BLS OES May 2024 Data
Electricians earn $61,590 per year on average
Updated 17 April 2026 · Source: BLS OES 47-2111
From $31,200 as a first-year apprentice to $300,000+ running a crew. Salary depends on your level, state, and whether you are union.
Median Hourly
$29.61/hr
Top 10%
$104,180
Journeyman Avg
$65,420
Master Avg
$78,140
Top 10 Highest-Paying States
BLS OES May 2024 median annual wage for electricians (47-2111). Before overtime.
See full 50-state rankings at electriciansalary.com/by-state
Career Progression: Apprentice to Business Owner
The electrical trade has six clear pay tiers. Each step requires specific documented hours and licensing exams.
Apprentice (Year 1)
Year 1
$31,200 - $41,600
$15-$20/hr
40-50% of journeyman rate
Apprentice (Year 2-3)
Years 2-3
$37,400 - $52,000
$18-$25/hr
50-70% of journeyman rate
Apprentice (Year 4)
Year 4
$44,000 - $58,000
$21-$28/hr
75-85% of journeyman rate
Journeyman Electrician
4-8 years
$52,000 - $75,000
$25-$36/hr
Licensed, independent
Master Electrician
8+ years
$65,000 - $95,000
$31-$46/hr
Permit authority, supervision
Business Owner / Contractor
10+ years
$80,000 - $300,000+
Varies widely
Master license required
Salary by Specialisation
Different specialisations offer very different earning ceilings, schedules, and career paths.
Residential
$52,000/yr
Lower base, high side-work potential
Commercial
$61,590/yr
National median, steady hours
Industrial
$68,000/yr
Highest inside-wireman ceiling
Lineman (Outside)
$85,420/yr
Storm work: $120k-$160k
Controls / PLC
$72,000/yr
+$3-8/hr premium on journeyman base
Marine / Shipyard
$64,000/yr
Travel premium, offshore work
Linemen are classified under BLS 47-2212, a distinct occupation from inside wiremen (47-2111). See the full comparison.
IBEW Local Wage Transparency
Union wages are set by collective bargaining agreements. The base wage is only part of the picture. Here are five representative Locals.
Source: unionpayscales.com, IBEW Local agreements 2025-2026. Inside wireman journeyman rates.
| IBEW Local | Base Wage | H&W | Pension |
|---|---|---|---|
| Local 3 (New York City) | $58.64/hr | $14.20/hr | $9.42/hr |
| Local 134 (Chicago) | $52.10/hr | $12.80/hr | $8.40/hr |
| Local 11 (Los Angeles) | $54.28/hr | $13.60/hr | $9.10/hr |
| Local 46 (Seattle) | $56.42/hr | $13.90/hr | $8.80/hr |
| Local 26 (Washington DC) | $50.88/hr | $12.40/hr | $8.00/hr |
Total package includes base + H&W + pension + annuity + training fund + NEBF. Why "$45/hr base" is really "$80+/hr total compensation." Full union vs non-union analysis.
Full Electrician Salary Guide
Deep-dive pages for every aspect of electrician pay, career progression, and licensing.
Lineman Salary
$85,420 median. Storm work pays $120k+. Outside construction vs inside wireman.
Self-Employed Income
$70k solo, $300k+ with a crew. Charge rates, overhead, and startup costs.
Master Electrician Salary
$78,140 employee avg, $95k-$200k+ as business owner.
Electrician vs Plumber
Plumbers edge out by $1,380/yr. Full BLS head-to-head.
Licensing by State
All 50 states: journeyman hours, master requirements, reciprocity.
How to Become an Electrician
4-5 years to journeyman. JATC vs IEC apprenticeship comparison.
Union vs Non-Union Pay
20-35% total comp difference. IBEW wage scale breakdown.
Commercial vs Residential
Industrial pays 30-40% more. Day-in-the-life and career tradeoffs.