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Electrician: pay, job outlook and how to become one

Updated October 23, 2026. Based on U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics and O*NET data. Published by Humblebee.

$63,190median pay per year, or $30.38 an hour, May 2025[1]
  1. $42,640lowest 10% earn less
  2. $49,43025th percentile
  3. $63,190median
  4. $83,94075th percentile
  5. $108,510top 10% earn more
Middle half of workers in the inner band[7]Median for all US jobs, $50,980[2]

Electricians earn a median of $63,190 a year, well above the median for all occupations, and you can get in with a high school diploma and a paid apprenticeship[1][2][3][4]. Jobs are projected to grow 9.2% over the decade to 2035, much faster than the 3.5% average[5][6].

Job growth, 2025–35
+9.2%[5]
Openings per year
72,700[8]
Typical entry education
High school diploma or equivalent[3]

How much do electricians make?

The median wage for electricians was $63,190 a year, or $30.38 an hour, in May 2025[1]. Half earned more than that and half earned less[1]. The average (mean) wage was higher, at $71,490 a year or $34.37 an hour[9].

For comparison, the median for all US occupations was $50,980[2]. So the typical electrician earns noticeably more than the typical US worker[1][2].

Pay varies a lot within the trade[7][10]:

Point in the range Per year Per hour
Lowest-paid 10% earned less than $42,640 $20.50
25th percentile $49,430 $23.76
Median $63,190 $30.38
75th percentile $83,940 $40.36
Top 10% earned more than $108,510 $52.17

BLS does not publish a starting salary, so these figures are not entry pay. They also leave out self-employed electricians[11]. Benefits are not included either.

Pay by state and city

Where you work makes a big difference. Oregon had the highest state median at $101,310, followed by Illinois at $99,560, Hawaii at $96,460, Washington at $95,220 and Alaska at $89,440[12]. Arkansas had the lowest median, $49,070[12].

The biggest job markets are not the best paying. Texas had the most electrician jobs (76,770), with California second at 73,310[13]. Florida had 49,700 jobs, New York 40,130 and Ohio 28,950[13]. The Texas median of $58,570 is below the national median of $63,190[12][1].

Among metro areas with at least 100 jobs, Kankakee, IL had the highest median at $105,500, though it has only 140 electrician jobs[14]. Next came the Portland-Vancouver-Hillsboro area at $105,090, then Mount Vernon-Anacortes in Washington at $104,510 and Chicago-Naperville-Elgin at $102,350[14]. Chicago stands out because it is also one of the largest markets, with 17,720 jobs[15]. The New York-Newark-Jersey City area had the most jobs of any metro, 36,550, with a median of $79,020[15].

Show median pay in 50 states and DC
StateMedian per yearJobs
Oregon[12]$101,31010,590
Illinois$99,56023,120
Hawaii$96,4603,070
Washington$95,22019,380
Alaska$89,4401,870
Massachusetts$79,42017,810
District of Columbia$78,9702,440
New York$78,75040,130
Minnesota$78,16014,350
Connecticut$77,5407,710
New Jersey$77,25013,520
Montana$76,7602,750
Wisconsin$76,54014,310
Michigan$76,27023,530
California$76,16073,310
Wyoming$76,1202,960
Maine$75,3803,780
Rhode Island$74,0902,420
Nevada$73,5708,350
Maryland$73,49013,690
Indiana$68,49019,020
Pennsylvania$67,60022,730
Kansas$65,8606,350
North Dakota$65,7103,570
Missouri$65,41012,780
West Virginia$64,8104,290
Ohio$64,70028,950
Delaware$63,7002,260
Vermont$63,4301,270
Idaho$63,0005,690
Virginia$62,90023,630
New Hampshire$62,8403,330
Colorado$62,23017,010
Utah$62,00011,450
Louisiana$61,54010,550
South Dakota$61,3902,980
Tennessee$61,09017,070
Arizona$61,06021,140
Oklahoma$61,0108,500
Iowa$60,86010,310
Mississippi$60,8606,610
Nebraska$60,8206,440
Kentucky$59,72011,030
South Carolina$58,7408,010
Texas$58,57076,770
New Mexico$58,3905,020
Georgia$58,32021,650
Florida$57,25049,700
North Carolina$56,80021,640
Alabama$55,69010,900
Arkansas$49,0707,500

