |
| Georgia | $28.30 | $58,860 |
| Hawaii | $40.00 | $83,200 |
| Idaho | $29.17 | $60,670 |
| Illinois | $46.33 | $96,360 |
| Indiana | $31.48 | $65,480 |
| Iowa | $30.23 | $62,880 |
| Kansas | $29.73 | $61,830 |
| Kentucky | $28.60 | $59,490 |
| Louisiana | $28.65 | $59,590 |
| Maine | $32.61 | $67,820 |
| Maryland | $31.56 | $65,650 |
| Massachusetts | $39.48 | $82,120 |
| Michigan | $34.94 | $72,680 |
| Minnesota | $39.15 | $81,430 |
| Mississippi | $27.55 | $57,300 |
| Missouri | $34.11 | $70,950 |
| Montana | $33.16 | $68,980 |
| Nebraska | $28.86 | $60,020 |
| Nevada | $31.22 | $64,950 |
| New Hampshire | $29.80 | $61,990 |
| New Jersey | $35.14 | $73,090 |
| New Mexico | $27.35 | $56,890 |
| New York | $37.24 | $77,460 |
| North Carolina | $26.00 | $54,070 |
| North Dakota | $31.65 | $65,820 |
| Ohio | $30.56 | $63,560 |
| Oklahoma | $28.87 | $60,050 |
| Oregon | $46.79 | $97,320 |
| Pennsylvania | $31.44 | $65,400 |
| Rhode Island | $33.73 | $70,160 |
| South Carolina | $28.01 | $58,260 |
| South Dakota | $28.15 | $58,550 |
| Tennessee | $28.46 | $59,190 |
| Texas | $27.36 | $56,920 |
| Utah | $29.53 | $61,430 |
| Vermont | $28.69 | $59,670 |
| Virginia | $29.62 | $61,610 |
| Washington | $46.41 | $96,530 |
| West Virginia | $30.70 | $63,850 |
| Wisconsin | $36.10 | $75,090 |
| Wyoming | $35.31 | $73,450 |
*The BLS stopped publishing Colorado salary data in December 2024 due to unreliable unemployment insurance data during system modernization. The issue is now fixed, but more time is needed before resuming full estimates.
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 | $51,740 | $97,320 | $120,880 |
| Washington | $54,800 | $96,530 | $133,310 |
| Illinois | $48,770 | $96,360 | $120,120 |
| Hawaii | $43,960 | $83,200 | $121,050 |
| Massachusetts | $47,280 | $82,120 | $122,990 |
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 | $35,490 | $49,420 | $73,060 |
| New Mexico | $36,590 | $56,890 | $84,460 |
| Alabama | $37,060 | $52,420 | $76,390 |
| Florida | $37,890 | $53,100 | $71,920 |
| North Carolina | $38,700 | $54,070 | $72,170 |
Highest-paying electrician jobs
Certain electrician roles pay more because of their scope or specialization. Examples include:
- Certified electrician ($74,000–$143,500): Has obtained a state license and additional certification to demonstrate a certain level of skill.
- Electrical systems designer ($86,000–$104,500): Creates electrical layouts that power buildings, infrastructure, and specialized products.
- Electrical superintendent ($63,000–$95,000): Coordinates the installation of electrical systems on residential and industrial job sites.
- Maintenance electrician ($56,000–$72,000): Handles maintenance and repair tasks to keep electrical systems in good condition.
- Service electrician ($51,000–$66,500): Inspects, diagnoses, and repairs electrical systems and equipment when problems come up.
Traveling electricians, construction electricians, and wiring techs also make solid wages, though typically on the lower end of the range.
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 contractor jobs. You can earn as high as $63.94 per hour.
- Market demand: The BLS projects electrician jobs to grow 9% between 2024 and 2034. The steady increase in demand means more opportunities and higher wages.
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: High-paying cities pay electricians roughly $20,000–$34,000 more than the national average. But 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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Electrician Salary: Frequently Asked Questions
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Do electricians make $100,00 per year?
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Yes, experienced electricians can make $100,000 or more per year. This typically applies to master electricians who run their own business. Most journeymen and apprentices earn less than $100,000.
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What type of electrician gets paid the most?
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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.
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Do you need to be licensed to become an electrician?
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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.
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How long does it take to become an electrician?
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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.
