Get the AppElectrician Salary 2026 — What Electricians Make in Every State
Written by a licensed IBEW journeyman electrician
Electrician pay varies dramatically by state and union status. This page consolidates BLS data and IBEW journeyman scale to give you a working picture of what to expect — and which states pay the most.
Why Electrician Pay Varies by State
- Cost of living differences (NYC vs. rural Tennessee)
- Union vs. non-union presence in the state
- Construction demand (booming Phoenix vs. flat smaller cities)
- State licensing requirements and reciprocity
State-by-State Pay Ranges
IBEW ranges run from the lowest to the highest journeyman scale among the locals we track in each state; non-union columns are typical shop rates.
| State | IBEW Journeyman (range across its locals) | Non-Union (avg) |
|---|---|---|
| New York | $44–$65/hr | $35-45/hr |
| California | $52–$96/hr | $32-45/hr |
| Illinois | $43–$67/hr | $28-40/hr |
| Massachusetts | $48–$67/hr | $32-42/hr |
| Hawaii | $56.55/hr | $35-45/hr |
| Alaska | $57.44/hr | $35-45/hr |
| Washington | $50–$78/hr | $30-42/hr |
| New Jersey | $57–$68/hr | $28-40/hr |
| Oregon | $47–$66/hr | $28-38/hr |
| Texas | $30–$41/hr | $24-35/hr |
| Florida | $29–$40/hr | $20-32/hr |
| Georgia | $31–$39/hr | $22-32/hr |
Top 10 Highest-Paying States for Electricians
- New York
- California
- Illinois
- Massachusetts
- Hawaii
- Alaska
- Washington
- New Jersey
- Oregon
- Minnesota
IBEW Apprentice Pay Scale
Apprentice pay is a percentage of journeyman rate that increases each year. Typical progression:
- Year 1: ~40-50% of journeyman ($18-25/hr in most locals)
- Year 2: ~50-55%
- Year 3: ~60-70%
- Year 4: ~75-85%
- Year 5: 100% (journeyman scale)
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Frequently Asked Questions
What is the average electrician salary?
The U.S. median electrician salary is roughly $61,000 per year per BLS data, with the top 10% earning over $100,000. Hourly wages vary widely — IBEW journeyman scale runs $30-$60+/hour depending on the local.
What state pays electricians the most?
New York, California, Illinois, Hawaii, and Alaska consistently appear at the top of state pay rankings for electricians, driven by high IBEW journeyman rates and strong union presence.
How much do IBEW journeymen make?
IBEW journeyman rates vary by local — typical scale ranges from $30/hour in smaller Southern locals to $55+/hour in major urban locals like Chicago 134 or NYC 3, plus pension and benefits.
Do electricians make more than plumbers?
On average, electrician and plumber wages are comparable. Both trades require apprenticeships and licensing. Geographic and union differences usually outweigh trade differences in pay comparison.
Related Resources
Union pay in other trades
Michael Briglio
IBEW Local 134 Journeyman · Licensed Contractor · IL Educator
Michael started in the IBEW at 18 and made foreman as a 3rd-year apprentice. Thirteen years in, he’s a Local 134 journeyman, a licensed electrical contractor, a licensed Illinois teacher, and OSHA 30 and EPA 608 certified. He teaches a federally recognized pre-apprenticeship on the south side of Chicago — where he’s helped 100+ students get into the IBEW. He built Sparky AI around exactly what the NJATC exam tests and what trips people up. Prep with this and you walk in ready.
Facts on this page trace to primary sources or first-hand IBEW Local 134 experience — see sources & methodology.
