⚡ Electrician Salary 2026
Electricians earn a national median salary of $61,590/year ($29.61/hour) in 2026. But union electricians, master electricians, and those working in industrial or commercial settings routinely earn $80,000–$100,000+. The trade offers strong job security, no student loan debt (apprenticeship is earn-while-you-learn), and increasing demand driven by renewable energy, EV infrastructure, and construction.
Electrician Salary by Experience Level (2026)
Pay varies significantly by years of experience. Here is the full range from entry-level to senior positions:
| Entry-level (0–2 years) | $38,000/year · $18.27/hour |
| Mid-level (3–5 years) | $55,000/year · $26.44/hour |
| Experienced (6–10 years) | $75,000/year · $36.06/hour |
| Senior / specialized (10+ years) | $100,000/year · $48.08/hour |
| Median (all levels) | $61,590/year · $29.61/hour |
Electrician Salary After Tax
At the median salary of $61,590/year, a single filer in a no-state-tax state takes home approximately $51,526/year ($4,294/month) after federal income tax and FICA.
| Entry-level ($38,000/yr) | $32,572/year · $2,714/month |
| Mid-level ($55,000/yr) | $46,231/year · $3,853/month |
| Senior ($75,000/yr) | $61,148/year · $5,096/month |
| Median ($61,590/yr) | $51,526/year · $4,294/month |
Electrician Salary by State (2026)
Location is one of the biggest factors in electrician pay. Here are median salaries in key states:
| Hawaii | $86,000/year · $41.35/hour |
| Illinois | $84,000/year · $40.38/hour |
| New York | $82,000/year · $39.42/hour |
| Alaska | $80,000/year · $38.46/hour |
| Oregon | $78,000/year · $37.50/hour |
| California | $77,000/year · $37.02/hour |
| Washington | $75,000/year · $36.06/hour |
| Nevada | $73,000/year · $35.10/hour |
| Massachusetts | $72,000/year · $34.62/hour |
| Texas | $56,000/year · $26.92/hour |
| Florida | $52,000/year · $25.00/hour |
| Mississippi | $44,000/year · $21.15/hour |
Job Outlook & Growth
The BLS projects electrician employment to grow 11% from 2022–2032 — much faster than average. Key drivers: solar panel installation, EV charging infrastructure, data center construction, and smart home/building automation. The national shortage of skilled electricians is expected to intensify through 2030.
Education & Qualifications
Electricians typically complete a 4–5 year apprenticeship program (IBEW or independent) while earning wages — no student loans required. Journeyman licensure requires passing a state exam after apprenticeship. Master electrician license (required to own a business or supervise) requires additional experience and a more advanced exam. Union electricians (IBEW) earn 20–30% more than non-union on average.
Electrician Career Ladder — Earnings at Each Stage
| Apprentice (Year 1) | $18–$22/hour · $37,000–$46,000/year |
| Apprentice (Year 4–5) | $26–$32/hour · $54,000–$67,000/year |
| Journeyman Electrician | $32–$42/hour · $67,000–$87,000/year |
| Master Electrician | $42–$55/hour · $87,000–$114,000/year |
| Electrical Contractor (self-employed) | $80,000–$200,000+/year |