Electricians are skilled tradespersons who install, maintain and repair electrical power, lighting, control and communication systems in homes, businesses and factories. They are essential workers who help ensure our buildings and infrastructure operate safely and efficiently. But not all electrician jobs are equal when it comes to compensation. There is a wide range of salaries in this trade depending on factors like specialization, certifications, experience level and geographic location. Determining the highest paying electrician jobs requires a close look at the data on electrician salaries and career paths.
What are the main types of electricians?
There are three main categories of electricians:
Residential electricians
Residential electricians install and repair electrical systems in homes, apartments, condominiums and other dwellings. They work with lighting, appliances, climate control systems, security systems and more. Many residential electricians are self-employed contractors who work directly for homeowners. Others work for small contracting firms. Residential electricians tend to have lower pay compared to other specialties, with a national median pay of $55,190 per year according to 2021 data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS).
Commercial and institutional electricians
Commercial electricians install and maintain electrical systems in office buildings, hospitals, schools, retail stores, hotels and other commercial and institutional settings. They install wiring and other infrastructure to meet the power needs of the buildings and occupants. Commercial electricians may construct electrical systems during building construction or renovate and upgrade systems in existing buildings. Their work is more complex than residential wiring and requires advanced technical knowledge. According to the BLS, the median pay for commercial electricians was $59,190 per year in 2021.
Industrial electricians
Industrial electricians maintain, install and repair the electrical infrastructure in industrial facilities like manufacturing plants, processing and production facilities, and power generation stations. They have highly specialized knowledge for working with motors, automation controls, transformers and other industrial systems. Because of the complex nature of their work, industrial electricians earn some of the highest wages in the electrical trades. The BLS reports a median annual pay of $63,660 for industrial electricians as of 2021.
What are the highest paying states for electricians?
The top paying states for electricians reflect areas with high costs of living as well as strong demand for electrical work. According to 2021 BLS figures, the states with the highest average salaries for electricians were:
| State | Average Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| Illinois | $77,900 |
| Alaska | $77,800 |
| New York | $76,900 |
| Hawaii | $76,100 |
| Nevada | $75,900 |
The higher pay in states like Illinois and New York is driven by higher wages in large metro areas like Chicago and New York City. Electricians in Hawaii earn higher salaries due to the state’s exceptionally high cost of living. States with abundant industrial facilities and construction activity also tend to offer higher electrician pay.
Which electrician specialties offer the highest wages?
While state and region impact electrician salaries, specialty is one of the biggest factors determining pay. The highest paying electrician specialties include:
Wind turbine technicians
Wind turbine techs inspect, maintain and repair wind turbines. They have specialized electrical knowledge to work with turbines, which can stand hundreds of feet tall. This is a fast-growing occupation as more wind farms are constructed. According to the BLS, wind turbine techs earned a median salary of $56,230 in 2021, the highest among electrician specialties.
Powerhouse, substation and relay electricians
These electricians earn a median annual wage of $82,900, according to BLS data. They have advanced skills for working with high voltage electrical infrastructure at power generation facilities, substations and transmission networks. The complex and critical nature of their work results in high compensation.
Elevator installers and repairers
While classified under mechanical trades by the BLS, elevator trades workers have specialized electrical knowledge. The median pay for elevator installers and repairers was $91,260 in 2021, making this one of the most lucrative specialties for workers with electrical skills. Elevator mechanics command high salaries because of their niche skill set and the importance of their work maintaining building elevators and escalators.
Transportation signal and traction power technicians
These specialized electricians earn a median of $77,560 per year, according to BLS data. They have knowledge of railway systems and signaling. Their skills are in demand at rail yards, subway systems and other public transportation agencies.
How can electricians earn the highest salaries?
Some of the key steps electricians can take to reach higher salary levels include:
Obtain specialized training and certifications
Getting education and training for a specialty like industrial maintenance or elevator repair can boost an electrician’s pay. Licensure and certifications like journeyman’s electrician license demonstrate advanced competency.
Join a union
Most electricians belong to a trade union. Unions negotiate higher wages through collective bargaining agreements. The union pay differential can be significant.
Get experience with complex systems
Working with sophisticated equipment and systems – such as automation controls, high voltage, emergency power systems, etc. – leads to higher pay than simple residential wiring.
Develop project management skills
Electricians who can manage teams, bid contracts and run large projects command the highest salaries. Leadership and business skills bring more value.
Start a specialty contracting business
Experienced electricians who start their own firms for specialties like home theaters or renewable energy systems can earn higher incomes. Business ownership isn’t for everyone though.
Conclusion
While electrician salaries vary widely, the highest paid electricians typically have specializations in complex systems and infrastructure. Industrial electricians, powerhouse and railway electricians, elevator constructors, and alternative energy technicians are among the most highly compensated. Advanced training, certifications, union membership, leadership skills, and business ownership can also boost electricians’ earnings. The highest paid electricians can make over $100,000 annually in some cases. But all electricians play a critical role maintaining buildings, infrastructure and operations. Their specialized electrical knowledge will always be valued and in demand.
