How much does a electrician make?
Answer: A typical electrician in the United States makes $63,190 a year (median, May 2025, US Bureau of Labor Statistics).
Line up 100 people; this is the one in the middle (median). about 757,000 people work in this job. About the same as the US-wide typical pay ($50,980).
If 100 people had this job
Lowest at bottom-left, highest at top-rightHover over a person to see their yearly pay
Electrician pay in the United States (May 2025, median and spread)
| Lower earner (10th from bottom) | Typical person (median) | Higher earner (10th from top) | People in this job |
|---|---|---|---|
| $42,640 | $63,190 | $108,510 | about 757,000 |
| State | Typical person (median) | People in this job |
|---|---|---|
| Oregon | $101,310 | about 11,000 |
| Illinois | $99,560 | about 23,000 |
| Hawaii | $96,460 | about 3,000 |
| Washington | $95,220 | about 19,000 |
| Alaska | $89,440 | about 2,000 |
Why does pay differ?
In the U.S., electricians’ pay can depend on experience, licenses, specialized skills, location, and the kind of employer. Apprentices earn less while learning, and overtime or evening and weekend shifts can change earnings.
What if you lived in a different state?
Pay varies a lot by state in the USTop 5 and bottom 3 states, typical (median) yearly pay.
What does a electrician do?
Install, maintain, and repair electrical wiring, equipment, and fixtures. Ensure that work is in accordance with relevant codes. May install or service street lights, intercom systems, or electrical control systems. Excludes “Security and Fire Alarm Systems Installers” (49-2098).
What's a typical day like?
They study blueprints, then install, maintain, or repair wiring, lights, and electrical equipment. They check that the work follows building and safety codes.
How to get this job
Finish high school or earn a GED, then start an electrician apprenticeship, often around age 18; most last 4–5 years and combine paid job training with classes. Afterward, pass any required state or local licensing exam.
Vocational school or a few years' experience (preparation level 3 of 5)
Good for people who like building and doing and keeping things organized.
Did you know?
In the U.S., electrician apprentices typically get paid for about 2,000 hours of on-the-job training each year while they learn.
What about Japan?
Nearly the same jobThe US figure is the median and the Japan figure is the average, so it's not a perfect comparison. Prices differ too.
Similar jobs
Jobs using similar skills (O*NET)Earn more in the same field
Construction and Extraction jobs that pay a bit moreSources and data
Source: US Bureau of Labor Statistics, OEWS May 2025 (bls.gov); descriptions and related jobs from O*NET 31.0. Figures as of May 2025, full-time yearly pay (hourly × 2,080 hours). bls.gov/oes · O*NET OnLine
Pages used for the text
- www.bls.gov/ooh/Construction-and-Extraction/Electricians.htm
- www.onetonline.org/link/summary/47-2111.00
- www.bls.gov/careeroutlook/2015/article/wage-differences.htm
- apps.cio.ny.gov/apps/mediacontact/public/view.cfm?parm=40087804-9A33-74B6-4BFE77
Data: US BLS OEWS, May 2025 · 1 USD = 150 JPY