Electricians in the US earn a median of $63,190 a year in base pay. The middle half earn between $49,430 and $83,940, and the top 10% earn more than $108,510 (BLS OEWS May 2025). To negotiate, aim for the part of that range that matches your experience — with 3–5 years, for example, $63,000 to $84,000 — and open slightly above it.
How much do electricians make?
| Percentile | Annual base pay |
|---|---|
| 10th | $42,640 |
| 25th | $49,430 |
| Median | $63,190 |
| 75th | $83,940 |
| 90th | $108,510 |
Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, OEWS May 2025 — Electricians, national, about 757,220 jobs. BLS figures are base pay including commissions and production bonuses; they exclude year-end bonuses, stock, overtime and benefits.
Where electricians earn the most
| State | Median | 75th percentile |
|---|---|---|
| Oregon | $101,310 | $121,680 |
| Illinois | $99,560 | $117,460 |
| Hawaii | $96,460 | $120,740 |
| Washington | $95,220 | $121,530 |
| Alaska | $89,440 | $105,550 |
Pay also differs within a state — big metro areas often pay more. Use your state's numbers when you set your target.
What should you ask for as a electrician?
| Experience | Suggested target range | Open with about |
|---|---|---|
| 0–2 years | $49,000–$63,000 | $66,000 |
| 3–5 years | $63,000–$84,000 | $88,000 |
| 6–10 years | $71,000–$92,000 | $97,000 |
| 10+ years | $84,000–$109,000 | $114,000 |
The ranges follow national percentiles by experience (25th–50th, 50th–75th, 60th–80th, 75th–90th); the opening number is the top of the range plus about 5%, rounded. Guidance, not a guarantee — check your state and experience, and see how to negotiate salary.
What drives electrician pay?
Electricians install and repair electrical systems in homes, commercial buildings and industrial sites. Pay depends on your license level (apprentice, journeyman, master), union or non-union shop, specialty and overtime — and benefits like a truck, tools or pension can be worth a lot.
- License level: apprentice, journeyman or master.
- Union scale versus non-union pay.
- Specialty: industrial, commercial, residential, solar or controls.
- Overtime, travel pay, per diem, company vehicle and tools.
Your leverage as a electrician
- A journeyman or master license in the employer's state.
- Specialties in demand, such as controls, industrial or solar.
- Ability to lead a crew or run jobs on your own.
- Clean safety record and certifications like OSHA 30.
- Your own tools or willingness to travel.
Only use leverage you really have. Never invent a competing offer.
Electrician objections and how to answer
| They say | You can say |
|---|---|
| “We pay the posted rate for journeymen.” | “With my [specialty] experience and crew-lead work, could I start at the foreman rate?” |
| “Overtime makes up for the base.” | “How many overtime hours are guaranteed? I'd like the base to stand on its own.” |
| “Union scale is fixed.” | “Understood. Are there premiums for foreman or certifications I can qualify for?” |
| “The truck is part of the package.” | “Great — can I use it to commute, and are fuel and maintenance covered?” |
Sample counter offer for a electrician
Thanks for the offer. With my [journeyman/master] license, [number] years in [specialty] work and experience running crews, I'm asking for [hourly rate], plus a company vehicle and tool allowance. The national median for electricians is $63,190 a year.
Then stop talking and let them respond.
Asking for a raise as a electrician
The biggest steps come with license upgrades and lead roles. Bring jobs you ran on time and budget, and certifications you added.