Average Electrician Salaries

Explore annual pay averages in the electrical industry based on different criteria.

Table of Contents

How Much Does an Electrician Make a Year?
Types of Electrician Professions and Their Average Salaries
Electricians’ Best-Paid Skills
Education Requirements & Certifications
How to Automate the Payroll Calculation of Electricians’ Compensation
Final Thoughts

How Much Does an Electrician Make a Year?

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, electricians in the United States earn an average of $55,160 per year. This annual base salary can vary greatly depending on cities of residence, experience, and specialty. Experienced electricians can earn anywhere from $41,000 to more than $80,000.

Electricians in industrialized areas tend to make more money than those in rural areas due to the higher cost of living associated with these areas. Some electricians specialize in solar or other alternative power sources that could increase their income potential.

Types of Electrician Professions and Their Average Salaries

Electricians usually work in construction, industrial, or maintenance settings and are responsible for installing, repairing, and maintaining wiring systems. Working as an electrician requires power tools and electrical equipment knowledge, and various technical skills. Here are some popular specializations:

Industrial Electricians

These professionals are trained to install, maintain and repair electrical systems in industrial settings. They typically focus on large, commercial, and industrial projects and have extensive knowledge of electrical components, codes, and regulations and an understanding of their industries. In the US, they earn around $63,000 a year.

Commercial Electricians

Commercial electricians install, maintain, and repair large electrical systems in commercial buildings, organizations, and industrial facilities. They may also be responsible for wiring computer networks or providing specialized technical support related to electrical equipment. Professionals in this specialty make approximately $46,000 a year.

Residential Electricians

Residential electricians are trained and licensed professionals who install and maintain electrical wiring, fixtures, and equipment in residential buildings. They also troubleshoot electrical problems in homes, assess existing wiring systems for safety, and make repairs when necessary. Their annual average salary is $60,000.

Low-Voltage Electricians

A low-voltage electrician is a technician that specializes in the installation, repair, and maintenance of low-wattage electrical systems. These systems may include fire alarms, access control, home theater, telecom and networking cabling, and more. This type of electrician earns approximately $48,000 a year.

Automotive Electricians

Automotive electricians focus on a car's electrical system, such as wiring in alarms, installing navigation systems, and other electrical fittings. They can make $46,000 annually on average.

Based on the level of experience, you may also find the following job titles:

Apprentice Electricians

An apprentice electrician is a person who is learning the trade of electrical wiring and installations on the job, with an experienced journeyman or master electrician overseeing the work. Apprentice electricians undergo classroom instruction and hands-on job training to become fully qualified, licensed electricians. For an entry-level electrician, the average pay may be up to $38,000 annually.

Journeyman Electricians

A journeyman electrician is a tradesperson who has completed an apprenticeship program and is qualified to install, maintain, and repair electrical wiring, conduits, and components in residential, commercial, and industrial settings. On this level, the annual salary is around $46,000.

Master Electricians

A master electrician is a highly trained electrical professional with specialized knowledge of the design and installation of electrical systems. They typically require a master electrician license and 3+ years of experience working as a journeyperson to practice in their industry. The average pay here can range between $75,000 and $93,000 annually.

To look into specific salary data for electricians working in different areas or fields, use websites like Glassdoor and Payscale to compare salaries across locations, industries, and companies. You can also explore industry averages that are frequently available through sources such as federal occupational outlook reports or by contacting agencies regulating labor standards in your state or municipality.

Electricians’ Best-Paid Skills

Specialty and experience are essential, but more is needed to succeed in the electrical technology career. Here are some skills worth paying attention to:

• Troubleshooting & analytical skills: Identifying and diagnosing faults in electrical systems.
• Knowledge of the National Electrical Code: Understanding safety requirements related to electrical work.
• Foundational skills in Installation and Maintenance: Installing new wiring and equipment and replacing worn components.
• Additional knowledge: Familiarity with conduit bending, fire alarm systems, automated controls, and alternate power.

Education Requirements & Certifications

Electricians follow a challenging and time-consuming career path to reach the earning potential mentioned above. Along the way, there are job-specific certifications, licensing, and insurance, covering liabilities associated with any damage caused due to mistakes or negligence while carrying out the job. Additionally, some states require apprenticeship programs before being considered proficient enough to work independently and, therefore, having an official license. 

• All US states and territories require a high school diploma or equivalent (e.g., GED).
• Obtaining a journeyman or master electrician license requires attending certification programs and passing an exam after completing a certain number of months of on-the-job training as an apprentice electrician.
• Passing the National Electrical Code exam is necessary to receive a state electrical license in most jurisdictions.
• Continuing education courses and seminars on new technology are often required to renew a journeyman or master electrician's license.

How to Automate the Payroll Calculation of Electricians’ Compensation

As an electrical business owner, payroll automation can help you save time, streamline processes and improve cash flow. With the help of RemOnline, you can accurately calculate the payroll of your electricians in just a few clicks. Use the following business management features to automate the payroll cycle:

• Computing hourly or monthly base salaries, including base and short-term incentives, benefits, and penalties.
• Payroll accrual to the employee’s balance and payout control.
• Flexible setup of commissions, base fees, and coefficients.
• Employee work schedules to keep track of working hours, vacations, and sick leaves.

Automation allows you to ensure all salaries in your electrical business are calculated correctly every month without manually doing them.

Final Thoughts

Electrical jobs are often complex, technical, and hazardous, so electricians need extensive knowledge, reliable health insurance, and experience to tackle their daily tasks safely. They must also maintain their licensing, which requires additional training and keeping up with building codes and safety regulations. All of these factors make electricians worth their salaries.