Electrician salary in the USA is an important search for people thinking about a skilled trade career, current electricians looking for better pay, and workers who want to know how much electricians make per hour or per year. In 2025, the median electrician salary in the United States was about $63,190 per year, or around $30.38 per hour. However, electrician pay is not the same everywhere. Salary can change a lot depending on the state, experience, license level, type of electrical work, employer, overtime and local demand. Some electricians earn below $50,000 in a year, while experienced workers and electricians in high-paying markets can earn well over $100,000. This guide looks at the average electrician salary, electrician salary per hour, electrician salary by state, starting pay, experienced electrician wages, and other factors that can affect electrician income in the USA.
📑 Table of Contents
Electrician Salary in the USA: Quick Overview
Electricians are skilled workers who install, maintain and repair electrical wiring, electrical equipment, lighting systems and other electrical systems. Their work is needed in homes, commercial buildings, factories, construction projects and many other places.
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the median annual wage for electricians was $63,190 in May 2025. The median hourly wage was about $30.38. The lowest 10 percent of electricians earned less than $42,640 per year, while the highest 10 percent earned more than $108,510.
This means the answer to “how much does an electrician make?” depends on where the person works and how much experience they have. An apprentice electrician normally starts at a lower pay level, then earnings can increase as the worker learns more skills and becomes licensed or moves into higher-level electrical work.
Average Electrician Salary and Pay in 2025
There are two common ways people look at electrician salary. One is the median salary, which shows the middle point of the wage distribution. The other is the mean or average salary. For 2025, BLS reported a median annual wage of $63,190 and a mean annual wage of about $71,490 for electricians.
The difference is useful because some highly paid electricians can raise the average salary. So, a worker searching for “average electrician salary” should not assume every electrician earns around the mean wage. Actual pay can be lower or higher depending on the job.
- Median electrician salary: $63,190 per year
- Median electrician hourly pay: $30.38 per hour
- Mean electrician salary: about $71,490 per year
- Mean hourly wage: about $34.37 per hour
- Top 10% salary: more than $108,510 per year
These figures are national numbers. State and local wages can be very different, which is why electrician salary by state is one of the most useful parts of this salary guide.
Electrician Salary by State
Electrician pay can vary widely across the United States. Cost of living, construction activity, union presence, industrial demand, licensing rules and the number of available electricians can all influence local pay. The table below shows the 2025 median annual electrician salary by state.
| State Name | Salary Amount |
|---|---|
| Alabama | $55,690 |
| Alaska | $89,440 |
| Arizona | $61,060 |
| Arkansas | $49,070 |
| California | $76,160 |
| Colorado | $62,230 |
| Connecticut | $77,540 |
| Delaware | $63,700 |
| Florida | $57,250 |
| Georgia | $58,320 |
| Hawaii | $96,460 |
| Idaho | $63,000 |
| Illinois | $99,560 |
| Indiana | $68,490 |
| Iowa | $60,860 |
| Kansas | $65,860 |
| Kentucky | $59,720 |
| Louisiana | $61,540 |
| Maine | $75,380 |
| Maryland | $73,490 |
| Massachusetts | $79,420 |
| Michigan | $76,270 |
| Minnesota | $78,160 |
| Mississippi | $60,860 |
| Missouri | $65,410 |
| Montana | $76,760 |
| Nebraska | $60,820 |
| Nevada | $73,570 |
| New Hampshire | $62,840 |
| New Jersey | $77,250 |
| New Mexico | $58,390 |
| New York | $78,750 |
| North Carolina | $56,800 |
| North Dakota | $65,710 |
| Ohio | $64,700 |
| Oklahoma | $61,010 |
| Oregon | $101,310 |
| Pennsylvania | $67,600 |
| Rhode Island | $74,090 |
| South Carolina | $58,740 |
| South Dakota | $61,390 |
| Tennessee | $61,090 |
| Texas | $58,570 |
| Utah | $62,000 |
| Vermont | $63,430 |
| Virginia | $62,900 |
| Washington | $95,220 |
| West Virginia | $64,810 |
| Wisconsin | $76,540 |
| Wyoming | $76,120 |
Note: State salary figures above represent median annual wages for electricians based on 2025 wage data. Salary figures are not a guaranteed wage for every electrician in that state.
