BLS OEWS May 2025
Electrician Salary in Ohio 2026
Updated 22 June 2026
$64,700/yr median · $31.11/hr
State Median
$65k
vs. National
+$2k
Top 10%
$99k
COL-Adjusted
$72k
Electrician Salary Range in Ohio
The full wage spread for electricians (occupation 47-2111) in Ohio, 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
$41k
$40,750/yr
Lowest-paid 10%
Median (50th)
$65k
$64,700/yr
Typical electrician
90th percentile
$99k
$99,280/yr
Highest-paid 10%
An electrician in the bottom 10% of Ohio earners makes about $40,750/yr, while the top 10% earn $99,280/yr or more — a range of $58,530. 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 Ohio Ranks
Ohio ranks #26 nationally for electrician median wages. The national median is $63,190 (BLS OEWS May 2025). Ohio pays $1,510 above the national average.
Ohio's cost-of-living index is 90 (MERIC 2026, where 100 = US average). After adjustment, the purchasing power of an electrician's salary here is equivalent to $71,889/yr in national-average dollar terms. The below-average cost of living means electricians here retain more purchasing power than the nominal wage suggests.
Pay by Metro Area
Estimated median pay for the top 5 metropolitan areas in Ohio, modelled from the state median and regional cost differentials (not BLS metro estimates).
| Metro Area | Median Annual | vs. State Avg |
|---|---|---|
| Columbus Metro | $58,400 | -6.3k |
| Cleveland Metro | $60,400 | -4.3k |
| Cincinnati Metro | $56,800 | -7.9k |
| Akron | $54,400 | -10.3k |
| Dayton | $52,400 | -12.3k |
Pay by Experience Level
| Level | Hourly | Annual |
|---|---|---|
| Apprentice (Year 1) | $15 - $19/hr | $31,000 - $40,000 |
| Apprentice (Year 4) | $21 - $27/hr | $44,000 - $56,000 |
| Journeyman (Employee) | $27 - $38/hr | $56,000 - $79,000 |
| Master Electrician (Employee) | $34 - $46/hr | $71,000 - $96,000 |
| Self-Employed Contractor | $70 - $130/hr billed | $65,000 - $180,000 net |
Ohio Licensing Requirements
See full 50-state licensing matrix at electriciansalary.com/licensing
Union Presence in Ohio
IBEW Locals: IBEW Local 683 (Columbus), Local 38 (Cleveland), Local 212 (Cincinnati), Local 82 (Dayton)
Union share: approximately 22% of electricians in Ohio are union.
Union electricians in Ohio 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 Ohio
Ohio is experiencing a significant manufacturing renaissance tied to semiconductor and battery production. Intel's $20 billion fab campus near Columbus (New Albany) is one of the largest construction projects in US history and requires thousands of electricians for the build phase. Honda EV battery plant in Marysville adds to industrial electrical demand.
Major Employers in Ohio
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do electricians make in Ohio?
What is the salary range for electricians in Ohio?
How does Ohio rank for electrician pay?
Do I need a license to work as an electrician in Ohio?
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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.