Electrician Salary by State 2026: Complete Guide
If you're thinking about becoming an electrician, moving to a new state, or negotiating your next raise, you need real numbers — not vague ranges scraped from job boards. This guide uses official Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) data to show what electricians actually earn in every state.
The national median annual wage for electricians is $62,350 per year ($30.00 per hour) based on the May 2024 BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) survey — the most recent full-year data available. Employment of electricians is projected to grow 11% from 2024 to 2034, much faster than the average for all occupations.
But the state you work in makes a massive difference. The highest-paying state for electricians pays nearly double what the lowest-paying state offers. Add in cost of living, union presence, license requirements, and specialization, and the picture gets more complex — and more interesting.
> Note: All salary data below is sourced from the BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (SOC 47-2111, Electricians). We use the May 2024 reference period (released May 2025) as the most current complete dataset. Wages are before taxes and do not include overtime, bonuses, per-diems, or self-employment income.
National Electrician Salary Overview
Before diving into state-by-state numbers, here's the national picture:
- Median annual wage: $62,350
- Median hourly wage: $30.00
- 10th percentile (entry-level): ~$40,000/year
- 90th percentile (experienced/specialized): ~$104,000/year
- Total employment: ~760,000 electricians nationwide
- Projected job growth (2024–2034): 11% — about 84,000 new positions
- Typical entry-level education: High school diploma or equivalent
- Typical training: 4–5 year apprenticeship
The electrical trade remains one of the strongest skilled trades in the country. Demand is driven by construction growth, the electric vehicle transition, renewable energy installations, aging infrastructure, and the ongoing electrification of buildings and transportation.
Top 10 Highest-Paying States for Electricians
Based on BLS median annual wage data:
| Rank | State | Median Annual Wage | Median Hourly Wage |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Illinois | $83,150 | $39.98 |
| 2 | Alaska | $80,610 | $38.76 |
| 3 | New York | $79,090 | $38.02 |
| 4 | Washington | $76,640 | $36.85 |
| 5 | Hawaii | $76,250 | $36.66 |
| 6 | Oregon | $74,530 | $35.83 |
| 7 | California | $73,490 | $35.33 |
| 8 | New Jersey | $72,080 | $34.65 |
| 9 | Massachusetts | $71,270 | $34.26 |
| 10 | Minnesota | $68,830 | $33.09 |
Key observations:
- Illinois leads the nation, driven by strong union wages in the Chicago metro area and robust commercial/industrial construction.
- Alaska pays well but has a high cost of living and limited job opportunities outside Anchorage and Fairbanks.
- West Coast states (Washington, Oregon, California, Hawaii) all rank in the top 10, reflecting both high demand and high cost of living.
- New York wages are strong, but downstate NYC wages skew the average upward — upstate electricians earn notably less.
50-State Electrician Salary Table
> Note: BLS data represents median wages for all electricians (SOC 47-2111) in each state, including residential, commercial, and industrial. Individual earnings vary by experience, license level, specialization, employer, and local market conditions. Data: BLS OEWS, May 2024.