Which State Pays Electricians the Most?
Electrician salaries can be much higher in some states than the national median. In the 2025 state data, Oregon stands out with a median annual electrician wage of about $101,310. Illinois was also close to the $100,000 level, with a median salary of about $99,560. Hawaii and Washington also showed high median electrician wages.
But a high salary does not automatically mean the worker has more money left at the end of the month. States with higher electrician wages can also have higher housing, transportation and everyday living costs. This is why salary should be compared with local cost of living before deciding where to move for an electrician job.
- Oregon: about $101,310 median annual salary
- Illinois: about $99,560
- Hawaii: about $96,460
- Washington: about $95,220
- Alaska: about $89,440
Electrician Salary Per Hour
For many workers, hourly electrician pay is easier to understand than annual salary. The national median electrician wage in 2025 was approximately $30.38 per hour. At a simple 40-hour work week, that can look like roughly $1,215 per week before taxes, although actual paychecks can be different because of overtime, unpaid time, benefits and work schedules.
Electricians who work overtime can earn more than their normal hourly wage. Construction projects, emergency electrical work and jobs with unusual schedules may also offer additional pay depending on the employer and employment agreement.
Hourly pay can also rise as an electrician gains experience. Apprentice electricians generally earn less than fully trained electricians, while journeyman and master electricians may command higher rates depending on location and qualifications.
How Much Does an Electrician Make a Year?
The short answer is that the typical electrician in the United States earns around the low-to-mid $60,000 range at the national median. But the actual electrician salary per year can range from less than $45,000 for lower-paid workers to more than $100,000 for highly paid and experienced electricians.
BLS data shows that the lowest 10 percent earned below $42,640 and the highest 10 percent earned above $108,510 in May 2025. This large range shows why it is not correct to use one number for every electrician.
Experience, licensing, specialty work, location and overtime are some of the biggest reasons two electricians doing similar work can have very different annual income.
What Affects Electrician Salary in the USA?
Electrician pay is not based only on the job title. Employers look at skills, experience, licenses and the type of work a person can safely perform. A worker who can handle more complex electrical systems usually has more opportunities to move into better-paying positions.
- Experience: More years in the trade can lead to higher wages.
- License level: Licensing requirements and qualifications can affect the jobs an electrician can take.
- Location: State and local demand can create large salary differences.
- Specialization: Industrial, commercial and other specialized electrical work may pay differently from basic residential work.
- Overtime: Extra hours can increase total yearly income.
- Employer: Government, manufacturing, contractors and other employers can have different wage levels.
- Union or non-union work: Compensation packages can differ depending on the employer and labor arrangement.
Electrician Apprenticeship Salary
An electrician usually does not start at the full electrician wage. Many people enter the trade through an apprenticeship where they receive practical training while working. BLS notes that apprentices generally receive lower pay than fully trained electricians, with wages increasing as they learn more skills.
This is one reason searches such as apprentice electrician salary, entry level electrician salary and starting electrician pay can have very different answers from the national electrician median.
Apprenticeship can still be a strong path because the worker is building real trade experience while moving toward becoming a fully trained electrician. The exact starting wage depends heavily on the program, employer and location.
Electrician Career Outlook in the USA
The future job outlook is another important part of the electrician salary question. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, employment for electricians is projected to grow 9% from 2025 to 2035, which is much faster than the average for all occupations. About 72,700 openings per year are projected on average during that period.
Electricians are needed for new construction, building upgrades, electrical system maintenance and the connection of power systems. Growing electricity demand, renewable energy projects, grid upgrades and new data center infrastructure can also create additional work for electrical trades.
This does not mean every electrician will automatically get a high-paying job. Skills and location still matter. But the overall job outlook shows that electrician work remains an important skilled trade in the U.S. labor market.