How to become an electrician

BLS lists a high school diploma or equivalent as the education needed to enter, no related work experience, and an apprenticeship as the typical training[3]. Here is the usual path:

1) Finish high school or get an equivalent credential, which is required[16]. 2) If you like, start at a technical school first[17]. These programs teach topics such as circuits, safety and electrical basics, and graduates usually get credit toward an apprenticeship[17]. 3) Join an apprenticeship[4]. Unions, contractor associations and other groups sponsor programs, and the rules differ by state and locality[18]. Some people work as a helper first, and some contractors run their own training programs that are not recognized apprenticeships[19]. 4) Train on the job and in class[4][20]. For every year in the program, apprentices usually log about 2,000 paid hours at work plus some classroom time[4]. Classes cover electrical theory, reading blueprints, math, electrical code, and safety and first aid[20]. 5) Become a journey worker when the apprenticeship ends[21]. You can then work on your own, within local or state licensing rules[21]. 6) Get licensed if your state requires it[22]. In most states you must pass a test and hold a license, and the details vary by state[22]. The test asks about the National Electrical Code and state and local codes[23]. 7) Keep your license current[24]. This may mean continuing education on safety, code changes and specific products[25].

If you have electrical experience from the military or from construction, you may qualify for a shorter apprenticeship based on that experience and testing[26].

In an O*NET survey of 20 workers, 62% said the job requires a post-secondary certificate and 31% said a high school diploma or equivalent[27]. That is a small sample, so treat it as a rough signal rather than a rule[27].

How long it takes. The Occupational Outlook Handbook says most electricians train through an apprenticeship lasting 4 or 5 years[4]. O*NET gives a slightly different example: a 3- to 4-year apprenticeship, or several years in a vocational program, and often a licensing exam[28].

What electricians do

Electricians put in, look after and fix the wiring, equipment and fixtures that carry electricity, and they make sure the work meets code[29]. Some also handle street lights, intercoms or electrical control systems[29]. Common tasks include[24]:

Job titles in this field include industrial electrician, maintenance electrician, inside wireman and electrical troubleshooter[30].

Where they work

Electrical contractors and other wiring installation contractors employed 66% of electricians in 2025[31]. Another 7.1% were self-employed[32].

The work happens both inside and outside, in homes, businesses, factories and on construction sites[33]. Because jobs move from site to site, expect to commute, sometimes over long distances[33].

The job is physical[34]. You may spend long stretches standing or kneeling, squeeze into tight spaces, and deal with dust, fumes, weather or factory noise[34]. Some jobs require working high up, for example on construction sites or renewable energy projects[35].

Electricity is dangerous, and shocks, falls and burns are among the common injuries[36]. Workers wear protective clothing and safety glasses, plus hearing protection in loud settings[37]. Many electricians work alone, while those at large companies often work in crews and direct helpers and apprentices[38].

Job outlook

BLS expects the number of electrician jobs to rise by 9.2% between 2025 and 2035[5]. That would take the total from roughly 821,000 to 896,900, a gain of 75,900 jobs[5]. That is much faster than the 3.5% projected for all occupations[6].

About 72,700 openings are expected each year, on average[8]. These include jobs that open up when workers retire or switch fields, not only newly created jobs[8]. Each year about 2.6% of electricians leave the labor force and 5% move into other occupations[39].

The projection counts include self-employed workers, which is one reason they are higher than the 757,220 wage and salary jobs in the May 2025 wage survey[5][11].

Is it a good fit?