| State | Median Annual | Median Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Alabama | $50,280 | $24.17 |
| Alaska | $80,610 | $38.76 |
| Arizona | $54,470 | $26.19 |
| Arkansas | $46,920 | $22.56 |
| California | $73,490 | $35.33 |
| Colorado | $60,490 | $29.08 |
| Connecticut | $63,440 | $30.50 |
| Delaware | $57,640 | $27.71 |
| Florida | $48,470 | $23.30 |
| Georgia | $49,830 | $23.96 |
| Hawaii | $76,250 | $36.66 |
| Idaho | $53,710 | $25.82 |
| Illinois | $83,150 | $39.98 |
| Indiana | $55,530 | $26.70 |
| Iowa | $55,060 | $26.47 |
| Kansas | $51,690 | $24.85 |
| Kentucky | $50,560 | $24.31 |
| Louisiana | $52,390 | $25.19 |
| Maine | $54,130 | $26.03 |
| Maryland | $60,920 | $29.29 |
| Massachusetts | $71,270 | $34.26 |
| Michigan | $60,120 | $28.91 |
| Minnesota | $68,830 | $33.09 |
| Mississippi | $44,910 | $21.59 |
| Missouri | $55,510 | $26.69 |
| Montana | $56,960 | $27.39 |
| Nebraska | $54,740 | $26.32 |
| Nevada | $60,530 | $29.10 |
| New Hampshire | $60,380 | $29.03 |
| New Jersey | $72,080 | $34.65 |
| New Mexico | $50,770 | $24.41 |
| New York | $79,090 | $38.02 |
| North Carolina | $49,340 | $23.72 |
| North Dakota | $58,930 | $28.33 |
| Ohio | $57,610 | $27.70 |
| Oklahoma | $48,690 | $23.41 |
| Oregon | $74,530 | $35.83 |
| Pennsylvania | $59,640 | $28.67 |
| Rhode Island | $62,470 | $30.03 |
| South Carolina | $46,740 | $22.47 |
| South Dakota | $50,120 | $24.10 |
| Tennessee | $48,220 | $23.18 |
| Texas | $50,890 | $24.47 |
| Utah | $54,530 | $26.22 |
| Vermont | $56,050 | $26.95 |
| Virginia | $53,790 | $25.86 |
| Washington | $76,640 | $36.85 |
| West Virginia | $50,250 | $24.16 |
| Wisconsin | $62,880 | $30.23 |
| Wyoming | $58,810 | $28.28 |
Salary by Electrician License Level
Your license level is one of the biggest factors affecting your earning potential. Here's how pay typically breaks down by license tier:
Apprentice Electrician
- Typical range: $30,000–$45,000/year ($15–$22/hour)
- Apprentices earn a percentage of the journeyman rate, typically starting at 40–50% and increasing each year of the program.
- Many apprenticeship programs are registered with the Department of Labor or state apprenticeship agencies and include paid on-the-job training plus classroom instruction.
Journeyman Electrician
- Typical range: $50,000–$80,000/year ($25–$38/hour)
- This is where most electricians spend the majority of their career. Journeymen can work independently, but in most states cannot pull permits or run a contracting business.
- Union journeyman wages (IBEW) are typically at the higher end of this range and include benefits packages worth an additional 30–40% of base pay.
Master Electrician
- Typical range: $65,000–$100,000+/year ($32–$50+/hour)
- Master electricians have additional experience and exam requirements beyond the journeyman level. They can design systems, pull permits, and supervise other electricians.
- Many master electricians move into supervisory, estimating, or project management roles that pay above the typical field rate.
Electrical Contractor / Business Owner
- Typical range: $70,000–$200,000+/year (varies widely)
- Income depends on business size, market, overhead, and how many jobs you run. A solo contractor in a strong market can earn well above the median employee wage, but also carries all the business risk and overhead.
- If you're considering starting your own electrical contracting business, your earning potential is significantly higher — but so is your responsibility for insurance, licensing, taxes, and customer management.
Highest-Paying Metro Areas for Electricians
Metro area wages can differ dramatically from the state average. Here are some of the highest-paying metropolitan areas:
| Metro Area | Median Annual Wage |
|---|---|
| Kankakee, IL | ~$105,500 |
| New York-Newark-Jersey City, NY-NJ-PA | ~$90,000+ |
| San Francisco-Oakland-Hayward, CA | ~$92,000+ |
| Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue, WA | ~$85,000+ |
| Chicago-Naperville-Elgin, IL-IN-WI | ~$84,000+ |
| Honolulu, HI | ~$80,000+ |
| Springfield, IL | ~$78,000+ |
| Minneapolis-St. Paul, MN-WI | ~$75,000+ |
The Kankakee, IL metro area consistently ranks as one of the highest-paying in the country, driven by its proximity to Chicago's strong union market and industrial base.
Factors That Affect Electrician Pay
Beyond your state and license level, several factors influence what you'll earn:
1. Union vs. Non-Union
IBEW (International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers) union electricians typically earn 15–30% more in base wages than non-union electricians in the same market, plus structured benefits including health insurance, pension, and annuity contributions. However, union membership comes with dues and work rules that may not fit every electrician's situation.
