Electrician Salary
Estimated Pay by Experience Level
Salary by State
Median annual| State | Median / yr | Relative pay |
|---|---|---|
| District of Columbia | $81,388 | |
| California | $76,107 | |
| Washington | $74,202 | |
| New York | $72,861 | |
| New Jersey | $71,671 | |
| Massachusetts | $71,240 | |
| Connecticut | $71,057 | |
| Alaska | $70,554 | |
| National Median | $61,590 |
How to Become a Electrician
Electricians install, maintain, and repair electrical power, communications, lighting, and control systems.
Meet the education requirement
Most electricians enter the field with high school diploma or equivalent. Programs are offered by community colleges, trade schools, and universities.
Complete an accredited training program
Hands-on coursework and clinical or field experience prepare you for the work and for certification exams.
Earn the State journeyman electrician license
Most employers expect this credential — and in many states it's required to practice. Entry pay starts near $40,649 and rises toward $89,921 with experience.
Electrician salary: common questions
How much does a Electrician make an hour?
The median hourly wage for electricians is $29.61, which works out to about $61,590 per year for full-time work.
Which state pays electricians the most?
District of Columbia has the highest median pay for electricians at $81,388 per year — 32% above the national median of $61,590.
What is the salary range for electricians?
Most electricians earn between $40,649 and $89,921 per year. The middle 50% earn $49,888 to $76,372, with a median of $61,590.
Is becoming a Electrician a good career?
Employment is projected to grow 6% (faster than average), and the role typically requires high school diploma or equivalent. With a median wage of $61,590 per year, it pays well above the U.S. median for all occupations.