Electrician Salary in 2026
Electricians install, maintain, and repair electrical systems in buildings, factories, and infrastructure. They read blueprints, follow safety codes, and troubleshoot electrical issues.
Median Salary
$59,000
$4,917/mo
Entry Level
$39,000
starting pay
Senior Level
$84,000
experienced
Job Growth
+7%
10-yr outlook
Electrician Overview
Electricians install, maintain, and repair electrical systems in buildings, factories, and infrastructure. They read blueprints, follow safety codes, and troubleshoot electrical issues.
Education
High School Diploma + Apprenticeship
Experience
4 year apprenticeship
Industry
Construction
Total Jobs (US)
740K
5-Year Growth
+13%
Category
Trades
Hourly Rate
$28.37/hr
Monthly Pay
$4,917
Electrician Salary Calculator
Adjust your state and experience level to see the estimated Electrician salary in your area.
Mid Career (5-9 yrs)
Estimated Electrician Salary
$69,000
$5,750/month · $2,654/biweekly · $33.17/hr
Electrician Salary Range
Salary distribution from entry-level to top earners in the Electrician field.
Entry-level Electricians earn around $39,000, while the top 10% earn $91,500 or more.
Top Paying States for Electricians
| State | Est. Median Salary | vs National |
|---|---|---|
| California | $70,000 | +$11,000 |
| New York | $68,000 | +$9,000 |
| Massachusetts | $66,000 | +$7,000 |
| Illinois | $61,000 | +$2,000 |
| Texas | $58,000 | $-1,000 |
Top Paying Cities for Electricians
| City | Est. Median Salary | vs National |
|---|---|---|
| New York | $70,000 | +$11,000 |
| Los Angeles | $66,000 | +$7,000 |
| Boston | $66,000 | +$7,000 |
| Chicago | $62,000 | +$3,000 |
| Houston | $58,000 | $-1,000 |
Required Skills & Certifications
Key Skills
Certifications
Electrician Career Progression
Typical salary growth path for a Electrician from entry level to expert.
$39,000
0-2 years
$62,000
3-7 years
$84,000
8-14 years
$99,000
15+ years
Related Trades Jobs
Electrician Salary FAQ
How much does a Electrician make in 2026?
The median salary for a Electrician in the United States is $59,000 per year in 2026. Entry-level positions start around $39,000, while senior professionals earn up to $84,000. Top earners in the field can make $99,000 or more annually.
What education is needed to become a Electrician?
A Electrician typically requires a High School Diploma + Apprenticeship with 4 year apprenticeship of experience. Key skills include Wiring, NEC Code, Troubleshooting. Relevant certifications such as Journeyman License or Master Electrician can boost earning potential and career advancement.
What is the job outlook for Electricians?
The job market for Electricians is projected to grow by 7% over the next decade. There are currently approximately 740K Electrician positions in the US. Salary growth over the past 5 years has been approximately 13%, reflecting steady demand for this role.
Which states pay Electricians the most?
The highest-paying states for Electricians include California, New York, Texas. In California, the median salary is approximately $70,000. However, cost of living varies significantly, so adjusted purchasing power should be considered when comparing salaries across states.
How can I increase my Electrician salary?
To increase your Electrician salary, focus on gaining expertise in high-demand skills like Wiring and NEC Code. Pursue certifications such as Journeyman License. Consider relocating to higher-paying markets like New York. With 4 year apprenticeship of experience, you can progress from $39,000 to $84,000 or more.
Methodology & Data Sources — Electrician Salary
How we calculate Electrician salary data: Our figures combine BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) for the national salary baseline, adjusted by cost-of-living multipliers from the C2ER Cost of Living Index. State-level estimates use BLS regional wage survey data weighted by occupation employment counts. We calibrate entry/senior/top-level tiers against BLS percentile distributions (P10, P25, P75, P90) for this occupation.
- National median salary: $59,000 — sourced from BLS OEWS for SOC code corresponding to Electrician in the Construction sector.
- Entry-level ($39,000) and senior-level ($84,000) figures reflect BLS P25 and P75 percentile wage estimates adjusted for experience.
- Job outlook: +7% projected growth through 2034, from BLS Employment Projections program. Approximately 740K total positions nationwide.
- 5-year salary growth: 13% over the past 5 years, derived from BLS Employment Cost Index for Construction sector wages.
- Education requirement: High School Diploma + Apprenticeship, per BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook entry for this occupation.
- State-level estimates use BLS regional CPI-U data and OEWS metropolitan area wage surveys, normalized to the national median of $59,000.
Authoritative US data sources for Electrician compensation:
- BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) — national and metro-area salary data
- BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook — Electrician job projections, education, and career outlook
- BLS Employment Projections — 10-year occupation growth and decline data
- BLS Employment Cost Index — quarterly compensation trend data for Construction
- BLS Consumer Price Index (CPI-U) — regional inflation for cost-of-living wage adjustments
- IRS Revenue Procedure 2025-32 summary — 2026 federal tax brackets and standard deductions
Disclaimer: Electrician salary figures are statistical estimates for general guidance. Actual compensation depends on employer, location, negotiation, specific skills (Wiring, NEC Code, Troubleshooting), certifications, and industry conditions. Always verify with multiple sources including current job listings, recruiter data, and direct employer offers before making career decisions.
Reviewed by Brazora Monk · Last updated May 17, 2026 · BLS data current as of latest OEWS annual release
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