How Much Do Electricians Make in 2026?
The median annual wage for electricians is $62,350 (BLS, May 2024), with the top 10% earning over $106,030. But electrician pay varies dramatically by experience level, state, specialization, and union status. This guide breaks down every variable.
National Snapshot (BLS, May 2024)
$62,350
Median Annual
~$30.00
Median Hourly
$39,430
Bottom 10%
$106,030+
Top 10%
The electrician median wage is 26% higher than the U.S. median wage of $49,500 for all occupations.
Electrician Salary by Experience Level
Electrician pay follows a clear progression from apprentice through master electrician and business owner. Each career milestone comes with a meaningful pay increase.
| Career Level | Hourly Range | Annual Range | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Apprentice (1st Year) | $18 - $24 | $37,400 - $49,900 | 40-50% of JW rate |
| Apprentice (4th Year) | $30 - $37 | $62,400 - $77,000 | 70-80% of JW rate |
| Journeyman Electrician | $28 - $48 | $58,200 - $99,800 | Median: $62,350 (BLS) |
| Foreman / Lead | $35 - $55 | $72,800 - $114,400 | 10-15% premium over JW |
| Master Electrician | $38 - $62 | $79,000 - $128,960 | Avg base: $93,413 |
| Electrical Contractor (Owner) | Varies | $60,000 - $200,000+ | Depends on business size |
Sources: BLS OES May 2024, Salary.com, PayScale, and IBEW published wage schedules. Ranges reflect national variation; high-cost markets will be at or above the upper range.
Electrician Salary by State (Top 15)
Geography is one of the largest factors in electrician pay. The difference between the highest and lowest paying states can be $30,000+ per year. States with strong union presence, high construction activity, and high cost of living tend to pay the most.
| # | State | Median Annual | Top 10% | Median Hourly |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Illinois | $88,900 | $120,000+ | $42.74 |
| 2 | Oregon | $80,160 | $110,000+ | $38.54 |
| 3 | Hawaii | $78,600 | $105,000+ | $37.79 |
| 4 | Alaska | $78,070 | $108,000+ | $37.53 |
| 5 | New York | $76,960 | $115,000+ | $37.00 |
| 6 | Washington | $76,710 | $108,000+ | $36.88 |
| 7 | Massachusetts | $75,990 | $106,000+ | $36.53 |
| 8 | California | $73,200 | $112,000+ | $35.19 |
| 9 | New Jersey | $72,400 | $105,000+ | $34.81 |
| 10 | Minnesota | $71,600 | $100,000+ | $34.42 |
| 11 | Michigan | $66,400 | $95,000+ | $31.92 |
| 12 | Ohio | $62,100 | $92,000+ | $29.86 |
| 13 | Texas | $56,400 | $86,000+ | $27.12 |
| 14 | Florida | $52,900 | $78,000+ | $25.43 |
| 15 | Georgia | $52,200 | $77,000+ | $25.10 |
Source: BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (May 2024). Medians represent the 50th percentile for SOC code 47-2111 (Electricians). States with no income tax (TX, FL, WA, NV) may offer higher effective take-home pay despite lower nominal wages.
Electrician Salary by Specialization
The type of electrical work you do has a major impact on earnings. Specialized electricians who work in industrial, data center, renewable energy, or offshore environments consistently earn more than residential wiremen.
Oil Rig / Offshore Electrician
$80,000 - $130,000
Gulf Coast, remote locations. Highest base pay but demanding schedules.
Lineman / Powerline Technician
$75,000 - $120,000+
Median $82K+. CA, HI, NY linemen earn $108K-$112K.
Industrial Electrician
$65,000 - $120,000
Manufacturing, processing plants. OT and shift differentials boost pay.
Data Center Electrician
$80,000 - $110,000
Booming sector. NoVA, Dallas, Phoenix hotspots. Critical power expertise.
Renewable Energy / Solar
$75,000 - $100,000+
Solar, wind, battery storage. 20-30% premium over general electricians.
Fire Alarm / Low Voltage
$50,000 - $85,000
Specialized systems. Lower physical demands but lower pay ceiling.
Union vs. Non-Union Electrician Pay
The union wage premium for electricians is one of the most significant in the construction industry. Here is how IBEW (union) and non-union journeyman pay compare in three major markets.