Electrician Salary by Experience
Experience is one of the biggest factors that can change an electrician salary in the USA. A person just entering the trade will normally earn less than someone who has been working for many years. This is especially true when an electrician gains more technical skills, completes an apprenticeship, gets the required license and starts handling more complicated electrical jobs.
There is no single national salary number for every experience level because wages are different from one employer and state to another. Still, the career path usually moves from apprentice electrician to journeyman electrician and, in some locations, to master electrician or another senior role.
An experienced electrician may also have more choices. Instead of only working on basic residential jobs, they may move into commercial construction, industrial maintenance, electrical contracting, supervision or specialized electrical systems. These positions can provide higher earning opportunities.
Entry-Level Electrician Salary
An entry-level electrician is normally still building practical skills. Some workers start as helpers, while others enter a formal apprenticeship. Starting electrician salary can therefore be quite different from the national median wage for fully trained electricians.
At this stage, the worker is learning how electrical systems work, how to read plans, how to use tools safely and how to follow electrical codes. Pay usually increases as the apprentice becomes more useful on the job and takes on additional responsibilities.
- Entry-level workers normally earn less than experienced electricians.
- Apprentices receive paid on-the-job training in many programs.
- Pay can increase as skills and responsibilities increase.
- Location and employer can make a big difference in starting pay.
Apprentice Electrician Salary
Apprentice electrician salary is usually lower than the salary of a fully trained electrician. This is expected because an apprentice is still receiving training while working. According to the BLS, most electricians learn through an apprenticeship, and apprentices generally earn less while they are learning the trade.
Many electrician apprenticeships last around four or five years. BLS says apprentices typically receive about 2,000 hours of paid on-the-job training for each year of the program, along with technical instruction. The exact apprenticeship requirements can vary by state and locality.
This makes electrician apprenticeship a useful route for people who want to enter a skilled trade without spending several years in a traditional four-year college program.
Journeyman Electrician Salary
A journeyman electrician has completed the required apprenticeship training and has reached a more advanced level of trade knowledge. Depending on state and local rules, a journeyman may need to pass an examination or meet specific licensing requirements before performing certain work independently.
Journeyman electrician salary can be higher than apprentice pay because the worker has more experience and can handle a wider range of electrical tasks. The actual wage still depends on location, employer, type of work and the electrician's qualifications.
Journeyman electricians may work on electrical installations, troubleshooting, maintenance, construction projects and repairs. Some also guide apprentices and less experienced workers on job sites.
Master Electrician Salary
A master electrician is generally a highly experienced electrical professional, although the exact definition and licensing requirements are different from one state or local jurisdiction to another. In places where master electrician licensing exists, reaching this level can open the door to more responsibility and potentially higher pay.
Master electricians may supervise electrical work, manage projects, inspect installations, train other workers or operate an electrical contracting business. Some become electrical contractors and take responsibility for complete projects rather than only working as an employee.
Because there is no single nationwide master electrician license, salary numbers should be looked at locally. A master electrician in a large construction market can have a very different income from one working in a smaller area.
Electrician Salary by Type of Work
Not every electrician does the same type of work. Residential electricians may spend most of their time in homes, while commercial electricians work on offices, stores and other large buildings. Industrial electricians can work around factories, production equipment and complex electrical systems.
The type of work can affect electrician pay because different jobs require different levels of technical knowledge, safety training and responsibility.
Residential Electrician Salary
A residential electrician works mainly on electrical systems in houses, apartments and other residential properties. Common jobs include installing outlets, switches, lighting, panels and wiring, as well as troubleshooting electrical problems.
Residential electrical work can provide steady demand because homes constantly need new installations, repairs and upgrades. Some electricians who work for themselves also focus heavily on residential customers.
Self-employed electricians may have more control over their schedule and can potentially increase their income by building a strong customer base. However, business expenses, insurance, equipment, licensing and other costs also need to be considered.
