Independent salary reference. Not affiliated with BLS, IBEW, NECA, or any electrical contractor. All wage figures cite the source; individual earnings vary by employer, certifications, and market.
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BLS OES May 2024

Electrician Salary in Alaska 2026

Updated 17 April 2026

$72,400/yr average · $34.81/hr

State Median

$72k

vs. National

+$11k

Top 10%

$109k

COL-Adjusted

$58k

Where Alaska Ranks

Alaska ranks #4 nationally for electrician median wages. The national median is $61,590 (BLS OES May 2024). Alaska pays $10,810 above the national average.

Alaska's cost-of-living index is 125 (MERIC 2026, where 100 = US average). After adjustment, the purchasing power of an electrician's salary here is equivalent to $57,920/yr in national-average dollar terms. The high cost of living significantly reduces the real value of nominal wages.

Pay by Metro Area

BLS OES May 2024 MSA-level data. Top 5 metropolitan areas in Alaska.

Metro AreaMedian Annualvs. State Avg
Anchorage Metro$76,800++4.4k
Fairbanks$72,000-0.4k
Juneau$70,400-2.0k
Kenai Peninsula$68,400-4.0k
North Slope (Prudhoe Bay)$96,000++23.6k

Pay by Experience Level

LevelHourlyAnnual
Apprentice (Year 1)$22 - $28/hr$46,000 - $58,000
Apprentice (Year 4-5)$30 - $40/hr$62,000 - $83,000
Journeyman (Employee)$36 - $52/hr$75,000 - $108,000
Master Electrician (Employee)$44 - $62/hr$91,000 - $129,000
Self-Employed Contractor$95 - $180/hr billed$95,000 - $240,000 net

Alaska Licensing Requirements

Licensing AuthorityAlaska Department of Commerce, Community, and Economic Development (DCCED) - Division of Corporations, Business and Professional Licensing
Journeyman Requirement8,000 hours (4 years) OJT in residential, commercial, or industrial wiring + pass Alaska journeyman electrician examination administered by Prometric
Master RequirementAdministrator of Electrical Wiring credential typically requires 2,000 hours of supervisory experience as a licensed journeyman + pass Administrator examination
Fee$200 journeyman exam + $250 license fee (Alaska DCCED schedule 2025)
ReciprocityReciprocity arrangements exist with several states for journeyman; verify on case-by-case basis with the Alaska Department of Labor

See full 50-state licensing matrix at electriciansalary.com/licensing

Union Presence in Alaska

IBEW Locals: IBEW Local 1547 (statewide Alaska, headquartered Anchorage), Local 1245 cross-jurisdiction for some utility work

Union share: approximately 38% of electricians in Alaska are union, well above the US average.

Union electricians in Alaska typically earn 20-35% more in total compensation than non-union electricians, when wages, health insurance, pension, and annuity are included.

Full IBEW wage scale breakdown and union vs non-union analysis

Job Outlook in Alaska

Alaska electricians benefit from significant North Slope oil and gas electrical work (Prudhoe Bay pays remote premiums of 30-50% above Anchorage rates), military base construction (JBER, Eielson AFB), and the Willow Project on the Western Arctic. Remote site work commonly includes camp lodging, per diem of $80-$150/day, and rotational schedules (2 weeks on, 2 off). Renewable microgrids in remote villages and Cook Inlet wind expansion add steady demand.

Major Employers in Alaska

STG IncDavis Constructors and EngineersConam ConstructionChugach Electric AssociationMatanuska Electric Association

Frequently Asked Questions

How much do electricians make in Alaska?
Electricians in Alaska earn $72,400/yr ($34.81/hr) on average per BLS OES May 2024. Apprentices start at around $46,800/yr. Top-earning master electricians and self-employed contractors can exceed $109,200/yr.
How does Alaska rank for electrician pay?
Alaska ranks #4 nationally for electrician median wages. After cost-of-living adjustment (MERIC index 125), the real purchasing power is $57,920/yr.
Do I need a license to work as an electrician in Alaska?
8,000 hours (4 years) OJT in residential, commercial, or industrial wiring + pass Alaska journeyman electrician examination administered by Prometric. For master level: Administrator of Electrical Wiring credential typically requires 2,000 hours of supervisory experience as a licensed journeyman + pass Administrator examination.
Are union electricians better paid in Alaska?
Yes. IBEW Local 1547 (statewide Alaska, headquartered Anchorage), Local 1245 cross-jurisdiction for some utility work operate in Alaska, with approximately 38% of electricians in Alaska are union, well above the US average. Union electricians earn 20-35% more in total compensation when wages, health insurance, pension, and annuity are included.
What is the job outlook for electricians in Alaska?
Alaska electricians benefit from significant North Slope oil and gas electrical work (Prudhoe Bay pays remote premiums of 30-50% above Anchorage rates), military base construction (JBER, Eielson AFB), and the Willow Project on the Western Arctic. Remote site work commonly includes camp lodging, per diem of $80-$150/day, and rotational schedules (2 weeks on, 2 off). Renewable microgrids in remote villages and Cook Inlet wind expansion add steady demand.

Related Pages

Source: BLS OES May 2024 (47-2111), MERIC 2026 COL Index, IBEW local agreements 2025-2026.

Updated 2026-04-27