Electrician Careers & Salary Information
Electricians install, maintain, and repair electrical systems in homes, businesses, and industrial facilities. It's one of the highest-paying trades with strong demand across every state.
National Salary Overview
Electrician Specialties
Electricians can specialize in different areas, each with its own pay scale and career path.
Residential Electrician
Wires and services single-family homes, apartments, and small multi-family buildings. Steady work with a lower barrier to entry than commercial or industrial.
Commercial Electrician
Installs and maintains electrical systems in offices, retail, hospitals, and other commercial buildings. Larger-scale projects often mean higher pay and union representation.
Industrial Electrician
Works on heavy-duty electrical systems in factories, power plants, and manufacturing facilities. Requires knowledge of motor controls, PLCs, and high-voltage equipment.
Low-Voltage Technician
Installs and services fire alarm, security, data cabling, and audiovisual systems. Growing niche with lower licensing requirements in many states.
Fire Alarm Technician
Specializes in installing, testing, and maintaining fire alarm and life safety systems. Requires NICET certification in most jurisdictions.
Solar Electrician
Handles the electrical side of solar PV installations, including inverter wiring, grid interconnection, and battery storage systems. Fast-growing specialty with strong demand.
Controls Electrician
Programs and installs PLCs, VFDs, and industrial control systems for automated manufacturing and building management. One of the highest-paid electrical specialties.
Marine Electrician
Works on electrical systems aboard ships, boats, and offshore platforms. Requires specialized knowledge of marine wiring standards and corrosion-resistant installations.
Explore Electrician Topics
Electrician Salary by State
Click any state to see detailed salary data, top-paying cities, and union vs. non-union breakdowns.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Electrician salaries in the United States vary based on experience, certifications, and whether you work union or non-union. Entry-level electricians typically earn around 60-70% of the median wage, while experienced professionals and those with master-level credentials can earn 25-50% above the median.
Entry-level electricians in the United States typically start at the lower end of the pay range, which reflects apprentice or helper-level positions. As you gain experience and complete your training program, your pay increases significantly within the first 2-3 years.
Yes. Union electricians earn 15-30% more per hour on average than their non-union counterparts. When you factor in benefits like pensions, healthcare, and annuity contributions, the total compensation gap is even wider. However, union availability varies significantly by region.
The path to becoming a fully qualified electrician depends on the route you take. Apprenticeship programs typically last 3-5 years and combine on-the-job training with classroom instruction. Trade school programs can be completed in 6-24 months, though you will still need field experience to reach journeyman level.
Electrician work offers solid pay, strong job security, and doesn't require a four-year degree. The national job outlook shows steady demand, and the ongoing skilled labor shortage means qualified electricians have strong bargaining power. The work can be physically demanding, but many professionals find the trade rewarding and well-compensated.
Certifications can significantly boost a electrician's earning potential. Industry-recognized credentials, advanced specializations, and safety certifications all help you stand out to employers and command higher hourly rates. Master-level licenses typically result in the biggest pay increases.