Commercial Electrician Salary
A commercial electrician works on electrical systems in offices, retail buildings, restaurants, schools, hospitals and other commercial properties. These projects are often larger than typical residential jobs and can involve more complicated wiring and electrical equipment.
Commercial electricians may work as part of a construction crew and need to understand electrical drawings, building plans and code requirements. Experience with larger projects can help a worker qualify for more advanced positions.
Commercial electrician salary varies by location and employer, but workers in major construction markets may find stronger earning opportunities because of the amount of commercial development.
Industrial Electrician Salary
Industrial electrician salary can be attractive because industrial environments often require specialized electrical knowledge. Industrial electricians may work in factories, manufacturing facilities, plants and other large facilities.
The job can include maintaining motors, control systems, electrical equipment and production machinery. Troubleshooting is an important part of the work because an electrical problem can stop production and cost a company money.
Industrial electricians may also work unusual schedules because factories and production facilities can operate around the clock. Shift work, maintenance schedules and overtime can influence total annual income.
- Industrial electrical maintenance
- Motor and equipment troubleshooting
- Electrical control systems
- Factory and manufacturing electrical systems
- Preventive electrical maintenance
Electrician Overtime Pay
Electrician overtime pay can make a noticeable difference in annual income. BLS reports that almost all electricians work full time, and schedules may include evenings and weekends. Overtime is common, especially during construction projects and scheduled maintenance.
An electrician earning $30.38 per hour at the national median would have a basic weekly gross pay of about $1,215 when working 40 hours. If overtime is paid at a higher rate, additional hours can increase the total paycheck.
However, overtime rules and actual pay depend on the employer, employment arrangement and applicable labor laws. Not every electrician works enough overtime to significantly increase annual income.
How Much Can an Electrician Make With Overtime?
The answer depends on the hourly wage and how many additional hours an electrician works. An electrician earning a higher local wage and working regular overtime can potentially earn much more than the national median salary.
For example, an electrician making $35 per hour would have a base gross income of approximately $72,800 if working 40 hours every week for 52 weeks, before taxes and other deductions. Overtime, bonuses and other compensation could increase that amount.
But this is only an example, not a guaranteed electrician salary. Some electricians work fewer hours during slow construction periods, while others may work long hours during busy projects.
Electrician Salary Without a College Degree
One reason people search for electrician salary without a degree is because electrician is a skilled trade where a traditional four-year college degree is generally not required. BLS lists a high school diploma or equivalent as the typical entry-level education, with apprenticeship as the typical training route.
This does not mean becoming an electrician is easy. Electrical work requires technical knowledge, practical training, safety awareness and knowledge of electrical codes. Most states also have licensing requirements for electricians.
For someone who prefers hands-on work instead of a traditional office career, becoming an electrician can be an interesting career option. Training is important because mistakes around electricity can cause serious injury, fire or property damage.
Electrician License and Salary
An electrician license can be an important part of career development. Licensing rules are not exactly the same throughout the United States. Most states require electricians to be licensed, and requirements may include examinations, work experience and other qualifications.
A license can help an electrician qualify for jobs that require a certain level of responsibility. It may also be necessary for electricians who want to perform certain types of work independently or operate an electrical contracting business.
Before starting work in a new state, an electrician should check the requirements of that state's licensing authority because a license or qualification from one location may not automatically provide the same permissions somewhere else.
Where Do Electricians Work?
Electricians work in many different environments. Electrical contractors are by far the largest employer group for electricians. BLS reports that about 66% of electricians worked for electrical contractors and other wiring installation contractors in 2025. Self-employed workers accounted for about 7%, while manufacturing accounted for about 6%.
This variety means an electrician does not necessarily have to stay in residential construction for an entire career. With experience, workers can move between construction, maintenance, manufacturing, commercial projects and other electrical fields.
