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.

Electrician Salary Range — Visual Breakdown

The chart below shows how Electrician pay is distributed across experience levels, from entry-level to top earners.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$37,440/yr
Mid-Career (3-7 yrs)
$61,590/yr
Senior (8-15 yrs)
$75,920/yr
Top Earner (15+ yrs)
$114,400/yr

Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS), 2024. National figures for all industries.

Monthly Budget on a Electrician Salary

At the median Electrician salary of $61,590/year, your monthly take-home is approximately $4,306 (single filer, no state income tax). Here is how that breaks down across common budget categories following the 50/30/20 guideline:

CategoryMonthlyAnnual% of Net
Housing (30% rule)$1,292$15,50430%
Food (groceries + dining)$517$6,20412%
Transportation$431$5,17210%
Utilities$258$3,0966%
Healthcare$215$2,5805%
Savings (10% target)$431$5,17210%
Discretionary / Other$1,163$13,95627%

Budget assumes no state income tax (TX, FL, NV, WA). State taxes reduce take-home. Use the after-tax calculator for your state.

Housing Affordability on a Electrician Salary

The 28% rule states your monthly housing cost should not exceed 28% of gross monthly income. At the median Electrician salary, here is what that means:

Max Monthly Housing (28% rule)
$1,206/mo
Based on $4,306/mo net income
Estimated Home Price (~6% rate, 30yr)
$217,000
With 10% down payment
Annual Savings Toward Down Payment
$5,172
5 years to 10% down

These figures use national averages with no state income tax. In high-cost states like California or New York, the same salary produces less after-tax income. In lower-cost states like Texas, Florida, or the Midwest, a Electrician salary typically goes significantly further.

Overtime Pay for Electricians

At time-and-a-half, Electricians earning the median $30/hr receive $45/hr for overtime hours. Here is what overtime adds to annual net income at your marginal federal rate:

ScenarioOT Gross RateAdded Gross/YearEst. Added Net/Year
5 hrs/week OT$45/hr$11,250$8,100
10 hrs/week OT$45/hr$22,500$16,200

Net estimated at ~28% effective marginal rate (22% federal + FICA). Actual net varies by total income and state.

Calculate Your Electrician Take-Home Pay

Use the links below to see your exact after-tax pay at common Electrician salary levels:

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:

Tools

Data Sources & Methodology