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 Connecticut 2026

Updated 17 April 2026

$65,800/yr average · $31.63/hr

State Median

$66k

vs. National

+$4k

Top 10%

$99k

COL-Adjusted

$54k

Where Connecticut Ranks

Connecticut ranks #9 nationally for electrician median wages. The national median is $61,590 (BLS OES May 2024). Connecticut pays $4,210 above the national average.

Connecticut's cost-of-living index is 121 (MERIC 2026, where 100 = US average). After adjustment, the purchasing power of an electrician's salary here is equivalent to $54,380/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 Connecticut.

Metro AreaMedian Annualvs. State Avg
Hartford Metro$67,200++1.4k
Fairfield County (Stamford-Norwalk)$73,200++7.4k
New Haven$64,800-1.0k
Bridgeport-Stamford$71,200++5.4k
Waterbury$60,400-5.4k

Pay by Experience Level

LevelHourlyAnnual
Apprentice (Year 1)$18 - $23/hr$37,000 - $48,000
Apprentice (Year 4)$25 - $33/hr$52,000 - $69,000
Journeyman (E-2)$32 - $46/hr$67,000 - $96,000
Contractor (E-1)$40 - $58/hr$83,000 - $121,000
Self-Employed Contractor$95 - $170/hr billed$95,000 - $235,000 net

Connecticut Licensing Requirements

Licensing AuthorityConnecticut Department of Consumer Protection (DCP) - Occupational and Professional Licensing Division
Journeyman RequirementE-2 Unlimited Journeyman Electrician: 8,000 hours OJT + 720 hours classroom (typically through CT Office of Apprenticeship) + pass DCP examination
Master RequirementE-1 Unlimited Electrical Contractor: 2 years as licensed E-2 + pass E-1 examination + business registration + insurance
Fee$90 exam + $150 first-year license issuance (Connecticut DCP fee schedule)
ReciprocityLimited reciprocity arrangements with Massachusetts, Rhode Island, and Vermont; case-by-case

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

Union Presence in Connecticut

IBEW Locals: IBEW Local 35 (Hartford), Local 90 (New Haven), Local 488 (Bridgeport-Stamford), Local 420 (New London)

Union share: approximately 34% of electricians in Connecticut are union.

Union electricians in Connecticut 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 Connecticut

Connecticut electricians benefit from Pratt & Whitney and Electric Boat (Groton submarine yard) expansion, continued financial-services commercial work in Hartford and Fairfield County, and offshore wind staging at New London State Pier supporting Vineyard Wind and Revolution Wind. Eversource grid modernisation across the state adds steady utility-side work.

Major Employers in Connecticut

Eversource EnergyElectric Boat (General Dynamics)Pratt & WhitneyDucci Electrical ContractorsConnectiCare facility expansion contractors

Frequently Asked Questions

How much do electricians make in Connecticut?
Electricians in Connecticut earn $65,800/yr ($31.63/hr) on average per BLS OES May 2024. Apprentices start at around $42,400/yr. Top-earning master electricians and self-employed contractors can exceed $99,200/yr.
How does Connecticut rank for electrician pay?
Connecticut ranks #9 nationally for electrician median wages. After cost-of-living adjustment (MERIC index 121), the real purchasing power is $54,380/yr.
Do I need a license to work as an electrician in Connecticut?
E-2 Unlimited Journeyman Electrician: 8,000 hours OJT + 720 hours classroom (typically through CT Office of Apprenticeship) + pass DCP examination. For master level: E-1 Unlimited Electrical Contractor: 2 years as licensed E-2 + pass E-1 examination + business registration + insurance.
Are union electricians better paid in Connecticut?
Yes. IBEW Local 35 (Hartford), Local 90 (New Haven), Local 488 (Bridgeport-Stamford), Local 420 (New London) operate in Connecticut, with approximately 34% of electricians in Connecticut are union. 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 Connecticut?
Connecticut electricians benefit from Pratt & Whitney and Electric Boat (Groton submarine yard) expansion, continued financial-services commercial work in Hartford and Fairfield County, and offshore wind staging at New London State Pier supporting Vineyard Wind and Revolution Wind. Eversource grid modernisation across the state adds steady utility-side work.

Related Pages

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

Updated 2026-04-27