- Residential construction
- Commercial construction
- Industrial and manufacturing facilities
- Electrical contracting companies
- Government workplaces
- Maintenance departments
- Self-employed electrical businesses
Electrician Salary in Different Industries
Industry can also make a difference in electrician wages. The BLS reported that in May 2025 the median annual wage was about $79,820 for electricians working in government, excluding state and local education and hospitals. The median was about $74,550 in manufacturing, while electrical contractors and other wiring installation contractors had a median of about $61,570.
These figures help explain why two electricians with similar years of experience may have different salaries. The employer and industry can be just as important as experience.
Highest Paying Electrician Jobs
There is no one job that is always the highest-paying electrician job because wages change by state, industry and employer. However, electricians can increase their earning potential by developing specialized skills and moving into positions with greater responsibility.
Some career directions that may offer higher earning potential include industrial electrical work, senior electrical positions, supervision, electrical contracting and specialized maintenance.
- Master electrician
- Industrial electrician
- Senior commercial electrician
- Electrical supervisor
- Electrical contractor
- Specialized maintenance electrician
Electrical power-line work is another related trade with high wages, but it is classified separately from electricians by BLS. In May 2025, electrical power-line installers and repairers had a median annual wage of $91,970. This should not be confused with the standard electrician occupation and its $63,190 median wage.
Can Electricians Make $100,000 a Year?
Yes, some electricians can make $100,000 a year or more, but it is not the normal salary for every electrician. BLS data shows that the highest 10 percent of electricians earned more than $108,510 in May 2025.
Higher annual income can come from a combination of experience, high-paying locations, overtime, specialized work, supervisory responsibility or running a successful electrical contracting business.
The national median is still much lower at $63,190, so earning $100,000 should be viewed as a higher-end income level rather than the standard electrician salary.
Is Being an Electrician a Good Career?
For people who like hands-on work, problem solving and skilled trades, electrician can be a strong career choice. The occupation does not normally require a four-year college degree, and the job outlook is also positive.
BLS projects electrician employment to grow about 9% from 2025 to 2035, compared with 3% for all occupations. About 72,700 electrician openings are projected each year on average during that period.
Demand is supported by construction, electrical system upgrades, renewable energy connections and increasing electricity needs. BLS also says growing demand for data centers and AI-related technologies is expected to contribute to rising electricity demand and grid upgrades, creating additional work for electricians.
Skills That Can Help Increase Electrician Pay
Salary growth is not only about the number of years someone has worked. Building useful technical skills can help an electrician qualify for more advanced jobs. Employers may value workers who can troubleshoot problems instead of only performing basic installation tasks.
- Electrical troubleshooting
- Reading blueprints and electrical drawings
- Electrical code knowledge
- Motor and control systems
- Commercial electrical installation
- Industrial maintenance
- Safety procedures
- Project supervision
- Communication and customer service
Electricians who keep learning can have more options when searching for better-paying jobs. In a trade like electrical work, practical ability and reliability can be very important along with formal qualifications.
Electrician Salary: Final Takeaway
The electrician salary in the USA is around $63,190 per year at the national median in 2025, with a median hourly wage of $30.38. But this number is only a starting point for understanding electrician pay. Apprentice electricians generally earn less, while experienced and highly skilled electricians can earn considerably more.
State, experience, industry, license level, specialization and overtime can all change the final paycheck. Some electricians earn over $100,000, while others earn much less depending on their location and career stage.
For someone looking for a career that combines hands-on work with strong long-term demand, electrician work can be worth considering. The 9% projected employment growth from 2025 to 2035 also gives the trade a positive job outlook.
Electrician Salary Compared With Other Skilled Trades
People searching for electrician salary often want to know if electrical work pays better than other skilled trades. The answer depends on the occupation, location and experience, but electricians have a solid wage level compared with many other construction and maintenance jobs.
The national median annual wage for electricians was $63,190 in May 2025. This was above the median for all occupations, which was $50,980. Electricians can also increase their income through experience, overtime, specialized work and moving into higher responsibility positions.
For someone deciding between different skilled trades, salary should not be the only thing to consider. Working conditions, training time, physical demands, job availability and licensing requirements are also important.
