Updated 8 October 2026
Union vs Non-Union Electrician Pay 2026: BLS Wage Gap and IBEW Scales
Full-time union members in construction and extraction occupations earned a median $1,561 a week in 2025, against $1,004 for non-union workers: about 55% more before benefits (BLS). No electrician-only split is published.
Union weekly (BLS)
$1,561
Non-union weekly (BLS)
$1,004
Local 3 NYC base
$64.00/hr
Local 3 NYC package
$138.25/hr
IBEW Local Wage Scales 2026
Journeyman inside wireman rates for the Locals verified against a published wage sheet or a government prevailing-wage determination. Total package = base wage plus employer benefit contributions per hour. Each Local's page carries the full fringe breakdown and source.
| Local | Base | Total Pkg |
|---|---|---|
| Local 3 (New York City) | $64.00/hr | $138.25 |
| Local 98 (Philadelphia) | $70.97/hr | $117.10 |
| Local 103 (Boston) | $68.78/hr | $114.61 |
| Local 46 (Seattle) | $74.94/hr | $108.16 |
| Local 11 (Los Angeles) | $65.00/hr | $103.77 |
| Local 48 (Portland) | $65.50/hr | $95.79 |
| Local 357 (Las Vegas) | $60.83/hr | $90.92 |
Detailed pay pages, with the full fringe-benefit breakdown, apprentice wage ladder, and rate steps for each Local:
Full Factor Comparison
| Factor | Union (IBEW) | Non-Union |
|---|---|---|
| Median weekly earnings, construction trades (BLS 2025) | $1,561 (union members) | $1,004 |
| Journeyman base wage | Set by the Local agreement: $60.83 to $74.94/hr across the seven Locals above | Set by the employer; BLS puts the all-electrician median at $30.38/hr (union and non-union combined) |
| Health Insurance | Employer pays into a health and welfare trust per hour worked | Employer plan if offered; premium share varies |
| Pension | Multiemployer defined-benefit plan plus NEBF | 401(k) if offered; defined-benefit pensions are rare |
| Annuity | Hourly annuity contribution in many Locals | Rarely offered |
| Apprenticeship Training | JATC, funded mainly by employer contributions | IEC or ABC programme; tuition set by each chapter |
| Overtime Rules | Set by the Local agreement; many pay daily overtime | Federal: 1.5x after 40 hrs/week; some states (e.g. California) add daily overtime |
| Work Flexibility | Hiring hall dispatch; jurisdiction rules | Direct hire; more flexibility |
| Union Dues | Set by each Local (Local 48 Portland: $2.95/hr in 2026) | None |
| Job Security Between Jobs | Out-of-work list at the hiring hall | At-will; find your own work |
Bottom Line
On the national BLS data, union construction workers out-earn non-union workers on cash wages alone, before the employer's benefit contributions are counted. The long-term wealth effect of a defined pension and annuity fund is substantial and often overlooked. Non-union electricians have more geographic flexibility and easier self-employment transitions. The best choice depends on your career goals, geography, and whether self-employment is in your plans.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much more do union electricians make than non-union?
How much are IBEW union dues?
What is the IBEW total package and why does it matter?
When does non-union make more sense than IBEW?
Can you leave IBEW after joining?
Is the IBEW apprenticeship free?
Sources: BLS, Union Members 2025 (Current Population Survey annual averages), Tables 4 and 5; BLS OEWS May 2025 (occupation 47-2111); IBEW Local wage sheets and prevailing-wage determinations as cited on each Local's page.