2026 · BLS Data · After-Tax Estimates

Electrician Hourly Rate & Salary (2026)

Electricians install, maintain, and repair electrical wiring, equipment, and systems in homes, businesses, and industrial facilities. Master electricians and those running their own businesses can earn substantially more.

Median Hourly Rate $30/hr Range: $18–$55/hr
Median Annual Salary $61,590 40 hrs/week · 52 weeks
After-Tax (no state tax) $51,668 $4,306/month · $24.84/hr net

Electrician Pay — Key Facts (2026)

Education RequiredApprenticeship program (4–5 years) + state journeyman license; master license for independent work
Job Growth Outlook+11% through 2032 (faster than average due to electrification and EV infrastructure)
Highest-Paying StatesCalifornia, New York, Texas
Federal Tax (median salary)$5,211
FICA (SS + Medicare)$4,712
Effective Tax Rate16.1% (federal only)

Electrician Salary Range (2026)

LevelHourly RateAnnual SalaryAfter-Tax (est.)
Entry Level$18/hr$37,440$32,300
Median$30/hr$61,590$51,668
Experienced$37/hr$76,960$63,000
Top Earners$55/hr$114,400$89,300

After-tax estimates are for single filers in states with no income tax (TX, FL, NV, WA). State income tax reduces these figures further.

Calculate Your Electrician Take-Home Pay

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Frequently Asked Questions

How much does an electrician make per hour?

Apprentice electricians start at $18–$22/hour. Journeyman electricians earn $25–$38/hour. Master electricians earn $35–$55/hour. Union electricians in high-cost markets like NYC or San Francisco can earn $50–$70+/hour including benefits.

How much is an electrician's salary after tax?

On the $61,590 median salary, a single filer in a no-tax state takes home roughly $47,000/year. Union electricians with strong benefit packages (health insurance, pension) often have total compensation equivalent to $75,000–$90,000+ when benefits are included.

Do electricians make more than other tradespeople?

Electricians typically earn more than carpenters and plumbers at the apprentice level, and are competitive with plumbers at the journeyman and master level. HVAC technicians earn similar wages. All trades pay more than most non-degree white-collar jobs at entry level.

Is becoming an electrician worth it in 2026?

Absolutely — the green energy transition (solar, EV chargers, battery storage) is creating massive demand for electricians. The apprenticeship is paid from day one, there's no student loan debt, and experienced electricians are consistently in the top third of US earners.

Compare to Other Professions

Electrician Take-Home by State

See how the $61,590 median Electrician salary plays out after tax in major states:

Electrician Hourly Rate Pages

Explore after-tax take-home at different points in the Electrician pay range:

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