How Much Do Electricians Make? Salary by State (2026)
Electricians are among the highest-paid skilled tradespeople in the United States. Whether you’re considering an apprenticeship or already hold a journeyman license, understanding the salary landscape helps you make informed career decisions. This guide breaks down electrician earnings using Bureau of Labor Statistics data, compares pay across all 50 states, and puts those numbers in context with the actual cost of getting licensed.
Important: Salary data below comes from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics program. Our database tracks licensing data. For the most current salary figures, visit bls.gov directly.
National Salary Overview
According to the BLS, the national median annual wage for electricians is $62,350. The middle 50% of electricians earn between $70,680 (25th percentile) and $116,140 (75th percentile), reflecting the wide range driven by experience level, specialization, and geographic location.
National Median
$62,350
25th Percentile
$70,680
75th Percentile
$116,140
Electrician Salary by State
Electrician pay varies significantly by state. The table below shows median salary, percentile range, and employment levels for every state with available BLS data, sorted from highest to lowest median pay.
| State | Median Salary | 25th Percentile | 75th Percentile | Employment |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| OR | $97,320 | $70,680 | $116,140 | 9,830 |
| WA | $96,530 | $69,520 | $115,970 | 18,380 |
| IL | $96,360 | $67,690 | $108,230 | 22,880 |
| HI | $83,200 | $59,940 | $115,930 | 3,020 |
| MA | $82,120 | $58,970 | $100,420 | 16,570 |
| DC | $81,950 | $68,840 | $119,800 | 2,130 |
| AK | $81,860 | $61,110 | $98,740 | 1,820 |
| MN | $81,430 | $60,860 | $102,820 | 12,970 |
| NY | $77,460 | $60,310 | $103,390 | 40,380 |
| CT | $76,790 | $61,770 | $89,740 | 7,570 |
| CA | $76,540 | $59,420 | $103,720 | 73,420 |
| WI | $75,090 | $56,340 | $91,030 | 12,630 |
| WY | $73,450 | $56,980 | $82,670 | 2,710 |
| NJ | $73,090 | $58,410 | $109,760 | 15,230 |
| MI | $72,680 | $48,890 | $86,750 | 24,670 |
| MO | $70,950 | $48,740 | $91,690 | 12,660 |
| RI | $70,160 | $47,530 | $88,630 | 2,300 |
| MT | $68,980 | $54,980 | $78,540 | 2,830 |
| ME | $67,820 | $62,200 | $77,480 | 3,320 |
| ND | $65,820 | $52,640 | $81,860 | 3,150 |
| MD | $65,650 | $50,550 | $91,340 | 14,750 |
| IN | $65,480 | $49,330 | $82,900 | 17,370 |
| PA | $65,400 | $51,910 | $87,670 | 21,860 |
| NV | $64,950 | $47,840 | $91,930 | 8,570 |
| WV | $63,850 | $48,160 | $82,440 | 4,010 |
| OH | $63,560 | $48,380 | $79,890 | 27,150 |
| DE | $62,970 | $49,650 | $78,340 | 2,220 |
| IA | $62,880 | $48,010 | $80,200 | 8,900 |
| CO | $62,090 | $48,350 | $77,440 | 17,140 |
| NH | $61,990 | $48,120 | $76,370 | 3,480 |
| KS | $61,830 | $48,600 | $79,830 | 5,640 |
| VA | $61,610 | $48,890 | $76,550 | 24,300 |
| UT | $61,430 | $47,720 | $78,000 | 11,360 |
| ID | $60,670 | $46,820 | $77,420 | 5,380 |
| OK | $60,050 | $47,640 | $75,200 | 8,550 |
| NE | $60,020 | $47,640 | $76,590 | 6,210 |
| VT | $59,670 | $50,480 | $71,640 | 1,410 |
| LA | $59,590 | $48,280 | $66,350 | 10,810 |
| KY | $59,490 | $47,030 | $76,770 | 10,320 |
| AZ | $59,480 | $48,510 | $73,060 | 21,280 |
| TN | $59,190 | $47,220 | $68,240 | 19,500 |
| GA | $58,860 | $46,900 | $76,310 | 20,740 |
| SD | $58,550 | $46,890 | $64,630 | 2,790 |
| SC | $58,260 | $47,200 | $65,010 | 7,830 |
| MS | $57,300 | $45,160 | $60,870 | 5,650 |
| TX | $56,920 | $46,010 | $65,110 | 71,880 |
| NM | $56,890 | $45,050 | $73,470 | 5,090 |
| NC | $54,070 | $47,000 | $61,380 | 23,660 |
| FL | $53,100 | $46,880 | $61,040 | 47,980 |
| AL | $52,420 | $44,670 | $63,730 | 9,740 |
| AR | $49,420 | $38,470 | $62,030 | 8,670 |
Top 10 Highest-Paying States for Electricians
If maximizing your earning potential is a priority, these states offer the highest median pay for electricians:
Keep in mind that higher-paying states often have a higher cost of living. A $75,000 salary in a low-cost state may provide more purchasing power than $95,000 in an expensive metro area.
Licensing Cost vs. Earning Potential
One of the most compelling aspects of an electrician career is the return on investment. Based on our verified state-by-state licensing data, the average total initial licensing cost for electricians is approximately $221 across the 42 states we track.
With a national median salary of $62,350, an electrician can recoup their entire licensing investment within the first few weeks of work. Even in the lowest-paying states, the licensing fees represent a tiny fraction of first-year earnings — making electrician licensing one of the strongest ROI credentials in the trades.
See our electrician license cost breakdown for exact fees in every state.
Factors That Affect Electrician Pay
Experience and License Level
Apprentice electricians earn less than journeymen, who in turn earn less than master electricians. Progressing through license tiers is the most reliable way to increase your pay. Master electricians who can pull permits and run their own jobs command the highest wages.
Location
As the state table above shows, geography has an enormous impact on electrician pay. States with strong union presence, high construction activity, or elevated cost of living tend to pay more. Urban areas typically pay more than rural regions within the same state.
Specialization
Electricians who specialize in high-demand areas such as industrial controls, solar and renewable energy installations, fire alarm systems, or data center wiring often command premium wages compared to general residential electricians.
Union vs. Non-Union
Union electricians (IBEW members) generally earn higher hourly wages and receive more comprehensive benefits packages including pension plans, health insurance, and apprenticeship training. However, union availability varies significantly by region.
Overtime and Project Type
Commercial and industrial projects often involve overtime opportunities that can substantially boost annual earnings beyond the base salary figures shown above. Emergency and on-call work also commands higher rates.
Start Your Electrician Career
Related guides: Electrician Requirements by State · Easiest States · Do You Need a License? · License With a Record
Salary data on this page is sourced from the Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics program. Licensing cost data is from our verified state-by-state database. Factors affecting pay are general guidance. For the most current figures, visit bls.gov.
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