BLS OEWS May 2025
Electrician Salary in New York 2026
Updated 22 June 2026
$78,750/yr median · $37.86/hr
State Median
$79k
vs. National
+$16k
Top 10%
$132k
COL-Adjusted
$58k
Electrician Salary Range in New York
The full wage spread for electricians (occupation 47-2111) in New York, from the lowest-paid 10% to the highest-paid 10%. All three figures are reported directly by the BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics program (May 2025).
10th percentile
$46k
$45,740/yr
Lowest-paid 10%
Median (50th)
$79k
$78,750/yr
Typical electrician
90th percentile
$132k
$131,640/yr
Highest-paid 10%
An electrician in the bottom 10% of New York earners makes about $45,740/yr, while the top 10% earn $131,640/yr or more — a range of $85,900. The 10th-percentile figure is a real BLS wage observation (it typically reflects apprentices and newly-licensed journeymen), distinct from the modelled apprentice-entry estimate shown in the experience table below.
Where New York Ranks
New York ranks #7 nationally for electrician median wages. The national median is $63,190 (BLS OEWS May 2025). New York pays $15,560 above the national average.
New York's cost-of-living index is 136 (MERIC 2026, where 100 = US average). After adjustment, the purchasing power of an electrician's salary here is equivalent to $57,904/yr in national-average dollar terms. The high cost of living significantly reduces the real value of nominal wages.
Pay by Metro Area
Estimated median pay for the top 5 metropolitan areas in New York, modelled from the state median and regional cost differentials (not BLS metro estimates).
| Metro Area | Median Annual | vs. State Avg |
|---|---|---|
| New York City (NYC) | $88,400 | +9.7k |
| Long Island (Nassau/Suffolk) | $79,200 | +0.5k |
| Westchester County | $78,400 | -0.3k |
| Albany Metro | $62,400 | -16.4k |
| Buffalo Metro | $58,800 | -19.9k |
Pay by Experience Level
| Level | Hourly | Annual |
|---|---|---|
| Apprentice (Year 1 - NYC) | $22 - $28/hr | $46,000 - $58,000 |
| Apprentice (Year 4-5 - NYC) | $32 - $42/hr | $67,000 - $87,000 |
| Journeyman (NYC - IBEW Local 3) | $64.00/hr base | $133,000+ (base only) |
| Master Electrician (NYC) | $68 - $85/hr billed | $141,000 - $177,000 |
| Self-Employed Contractor (NYC) | $120 - $250/hr billed | $150,000 - $400,000+ net |
New York Licensing Requirements
See full 50-state licensing matrix at electriciansalary.com/licensing
Union Presence in New York
IBEW Locals: IBEW Local 3 (NYC - one of the largest IBEW locals in the US), Local 25 (Long Island), Local 363 (Rockland County), Local 41 (Buffalo), Local 236 (Albany)
Union share: approximately 55% of electricians in New York City are union; statewide around 35%.
Union electricians in New York 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 New York
New York City remains one of the most active construction markets in the world. Major electrical demand drivers through 2033 include: Hudson Yards Phase 2, continued data center builds in the outer boroughs, offshore wind port infrastructure, MTA and subway modernisation, and significant mixed-income housing construction. Upstate NY benefits from semiconductor fab development (Micron in Syracuse).
Major Employers in New York
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do electricians make in New York?
What is the salary range for electricians in New York?
How does New York rank for electrician pay?
Do I need a license to work as an electrician in New York?
Are union electricians better paid in New York?
What is the job outlook for electricians in New York?
Related Pages
State 10th-percentile, median, and 90th-percentile (top 10%) wage figures: BLS OEWS May 2025 (47-2111). COL index: MERIC 2026. Metro, apprentice, and contractor figures are modelled estimates (not BLS). IBEW local agreements 2025-2026.