BLS OES May 2024
Electrician Salary in Washington 2026
Updated 17 April 2026
$72,600/yr average · $34.90/hr
State Median
$73k
vs. National
+$11k
Top 10%
$105k
COL-Adjusted
$63k
Where Washington Ranks
Washington ranks #3 nationally for electrician median wages. The national median is $61,590 (BLS OES May 2024). Washington pays $11,010 above the national average.
Washington's cost-of-living index is 115 (MERIC 2026, where 100 = US average). After adjustment, the purchasing power of an electrician's salary here is equivalent to $63,130/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 Washington.
| Metro Area | Median Annual | vs. State Avg |
|---|---|---|
| Seattle-Bellevue Metro | $80,400 | ++7.8k |
| Tacoma | $70,400 | -2.2k |
| Spokane | $60,800 | -11.8k |
| Olympia | $66,400 | -6.2k |
| Yakima | $54,400 | -18.2k |
Pay by Experience Level
| Level | Hourly | Annual |
|---|---|---|
| Apprentice (Year 1) | $20 - $26/hr | $42,000 - $54,000 |
| Apprentice (Year 4-5) | $28 - $38/hr | $58,000 - $79,000 |
| Journeyman (Employee) | $35 - $50/hr | $73,000 - $104,000 |
| Master Electrician (Employee) | $42 - $58/hr | $87,000 - $121,000 |
| Self-Employed Contractor | $95 - $175/hr billed | $95,000 - $250,000 net |
Washington Licensing Requirements
See full 50-state licensing matrix at electriciansalary.com/licensing
Union Presence in Washington
IBEW Locals: IBEW Local 46 (Seattle - one of the highest-paying Inside locals in the US), Local 76 (Tacoma), Local 191 (Everett), Local 73 (Spokane)
Union share: approximately 38% of electricians in Washington are union.
Union electricians in Washington 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 Washington
Washington electricians benefit from Amazon HQ2 in Bellevue, continued data center expansion in the Eastern Washington Columbia Basin (Microsoft, Amazon, Google, Meta - driven by low-cost hydroelectric power), Boeing facility electrical maintenance, and offshore wind development off the Washington coast. The state's clean energy goals are driving solar and battery storage installation.
Major Employers in Washington
Frequently Asked Questions
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Related Pages
Source: BLS OES May 2024 (47-2111), MERIC 2026 COL Index, IBEW local agreements 2025-2026.