- Electrician
- Plumber
- HVAC technician
- Welding and metal trade jobs
- Industrial maintenance jobs
- Construction equipment trades
Electrician Salary and Benefits
Electrician compensation is not always only the hourly wage. Employees may also receive benefits depending on the company and employment arrangement. These benefits can make a noticeable difference in total compensation.
Benefits can be different for union workers, contractors, government employees and workers employed directly by large companies. Self-employed electricians normally have to arrange their own insurance and retirement plans.
- Health insurance
- Dental and vision insurance
- Paid vacation
- Paid holidays
- Retirement plans
- Overtime opportunities
- Training and apprenticeship support
Because of this, two electrician jobs offering the same hourly wage may not actually provide the same total compensation. A job with a slightly lower hourly rate but better health insurance and retirement benefits can sometimes be the better overall offer.
Self-Employed Electrician Salary
A self-employed electrician has a different earning model from an employee. Instead of receiving a fixed hourly wage from an employer, the electrician may charge customers or contractors for electrical services.
This can create a higher income opportunity for experienced electricians who build a strong reputation and steady customer base. Residential service work, electrical repairs, installations and remodeling projects can all provide business opportunities.
But business revenue is not the same as personal salary. A self-employed electrician may have to pay for vehicles, tools, insurance, licenses, advertising, office expenses, materials and other business costs.
So when searching for self-employed electrician salary, it is better to look at net business income rather than only the amount charged to customers.
Can an Electrician Start Their Own Business?
Yes, experienced electricians can eventually move into electrical contracting or start their own electrical business, subject to state and local licensing rules. This is one possible way to move beyond a normal electrician hourly wage.
Running a business also brings more responsibility. The owner may need to find customers, prepare estimates, manage employees, buy equipment, handle insurance and make sure work follows electrical and building codes.
For someone with strong technical skills and good business management ability, an electrical contracting business can provide a different path for long-term income growth.
Electrician Working Conditions
Electrician work is generally hands-on and can be physically demanding. Electricians may work indoors or outdoors, depending on the project. Construction electricians can spend significant time at building sites, while industrial electricians may work inside factories or manufacturing facilities.
The work can sometimes require standing, climbing, bending and working in tight spaces. Safety is especially important because electricians work with electrical systems that can cause serious injury if handled incorrectly.
Work schedules can also change. BLS reports that almost all electricians work full time, and schedules can include evenings and weekends. Overtime may be required during construction projects or scheduled maintenance periods.
How to Become an Electrician in the USA
People interested in becoming an electrician usually start with a high school diploma or equivalent and then enter an apprenticeship or another approved training route. BLS says most electricians learn the trade through an apprenticeship, although some begin by attending a technical school. Most states require electricians to be licensed.
An apprenticeship combines classroom or technical instruction with practical work experience. This gives new workers a chance to learn electrical systems while working under more experienced professionals.
Typical Steps to Become an Electrician
- Complete high school or an equivalent qualification.
- Look for an electrician apprenticeship or technical training program.
- Complete required classroom and on-the-job training.
- Build practical electrical experience.
- Meet state or local licensing requirements.
- Pass required examinations where applicable.
- Continue developing electrical and safety skills.
The exact process is not identical across the country. Anyone planning to enter this career should check the licensing rules in the state where they plan to work.
Electrician Career Advancement
Electrician careers do not have to stop at basic installation and repair work. With additional experience and qualifications, workers can move into more advanced positions.
Some electricians become supervisors, estimators, inspectors or electrical contractors. Others specialize in industrial systems, commercial construction or maintenance.
- Apprentice electrician
- Journeyman electrician
- Master electrician, where applicable
- Electrical supervisor
- Electrical estimator
- Electrical inspector
- Electrical contractor
Career advancement can be important for someone who wants to increase electrician salary over a long period. Moving into leadership or specialized work can provide opportunities that are not available in entry-level positions.
