Guide to the Top-Paying States for Electricians

Analyzing Electrician Salaries by State Using the Latest Data

The demand for skilled electricians continues to surge, but earning potential varies dramatically across the United States. Based on the latest Bureau of Labor Statistics data (May 2023), the highest paying states for electricians are Oregon, Illinois, Hawaii, Washington, and Alaska. Oregon now leads with an annual mean wage over $98,000, followed closely by Illinois, driven by strong union presence and high demand in major metropolitan areas. New York also ranks among the top, with robust industrial sectors and significant infrastructure projects. While these states offer the highest nominal wages, it’s crucial for professionals to also consider the local cost of living to determine their true earning power. This analysis of the electrician salary by state will guide you in making informed career decisions for maximum profitability.

As a master electrician and certified CE instructor, I’ve spent decades navigating the National Electrical Code (NEC) and training the next generation of professionals. I understand that your license is more than a credential—it’s the key to a prosperous career. But where you put that license to work matters. The Bureau of Labor Statistics electrician outlook remains exceptionally strong, with projected job growth far outpacing the national average. Let’s dissect the numbers to see where your skills are most financially rewarded.

The Top 7 Highest-Paying States for Electricians

While national averages provide a baseline, state-level data reveals the real opportunities. The following states consistently offer the highest nominal electrician wages, driven by a combination of strong union representation, prevailing wage laws, and high demand from specific industries. All data is from the BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics report from May 2023.

• 1. Oregon: With an annual mean salary of $98,180, Oregon is the new leader. The state’s focus on renewable energy and a booming tech sector (data centers), particularly in the Portland area, creates high demand for specialized electrical work.
• 2. Illinois: With an annual mean salary of $97,300, Illinois remains a top state. The Chicago-Naperville-Elgin metropolitan area is a major driver, with a high concentration of commercial and industrial projects and strong IBEW locals.
• 3. Hawaii: The island state’s high cost of living necessitates a high wage, with electricians earning an average of $91,100. Tourism and military infrastructure are key employment drivers.
• 4. Washington: Mirroring its neighbor Oregon, Washington’s tech and aerospace industries push average salaries to $90,820.
• 5. Alaska: While remote, Alaska offers high compensation, averaging around $90,690, to attract skilled labor for its unique energy and industrial projects. The higher cost of living is a significant factor here.
• 6. New York: Electricians in New York can expect an average salary around $89,740. High-density urban centers and ongoing large-scale infrastructure projects keep wages competitive.
• 7. New Jersey: With an annual mean salary of $86,810, New Jersey benefits from its proximity to major metropolitan areas like New York City and Philadelphia, as well as its own significant industrial and pharmaceutical sectors, driving up wages for skilled electricians.

Beyond the Paycheck: Calculating Your Real Wage as an Electrician

A $95,000 salary in San Francisco, California, feels very different from the same salary in Springfield, Illinois. To truly compare the electrician salary by state, you must calculate your “real wage” by applying an electrician cost of living adjustment. This simple calculation gives you a clearer picture of your actual purchasing power.

How to Calculate Your Adjusted ‘Real Wage’

1. Find the State’s Annual Mean Wage: Start with the target salary for an electrician in the state you’re considering. Use data from the BLS or this article as your baseline.
2. Identify the Cost of Living Index (COLI): Find the COLI for the specific state or metropolitan area. The Council for Community and Economic Research (C2ER) is a reliable source. The national average is 100. A number above 100 means it’s more expensive than average; below 100 means it’s less expensive.
3. Apply the Formula: Use this formula to adjust the salary:
   Adjusted “Real Wage” = (Annual Mean Wage / COLI) * 100
4. Compare Your Results: For example, a $90,000 salary in a state with a COLI of 120 gives you a real wage equivalent of $75,000. That same $90,000 in a state with a COLI of 90 gives you a real wage of $100,000. This is the real wage for electricians by state that truly matters for your financial health.

Key Factors Influencing Your Earning Potential

Your salary isn’t just about location. Several critical factors determine your overall electrician earning potential by specialization and experience. Mastering these variables is the key to advancing your career.

• Union vs. Non-Union: The debate over non-union vs union electrician pay is ongoing. Generally, union electricians, often represented by the IBEW, earn higher wages and receive superior benefits packages. IBEW pay scales by state are transparent and often tied to prevailing wage rates for electricians on public works projects, setting a high bar for compensation.
• Licensure and Experience: There is a clear and significant pay ladder in our trade. Apprentice wages are the starting point, followed by a substantial jump to journeyman electrician wages upon licensure. Achieving the pinnacle of master electrician salary requires years of experience, passing a rigorous exam, and the ability to pull permits and run a business.
• Specialization: Generalists are always needed, but specialists command top dollar. The industrial electrician salary trends are consistently high due to the complexity of working with motor controls, PLCs, and high-voltage systems. Similarly, while a distinct profession, roles like electrical power-line installers (or linemen) represent another highly-compensated path within the broader electrical industry, known for its hazardous nature and critical importance.
• Continuing Education (CE): The NEC is updated every three years for a reason: technology and safety standards evolve. An electrician who stays current is more valuable. For example, a deep understanding of complex topics like how to calculate junction box size with terminal blocks under the latest code, or grasping the nuances of 2023 NEC updates to impedance grounding system requirements, can set you apart. To maintain this edge, it’s essential to partner with a trusted CE provider. Learn more with ExpertCE and ensure your skills are always in demand.

Primary Sources & Further Reading

For E-E-A-T (Experience, Expertise, Authoritativeness, Trust), always refer back to the primary data. Here are the sources I use in my own research and instruction:

• U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS): Occupational Outlook Handbook: Electricians
• National Electrical Contractors Association (NECA)
• International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers (IBEW)

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

What state pays electricians the most?

According to the latest Bureau of Labor Statistics data (May 2023), Oregon is the highest-paying state for electricians, with an annual mean wage of $98,180. Illinois follows closely at $97,300. This is largely driven by high demand, strong union presence, and robust industrial and tech sectors in those states.

How much does a master electrician make compared to a journeyman?

A master electrician’s salary is typically 15-30% higher than journeyman electrician wages in the same region. A master electrician has the added earning potential of owning their own contracting business, which can significantly increase their income beyond a standard salary.

Is it better to be a union or non-union electrician for pay?

For pure compensation and benefits, union (IBEW) electricians generally earn more than their non-union counterparts. Union contracts often include defined pension plans, comprehensive health insurance, and guaranteed wage increases, which contribute to a higher overall financial package.

What is the job outlook for electricians?

The Bureau of Labor Statistics electrician outlook is very positive, with job growth projected at 6% from 2022 to 2032, faster than the average for all occupations. Wage trends suggest continued growth, spurred by construction job growth projections and demand in specialized fields like renewable energy and data centers.

As you plan your career moves based on the top-paying states for electricians, remember that knowledge is your most valuable tool. The states with the highest pay also have the most complex and demanding projects. Staying current with your continuing education is not just a requirement—it’s an investment in your earning potential.

Stay ahead of the code and your competition. Enroll in your CE course today, visit ExpertCE.