Electrician Salary: $63,861 Average (2026)
2026 DataCompare electrician salaries across 50 US cities. Pay ranges from $52,001 to $87,022.
Highest Paying Cities for Electricians
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 Comparison by Metro
Top 10 highest paying metro areas compared to national average ($63,340)
| Rank | Metro Area | Median Salary |
|---|---|---|
| #1 | San Francisco, CA | $87,022 |
| #2 | San Jose, CA | $84,803 |
| #3 | Seattle, WA | $76,735 |
| #4 | New York, NY | $76,326 |
| #5 | Washington, DC | $75,007 |
| #6 | Boston, MA | $73,827 |
| #7 | San Diego, CA | $71,453 |
| #8 | Denver, CO | $69,309 |
| #9 | Los Angeles, CA | $69,272 |
| #10 | Austin, TX | $69,100 |
COL Adjusted = Salary adjusted for cost of living. Higher values indicate better purchasing power.
Electrician Salary by Experience Level
Average salary ranges across all 50 metro areas based on experience
| Experience Level | Annual Salary | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|
Entry-Level 10th Percentile | $41,647 | $20.02/hr |
Mid-Career 50th (Median) | $63,861 | $30.70/hr |
Senior / Experienced 90th Percentile | $92,743 | $44.59/hr |
Entry to Mid Growth
+$22,213
+53%
Mid to Senior Growth
+$28,882
+45%
Total Career Growth
+$51,095
+123%
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.
Career Prospects for Electricians
The job market for electricians continues to evolve with changing economic conditions and technological advancements. Professionals entering this field should be prepared for a dynamic career landscape that rewards adaptability and continuous skill development.
With approximately 37,332 electricians employed across the metropolitan areas we track, the profession offers substantial employment opportunities. Industry projections suggest steady demand driven by factors including technological innovation, demographic shifts, and evolving business needs.
Professionals who invest in specialized certifications, stay current with industry trends, and develop complementary skills in emerging technologies tend to command higher salaries and have better job security. Networking and maintaining strong professional relationships also play crucial roles in career advancement within this field.
Geographic Salary Variations for Electricians
Salary for electricians varies significantly by geographic location. The highest-paying metropolitan area, San Francisco, CA, offers a median salary of $87,022, while the lowest in our data, El Paso, TX, pays approximately $52,001. This represents a salary difference of $35,021 (67% higher).
Cost of living is a critical factor when evaluating salaries across locations. Higher-paying metropolitan areas like San Francisco, New York, and Seattle typically have significantly higher housing costs, taxes, and general expenses. When considering relocation, calculate your potential take-home pay after accounting for local cost of living differences.
Regional demand also affects compensation. Areas with strong industries that heavily employ electricians often pay premium salaries to attract and retain talent. Conversely, regions with surplus labor or fewer industry concentrations may offer lower compensation. Remote work opportunities have begun to change these dynamics, allowing some professionals to earn higher salaries while living in lower-cost areas.
Advancement Opportunities for Electricians
Career advancement for electricians typically follows several paths. Technical advancement involves deepening expertise and specializing in high-demand niches, while management tracks offer opportunities to lead teams and oversee larger projects. Both paths can lead to significant salary increases over time.
Entry-level electricians can expect to progress from starting salaries around $32,976to the median salary of $63,861 within 3-5 years with solid performance and skill development. Top performers who reach senior levels can earn $128,752 or more, representing the top 10% of earners in this profession.
Professional development investments that typically yield the highest returns include industry certifications, advanced degrees, leadership training, and expertise in emerging technologies or methodologies. Professionals who consistently deliver results and build strong professional networks tend to advance more quickly and negotiate better compensation packages.
Frequently Asked Questions About Electrician Salaries
The average electrician salary across all U.S. metropolitan areas is $63,861 per year as of 2026. This is based on official Bureau of Labor Statistics data covering 50 metro areas. Salaries range from $52,001 in El Paso, TX to $87,022 in San Francisco, CA.
The average hourly rate for electricians is $30.70 per hour, based on a standard 2,080-hour work year. Hourly rates vary by location, ranging from $25.00/hour in lower-paying areas to $41.84/hour in top-paying cities like San Francisco.
San Francisco, CA is the highest paying metro area for electricians, with a median salary of $87,022 per year. This is 36% above the national average of $63,861. Other high-paying areas typically include major tech hubs and cities with high costs of living.
Entry-level electricians (10th percentile) typically earn around $41,647 per year nationally. Starting salaries depend on education, certifications, location, and industry. Most entry-level professionals can expect to reach the median salary of $63,861 within 3-5 years of career growth.
The average electrician salary of $63,861 is 8% higher than the typical U.S. worker salary of approximately $59,228. Top earners in this profession (90th percentile) can make $92,743 or more annually.
El Paso, TX has the lowest electrician salary at $52,001 per year. However, lower salaries often correlate with lower costs of living, which can result in similar purchasing power. The salary difference between the highest and lowest paying areas is $35,021.
There are approximately 37,332 electricians employed across the 50 metropolitan areas tracked by the Bureau of Labor Statistics. This represents a moderate-sized job market with opportunities in construction & trades industries nationwide.
The biggest factors affecting electrician salary include: geographic location (salaries vary by up to $35,021 across cities), years of experience, industry sector, Specialization (industrial, commercial, residential), License level (journeyman vs. master electrician). Metropolitan areas with high industry demand and cost of living typically pay more.
In-demand skills that boost electrician salaries include: Strong mathematical and analytical abilities, Manual dexterity and physical fitness, Color vision for identifying wires, Problem-solving and troubleshooting skills, Knowledge of electrical codes and safety practices. Specialization (industrial, commercial, residential) Developing specialized expertise can help you reach the top 25% of earners ($78,831).
Electrician salaries have generally kept pace with inflation, with the current average of $63,861 reflecting 2026 Bureau of Labor Statistics data. The job outlook is positive, which typically supports continued salary growth. Professionals who develop in-demand skills and pursue certifications tend to see above-average salary increases.
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Data Freshness & Source
Current DataLast Updated
March 2027
Data Source
BLS 2026 OEWS
Next Update Expected
March 2027
Salary data sourced from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) survey. This is the most comprehensive source of occupation-specific wage data in the United States.
About Our Salary Data
This salary data comes from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) 2026 Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) survey. The BLS collects wage data from employers each May and publishes results the following spring. Our data reflects the most recent official government statistics available. The next BLS data release is expected in March 2027.
Electrician Salary by State
Compare electrician salaries across 31 states. Click a state for detailed city-by-city salary data.