Electricians: Salary Overview
Electricians install, maintain, and repair electrical power, lighting, communications, and control systems in homes, businesses, and factories.
They typically work alone but may also collaborate with building engineers and architects when designing electrical systems for new constructions.
An electrician’s job description typically includes reading blueprints, installing and maintaining wiring, inspecting electrical components, repairing or replacing worn wiring or equipment, following state and local building codes but also directing and training workers.
They use different types of tools such as screwdrivers, wire strippers, conduit benders, drills, saw, voltmeters, thermal scanners, cable testers, and more.
According to the United States Bureau of Labor Statistics, the median annual wage for electricians was $56,180 in May 2019.
This means that half the workers in this profession earned less than this and half earn more.
Salaries vary based on the electrician’s level of experience, the place of employment, and the region.
The lowest 10 percent earned less than $33,410 a year as of May 2019 while the highest 10 percent earned more than $96,580 a year.
As an apprentice, you may earn a salary that is close to the minimum wage for this profession but your pay will increase as you gain experience and learn to do more.
Electrician Salary by Industry
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, there were 714,400 electricians employed in the United States in 2018, most of them (66%) working for electrical contractors and other wiring installation contractors.
The manufacturing industry hired 7% of all electricians while 6% where self-employed workers.
The report shows that 3% worked for the government while 3% worked in the field of employment services.
The highest salaries were earned by electricians who worked for the government, a field where the median annual wage was $62,940 as of May 2019.
The median annual salary earned by electricians who worked in the manufacturing industry was $60,000 while those who were employed by electrical contractors and other wiring installation contractors earned $54,630.
Electrician who worked in the employment services industry earned a median wage of $49,140 a year.
In conclusion, salaries vary widely depending on the industry but experience and education are other important factors that determine how much an electrician makes and an experienced electrician who works in the employment service industry, for instance, will typically earn more than an apprentice or an entry-level electrician employed in the manufacturing industry.
Electrician Salary by Compensation Structure
Electricians may be paid either a fixed salary or by the hour.
According to payscale.com, the average hourly rate for electricians was $35.39 but it ranges between $15-$82, depending on the industry, the level of experience, and education among other things.
Some electricians also earn additional benefits, such as bonuses or profit-sharing.
The report published by payscale.com shows that electricians have earned, between $407-$41,217 a year in bonuses, as of May 2020, and up to $28,000 a year in profit sharing.
This means that total compensations vary between $38,788-$160,475 a year.
Some compensation packages also include medical, dental, and vision insurance.
According to payscale.com, 43% of all electricians receive medical benefits while 35% receive dental benefits, and 28% receive vision healthcare benefits.
Job Prospects
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, employment for electricians is projected to grow 10 percent from 2018 to 2028.
The need for skilled electricians will increase especially as the demand for alternative energy sources grows.
Electricians will be needed to install solar and wind power generators and to link these alternative power sources to homes and power grids.
The employment growth, however, also depends on government policy and the local economy.
Being able to perform a variety of tasks, such as repairs, solar photovoltaic installation, and component wiring will improve your job prospects.
* Based on information from the May 2021 salary report from the BLS. The figures represent accumulated data for all states of employment for Electricians. BLS data represents averages and medians for workers at all levels of education and experience. This data doesn't represent starting salaries.
* Employment conditions in your area may vary.