5 Highest-Paying States for Electricians in 2025
If you're an electrician thinking about relocating, the numbers matter. We dug into the latest BLS data to find where electricians are pulling in the biggest paychecks.
1. Illinois - $78,200/year median
Chicago's union scene drives this one. IBEW locals in the Chicago metro push journeyman rates well past $40/hr, and the demand for commercial electricians hasn't slowed down. Downside? Winters are brutal and property taxes are no joke.
2. New York - $77,900/year
No surprise here. New York City and the surrounding metro keep wages high, but you're dealing with one of the most expensive places to live in the country. Upstate is cheaper but pays less. The real sweet spot is Long Island - solid pay, slightly lower costs.
3. Massachusetts - $76,500/year
Boston's construction boom is still going strong. Between the hospital expansions, university projects, and residential builds, there's plenty of work. Union shops dominate, which keeps wages competitive.
4. Washington - $75,800/year
Seattle and the tech corridor fuel most of this. Data centers alone have created thousands of electrician jobs in the last five years. The state has no income tax, which means more of that paycheck stays in your pocket.
5. California - $74,600/year
California's high cost of living eats into the numbers, but the sheer volume of work makes up for it. Solar installations, EV infrastructure, and new construction keep the pipeline full. If you can handle the housing costs, the earning potential is real.
The Bottom Line
High-paying states usually come with higher costs. Before you pack up the truck, run the numbers on housing, taxes, and daily expenses. A $75k salary in Seattle hits different than $75k in San Francisco.