BLS OEWS May 2025
Electrician Salary in Virginia 2026
Updated 22 June 2026
$62,900/yr median · $30.24/hr
State Median
$63k
vs. National
$0k
Top 10%
$106k
COL-Adjusted
$62k
Electrician Salary Range in Virginia
The full wage spread for electricians (occupation 47-2111) in Virginia, 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
$40,780/yr
Lowest-paid 10%
Median (50th)
$63k
$62,900/yr
Typical electrician
90th percentile
$106k
$105,720/yr
Highest-paid 10%
An electrician in the bottom 10% of Virginia earners makes about $40,780/yr, while the top 10% earn $105,720/yr or more — a range of $64,940. 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 Virginia Ranks
Virginia ranks #30 nationally for electrician median wages. The national median is $63,190 (BLS OEWS May 2025). Virginia pays $290 below the national average.
Virginia's cost-of-living index is 101 (MERIC 2026, where 100 = US average). After adjustment, the purchasing power of an electrician's salary here is equivalent to $62,277/yr in national-average dollar terms. Cost of living is near the national average.
Pay by Metro Area
Estimated median pay for the top 5 metropolitan areas in Virginia, modelled from the state median and regional cost differentials (not BLS metro estimates).
| Metro Area | Median Annual | vs. State Avg |
|---|---|---|
| Northern Virginia (NoVA / DC Suburbs) | $72,400 | +9.5k |
| Richmond Metro | $56,800 | -6.1k |
| Virginia Beach / Norfolk / Hampton Roads | $54,400 | -8.5k |
| Charlottesville | $52,800 | -10.1k |
| Roanoke | $50,400 | -12.5k |
Pay by Experience Level
| Level | Hourly | Annual |
|---|---|---|
| Apprentice (Year 1) | $15 - $20/hr | $31,000 - $42,000 |
| Apprentice (Year 4) | $22 - $28/hr | $46,000 - $58,000 |
| Journeyman (Employee) | $27 - $40/hr | $56,000 - $83,000 |
| Master Electrician (Employee) | $34 - $48/hr | $71,000 - $100,000 |
| Self-Employed Contractor | $75 - $145/hr billed | $70,000 - $190,000 net |
Virginia Licensing Requirements
See full 50-state licensing matrix at electriciansalary.com/licensing
Union Presence in Virginia
IBEW Locals: IBEW Local 26 (Washington DC area, covers NoVA), Local 666 (Richmond), Local 80 (Norfolk / Hampton Roads), Local 50 (Newport News)
Union share: approximately 14% of electricians in Virginia are union, concentrated in NoVA and Hampton Roads shipyards.
Union electricians in Virginia 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 Virginia
Virginia is the data center capital of the world. Loudoun County's 'Data Center Alley' (Ashburn, Sterling, Leesburg) hosts roughly 70% of global internet traffic and is in a multi-year construction expansion. Dominion Energy's offshore wind project off Virginia Beach is the largest US offshore wind build to date, requiring substantial transmission and substation electrical work through 2030. Newport News Shipbuilding employs marine electricians on submarine and carrier work.
Major Employers in Virginia
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do electricians make in Virginia?
What is the salary range for electricians in Virginia?
How does Virginia rank for electrician pay?
Do I need a license to work as an electrician in Virginia?
Are union electricians better paid in Virginia?
What is the job outlook for electricians in Virginia?
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.