2. Specialization
- Residential service electricians — Often lower base pay but higher earning potential through commission or flat-rate pricing systems
- Commercial electricians — Higher base pay, larger projects, union opportunities
- Industrial electricians — Often the highest-paid specialization due to the complexity and safety requirements of industrial environments
- Low voltage / controls — Growing demand with building automation, security systems, and smart building technology
- Renewable energy (solar, ESS, EV charging) — Rapidly growing segment with strong demand for qualified installers
3. Self-Employment
Electricians who run their own businesses can earn significantly more than employees, but must cover their own insurance, taxes, vehicle costs, tools, and business overhead. The jump from employee to business owner is one of the biggest income leaps in the trade — if you do it right.
4. Cost of Living Adjustment
A $75,000 salary in Mississippi goes much further than $75,000 in San Francisco. When comparing salaries across states, always adjust for cost of living. States with high wages often have high housing costs, taxes, and daily expenses that reduce the real purchasing power of your paycheck.
5. Experience and Certifications
- Electricians with 10+ years of experience typically earn 30–50% more than those in their first 5 years
- Specialized certifications (OSHA 30, NFPA 70E, manufacturer-specific certifications) can increase earning potential by 5–15%
- Project management and supervisory skills add significant value
How to Increase Your Electrician Salary
If you want to earn more as an electrician, here are the most effective strategies:
Get Licensed at the Next Level
Moving from apprentice to journeyman is the single largest pay increase in an electrician's career — often a 50–80% jump. Moving from journeyman to master adds another 20–40%. Check your state's licensing requirements and make a plan.
Move to a Higher-Paying Market
Relocating from a low-wage state to a high-wage state can increase your earnings by 40–60%. But do the math — a $20,000 salary increase doesn't help if your cost of living goes up $25,000.
Specialize in High-Demand Areas
EV charger installation, solar PV, energy storage, and building controls are all high-demand specialties that command premium rates. These are skills that not every electrician has, which means less competition and higher prices.
Start Your Own Business
The single biggest income lever for experienced electricians is business ownership. A well-run electrical contracting business with proper estimating, good CRM practices, and efficient job management can generate 2–4x what you'd earn as an employee.
Negotiate Strategically
Whether you're an employee or a contractor bidding jobs, know your market rate. Use the data in this guide, combined with local job listings and conversations with other electricians, to know what your skills are worth.
Electrician Salary FAQ
What is the highest-paying state for electricians?
Illinois consistently ranks as the highest-paying state for electricians, with a median annual wage of $83,150. The Chicago metro area's strong union presence and commercial construction market drive these high wages.
Can electricians make six figures?
Yes. Electricians in the 90th percentile nationally earn over $100,000 per year. This is achievable through a combination of experience, specialization, overtime, business ownership, or working in high-paying markets.
Is becoming an electrician worth it in 2026?
The data says yes. The trade offers strong wages without a four-year degree, 11% projected job growth through 2034, multiple career paths (employee, foreman, estimator, business owner), and growing demand from electrification trends. The median electrician earns more than the median for all occupations ($48,060 for all workers vs. $62,350 for electricians).
How much do apprentice electricians make?
Apprentice electricians typically earn $15–$22 per hour ($30,000–$45,000 per year), depending on the state and the apprenticeship program. Wages increase each year of the program as you gain experience.
Do union electricians make more than non-union?
On average, yes. IBEW union electricians typically earn higher base wages plus structured benefits (health insurance, pension, annuity) that can add 30–40% in total compensation. However, union rules and availability vary by market.
Tools to Maximize Your Earning Potential
Whether you're a solo electrician or running a multi-truck operation, the right tools help you earn more by reducing wasted time, improving estimating accuracy, and keeping your business organized:
- Electrical estimating software — Generate accurate estimates faster so you can bid more jobs without cutting into your margins
- CRM for electricians — Track leads, follow up on proposals, and convert more opportunities into paying jobs
- Electrician job management software — Keep jobs on schedule, crews coordinated, and customers informed
- AI-powered estimating — Use AI to generate estimates in seconds, not hours
If you want to see how AceWatt can help you run a more profitable electrical business, start your free trial — no credit card required.
Sources: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS), SOC 47-2111 Electricians, May 2024 reference period (released May 2025). BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook, Electricians, 2024–2034 projections. Salary data is median annual wage unless otherwise noted. Cost of living and local market conditions may cause actual compensation to differ.