Average electrician salary by state and experience in 2024

According to recent data from talent.com, the average annual salary for electricians in the United States stands at $57,470. This figure is based on a comprehensive analysis of 10,000 salaries across the nation. Breaking it down further, the average hourly rate comes in at $27.63.

For those entering the field, entry-level positions come with an electrician starting salary of $46,800. However, as electricians gain experience and expertise in their craft, the earning potential climbs substantially. The most seasoned and experienced workers in the field can command salaries of up to $79,331 per year.

Source: ziprecruiter.com/Salaries/Electrician-Salary

Average Hourly Wage

• 2023: $27.63
• 2022: $26.56
• 2021: $28.87

Notable changes and trends

• Electricians with more experience typically earn higher salaries. The average annual electrician salary with less than 2 years of experience is $47,000, while the electrician average salary with 20+ years of experience is $79,000.

• Electricians who work in certain industries earn higher salaries. The average annual salary for electricians who work in residential construction is $55,000, while the average annual salary for electricians who work in power generation is $76,000.

• Electricians who are certified earn higher salaries. The average annual salary for electricians who are certified is $63,000, while the average annual salary for electricians who are not certified is $59,000.

• Electricians who work in high-cost-of-living areas earn higher salaries. The average annual salary for electricians in San Francisco, CA is $84,000, while the average annual salary for electricians in Memphis, TN is $50,000.

Overall, the average wage for electricians is $57,470 per year or $27.63 per hour. This is a good salary, and it is likely to continue to increase in the years to come. Electricians who are willing to put in the hard work and gain experience can expect to earn a good living in this rewarding career. The best way to get more jobs and increase your income is with a field management software. Make sure you have one that has everything you need to grow your electrician business all in one place.

Factors influencing flectrician salaries

Electrician salaries aren’t just random numbers on a paycheck; they are intricately woven into a tapestry of factors that illuminate the complexities of this essential profession. Whether you’re climbing the career ladder or plugging into specialized certifications, several elements come into play, shaping the wattage of an Electrician’s earnings.

Experience

One of the primary determinants of an Electrician’s salary voltage is the level of experience they bring to the table. It’s like climbing the electrician career ladder – the more rungs you’ve tackled, the higher your earning potential.

Experienced Electricians often boast a nuanced understanding of intricate electrical systems, troubleshooting prowess, and a track record of successfully navigating diverse challenges. As a result, employers are willing to amp up their salaries to secure the expertise that experience brings.

Certifications

Certifications, akin to electrical badges of honor, play a pivotal role in sculpting an Electrician’s salary landscape. Certifications are not mere pieces of paper; they’re like supercharged credentials that validate specialized skills.

Electricians equipped with certifications in areas like renewable energy, smart home technologies, or industrial automation find themselves riding the crest of demand, thus commanding higher salaries. It’s not just about the wire – it’s about showcasing expertise in the latest technologies that employers are willing to pay a premium for.

Industry specialization

The specific industry an Electrician chooses to electrify can send shockwaves through their salary. Some industries pack a higher voltage in terms of compensation. Industrial settings, with their intricate machinery and complex electrical systems, often demand specialized skills, and employers are willing to flip the switch on higher salaries to secure that expertise.

It’s not a one-size-fits-all scenario; each industry has its unique demands, and Electricians specializing in these niches are often rewarded accordingly.

Regional variations

Electrician salaries aren’t a one-size-fits-all deal; they fluctuate like currents across different regions, creating a fascinating tapestry of compensation dynamics. From the bustling urban landscapes to the serene rural horizons, let’s look at the regional variations that spark disparities in electrician pay.

1. Urban powerhouses

Metropolitan areas emerge as the high-voltage hubs for electrician salaries. Cities such as New York, San Francisco, and Seattle stand out, offering salaries that mirror the frenetic pace and elevated cost of living.

The demand for skilled electricians in these urban powerhouses creates a competitive job market, pushing salaries to new heights. You can check out Best-Paying U.S. Cities for Electricians to discover the cities that offer significantly better pay.

Example: New York City

In the heart of the Big Apple, electricians often find themselves navigating a salary landscape that outpaces national averages. The demand for skilled professionals in a city that never sleeps translates into salaries that reflect the high stakes of keeping the lights on in one of the world’s busiest metropolises.

