Electricians in Oregon earn a median of $79,110 a year, the highest in the country, while the same trade in Arkansas pays a median of $38,550. That is more than double, for the same license and the same work. Use the calculator below to see exactly what electricians earn in your state, adjusted for experience, certification, and union status, using real BLS wage data.
For details on national electrician salary, see our electrician salary outlook in the US
Key Facts Box
| Electrician Salary | Quick Facts (National) |
| Licensing required | Yes, in most states, your requirements vary by state board |
| Weighted US median | $53,191 per year (BLS OEWS, May 2025) |
| Highest-paying state | Oregon, $79,110 median |
| Lowest-paying state | Arkansas, $38,550 median |
| Typical range | $37,920-$80,300 (10th-90th percentile, Texas example) |
| Job outlook | 9% growth projected 2024-2034, much faster than average, ~81,000 openings/year (BLS OOH) |
Electrician Salary Calculator
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State median, range and US weighted median are sourced from BLS OEWS, May 2025 (electrician, SOC 47-2111). Experience, certification, and union adjustments are estimates, not separate BLS breakdowns. Actual pay varies by employer and local market. Last updated: June 2026.
Table of Contents
Electrician salary by state: top 10 and bottom 5
State pay for electricians varies more than most people expect; a candidate with the same license can earn dramatically different amounts depending purely on geography. The table below shows the ten highest-paying states, plus the five lowest, using BLS OEWS May 2025 data.
| State | Median annual salary | 10th percentile | 90th percentile |
| Oregon | $79,110 | $59,550 | $131,530 |
| Illinois | $73,520 | $49,240 | $123,660 |
| Hawaii | $70,460 | $45,730 | $124,590 |
| Alaska | $66,780 | $58,420 | $123,200 |
| Washington | $66,630 | $52,170 | $133,950 |
| Maine | $62,930 | $54,180 | $115,720 |
| New Jersey | $62,400 | $48,570 | $130,860 |
| District of Columbia | $61,240 | $51,950 | $125,790 |
| New York | $60,480 | $45,740 | $131,640 |
| Montana | $60,400 | $49,130 | $89,510 |
| Georgia | $46,640 | $37,180 | $84,000 |
| Kentucky | $46,540 | $37,110 | $85,260 |
| Iowa | $46,400 | $39,770 | $89,480 |
| Alabama | $46,120 | $37,640 | $78,230 |
| Arkansas | $38,550 | $34,910 | $74,460 |
Source: BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics, May 2025
These states share two things in common: strong union presence and high costs of living, both of which push wages up.
Lower cost-of-living states tend to post lower medians, which reflect regional pay scales rather than a difference in skill or licensing standards.
Why does union status change the number so much
Electricians represented by IBEW (International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers) typically earn more than non-union electricians doing comparable work. This reflects collectively bargained wage scales and structured apprenticeship pay progression that union contracts guarantee.
BLS OEWS does not break out union versus non-union pay by trade and state, so the calculator above applies an estimated premium based on published union wage research rather than a direct government figure.
How experience and certification affect electrician pay
Entry-level electricians, typically in the first two years of an apprenticeship, earn meaningfully less than licensed journeymen. Pay climbs steadily once you’re licensed, and the climb continues with each additional year of verified field experience.
Electricians who hold additional certifications, low-voltage systems, solar installation, or specialty industrial credentials tend to command a premium over a standard journeyman license alone, since these credentials let you bid on a wider range of jobs.
Electrician Job Outlook
The Bureau of Labor Statistics projects electrician employment to grow 9% from 2024 to 2034, well above the 3% average across all occupations, with roughly 81,000 openings projected per year over the decade. Much of this demand comes from two forces: retiring electricians who need to be replaced and new electrification work tied to renewable energy installation and grid modernization.
This outlook applies nationally; state-level demand will vary based on local construction activity and infrastructure investment, which is part of why electrician salary-by-state comparisons matter more than a single national number.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the average electrician’s salary in the US?
The weighted national median is $53,191 per year as of the BLS OEWS May 2025 release, though actual pay varies significantly by state, from $38,550 in Arkansas to $79,110 in Oregon.
Do union electricians really make more money?
Yes, union electricians typically earn more than non-union electricians in the same state, due to collectively bargained wage scales.
Which state pays electricians the most?
Oregon currently posts the highest median electrician salary in the country at $79,110 per year, according to BLS OEWS May 2025 data, followed by Illinois and Hawaii.
What is the job outlook for electricians?
The BLS projects 9% employment growth for electricians from 2024 to 2034, much faster than the average for all occupations, with about 81,000 job openings projected annually, driven largely by retirements and electrification demand.
Conclusion
Electrician pay varies more by state, union status, and certification than most people expect; a $40,000 swing is common across the data, and the job outlook over the next decade is strong nationwide. Use the calculator above to get a realistic number for your situation, then check our complete guide to becoming an electrician for licensing steps and training costs in your state.
Next step: Read our full guide on how to become an electrician the apprenticeship options, licensing requirements, and program costs.