Electrician Salary and Future Demand
The long-term demand for electricians is one of the stronger parts of this career. BLS projects employment for electricians to grow 9% from 2025 to 2035, compared with 3% for all occupations. About 72,700 openings are projected each year on average during the decade.
Electricians will continue to be needed for new buildings, electrical system replacements and maintenance. The growing use of solar and wind power also requires electricians to connect power generation systems to homes, businesses and the electrical grid.
BLS also points to increasing electricity demand from data centers and AI-related technologies. Grid upgrades and new electrical infrastructure can create additional opportunities for electricians in coming years.
Is Electrician a Good Career in the USA?
For many people, electrician can be a good career because it combines practical skills, steady demand and the possibility of increasing income with experience. A traditional four-year college degree is not normally required, although electricians need proper technical training and, in most states, licensing.
The national median salary of $63,190 is a useful benchmark, but workers should not expect to earn this amount immediately after entering the trade. Apprentices generally start at lower pay and move upward as they gain skills.
Experienced electricians in high-paying states or industries can earn considerably more. Some workers can also increase annual income with overtime, specialized skills or business ownership.
Electrician Salary FAQs
1. What is the average electrician salary in the USA?
The median electrician salary in the USA was $63,190 per year in May 2025, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. The mean annual wage was higher, so the exact number depends on whether average or median salary is being used.
2. How much does an electrician make per hour?
The national median electrician hourly wage was about $30.38 per hour in May 2025. Actual hourly pay can be lower or higher depending on experience, state, employer, specialization and overtime.
3. How much does an electrician make a year?
The national median annual electrician salary was $63,190 in 2025. The lowest 10 percent earned less than $42,640, while the highest 10 percent earned more than $108,510.
4. Which state pays electricians the most?
State wages vary significantly. In the 2025 data used in this guide, Oregon had one of the highest median electrician salaries at about $101,310 per year. Illinois, Hawaii and Washington were also among the higher-paying states.
5. Can electricians make $100,000 a year?
Yes. Some electricians earn $100,000 or more, especially those with substantial experience, higher-paying locations, specialized skills or significant overtime. BLS reported that the highest 10 percent of electricians earned more than $108,510 in May 2025.
6. How much does an apprentice electrician make?
Apprentice electricians normally earn less than fully trained electricians. Their pay generally increases as they gain skills and complete more of their apprenticeship. The exact starting salary depends on the state, employer and apprenticeship program.
7. Does electrician salary increase with experience?
Usually, yes. As electricians gain practical experience, complete training and qualify for more advanced work, their earning opportunities can increase. Journeyman and senior electricians generally have more responsibilities than new apprentices.
8. Do electricians need a college degree?
A four-year college degree is generally not required to become an electrician. BLS lists a high school diploma or equivalent as the typical entry-level education, with apprenticeship being the most common training route. Licensing requirements vary by state.
9. Is electrician a high-paying trade?
Electrician is a relatively well-paid skilled trade. The 2025 median wage of $63,190 was higher than the $50,980 median for all occupations. Experienced electricians in certain states, industries and specialties can earn considerably more.
10. Is the demand for electricians growing?
Yes. BLS projects electrician employment to grow 9% between 2025 and 2035, which is faster than the average for all occupations. About 72,700 openings are projected each year on average, including jobs created by employment growth and workers leaving the occupation.
Final Thoughts on Electrician Salary in the USA
Electrician salary in the USA can provide a solid income for people who are willing to learn a skilled trade and build experience. The national median annual wage was $63,190 in May 2025, while the median hourly wage was $30.38.
But there is a big difference between an apprentice electrician and an experienced electrician. State, industry, license level, specialization, overtime and employer can all change how much an electrician earns.
Some electricians earn well above the national median, and the highest-paid workers can earn more than $100,000 a year. At the same time, new workers normally start at lower wages and gradually move upward as they gain practical skills.
With projected employment growth of 9% from 2025 to 2035 and thousands of openings expected every year, electrician remains an important skilled trade in the United States. For people who prefer practical work and want a career that does not normally require a four-year college degree, it can be a strong career path.