The facts point to a trade with a low barrier to entry but a long training period. You need a high school diploma to start, and you earn while you learn in an apprenticeship that usually runs 4 or 5 years[3][4]. The median pay of $63,190 is above the all-occupations median, and growth is projected to be well above average[1][2][5][6]. It suits people who are fine with physical work, travel between sites and safety risks[33][34][36]. If pay matters most, state matters too, since medians range from $49,070 in Arkansas to $101,310 in Oregon[12].

Related occupations from O*NET, with BLS median pay and projected growth[40].

Frequently asked questions

How much does an electrician make an hour?
The median hourly wage was $30.38 in May 2025[1]. The lowest-paid 10% earned less than $20.50 an hour and the top 10% earned more than $52.17[10].
How long does it take to become an electrician?
Most electricians train in an apprenticeship that lasts 4 or 5 years, with about 2,000 paid hours of work each year[4]. Prior military or construction experience may shorten it[26].
What education do you need to be an electrician?
A high school diploma or equivalent is required[16]. Some people go to a technical school first, which usually earns credit toward an apprenticeship[17].
Is electrician in demand?
BLS projects 9.2% growth from 2025 to 2035, compared with 3.5% for all occupations, and about 72,700 openings a year[5][6][8].
What is the highest paying state for electricians?
Oregon had the highest median wage, $101,310 a year, followed by Illinois at $99,560[12].

