U.S. electricians earn $61,590 per year on average
Updated 17 April 2026 · National median, occupation 47-2111
From $31,200 as a first-year apprentice to $300,000+ running a crew. Pay depends on your level, your state, and whether you are union.
Top 10%
$104,180
Journeyman Avg
$65,420
Master Avg
$78,140
Lineman Avg
$85,420
Top 10 Highest-Paying States
BLS OES May 2024 median annual wage for electricians (47-2111). Before overtime.
See full 50-state rankings at electriciansalary.com/by-state
Career Progression: Apprentice to Business Owner
The electrical trade has six clear pay tiers. Each step requires specific documented hours and licensing exams.
Apprentice (Year 1)
OJT 1750hYear 1
$31,200 - $41,600
$15-$20/hr
40-50% of journeyman rate
Apprentice (Year 2-3)
OJT 3500hYears 2-3
$37,400 - $52,000
$18-$25/hr
50-70% of journeyman rate
Apprentice (Year 4)
OJT 5250hYear 4
$44,000 - $58,000
$21-$28/hr
75-85% of journeyman rate
Journeyman Electrician
47-21114-8 years
$52,000 - $75,000
$25-$36/hr
Licensed, independent
Master Electrician
Master Lic.8+ years
$65,000 - $95,000
$31-$46/hr
Permit authority, supervision
Business Owner / Contractor
EC Lic.10+ years
$80,000 - $300,000+
Varies widely
Master license required
Salary by Specialisation
Different specialisations offer very different earning ceilings, schedules, and career paths.
Residential
NAICS 238210$52,000/yr
Lower base, high side-work potential
Commercial
47-2111$61,590/yr
National median, steady hours
Industrial
47-2111 ind.$68,000/yr
Highest inside-wireman ceiling
Lineman (Outside)
47-2212$85,420/yr
Storm work: $120k-$160k
Controls / PLC
Industrial$72,000/yr
+$3-8/hr premium on journeyman base
Marine / Shipyard
Marine$64,000/yr
Travel premium, offshore work
Linemen are classified under BLS 47-2212, a distinct occupation from inside wiremen (47-2111). See the full comparison.
IBEW Local Wage Transparency
Union wages are set by collective bargaining. The base wage is only part of the picture. Five representative Locals.
Source: unionpayscales.com, IBEW Local agreements 2025-2026. Inside wireman journeyman rates.
| IBEW Local | Base Wage | H&W | Pension | Total Package |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Local 3 (New York City) | $58.64/hr | $14.20/hr | $9.42/hr | |
| Local 134 (Chicago) | $52.10/hr | $12.80/hr | $8.40/hr | |
| Local 11 (Los Angeles) | $54.28/hr | $13.60/hr | $9.10/hr | |
| Local 46 (Seattle) | $56.42/hr | $13.90/hr | $8.80/hr | |
| Local 26 (Washington DC) | $50.88/hr | $12.40/hr | $8.00/hr |
Total package = base + H&W + pension + annuity + training fund + NEBF. That is why "$45/hr base" is really "$80+/hr total compensation." Full union vs non-union analysis.
Full Electrician Salary Guide
Deep-dive pages for every aspect of electrician pay, career progression, and licensing.
Lineman Salary
$85,420 median. Storm work pays $120k+. Outside construction vs inside wireman.
Self-Employed Income
$70k solo, $300k+ with a crew. Charge rates, overhead, and startup costs.
Master Electrician Salary
$78,140 employee avg, $95k-$200k+ as business owner.
Electrician vs Plumber
Plumbers edge out by $1,380/yr. Full BLS head-to-head.
Licensing by State
All 50 states: journeyman hours, master requirements, reciprocity.
How to Become an Electrician
4-5 years to journeyman. JATC vs IEC apprenticeship comparison.
Union vs Non-Union Pay
20-35% total comp difference. IBEW wage scale breakdown.
Commercial vs Residential
Industrial pays 30-40% more. Day-in-the-life and career tradeoffs.