Electrician Salary Guide: How Much Do Electricians Earn?
Electricians make sure people and businesses are powered up and running every day. As an electrician, you maintain, install, and troubleshoot electrical systems in residential, commercial, and industrial settings. You need a deep understanding of various electrical systems and components, how they work, and how to make sure they stay in working order. Do your job well and you can have a long and financially rewarding career.
Want to learn what to expect from a career as an electrician? Check out our comprehensive electrician salary guide. Find out what could be in store for you whether you’re brand new to the role and planning your career trajectory or a seasoned veteran looking to make a move.
What is the salary range for electricians in the United States?
The salary range for electricians in the United States varies based on your experience, location, specialization, and employer. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), the median annual wage for electricians in the United States is around $61,500 per year, or about $30 per hour1. As an entry-level electricians, you may earn around $38,500 per year, and if you are a more skilled technician with more years of experience under your toolbelt, you could earn up to $104,000 per year1. As an electrician, you also have ways to add to your base salary depending on bonuses, overtime pay, and side jobs you might do outside your normal role. Your pay will be affected by many factors, including where you live and who you work for.
What Regions Have High Pay for Electricians?
Electricians' salaries can vary widely depending on the geographical location. When it comes to earning more pay, urban areas and highly populated states tend to offer higher wages. Because of this, some states offer higher wages than the reported national median wage. States like Connecticut2, Illinois3, Indiana4, Maryland5, and New Jersey6 offer salaries higher than the national average.
Rural areas may offer lower salaries, but also a lower cost of living which can raise the power of your earnings, so it’s important to consider all these factors when you decide where you wish to work. Pay close attention to job availability in these regions and what is most important to you when it comes to salary expectations, expenses, and potential work-life balance in your state.
What Factors Affect Electricians' Salaries?
In addition to location, your salary may be impacted by the industry you choose to work in and the demand for your specialization. Most states require you to be licensed in order to work professionally, and once you receive that license, you can look into some of these other areas. Some of the higher paying electrician fields include avionics, commercial electrician, lineman, marine technician and wind turbine technician. Knowledge and experience in different industries can help you increase your total earning potential.
Is There High Demand for Electricians?
Employment growth for electricians is projected to grow faster than average nationwide over the next decade7. States like Texas8, Maryland9, New York10, New Jersey11, and Illinois12 show a higher growth rate than the national average. The BLS State & Area data shows that the New York-Newark-Jersey City, NY-NJ-PA metropolitan region has the highest employment level for electricians today13.
What Career Growth is Available for Electricians?
In addition to overtime and commission opportunities, your salary can also be bumped up as you learn more skills, acquire certifications, and work your way up the ladder to become a Master Electrician. Advancement to supervisory or managerial roles can lead to increased responsibility, status, and higher earning potential. Apprenticeships are often the way you begin your career, learning while you earn. And as you progress in your training and develop your skills, you can ask for more pay. Eventually, once you have obtained enough skills and training, you may even decide to start your own business and be a self-employed electrician.
What Certifications Can Electricians Earn?
You typically have a better chance for higher pay in the electrician field if you show your employer your dedication to the trade through licenses and certifications. If you choose to train through an accredited trade school or career training program, you can be prepared to test for your Electrician license. Licensing requirements vary by state, but there are generally three phases: apprentice, journeyman, and master electrician. The National Electrical Contractors Association also offers various courses and certifications you may want to consider as you progress through your career.
Common Benefits and Perks for Electricians
No matter what role you choose or where you work, make sure you ask for benefits and added perks like health insurance, dental and vision coverage, retirement plans, disability coverage, paid time off, and even equipment allowances. Find employers willing to offer additional incentives such as tuition reimbursement for certifications, and performance-based bonuses. You may also want to join a local union for additional perks and protections. These benefits could contribute to your overall pay and enhance your job satisfaction with an employer.
There are many factors to consider as you build a career as an electrician and your earning potential will depend upon your education, credentials, skill mastery, location, employer, and professional reputation. Consider all the possibilities for your short and long-term career success and job satisfaction.
References:
1 Bureau of Labor Statistics. (n.d.). Electricians: Pay. U.S. Department of Labor. https://www.bls.gov/ooh/construction-and-extraction/electricians.htm#tab-5 Retrieved August 15, 2024
2 O*NET OnLine. (n.d.). Wages for electricians in Connecticut. U.S. Department of Labor/Employment and Training Administration. https://www.onetonline.org/link/localwages/47-2111.00?st=CT Retrieved August 15, 2024
3 O*NET OnLine. (n.d.). Wages for electricians in Illinois. U.S. Department of Labor/Employment and Training Administration. https://www.onetonline.org/link/localwages/47-2111.00?st=IL Retrieved August 15, 2024
4 O*NET OnLine. (n.d.). Wages for electricians in Indiana. U.S. Department of Labor/Employment and Training Administration. https://www.onetonline.org/link/localwages/47-2111.00?st=IN Retrieved August 15, 2024
5 O*NET OnLine. (n.d.). Wages for electricians in Maryland. U.S. Department of Labor/Employment and Training Administration. https://www.onetonline.org/link/localwages/47-2111.00?st=MD Retrieved August 15, 2024
6 O*NET OnLine. (n.d.). Wages for electricians in New Jersey. U.S. Department of Labor/Employment and Training Administration. https://www.onetonline.org/link/localwages/47-2111.00?st=NJ Retrieved August 15, 2024
7 National Center for O*NET Development. National Employment Trends: 47-2111.00 - Electricians. O*NET OnLine. Retrieved December 11, 2024, from https://www.onetonline.org/link/localtrends/47-2111.00
8 O*NET OnLine. (n.d.). Job trends for electricians in Texas. U.S. Department of Labor/Employment and Training Administration. https://www.onetonline.org/link/localtrends/47-2111.00?st=TX Retrieved August 15, 2024
9 O*NET OnLine. (n.d.). Job trends for electricians in Pennsylvania. U.S. Department of Labor/Employment and Training Administration. https://www.onetonline.org/link/localtrends/47-2111.00?st=PA Retrieved August 15, 2024
10 O*NET OnLine. (n.d.). Job trends for electricians in New York. U.S. Department of Labor/Employment and Training Administration. https://www.onetonline.org/link/localtrends/47-2111.00?st=NY Retrieved August 15, 2024
11 O*NET OnLine. (n.d.). Job trends for electricians in New Jersey. U.S. Department of Labor/Employment and Training Administration. https://www.onetonline.org/link/localtrends/47-2111.00?st=NJ Retrieved August 15, 2024
12 O*NET OnLine. (n.d.). Job trends for electricians in Illinois. U.S. Department of Labor/Employment and Training Administration. https://www.onetonline.org/link/localtrends/47-2111.00?st=IL Retrieved August 15, 2024
13 Bureau of Labor Statistics. (n.d.). Electricians: Occupational employment and wages. U.S. Department of Labor. https://www.bls.gov/oes/current/oes472111.htm#st:~:text=%24%2085%2C330-,Metropolitan%20areas,-with%20the%20highest Retrieved August 15, 2024