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 New York 2026

Updated 17 April 2026

$72,800/yr average · $35.00/hr

State Median

$73k

vs. National

+$11k

Top 10%

$107k

COL-Adjusted

$54k

Where New York Ranks

New York ranks #2 nationally for electrician median wages. The national median is $61,590 (BLS OES May 2024). New York pays $11,210 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 $53,529/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 New York.

Metro AreaMedian Annualvs. State Avg
New York City (NYC)$88,400++15.6k
Long Island (Nassau/Suffolk)$79,200++6.4k
Westchester County$78,400++5.6k
Albany Metro$62,400-10.4k
Buffalo Metro$58,800-14.0k

Pay by Experience Level

LevelHourlyAnnual
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)$58.64/hr base$122,000+ (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

Licensing AuthorityNew York City has no state-level electrician license; licensing is municipal. NYC: Department of Buildings issues Master Electrician license. Other localities have their own requirements (Westchester, Long Island, Albany, Buffalo each have separate licensing).
Journeyman RequirementNew York has no state journeyman license. NYC journeyman exam: 7.5 years documented experience (4+ years in NYC) + exam. Other cities vary widely.
Master RequirementNYC Master Electrician: 7.5 years experience (minimum 4 years in NYC or NYC vicinity) + passing exam + $110 filing fee + insurance and bond
Fee$110 exam filing fee (NYC DoB); other localities have separate fee schedules
ReciprocityNone; NYC master license is not recognized elsewhere and vice versa

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

Skanska (electrical division)Turner Construction (electrical subs)Judlau ContractingCon EdisonLong Island Power Authority (LIPA)

Frequently Asked Questions

How much do electricians make in New York?
Electricians in New York earn $72,800/yr ($35.00/hr) on average per BLS OES May 2024. Apprentices start at around $46,000/yr. Top-earning master electricians and self-employed contractors can exceed $107,000/yr.
How does New York rank for electrician pay?
New York ranks #2 nationally for electrician median wages. After cost-of-living adjustment (MERIC index 136), the real purchasing power is $53,529/yr.
Do I need a license to work as an electrician in New York?
New York has no state journeyman license. NYC journeyman exam: 7.5 years documented experience (4+ years in NYC) + exam. Other cities vary widely.. For master level: NYC Master Electrician: 7.5 years experience (minimum 4 years in NYC or NYC vicinity) + passing exam + $110 filing fee + insurance and bond.
Are union electricians better paid in New York?
Yes. 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) operate in New York, with approximately 55% of electricians in New York City are union; statewide around 35%. 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 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).

Related Pages

All StatesLicensing RequirementsJourneyman SalaryMaster Electrician SalaryUnion vs Non-Union

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