Electrician Salary 2025: Median Pay $63,190, Fast Growth & How to Start
The median electrician in the U.S. earns $63,190 per year, or roughly $30 an hour, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics. That puts the middle half of the profession between $42,640 and $108,510, with top earners pulling well into six figures. With 757,220 electricians working nationwide and a projected 9.5% growth over the next decade—much faster than average—this is a trade that pays well and stays in demand.
How much Electricians earn
The typical electrician's salary lands at $63,190, but the spread is wide. The bottom 10% earn about $42,640, while the top 10% make over $108,510. The mean annual wage across all electricians is $71,490. Pay varies by experience, specialty, and location—so where you work matters as much as how long you've been in the trade.
Overtime and union work can push earnings higher. Many electricians log extra hours on construction or emergency calls, and union electricians in metropolitan areas often see wages well above the national median.
- 10th percentile: $42,640
- Median: $63,190
- 90th percentile: $108,510
- Mean hourly: ~$30
Pay by state
Where you work as an electrician dramatically changes your paycheck. The highest-paying state is Oregon, with an average salary of $101,310. Illinois follows at $99,560, then Hawaii ($96,460), Washington ($95,220), and Alaska ($89,440). These states tend to have stronger unions, higher cost of living, or both.
On the lower end, North Carolina averages $56,800, Alabama $55,690, and Arkansas $49,070. As a rule, southern states pay less than the West Coast and Northeast. But keep in mind that lower pay often comes with a lower cost of living—Arkansas's median home price is roughly half of Oregon's.
How to become an Electrician
The standard path is an apprenticeship: a paid, on-the-job training program combined with classroom instruction. Most apprenticeships last four to five years and require a high school diploma or GED. Many are run by joint union-contractor committees (like the IBEW and NECA) or independent trade schools.
After completing an apprenticeship, you must pass a state licensing exam. Requirements vary by state, but the exam typically covers the National Electrical Code, local codes, and safety practices. Some states also require continuing education to renew licenses.
- 1. Earn a high school diploma or GED (with algebra and physics preferred).
- 2. Apply to a formal apprenticeship (union or non-union) — expect a competitive entry process.
- 3. Complete 4–5 years of on-the-job training and 144+ hours of classroom instruction per year.
- 4. Pass your state's journeyman electrician licensing exam.
- 5. Consider specialty certifications (e.g., solar, industrial) to boost earning potential.
Job outlook
The BLS projects employment for electricians will grow 9.5% from 2024 to 2034, much faster than the average for all occupations. That growth translates to about 81,000 openings each year, mostly from replacing workers who retire or leave the field.
Why the boom? New construction, renewable energy installations (solar, wind), and the ongoing need to upgrade aging electrical infrastructure all drive demand. Electricians who specialize in green energy, smart home systems, or industrial automation will have the best prospects.
Frequently asked questions
What is the starting salary for an electrician?
The bottom 10% of electricians earn about $42,640 per year, which is typical for apprentices or entry-level workers. Many apprentices start lower but receive raises as they gain hours and skills.
How long does it take to become an electrician?
Most formal apprenticeships run 4–5 years. Add time for licensing, and you're looking at roughly 5 years from start to fully licensed journeyman. Some trade school programs can shorten the classroom portion but don't replace the on-the-job hours.
Is the demand for electricians high?
Yes. The BLS projects 9.5% growth from 2024 to 2034, much faster than average, with about 81,000 job openings per year. Demand is strongest in construction, renewable energy, and maintenance.
Salary figures are U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics estimates (OEWS / Employment Projections). For informational purposes only; not career or financial advice. See the full Electricians data.