How Much Do Electricians Make?
The hum of electricity keeps our world moving, and the skilled hands behind that magic are often electricians. But how much does this essential trade pay? Read more below if you want a breakdown of the average living standards of electricians, as well as the best states to work in and the factors affecting electricians' salaries.
What Do Electricians Do?
It’s not just flipping different switches. An electrician is responsible for installing and maintaining power and electrical systems in both new and old buildings. They create intricate outlets, switches, circuit breakers, and wiring that power industries, charge phones, and turn on lights. For detail-oriented, proactive individuals, a career as an electrician is highly recommended due to its high job satisfaction rating.
What Do Electricians Make?
As with any job, it’s essential to know how much you will make. The demand for trade skills is rising, and the construction industry knows how to pay its workers. The average pay for electricians is typically $59,737 a year, or around $28.72 an hour. Note that salary will vary greatly depending on the state you live and operate in. We'll go into more detail later in the article.
Regional Variances in Electrician Pay
As previously stated, the typical income for an electrician varies greatly by state. Salaries tend to be higher in states where there is a greater demand for qualified electricians or where living expenses are greater. On the other hand, incomes could be lower in rural or sparsely inhabited areas. The top five states with the best salaries for electricians are shown below:
While these states provide employment opportunities for electricians, with wages above the national average, there are more factors to consider that determine an electrician's salary. High revenue can be related to the need for experienced electricians and the cost of living, among other factors, which we will break down in more detail below.
Factors Affecting Electricians' Salaries
Other than location, several factors can influence electrician salaries, including:
- Experience and Specialization - Electricians with specialized skills, experience, and certifications often earn higher salaries, making them valuable to employers and potentially resulting in further education or licensure.
- Industry and Employer - An electrician's industry and employer can have an impact on their salary. High-paying companies, such as large construction corporations, are able to pay higher salaries, as can specialist sectors like oil and gas.
- Unions - Collective bargaining agreements that negotiate for greater pay and benefits may be available to unionized electricians. Additionally, joining a union may lead to more training and job security.
- Supply and Demand - Economic variables such as supply and demand for skilled labor, inflation, labor market circumstances, and industry trends can all have an impact on electrician salary, with higher pay rising during periods of economic expansion and high demand for building projects.
Other Benefits of Becoming an Electrician
There are many opportunities in large fields like construction. With such prospects, it may be surprising to hear that there is a scarcity of workers in construction, especially electricians. By 2025, we are looking at a huge demand for tradespeople in the workforce, but we are also facing a huge shortage.
Owing to the increased need for skilled electricians, those looking to start their careers are almost guaranteed a wealth of opportunity. In the current economy, electricians will always have the opportunity to secure employment, ensuring job stability and improved benefits.
The construction industry is merit-based and is now in need of expansion due to an aging workforce and fewer young people joining. As veterans retire or move jobs, exciting opportunities for advancement come up for young and willing professionals. With a few years of training and experience, electricians can easily take advantage of the industry's need for talented tradespeople.
You might not realize this, but having no student loan debt is a significant bonus to becoming an electrician. For electricians and other comparable trades, apprenticeships, which pay trainee salaries for on-the-job training and allow them to work as they learn, are a common, less expensive type of education and training.
Start Your Journey With OSHAcampus
When compared to their university-going peers, a job in the electrical industry provides a head start because of the high salary, lack of student debt, and early income potential. Being an electrician may be a fulfilling job if you possess the skills and knowledge required to succeed in the field. Get a leg up in the industry by completing OSHA-aligned training. At 360training, we offer courses for both experienced and prospective electricians. Online, simple, flexible, and above all, inexpensive. Check out our catalog and get started today!
