BLS OEWS May 2025
Electrician Salary in Washington 2026
Updated 22 June 2026
$95,220/yr median · $45.78/hr
State Median
$95k
vs. National
+$32k
Top 10%
$134k
COL-Adjusted
$83k
Electrician Salary Range in Washington
The full wage spread for electricians (occupation 47-2111) in Washington, 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
$52k
$52,170/yr
Lowest-paid 10%
Median (50th)
$95k
$95,220/yr
Typical electrician
90th percentile
$134k
$133,950/yr
Highest-paid 10%
An electrician in the bottom 10% of Washington earners makes about $52,170/yr, while the top 10% earn $133,950/yr or more — a range of $81,780. 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 Washington Ranks
Washington ranks #4 nationally for electrician median wages. The national median is $63,190 (BLS OEWS May 2025). Washington pays $32,030 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 $82,800/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 Washington, modelled from the state median and regional cost differentials (not BLS metro estimates).
| Metro Area | Median Annual | vs. State Avg |
|---|---|---|
| Seattle-Bellevue Metro | $80,400 | -14.8k |
| Tacoma | $70,400 | -24.8k |
| Spokane | $60,800 | -34.4k |
| Olympia | $66,400 | -28.8k |
| Yakima | $54,400 | -40.8k |
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
How much do electricians make in Washington?
What is the salary range for electricians in Washington?
How does Washington rank for electrician pay?
Do I need a license to work as an electrician in Washington?
Are union electricians better paid in Washington?
What is the job outlook for electricians in Washington?
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.