Electrician Salary
Electrician - View salary data across all locations
Average Salary
$63,861
across all locations
Highest Paying
$87,022
San Francisco, CA
Locations Covered
50
metro areas
Top 10 Highest Paying Cities for Electricians
See which cities pay Electricians the most, from $87,022 down to the #10 spot.
Electrician Salary by Location
| Location | Annual Salary | Hourly Rate | Employed |
|---|---|---|---|
| San Francisco, CA | $87,022 | $41.84 | 884 |
| San Jose, CA | $84,803 | $40.77 | 851 |
| Seattle, WA | $76,735 | $36.89 | 1,036 |
| New York, NY | $76,326 | $36.70 | 1,330 |
| Washington, DC | $75,007 | $36.06 | 928 |
| Boston, MA | $73,827 | $35.49 | 780 |
| San Diego, CA | $71,453 | $34.35 | 742 |
| Denver, CO | $69,309 | $33.32 | 694 |
| Los Angeles, CA | $69,272 | $33.30 | 979 |
| Austin, TX | $69,100 | $33.22 | 609 |
| Sacramento, CA | $67,604 | $32.50 | 675 |
| Chicago, IL | $66,730 | $32.08 | 926 |
| Hartford, CT | $66,372 | $31.91 | 606 |
| Baltimore, MD | $66,059 | $31.76 | 604 |
| Portland, OR | $65,809 | $31.64 | 652 |
| Philadelphia, PA | $65,805 | $31.64 | 662 |
| Atlanta, GA | $64,712 | $31.11 | 933 |
| Minneapolis, MN | $63,889 | $30.72 | 772 |
| Providence, RI | $63,509 | $30.53 | 629 |
| Dallas, TX | $62,898 | $30.24 | 747 |
| Phoenix, AZ | $62,856 | $30.22 | 786 |
| Miami, FL | $62,831 | $30.21 | 707 |
| Nashville, TN | $62,765 | $30.18 | 626 |
| Houston, TX | $62,720 | $30.15 | 941 |
| Raleigh, NC | $62,348 | $29.98 | 623 |
| Riverside, CA | $62,238 | $29.92 | 626 |
| Salt Lake City, UT | $62,043 | $29.83 | 776 |
| Detroit, MI | $62,022 | $29.82 | 676 |
| Columbus, OH | $61,623 | $29.63 | 789 |
| Richmond, VA | $61,305 | $29.47 | 699 |
| Charlotte, NC | $60,902 | $29.28 | 685 |
| Cincinnati, OH | $60,226 | $28.95 | 766 |
| Jacksonville, FL | $60,167 | $28.93 | 642 |
| Tampa, FL | $60,048 | $28.87 | 597 |
| Orlando, FL | $59,724 | $28.71 | 726 |
| Cleveland, OH | $59,364 | $28.54 | 791 |
| Louisville, KY | $59,284 | $28.50 | 624 |
| Kansas City, MO | $59,257 | $28.49 | 603 |
| Las Vegas, NV | $59,103 | $28.41 | 611 |
| Pittsburgh, PA | $58,782 | $28.26 | 736 |
| New Orleans, LA | $58,538 | $28.14 | 714 |
| Milwaukee, WI | $58,522 | $28.14 | 799 |
| St. Louis, MO | $58,377 | $28.07 | 624 |
| Indianapolis, IN | $58,060 | $27.91 | 763 |
| San Antonio, TX | $57,158 | $27.48 | 618 |
| Oklahoma City, OK | $56,956 | $27.38 | 779 |
| Memphis, TN | $56,875 | $27.34 | 741 |
| Tucson, AZ | $55,443 | $26.66 | 640 |
| Birmingham, AL | $55,265 | $26.57 | 785 |
| El Paso, TX | $52,001 | $25.00 | 800 |
About Electrician Careers
Electricians install, maintain, and repair electrical systems in residential, commercial, and industrial settings. They ensure that electrical work meets safety codes and specifications while keeping buildings and equipment powered safely. As technology advances, electricians increasingly work with smart home systems, renewable energy, and electric vehicle charging infrastructure.
Based on Bureau of Labor Statistics data, the average electrician salary across all U.S. metropolitan areas is $63,861 per year. Salaries range from $52,001 in El Paso, TX to $87,022 in San Francisco, CA, reflecting significant variation based on location, cost of living, and local demand. There are approximately 37,332 professionals employed as electricians across the metro areas we track.
What Does a Electrician Do?
Electricians perform a variety of essential duties in their daily work:
- Read blueprints and technical diagrams to understand electrical layouts
- Install and maintain wiring, control systems, and electrical fixtures
- Inspect electrical components and systems for safety hazards
- Troubleshoot electrical problems using testing devices
- Ensure all work complies with relevant codes and regulations
- Connect power to communications equipment and electronic components
- Train and direct workers in installation and repair procedures
Education Requirements
Electricians typically learn their trade through apprenticeship programs that combine on-the-job training with classroom instruction, lasting 4-5 years. Some electricians attend technical schools before or during their apprenticeship. Most states require electricians to be licensed, which involves passing an examination.
Key Skills for Electricians
Factors That Affect Electrician Salary
Several factors influence how much a electrician earns:
Career Path & Advancement
Electricians typically progress from apprentice to journeyman to master electrician. With experience, they can advance to supervisory positions, become electrical inspectors, or start their own contracting businesses. Some electricians specialize in areas like renewable energy, industrial controls, or smart building technology.
Job Outlook
Employment of electricians is projected to grow faster than average, driven by construction growth, adoption of alternative energy sources, and the increasing need to upgrade aging infrastructure. Electricians with solar panel installation experience or smart home technology expertise will have excellent opportunities.
Work Environment
Electricians work indoors and outdoors in homes, businesses, factories, and construction sites. The work can be physically demanding, requiring standing, climbing, and working in tight spaces. Electricians must follow strict safety protocols due to the risk of electrical shock, burns, and falls.
Frequently Asked Questions About Electrician Salaries
What is the average electrician salary in the United States?
The average electrician salary across U.S. metropolitan areas is approximately $63,861 per year. However, salaries vary significantly by location, with some areas paying up to $87,022.
Where do electricians earn the most money?
San Francisco, CA offers the highest average salary for electricians at $87,022 per year. Other high-paying areas can be found on our top paying cities for electricians page.
How can I increase my salary as a electrician?
To increase your earning potential as a electrician, consider gaining additional certifications, specializing in high-demand areas, relocating to higher-paying metropolitan areas, negotiating salary during job transitions, and continuously developing your skills. Experience and demonstrated results also significantly impact earning potential.
What is the hourly rate for electricians?
The average hourly rate for electricians is approximately $30.70 per hour (based on a standard 2,080-hour work year). Hourly rates range from $25.00 to $41.84 depending on location.