What Electricians do
The U.S. Department of Labor's O*NET database describes the work of Electricians this way: "Install, maintain, and repair electrical wiring, equipment, and fixtures. Ensure that work is in accordance with relevant codes. May install or service street lights, intercom systems, or electrical control systems."
The core tasks O*NET records for this occupation include: "Assemble, install, test, or maintain electrical or electronic wiring, equipment, appliances, apparatus, or fixtures, using hand tools or power tools"; "Diagnose malfunctioning systems, apparatus, or components, using test equipment and hand tools to locate the cause of a breakdown and correct the problem"; "Connect wires to circuit breakers, transformers, or other components"; "Inspect electrical systems, equipment, or components to identify hazards, defects, or the need for adjustment or repair, and to ensure compliance with codes"; "Advise management on whether continued operation of equipment could be hazardous".
Education, experience and training
According to the BLS Employment Projections, the typical education needed to enter this occupation is high school diploma or equivalent. Typical on-the-job training to reach competency is apprenticeship.
Job outlook for Electricians
The Bureau of Labor Statistics counted 821,000 jobs in this occupation in 2025 and projects 896,900 in 2035, an increase of 75,900 jobs (+9.2%). That is faster than the 3.5% projected for all occupations.
About 72,700 openings a year are projected on average, counting both new positions and positions vacated by workers who retire or switch occupations. Relative to today's employment that is 8.9% a year, against 10.3% for all occupations. 7.1% of workers in this occupation are self-employed; the wage figures below cover wage and salary workers. BLS lists a national median annual wage of $63,190, compared with $50,980 for all occupations.
Where Electricians earn the most
Across the 22 states with published data, the employment-weighted average of local median wages for this occupation ranges from $56,083 in Florida to $98,559 in Washington, a gap of $42,476 (1.76 times). 17 of those 22 states average above the BLS national median of $63,190 and 5 average at or below it.
Texas employs the most people in this occupation among the states covered, 74,310, which is 10.8% of the 687,750 counted across them. California follows with 71,170.
Highest-paying states
Washington ($98,559), Illinois ($92,530) and Indiana ($81,523) lead the ranking, while Florida ($56,083) and Texas ($57,635) are at the bottom. The table below lists every state with a link to its county-level detail.
Electricians: pay against the cost of living
We compare 27 labor markets, each represented by its most populous county. After federal, Social Security, Medicare and state taxes and the four basics (a one-bedroom rental, food, home energy and gasoline), the largest yearly margin is in Lake County, IN (Chicago-Naperville-Elgin, IL-IN) at $56,618. The smallest margin is $16,424 in Miami-Dade County, FL.
The median wage for this occupation covers all four basics in 27 of the 27 markets. A one-bedroom apartment takes between 18.2% and 54.2% of take-home pay, depending on the market.
Occupations related to Electricians
Other occupations in the same SOC minor group (47-2000) include Plumbers, Pipefitters, and Steamfitters, Operating Engineers and Other Construction Equipment Operators, Carpenters and Cement Masons and Concrete Finishers.
Frequently asked questions about Electricians
What is the national median wage for Electricians?
BLS lists a national median annual wage of $63,190. Across the states covered here the average local median ranges from $56,083 to $98,559.
Which state pays Electricians the most?
Washington, with an employment-weighted average local median wage of $98,559. Illinois is next at $92,530.
What is the job outlook for Electricians?
BLS projects employment to grow by 9.2% between 2025 and 2035, compared with 3.5% for all occupations, with about 72,700 openings a year.
What education do Electricians need?
The typical entry-level education is high school diploma or equivalent and apprenticeship, according to BLS.
Where can Electricians afford to live best?
Among the markets covered, Lake County, IN leaves the largest yearly margin after taxes, rent, food, energy and gasoline: $56,618 on a median wage of $102,350.