📌 2025 Electrician Salary Trends: Where Are the Best-Paying Jobs in the U.S.?
Electricians in the U.S. enjoy steady job security and high earnings, even during economic fluctuations. With the growing demand for renewable energy, electric vehicles (EV) charging stations, smart home systems, and regular upgrades to aging infrastructure, electricians are more sought after than ever.
If you're wondering where electricians earn the most, this article covers salary trends, state-by-state differences, job opportunities, high-paying roles, and how to break into the industry.
1️⃣ How Much Do Electricians Make in the U.S.? (2025)
In 2025, electricians in the U.S. can expect an average annual salary ranging from $45,000 to $69,500, depending on experience, location, and specialization. The average hourly wage for electricians is about $29.98.
Salaries vary significantly across states, with high-demand areas like California, New York, and Washington offering much higher wages compared to regions in the Midwest and South, where pay tends to be lower.
2️⃣ Electrician Job Openings Are Growing
The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) reports that the demand for electricians is projected to grow by 11% between 2023 and 2033—significantly higher than the average for all occupations.
Key growth drivers:
Expansion in residential and commercial construction.
Investment in renewable energy and EV infrastructure.
Upgrades to aging electrical systems nationwide.
As the industry faces a shortage of qualified workers, electricians with up-to-date skills are well-positioned to secure higher-paying jobs.
3️⃣ How Do Electrician Salaries Differ by State?
Salaries can vary dramatically by state. While cities like San Francisco or New York offer some of the highest wages, they also come with a high cost of living. In contrast, rural areas or smaller cities tend to offer lower pay, but the cost of living is also lower.
Here are some average hourly wages by region:
California (top cities)
$47–$52/hr
Washington
$48–$50/hr
Massachusetts
$46–$48/hr
New York
$47–$49/hr
Oregon
$44–$45/hr
Colorado
$43–$44/hr
Texas
$42–$44/hr
Midwest Average
$30–$35/hr
Southern Average
$28–$32/hr
Key insight: California and Washington pay electricians 50–60% more per hour, but the cost of living in these areas is also much higher.
4️⃣ Cities with the Highest Wage Growth in 2025
Several cities are expected to see significant wage increases for electricians in 2025. According to recruitment projections, these are the cities with the largest salary hikes:
| City | 2023 Average Hourly Wage | 2025 Estimated Hourly Wage | Increase (%) |
|---|---|---|---|
| San Francisco, CA | $47/hour | $52/hour | +10% |
| Seattle, WA | $45/hour | $50/hour | +11% |
| Boston, MA | $43/hour | $48/hour | +12% |
| New York City, NY | $44/hour | $49/hour | +11% |
| Austin, TX | $38/hour | $43/hour | +13% |
| Denver, CO | $39/hour | $44/hour | +12% |
| Portland, OR | $40/hour | $45/hour | +11% |
Why the rapid growth?
Infrastructure & Commercial Projects: Cities like San Francisco and Seattle are seeing large-scale projects in construction and tech, driving demand for electricians.
Union Influence: In cities such as Boston and New York, strong unions have helped secure higher wages and benefits for electricians.
Renewable Energy: Portland and Denver are prioritizing green technologies, creating more opportunities for skilled electricians.
5️⃣ High-Paying Electrician Jobs in 2025
Electricians with specialized skills or those working in more advanced roles can earn significantly higher salaries. Here’s a breakdown of the top-paying electrician-related roles:
| Job Title | Annual Salary | Monthly Salary | Weekly Wage | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| High Voltage Electrician | $80,000 - $95,000 | $6,667 - $7,917 | $1,538 - $1,818 | $38 - $45 |
| Industrial Electrician | $75,000 - $90,000 | $6,250 - $7,500 | $1,442 - $1,730 | $35 - $42 |
| Power Systems Installer | $70,000 - $85,000 | $5,833 - $7,083 | $1,346 - $1,634 | $33 - $40 |
| Electrical Engineer | $90,000 - $110,000 | $7,500 - $9,167 | $1,730 - $2,115 | $45 - $55 |
| Equipment Maintenance Electrician | $65,000 - $80,000 | $5,417 - $6,667 | $1,250 - $1,538 | $32 - $38 |
| Electrician Apprentice | $48,000 – $58,000 | $4,000 – $4,833 | $923 – $1,115 | $24 – $28 |
Tip: Specializing in high-voltage systems, industrial machinery, or renewable energy can increase your earning potential by as much as 30% compared to general electricians.
6️⃣ How to Get Started
Here’s how you can launch your career in the electrical field:
✔️ Complete an Apprenticeship: Most electricians undergo 4–5 years of hands-on training and classroom learning.
✔️ Get Certified & Licensed: Requirements differ by state, but becoming a Journeyman or Master Electrician can boost your pay by up to 30%.
✔️ Build Specialized Skills: Focus on emerging fields like solar energy, smart home systems, or electric vehicle charging stations.
✔️ Consider Union Membership: Unionized electricians typically earn 15–25% more than non-union electricians and enjoy additional benefits such as health insurance and retirement plans.
📈 Key Takeaway
Electricians will continue to be in high demand in 2025, with salaries expected to rise in line with industry needs. By pursuing higher-level training and gaining experience in specialized fields, electricians can secure higher-paying roles and enjoy a stable career for years to come.