2. Rural realities

On the flip side, in more rural or less densely populated regions, electrician salaries might not reach the same peaks. Areas where demand is less intense and the cost of living is more manageable often see more grounded compensation for electricians. While the work might be equally crucial, the financial currents are gentler in these settings.

Example: Midwest and Southern Regions

Certain Midwest and Southern regions, characterized by a mix of urban and rural landscapes, may present a more balanced compensation scenario. Electricians in these areas might not experience the salary spikes seen in bustling cities, but they also avoid the intense competition and higher costs associated with urban centers.

3. Industry impact

Beyond geography, the industry in which an electrician operates can amplify regional variations. Industries with unique demands, such as technology hubs or energy-intensive regions, often drive higher compensation for electricians. These pockets of specialized demand create localized peaks in salaries, adding an extra layer of complexity to the regional compensation landscape.

Example: Silicon Valley

In Silicon Valley, the epicenter of technological innovation, electricians may find themselves in a niche market that commands premium pay. The unique challenges posed by cutting-edge technologies and the high demand for skilled electricians in this tech mecca contribute to salary levels that surpass national averages.

Industry sectors and salaries

Electricians do more than just fix wires—they work in different areas, and that affects how much money they make. Let’s break it down into simple terms:

Sure, here is a summary of how electrician salaries differ based on the industry they work in:

Residential electricians

Residential electricians typically earn the lowest salaries of all electricians. This is because they typically work on smaller projects, such as installing new outlets or repairing wiring. The median annual salary for residential electricians was $56,180 in 2021, with the top 10% earning more than $96,580 and the bottom 10% earning less than $33,410.

Commercial electricians

Commercial electricians typically earn higher salaries than residential electricians. This is because they typically work on larger and more complex projects, such as installing wiring for new office buildings or retail stores. The median annual salary for commercial electricians was $65,280 in 2021, with the top 10% earning more than $102,300 and the bottom 10% earning less than $37,440.

Industrial electricians

Industrial electricians typically earn the highest salaries of all electricians. This is because they work on the most complex and dangerous projects, such as installing and maintaining electrical systems in factories and power plants. The median annual salary for industrial electricians was $65,027 in 2022, with the top 10% earning more than $73,433 and the bottom 10% earning less than $58,645.

Renewable energy electricians

Renewable energy electricians are a relatively new type of electrician, but they are in high demand as the world transitions to clean energy sources. Renewable energy electricians typically install and maintain solar panels, wind turbines, and other renewable energy systems.

If you are wondering, how much do energy industry jobs pay, well the median annual salary for renewable energy electricians is not yet available. However, it is likely to be higher than the median salary for industrial electricians.

Experience and career progression

Electricians, much like seasoned navigators in the electrical seas, witness a fascinating evolution in their salaries as they accumulate years of experience and chart their course through career progression.

The median annual salary for electricians in the United States was $57,657 in 2023, but this number can vary significantly depending on experience level.

Early career electricians

Early career electricians, typically those with less than five years of experience, can expect to earn salaries in the range of $40,000 to $50,000 annually. During this initial phase, they primarily focus on gaining hands-on experience, learning the trade’s fundamentals, and mastering various electrical techniques.

Mid-career electricians

As electricians gain more experience, typically between five to ten years, their salaries can increase substantially, often reaching the $60,000 to $70,000 range. They take on more complex tasks, lead projects, and provide guidance to less experienced colleagues.

Experienced and master electricians

Experienced electricians with over ten years of experience, or those with master electrician certifications, can command salaries in the $70,000 to $80,000 range or even higher. They may specialize in specific areas, such as commercial, industrial, or renewable energy, and assume supervisory roles.

Certifications and specializations

Obtaining specific certifications and delving into specialized areas isn’t just about gaining new skills; it’s also a good strategic move that can significantly impact an electrician’s earning potential. Here’s how certifications and specializations serve as power boosters for electrician salaries.

Certifications

Certifications validate an electrician’s knowledge and skills, while specialization allows them to develop expertise in high-demand areas, commanding higher salaries.

