Electrician Salary
Electricians install, maintain, and repair electrical power, communications, lighting, and control systems in homes, businesses, and factories.
Median annual wage
$63,190
SOC 47-2111 · National cross-industry annual wage estimates, latest published year.
The full wage range
A single average hides how wide the real range is. Here's every percentile the BLS publishes for electricians nationally.
| Percentile | Annual wage |
|---|---|
| 10th percentile | $42,640 |
| 25th percentile | $49,430 |
| Median (50th) | $63,190 |
| 75th percentile | $83,940 |
| 90th percentile | $108,510 |
Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS), pulled 2026-09-19. National, cross-industry.
Apprentice to journeyman: what each stage actually pays
One specific IBEW local's negotiated wage schedule, effective 5/26/2025 through 5/31/2026. Real journeyman and apprentice rates vary meaningfully by local across the country -- this is one real, dated example, not a national average.
| Stage | % of journeyman | Hourly rate |
|---|---|---|
| 1st period apprentice | 51% | $19.10 |
| 2nd period apprentice | 56% | $20.97 |
| 3rd period apprentice | 61% | $22.84 |
| 4th period apprentice | 66% | $24.72 |
| 5th period apprentice | 71% | $26.59 |
| 6th period apprentice | 90% | $33.71 |
| Journeyman (Inside Wireman) | 100% | $37.45 |
| Foreman | 110% | $41.20 |
| General Foreman | 120% | $44.94 |
Source: IBEW Local 60 (San Antonio, TX), published wage schedule.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the median salary for an electrician?
$63,190 per year, nationally, per the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS). Half of electricians in the U.S. earn more than this, and half earn less.
What's the real range, not just the average?
The 10th percentile is $42,640/year and the 90th percentile is $108,510/year -- a 2.5x spread between the lowest- and highest-paid electricians the BLS tracks nationally. A single "average" number hides how wide that real range is.
Why use percentiles instead of just an average?
A simple average can be pulled up or down by a small number of very high or very low earners. Percentiles show the real distribution -- the 25th percentile ($49,430) and 75th percentile ($83,940) bracket where the middle half of real electricians actually land, which is usually more useful than one blended number.
Does this include overtime, bonuses, or benefits?
This is base wage data from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) -- it doesn't include the value of benefits (health insurance, retirement contributions) or, depending on the occupation, irregular bonuses. Real total compensation can run higher once those are added.