Chicago, IL (IBEW Local 134)
IBEW (Union)
Base: $50.05/hr
Benefits: ~$35/hr
Total package: ~$85/hr
$104,000+ base
Non-Union
Base: $30 - $38/hr
Benefits: Varies
Total package: ~$35/hr
$62,400 - $79,000
New York City (IBEW Local 3)
IBEW (Union)
Base: $52.30/hr
Benefits: ~$40/hr
Total package: ~$92/hr
$108,800+ base
Non-Union
Base: $32 - $42/hr
Benefits: Varies
Total package: ~$38/hr
$66,500 - $87,400
Los Angeles, CA (IBEW Local 11)
IBEW (Union)
Base: $43.35/hr
Benefits: ~$30/hr
Total package: ~$73/hr
$90,200+ base
Non-Union
Base: $28 - $36/hr
Benefits: Varies
Total package: ~$32/hr
$58,200 - $74,900
Source: Published IBEW local wage schedules (2024-2026 contracts) and industry salary surveys. Non-union ranges are approximate market rates. Benefits include health insurance, pension, and annuity contributions.
7 Factors That Determine Electrician Pay
Geographic location
The same work can pay $30,000 more per year in Illinois vs. Mississippi. Metro areas pay more than rural areas. States with no income tax (TX, FL, WA, NV, TN, WY, SD, AK, NH) increase take-home pay.
Union membership
IBEW members earn 20-40% more in total compensation. The union negotiates higher base pay, guaranteed benefits, and structured raises that non-union electricians typically do not receive.
Experience and license level
The progression from apprentice ($37K-$50K) to journeyman ($58K-$100K) to master ($79K-$129K) follows a clear, predictable trajectory. Each license level unlocks higher earning potential.
Specialization
Industrial, data center, renewable energy, and offshore electricians earn significantly more than residential wiremen. The more specialized and in-demand your skills, the higher your market value.
Overtime availability
Average overtime pay for electricians is $8,250/year, but electricians on large commercial or industrial projects can earn $20,000-$40,000+ in OT annually. Travelers on mega-projects often work 50-60 hour weeks.
Employer type
Large NECA signatory contractors, utilities, and industrial facilities tend to pay more than small residential shops. Government and institutional employers often offer the best benefits packages.
Business ownership
Electrical contractors who own their businesses earn $60,000-$200,000+ depending on scale. Many small-operation owners take 30-50% of net profit as salary.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do electricians make per hour?
The median hourly wage for electricians in the United States is approximately $30.00 per hour based on BLS May 2024 data ($62,350 annual / 2,080 hours). Entry-level electricians earn around $19/hr, while the top 10% earn above $51/hr. Union journeymen in major metro areas can earn $43-$55/hr in base pay, with total packages (including benefits) reaching $70-$90/hr.
How much do master electricians make?
Master electricians earn an estimated $93,413 in average base salary, with total compensation (including overtime, bonuses, and benefits) averaging approximately $127,923 per year. Master electricians in high-demand areas or those who own their own business can earn $150,000-$200,000+. The master license is the highest credential and opens the door to pulling permits, running a contracting business, and supervising large projects.
What state pays electricians the most?
Illinois leads the nation with an adjusted median annual wage of $97,476 for electricians, followed by Oregon ($92,933), Washington ($88,917), Hawaii ($78,600), and New York ($76,960). However, cost of living matters — states like Texas, Florida, and Nevada pay lower nominal wages but have no state income tax and lower living costs, which can result in higher effective purchasing power.
Do union electricians make more than non-union?
Yes, significantly. Union (IBEW) electricians typically earn 20-40% more in total compensation than non-union electricians in the same market. The IBEW negotiates wage packages that include higher base pay, health insurance, pension, annuity, and paid training. For example, an IBEW journeyman in Chicago earns roughly $50/hr base plus ~$35/hr in benefits, for a total package over $85/hr. A non-union journeyman in the same market might earn $30-$38/hr with fewer benefits.
How much do electricians make starting out?
Entry-level electricians (first-year apprentices) typically start at 40-50% of the local journeyman rate, which nationally translates to about $18-$24/hr or $37,000-$50,000/year. By the second year, most apprentices earn $22-$29/hr. The median annual salary for entry-level electricians with basic licensing is approximately $60,600 or $29.13/hr according to Salary.com 2025 data.
What type of electrician makes the most money?
The highest-paying electrician specializations include industrial electricians ($65,000-$120,000), linemen/powerline technicians ($75,000-$120,000+), oil rig and offshore electricians ($80,000-$130,000), renewable energy specialists ($75,000-$100,000+), and data center electricians ($80,000-$110,000). Electrical contractors who own their businesses can earn $150,000-$200,000+. The highest individual earners are typically traveling union electricians who work significant overtime on large-scale industrial projects.
Related Resources
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