Are you thinking of becoming an electrician? If so, you’re probably wondering how much they make. The average electrician salary has grown by about 10% from 2015 to 2020. Let’s break down the data.
Electrician Salary in 2022 – Median and Mean Wages
The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics doesn’t have data for 2022 yet. As of May 2020, electricians earned a median hourly wage of $27.36 and a mean of $29.59, which amounted to an average electrician salary of $61,550 annually. The lowest paid ten percent earned less than $17 per hour, while the highest paid ten percent earned more than $47 per hour.
According to the salary calculator at Salary.com, electricians make a median of $31 hourly and $63,915 annually. In 2022, you can expect a similar average salary.
Electrician Salaries over the Years
The electrician salary has been growing steadily for the past few years. In 2015, electrical professionals earned a mean hourly wage of $26.73, which grew to $29.59 in 2020. The mean annual salary, on the other hand, grew from $55,590 to $61,550. These changes amount to an increase of about 10% in 5 years.
Electrician Salaries by State
As of May 2020, Illinois had the highest electrician salary, with a mean hourly wage of $39.25 and a mean annual salary of $81,650. Electricians in New York, Hawaii, District of Columbia and Oregon also had high salaries, at $36.56 to $39.11 per hour. This is on par with the higher cost of living in those states.
States with the lowest electrician salaries, ranging from $28,050 to $51,350 per year (in no particular order), included Florida, Texas, Utah, Arizona, Arkansas, and Mississippi among others.
What Does an Electrician Do? Tasks and Work Conditions
Electricians install, maintain, and repair electrical wiring, equipment, and fixtures. They work in a wide range of industries, including construction, manufacturing, utilities, and telecommunications.
Most of their tasks are physically demanding. They must be able to lift heavy objects and work in uncomfortable positions for long periods of time. They often have to climb ladders and work in tight spaces. The work can be dangerous, too, as electricians are constantly working with live wires.
History of the Electrician Profession
Professionals working with electricity have been around since the early 1800s. Back then, they were called “wiremen” or “telegraph linemen.” They worked primarily in the telegraph and telephone industries, installing and repairing wires and cables.
The profession we know today really took off in the 1920s, when electric appliances started to become popular. Electricians began to specialize in wiring homes and businesses for electric appliances. They also started to work on larger projects, such as power plants and electric grids.
The profession has continued to grow over the years. In 2020, there were more than 650,000 electricians working in the United States.
Should You Become an Electrician?
Becoming an electrical technician is a great career choice for anyone who enjoys working with their hands and has a strong interest in electrical work. Electricians are in high demand, so there are plenty of job opportunities available. And the electrician salary is very competitive, especially when you consider the potential for overtime pay and bonuses.
What Hours Do Electricians Work?
Electricians typically work 40 hours per week, but their schedules can vary depending on the project they’re working on. For example, those working on a construction site may have to work long hours, while electricians working in a factory may only work regular hours.
In most cases, they can expect to work some overtime hours. This is compensated by additional paid vacation days.
Do They Work on the Weekends?
Electricians may be required to work on the weekends if they’re working on a construction project. However, most people in this profession do not work on the weekends unless they’re specifically asked.
What Qualifications Do You Need to Become an Electrician?
Most jobs in the field require a high school diploma or equivalent. However, some professionals may have an associate’s degree or a bachelor’s degree in electrical engineering or another related field.
Most states require electricians to be licensed, and some employers may also require certification from the National Electrical Contractors Association (NECA) or the Independent Electrical Contractors (IEC). There are three licensing stages:
- apprentice electrician,
- journeyman electrician,
- master electrician.
Training can be completed through an apprenticeship program or a vocational school. Both provide on-the-job training as well as classroom instruction.
Electrician Jobs Are Well-Paying, but Physically Demanding
Have you decided to give a career as an electrician a shot? If so, you will be joining a well-paying and in-demand profession. These professionals make more than $60,000 per year on average, but this can vary depending on your experience level, education, and location.
You must be able to lift heavy objects and work in uncomfortable positions for long periods of time. You also need to have a good sense of balance and coordination, as electricians often have to climb ladders and work in tight spaces. Despite the challenges, these jobs can be very rewarding.
