Electrician Salary in the US: A Complete Guide

ZenTrades

Electrician Salary in the US: A Complete Guide

ZenElectrical
October 15, 2024
9 Min Read

Being an electrician is a solid career route, especially in the United States, considering the boost this role has received in the past few years. The career trajectory of electricians is fulfilling, and it’s not just the valuable service they provide but also the lucrative pay range that keeps the motivation high. Furthermore, it’s a robust career choice as the demand is ever-increasing with advancing time and the production of advancing electrical systems.

There are various kinds of electricians positioned at different levels. You start with being an apprentice electrician first, followed by being a journeyman electrician, and then level up to the master electrician position. It is not just electricians; you need to be a licensed electrician to grab high-end projects and make a name for yourself in the industry.

If you’re someone who wants to choose to work in the electrical field and can visualize your career path as a skilled electrician, then you have come to the right place! Learning about the various electrician salaries that you can benefit from once you start working in the field can give you the push you need to get started working toward your goal.

In this blog, we will discuss the average pay of electricians in the United States and the pay benefits associated with different levels of expertise in the specific role.

Electrician Salary Overview

According to data collected from various job sites, a rough estimate of the average electrician salary in the year 2024 can be around $50,000 per annum. While the lowest salary package for beginners can be around $30,000, the highest salary can reach almost $98,000.

These estimates can roughly vary depending on the location and state. They can also vary depending on the state and city, as urban areas tend to pay a higher salary than rural areas.

Apart from location, various factors, such as industry, experience, and education, affect the salary of electricians.

Electricians working in industries such as construction, manufacturing, and utilities tend to earn higher salaries. As an electrician, the more experience you gain, the more your chances of earning a higher package are increased.

Furthermore, electricians with only a high school diploma or equivalent tend to earn lower salaries than those with an additional trade school education or higher.

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Electricians Salary Ranges

As discussed above, electrician’ annual wages or hourly wages can vary greatly depending on their experience and expertise level.

Starting with apprentice electricians, electricians at their beginner level can earn around $45000 as their annual wage with almost $20 as their hourly wage.

Next in line are journeyman electricians; electricians at this level earn up to $75000 per annum, with an average hourly rate of $30.

Last but not least, master electricians have the highest level of specialization in the electrical field. These individuals can earn up to $100,000 annually with an average starting wage of $80,000. Their hourly rate is estimated at approx $45.

With more experience and certifications, electricians can earn more money and look for better job openings with competitive salaries that suit their expertise and provide better growth opportunities.

Apart from the above-mentioned designations, electricians with specialized skills or who are working in high-demand industries can earn over $100,000 per annum.

Electrician Salaries Based On Industries And Specializations

Apart from the aforementioned broadly segregated job title, the average electrician’s salary is also based on their specific industry or specialization in the field.

Electricians with a broad range of expertise and experience cater to various industries. Some pay good money, slightly higher than others. Even entry-level electricians with basic skills in electrical wiring can start their careers with a push to their education level.

Construction: Electricians here work on new and old commercial buildings, fixing, repairing, or replacing their electrical systems. Construction electrician salaries can range from $28,000 to $53,000, with an average per-hour rate of $21, depending on their experience level. The lowest range is for entry-level electricians, whereas the higher the range, the higher the experience.

Manufacturing: Electricians who work in manufacturing usually maintain and repair electrical systems in factories and plants. Also known as industrial electricians, these individuals can earn an average of $70,000 annually and an hourly rate of $30.50.

Residential: Electricians here work on installing and repairing electrical systems in homes. Residential electricians also earn an average annual salary of $59,000, with an hourly pay rate of $29.

Commercial: These electricians work on installing and repairing electrical systems in commercial buildings. Commercial electricians earn an average of $60,000 annually, with an average per-hour rate of $30.

Solar: Here, electricians install and maintain solar panel systems. The average annual salary for solar electricians is $61,000, with a per-hour rate of $30.

On a side note, electricians with specialized skills, such as solar or industrial electrical work, are in high demand, which in turn means more money and better growth opportunities.

Average Electrician Salary And Trends

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the median annual wage for electricians was $56,900 in May 2020, which will increase to $61,590 in 2023.

BSL predicts that electrician employment will grow 9% annually from 2020 to 2030.

Many electricians are members of unions, such as the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers (IBEW). Union electricians tend to earn higher salaries and benefits than non-union electricians.

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Benefits Of Being An Electrician

Being an electrician has many advantages, making this career field a perfect choice for many. Some of the major benefits of becoming an electrician include the following:

Stable and Growing Demand

There is a need for skilled electricians, and demand for them is continuously growing. This is even more true now, with ever-greater reliance on electrical systems and technology. This creates job security combined with continuous earning potential.

Good Earning Potential

Electricians, in general, have good earning potential. Most electricians can earn competitive wages through overtime and specialized opportunities that will raise earnings. The more experience one gains and the more additional certifications are added, the more earning potential increases.

Diverse Career Opportunities

Electricians may find employment in residential, commercial, industrial, or specialized sectors like renewable energy. This makes diversity options very broad, thus flexible in terms of career paths and with many areas to specialize in.

Practical Work

Most electrical workers enjoy doing electrical work because it involves solving problems and, simultaneously, has the elements of physical activity with visible results.

Self-Employment Opportunity

Electricians can establish private practices and consult clients directly. This type of entrepreneurship offers independence, higher earning potential, and control over one’s working schedule.

Continuous Learning and Advancement

Since electrical work is such a rapidly changing field, and technological advancements are taking their toll on energy efficiency, an electrician must constantly learn and advance. This makes the job interesting and challenging.

Provider of a Critical Service

Electricians provide the service necessary to keep a building safe and operational, which places their profession in a highly respected and esteemed position in society.

Job Satisfaction

Many electricians enjoy various work, making problem-solving possible and finding satisfaction in completing complex projects. Working independently and taking pride in one’s work can also lead to high job satisfaction.

Benefits and Job Perks

Many electricians, particularly those employed by companies or unions, receive health insurance, retirement plans, and paid time off benefits. They are also entitled to overtime pay and bonuses for working on complex or high-priority projects. These benefits further enhance their package, making it a profitable career choice.

Career Longevity

The basic skills and knowledge that an electrician acquires provide career longevity and adaptability in the job market.

End Note

To summarize, being an electrician in the United States, with its lucrative pay ranges, increasing demand, and growth opportunities, offers aspiring electrical workers a promising career that is only expected to grow in the foreseen years.

So, if you are an electrician learning about the opportunities that lay ahead or an aspiring electrical worker looking to find out the trajectory of this career choice, you can confidently make an informed decision now.

If you still wish to earn more money than the average salary offered to electricians, one way is to have your own electrical business and run your company on your own terms, following industry standards, of course. To start your own business, it is crucial to have a master electrician license along with a contractor license.

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