Facts and sources

  1. BLS OEWS, May 2025: the median wage for Electricians in the US was $63,190 per year and $30.38 per hour. Half of workers earned more and half earned less. BLS OEWS, May 2025
  2. BLS OEWS, May 2025: the median annual wage for all occupations in the US was $50,980. BLS OEWS, May 2025
  3. BLS Employment Projections, typical path into Electricians: education needed for entry: High school diploma or equivalent; work experience in a related occupation: None; typical on-the-job training: Apprenticeship. BLS Employment Projections
  4. Occupational Outlook Handbook, How to Become One: Training. BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook
  5. BLS Employment Projections: employment of Electricians is projected to grow 9.2% from 2025 to 2035, from about 821,000 to 896,900 jobs (a change of +75,900). These counts include self-employed workers. BLS Employment Projections
  6. BLS Employment Projections: employment in all occupations is projected to grow 3.5% from 2025 to 2035. BLS Employment Projections
  7. BLS OEWS, May 2025, annual wage percentiles for Electricians: 10th percentile $42,640, 25th percentile $49,430, 75th percentile $83,940, 90th percentile $108,510. The 10th percentile means 10% of workers earned less. BLS OEWS, May 2025
  8. BLS Employment Projections: about 72,700 openings for Electricians are projected each year, on average, from 2025 to 2035. Openings include jobs that open when workers retire or move to other occupations, not only new jobs. BLS Employment Projections
  9. BLS OEWS, May 2025: the mean (average) wage for Electricians was $71,490 per year and $34.37 per hour. BLS OEWS, May 2025
  10. BLS OEWS, May 2025, hourly wage percentiles for Electricians: 10th percentile $20.50, 25th percentile $23.76, 75th percentile $40.36, 90th percentile $52.17. BLS OEWS, May 2025
  11. BLS OEWS, May 2025: about 757,220 people were employed as Electricians in the US (wage and salary jobs, not counting self-employed workers). BLS OEWS, May 2025
  12. Median annual wage for Electricians in every state with published data, May 2025 (table on this page). BLS OEWS, May 2025
  13. BLS OEWS, May 2025, states with the most Electricians jobs: Texas 76,770; California 73,310; Florida 49,700; New York 40,130; Ohio 28,950. BLS OEWS, May 2025
  14. BLS OEWS, May 2025, metro areas with the highest median annual wage for Electricians (areas with at least 100 jobs): Kankakee, IL $105,500; Portland-Vancouver-Hillsboro, OR-WA $105,090; Mount Vernon-Anacortes, WA $104,510; Chicago-Naperville-Elgin, IL-IN $102,350; Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue, WA $101,780; Champaign-Urbana, IL $100,320; Urban Honolulu, HI $100,270; Albany, OR $100,230. BLS OEWS, May 2025
  15. BLS OEWS, May 2025, metro areas with the most Electricians jobs: New York-Newark-Jersey City, NY-NJ 36,550 (median $79,020); Dallas-Fort Worth-Arlington, TX 20,930 (median $59,010); Los Angeles-Long Beach-Anaheim, CA 20,610 (median $73,810); Houston-Pasadena-The Woodlands, TX 19,730 (median $59,180); Chicago-Naperville-Elgin, IL-IN 17,720 (median $102,350); Phoenix-Mesa-Chandler, AZ 17,240 (median $61,210). BLS OEWS, May 2025
  16. Occupational Outlook Handbook, How to Become One: Education. BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook
  17. Occupational Outlook Handbook, How to Become One: Education. BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook
  18. Occupational Outlook Handbook, How to Become One: Training. BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook
  19. Occupational Outlook Handbook, How to Become One: Training. BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook
  20. Occupational Outlook Handbook, How to Become One: Training. BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook
  21. Occupational Outlook Handbook, How to Become One: Training. BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook
  22. Occupational Outlook Handbook, How to Become One: Licenses, Certifications, and Registrations. BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook
  23. Occupational Outlook Handbook, How to Become One: Licenses, Certifications, and Registrations. BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook
  24. O*NET task list for Electricians. O*NET OnLine
  25. Occupational Outlook Handbook, How to Become One: Licenses, Certifications, and Registrations. BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook
  26. Occupational Outlook Handbook, How to Become One: Training. BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook
  27. O*NET 47-2111.00 survey of workers (20 respondents), education level they say is required: Post-Secondary Certificate 62%, High School Diploma or the equivalent (such as a GED) 31% (levels under 5% not listed). O*NET OnLine
  28. O*NET 47-2111.00: Job Zone Three: Medium Preparation Needed. Previous work-related skill, knowledge, or experience is required for these occupations. For example, an electrician must have completed three or four years of apprenticeship or several years of vocational training, and often must have passed a licensing exam, in order to perform the job. O*NET OnLine
  29. O*NET description of Electricians. O*NET OnLine
  30. O*NET 47-2111.00 sample job titles reported by workers: Control Electrician, Electrical Journey Person, Electrical Troubleshooter, Electrician, Housing Maintenance Electrician, Industrial Electrician, Inside Wireman, Maintenance Electrician. O*NET OnLine
  31. BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook, largest employers of electricians in 2025: Electrical contractors and other wiring installation contractors 66%. BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook
  32. BLS Employment Projections: 7.1% of Electricians were self-employed in 2025. BLS Employment Projections
  33. Occupational Outlook Handbook, Work Environment. BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook
  34. Occupational Outlook Handbook, Work Environment. BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook
  35. Occupational Outlook Handbook, Work Environment. BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook
  36. Occupational Outlook Handbook, Work Environment: Injuries and Illnesses. BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook
  37. Occupational Outlook Handbook, Work Environment: Injuries and Illnesses. BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook
  38. Occupational Outlook Handbook, Work Environment. BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook
  39. BLS Employment Projections, 2025-35 annual average for Electricians: 2.6% of workers leave the labor force each year and 5% move to a different occupation. BLS Employment Projections
  40. Related occupations (O*NET) with BLS pay, growth and entry education. O*NET OnLine

Wages are BLS OEWS estimates for May 2025 and cover wage and salary workers. They do not include self-employed workers, tips are included only where employers report them, and benefits are not included. BLS does not publish a 'starting salary'. The 10th and 25th percentile wages show what lower-paid workers earn, which often includes people new to the job. OEWS employment (jobs in May 2025) and Employment Projections employment (2025, includes self-employed) are different measures and can differ. O*NET education shares come from a small survey of workers in the occupation, not from all workers.

This page includes information from the O*NET 31.0 Database by the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration (USDOL/ETA). Used under the CC BY 4.0 license. O*NET® is a trademark of USDOL/ETA. CareerFacts has modified all or some of this information. USDOL/ETA has not approved, endorsed, or tested these modifications.