Electrician pay in the United States varies widely from state to state. Demand, union coverage, licensing laws, and living costs can shift average wages by more than 50 percent.
This guide shows how much electricians earn across the country in 2025, including apprentice, journeyman, and master levels—so you can see where your trade pays off the most.
Average Electrician Salary in the U.S. (2025)
Based on 2025 job board and BLS data:
| Role | Average Hourly | Average Annual |
|---|---|---|
| Apprentice Electrician | $21/hr | $43,000 |
| Journeyman Electrician | $30/hr | $62,000 |
| Master Electrician | $38/hr | $79,000 |
In high-demand markets such as Texas and California, journeyman electricians can exceed $80,000 per year with overtime.
Top 10 Highest-Paying States for Electricians in 2025
| Rank | State | Avg. Annual Pay | Key Industries |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Illinois | $88,000 | Industrial, Commercial |
| 2 | California | $86,500 | Renewable Energy, EV Infrastructure |
| 3 | New York | $85,800 | Union, High-Rise Construction |
| 4 | Washington | $84,000 | Data Centers, Infrastructure |
| 5 | Massachusetts | $82,900 | Commercial, Maintenance |
| 6 | Texas | $81,000 | Residential, Industrial, Solar |
| 7 | Oregon | $79,500 | Renewable Energy, Industrial |
| 8 | New Jersey | $78,800 | Industrial, Utility Work |
| 9 | Alaska | $77,900 | Remote, Oil & Gas |
| 10 | Florida | $75,200 | Construction, Service, Maintenance |
High-population and infrastructure-heavy states consistently offer the best pay, especially where union contracts or renewable energy projects are expanding.
Electrician Pay by Region
West Coast (CA, OR, WA) – Top national wages driven by renewable energy and data center projects.
South (TX, FL) – Construction and solar growth make even entry-level wages strong.
Midwest (IL, OH) – Industrial and automation work supports steady pay.
Northeast (NY, MA, NJ) – Strong unions and commercial activity offset higher living costs.
States with Fastest-Growing Demand for Electricians
Even average-pay states can offer rapid job growth. The highest demand increases are in:
- Texas – residential expansion and solar projects
- Florida – ongoing construction and hurricane recovery
- Arizona – new manufacturing and data centers
- Tennessee – automotive production plants
- Colorado – renewable energy and EV infrastructure
Related listings:
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Rankings
Salary alone does not show true buying power. After adjusting for costs:
- Texas: roughly 10 percent higher real income than national average
- Florida: no state income tax improves take-home pay
- Ohio: low housing costs increase disposable income
Electrician Pay by Experience Level
| Level | Typical Experience | Pay Range |
|---|---|---|
| Apprentice | 0–2 years | $35,000–$48,000 |
| Journeyman | 2–8 years | $55,000–$75,000 |
| Master Electrician | 8+ years | $70,000–$95,000+ |
Factors That Affect Pay
- Licensing: Fully licensed electricians can earn up to 20 percent more.
- Union Membership: Adds wage protection and benefits.
- Specialization: Solar, automation, and industrial sectors pay premiums.
- State Regulations: Union density and permit rules influence hourly rates.
- Company Size: Smaller contractors may pay less but offer flexible schedules.
How to Increase Your Electrician Salary
- Obtain advanced certifications (OSHA, NCCER, solar, EV).
- Relocate to a high-demand state or metro area.
- Specialize in industrial automation or renewable systems.
- Use transparent, trade-focused job boards like ElectriciansHired.com to compare real pay rates.
Summary
Electricians remain among the best-paid skilled trades in the country. With experience, licensing, and specialization, annual earnings of $80,000–$100,000 are realistic—especially in growth markets like Texas, California, and Illinois.