For those eyeing a future-proof career, becoming an electrician emerges as an excellent choice. This profession not only allows entry without the necessity of a four-year degree—thanks to trade schools and apprenticeships—but it also promises a robust job market driven by technological advancements and shifts toward renewable energy sources. As per the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the demand for electricians is set to grow at a pace much faster than the average job market, fueled by the ongoing green energy transition. With a median annual wage exceeding $60,240 as of 2022, electricians enjoy a lucrative compensation for their indispensable skills.
The electrician employment landscape has shown resilience and growth, bouncing back from downturns such as the Great Recession and the COVID-19 pandemic to surpass previous highs. This recovery underscores the profession’s strong demand, despite its sensitivity to economic fluctuations.
Source: Construction Coverage analysis of U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics data
Despite the profession’s strengths, it reflects a glaring gender disparity, with women making up roughly 3% or less of its workforce—a figure that saw a further decline during the pandemic. This underrepresentation aligns with broader trends across trade occupations.
Source: Construction Coverage analysis of U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics data
Wages for electricians significantly differ across the U.S., influenced by factors like cost of living, union strength, and the local economy’s nature. Illinois and Hawaii lead with the highest adjusted median annual wages, owing to strong labor unions and industry demands.
Source: Construction Coverage analysis of U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics and U.S. Bureau of Economic Analysis data
Our comprehensive analysis spans over 300 metropolitan areas and all 50 states, adjusting for living costs. Notably, cities in Illinois, like Chicago and Peoria, emerge as top earners for electricians, attributing their success to favorable economic conditions and union support. In contrast, regions in Florida and Texas rank lower, even after adjusting for lower living costs.
For electricians venturing into large-scale projects, leveraging precise electrical takeoff and estimating software becomes crucial for generating accurate cost assessments—enhancing team productivity and project success.
For a detailed breakdown of electrician pay across the U.S., categorized by metropolitan size and state rankings, along with an in-depth explanation of our research methodology, visit the Full Results section.
This analysis, conducted by Construction Coverage using data from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics and the U.S. Bureau of Economic Analysis, aims to provide electricians and aspiring tradespeople with valuable insights into where their skills could be most financially rewarding.