Electrician certifications are credentials issued by recognized organizations, demonstrating competency in specific areas of electrical work. Obtaining certifications enhances an electrician’s credibility and value, making them more attractive in the job market.

Examples of valuable certifications for electricians include:

• Master Electrician License: this comprehensive certification demonstrates a high level of electrical knowledge and skills, enabling electricians to independently design, install, and maintain electrical systems.
• Journeyman Electrician Certification: this certification signifies proficiency in the general principles and practices of electrical work, allowing electricians to perform various electrical tasks under supervision.
• Specialized Certifications: electricians can pursue specialized certifications in areas such as fire alarm systems, low-voltage systems, or renewable energy, gaining expertise in niche areas and commanding higher pay.

Specializations

Specializing in certain areas of electrical work is like navigating niche currents within the field. Electricians who specialize in high-demand areas can command premium pay due to their expertise in specific niches. Whether it’s industrial automation, smart home technologies, or energy-efficient systems, specializations cater to the growing demand for tailored electrical solutions.

Benefits and perks

Electricians, the backbone of our electrified world, often enjoy more than just a paycheck. Employers recognize the importance of their work and sweeten the deal with a variety of benefits and perks. Let’s shed light on the common extra rewards that often come alongside the salaries of electricians.

Health insurance

One of the key benefits frequently extended to electricians is health insurance. This perk acts as a safety net, ensuring that electricians and their families have access to medical care and coverage for health-related expenses.

It not only contributes to the overall well-being of the electrician but also provides peace of mind in case of unexpected medical needs.

Retirement plans

Retirement plans are another valuable benefit for electricians. Employers often offer 401(k) or pension plans, allowing electricians to save for their future and wire a solid financial foundation for their retirement. This benefit ensures that the lights stay on even after they’ve hung up their tool belt, providing financial security in the long run.

Overtime pay

Electricians frequently encounter situations that demand extra time and effort, especially when addressing urgent issues or working on time-sensitive projects. Overtime pay is a common perk that compensates electricians for putting in extra hours beyond their regular work schedule. This acknowledgment reflects the dynamic nature of the electrical profession.

Job outlook

The job outlook for electricians is promising, with strong growth projected for the coming years. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), employment of electricians is projected to grow 6% from 2022 to 2032, faster than the average for all occupations. This growth is attributed to several factors, including:

• Aging infrastructure: the aging electrical infrastructure in many parts of the country requires ongoing maintenance and upgrades, creating demand for electricians to perform these tasks.
• Increased electrification: the transition to renewable energy sources and the growing adoption of electric vehicles are increasing the demand for electricians to install and maintain electrical systems for these technologies.
• Construction and maintenance: the ongoing construction and maintenance of residential, commercial, and industrial buildings will continue to require the expertise of electricians.
• Technological advancements: electricians will need to stay up-to-date with the latest technologies in the electrical field, such as smart home systems and energy-efficient lighting, to remain competitive.

Tips for maximizing earnings

Here are some tips for aspiring and current electricians on how to increase their earnings:

Specialize in high-demand areas

Identify high-demand specializations within the electrical field and focus your career development efforts in those areas. Specialized electricians, whether in industrial automation, renewable energy, or commercial installations, often command higher salaries due to their expertise.

So, try to assess market demands and align your skills with high-demand areas to maximize your earning power. These specializations often lead to higher salaries and greater job satisfaction.

Utilize technology and tools

Embrace technological advancements and invest in tools that can enhance your productivity and efficiency. For instance, consider using project management software or customer relationship management (CRM) tools to streamline your operations and improve customer satisfaction.

For more information on how Workiz can help electricians manage their schedules and grow their businesses, check out our Electrician Scheduling & Management Software page.

Network and build relationships

Actively network with other electricians, industry professionals, and potential clients. Building strong relationships can lead to referrals, new job opportunities, and valuable mentorship.

Conclusion

Electricians play a vital role in maintaining and expanding the electrical infrastructure that powers our modern society. Their skills and expertise are in high demand, and their salaries reflect the value they bring to the construction and maintenance industries.

Overall, electricians enjoy a promising career with good earning potential, opportunities for advancement, and a variety of specializations to choose from. With the right skills, experience, certifications, and tools like Workiz, electricians can secure rewarding and fulfilling careers in this essential field.