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/Union vs Non-Union

Updated 17 April 2026

Union vs Non-Union Electrician Pay 2026: 20-35% Total Comp Difference

Base wage gap 15-25%. Total compensation gap is larger when benefits are included.

Union Base (NYC)

$58.64/hr

Union Package (NYC)

$88+/hr

Non-Union JW avg

$28-$42/hr

Total Comp Lift

20-35%

IBEW Local Wage Scales 2025-2026

Journeyman inside wireman rates. Source: unionpayscales.com and IBEW local agreements. H&W = Health and Welfare fund contribution per hour.

LocalBaseTotal Pkg
Local 3 (New York City)$58.64/hr$88.26+
Local 134 (Chicago)$52.10/hr$78.30+
Local 11 (Los Angeles)$54.28/hr$81.88+
Local 46 (Seattle)$56.42/hr$84.32+
Local 26 (Washington DC)$50.88/hr$75.78+

Full Factor Comparison

FactorUnion (IBEW)Non-Union
Hourly Base Wage (JW)$35-$58/hr (market varies)$28-$42/hr (market varies)
Total Package$55-$88+/hr$30-$50/hr
Health InsuranceFull family, low premiums (H&W fund)Varies; often partial or employee-paid
PensionDefined benefit (vests after 5 yrs)401(k) if offered; no pension
AnnuityAdditional savings fundRarely offered
Apprenticeship TrainingFree JATC program$2k-$6k IEC tuition
Overtime Rules1.5x after 8 hrs/day (most locals)1.5x after 40 hrs/week (federal)
Work FlexibilityHiring hall dispatch; jurisdiction rulesDirect hire; more flexibility
Union Dues2-4% of gross (~$1.50-$2.50/hr)None
Job Security Between JobsHiring hall provides workAt-will; find your own work

Bottom Line

Union electricians earn more in total compensation in almost every comparable market. 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?
Union electricians (IBEW) earn 20-35% more in total compensation than non-union in the same market. Base wage gap is 15-25%; total compensation gap is larger when health insurance ($8-$14/hr), pension ($4-$10/hr), and annuity ($2-$5/hr) are included. IBEW Local 3 NYC: $58.64/hr base = $88+/hr total package.
How much are IBEW union dues?
IBEW dues are typically 2-4% of gross wages, roughly $1.50-$2.50/hr for a journeyman. At $52/hr, a journeyman pays approximately $2,700-$4,300/yr in dues. Dues fund the hiring hall, training, and the legal representation that maintains the wage scale.
What is the IBEW total package and why does it matter?
The IBEW total package includes base wage, health and welfare, pension, annuity, vacation/holiday, training fund, and NEBF per hour. When a Local quotes $45/hr base, the total package is often $70-$90/hr. Pension and H&W build long-term wealth well beyond the cash wage alone.
When does non-union make more sense than IBEW?
Non-union sometimes makes sense when: you are in a right-to-work state with weak union density; you want to go self-employed quickly (IBEW limits working non-union without penalties); you want geographic flexibility; or you prefer flexible work rules over union jurisdictional boundaries.
Can you leave IBEW after joining?
Yes, but there are consequences. Resignation means losing hiring hall access, health insurance, and annuity funds if not vested. Pension vesting typically requires 5 years of credited service. Some members drop to financial core status to work non-union without fully leaving.
Is the IBEW apprenticeship free?
JATC classroom training is free to union apprentices, funded by employer contributions per hour. Non-union IEC/ABC apprenticeships charge $2,000-$6,000 in tuition. IBEW apprenticeships also include health insurance from Year 1 in most Locals.
Journeyman SalaryLineman SalaryMaster ElectricianBy State

Sources: IBEW local agreements 2025-2026 via unionpayscales.com, IBEW constitution, BLS union membership data 2024.