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.
Home/Journeyman Salary

Updated 17 April 2026

Journeyman Electrician Salary 2026: $65,420 Average

$28-$48/hr depending on state and union status

A licensed journeyman can work independently, pull permits, and supervise apprentices. Pay varies more by geography and union status than any other factor.

National Average

$65,420/yr

Median Hourly

$31.45/hr

Union (Top Market)

$58.64/hr

Top 10%

$104,180/yr

What the Journeyman License Means

A journeyman electrician license is the first fully independent license tier. Unlike an apprentice, who must work under direct supervision, a licensed journeyman can work alone, make code interpretations on site, and pull individual permits in most jurisdictions.

The license requires completing 8,000-10,000 hours of documented on-the-job training through a registered apprenticeship (IBEW JATC, IEC, or employer-sponsored), plus passing a state exam covering the National Electrical Code (NEC), electrical theory, and local amendments. Illinois, Pennsylvania, and New York have local-only licensing with no statewide journeyman exam.

Most electricians spend the majority of their career at the journeyman level. The step to master electrician requires 2-4 more years plus the master exam, and is only essential if you want to start a business or advance to foreman or superintendent on large projects.

Pay by Years of Journeyman Experience

ExperienceHourly RangeAnnual Range
Year 1-2 (New Journeyman)$25 - $33/hr$52,000 - $69,000
Year 3-4$28 - $38/hr$58,000 - $79,000
Year 5-6$31 - $42/hr$64,000 - $87,000
Year 7-8$33 - $46/hr$69,000 - $96,000

Journeyman Pay by Top States

Union local rates from IBEW local agreements 2025-2026. Non-union markets shown where applicable.

State / MarketHourlyAnnual (Base)
Illinois (Chicago)$52.10$108,400+
New York (NYC)$58.64$122,000+
California (Bay Area)$54 - $60+$113,000+
Washington (Seattle)$56.42$117,000+
Massachusetts (Boston)$48 - $52$100,000+
New Jersey$42 - $50$87,000 - $104,000
Oregon (Portland)$42 - $48$87,000 - $100,000
Alaska$42 - $48$87,000 - $100,000

Specialty Premiums Above Base Journeyman Rate

Specialty / CertificationPremium
Controls / PLC Programming+$3 - $8/hr
Instrumentation / Process+$4 - $8/hr
Arc-Flash Qualified (NFPA 70E)+$2 - $3/hr
Solar PV Installer (NABCEP)+$2 - $5/hr
EV Charging (EVITP)+$1 - $3/hr
High Voltage (138kV+)+$5 - $12/hr

Overtime and Emergency Premium

Overtime Income

Federal: 1.5x after 40 hrs/week. Union contracts often: 1.5x after 8 hrs/day, 2x Sundays and holidays.

Base $32/hr = $48/hr OT

10 hrs/wk OT = +$24,960/yr extra

Emergency Call-Out

1.5x-2x normal rate plus 2-4 hour minimum guarantee. Industrial sites: $80-$150/hr. Linemen on storm work earn even more.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the average journeyman electrician salary?
The national average for journeyman electricians is approximately $65,420 per year ($31.45/hr) based on BLS OES May 2024 data. Union journeymen earn significantly more: IBEW Local 3 NYC pays $58.64/hr base, Local 134 Chicago pays $52.10/hr base. Non-union journeymen nationally average $28-$38/hr.
How long does it take to reach journeyman electrician?
It takes 4-5 years to complete a registered electrical apprenticeship. Most programs require 8,000-10,000 hours of on-the-job training plus 576-1,000 hours of classroom instruction. After passing the journeyman exam, you can work independently, pull permits, and supervise apprentices.
What specialty adds the most to a journeyman electrician's pay?
Controls and PLC programming adds $3-$8/hr above the standard journeyman rate. Instrumentation electricians earn similar premiums. Arc-flash qualified certification adds $2-$3/hr. For those willing to shift to outside work, linemen (BLS 47-2212) earn 30-40% more than inside wiremen.
How much do union journeyman electricians make vs non-union?
Union journeymen earn 25-40% more in total compensation. IBEW Local 134 Chicago base is $52.10/hr (about $108k/yr). Non-union journeyman in Chicago typically earns $35-$45/hr. The total compensation gap is larger when pension, health, and annuity are included.
Can a journeyman electrician start their own business?
In most states, a journeyman license alone is not sufficient to operate a contracting business. You typically need a master electrician license. Illinois, Pennsylvania, and New York have local-only licensing where requirements vary by municipality.
What is the next step after journeyman electrician?
The next step is master electrician. Most states require 2-4 years of journeyman experience plus passing the master exam. The master license gives authority to design electrical systems, pull permits as a business, and operate a contracting company.
Master Electrician SalaryApprentice SalaryUnion vs Non-UnionSalary by State

Sources: BLS OES May 2024 (47-2111), PayScale 2026, IBEW local agreements 2025-2026 via unionpayscales.com.