Highest Paying States for Journeyman Electrician License in 2026
As of 2026, the average salary for journeyman electricians across the United States stands at $64,916 annually, with a national median of $62,350. This reflects a diverse range of salaries influenced by various factors including geographic location, local economies, and industry demands. This article explores the highest and lowest paying states for journeyman electricians, delving into the reasons behind these salary variations and offering insights on how electricians can potentially increase their earnings.
Top 5 Highest Paying States
Illinois leads with an average annual salary of $95,090, likely due to a combination of a high cost of living and strong union presence which typically negotiates better wages. Hawaii follows with $92,750, where the high cost of living significantly impacts wages. Oregon's average of $88,770 can be attributed to the state's burgeoning tech industry increasing demand for skilled electricians. Alaska and Washington, with salaries of $82,160 and $82,020 respectively, offer higher wages to attract talent to remote and high-cost areas.
5 Lowest Paying States
Arkansas and Idaho are among the lowest, offering $48,480 and $49,310 respectively, largely due to their lower cost of living and less industrial activity. Florida's average of $50,120 and North Carolina's $50,950 reflect the broader trend of lower wages in the Southern states, which may also have less union influence. Alabama rounds out this group with $51,500, where the cost of living is relatively low, reducing the wage pressure on employers.
What Affects Journeyman Electrician License Salary?
Several factors influence the earnings of journeyman electricians. Experience is paramount; more seasoned electricians can command higher wages. The work setting also plays a critical role, with industrial settings often offering higher pay than residential projects. Specializations in high-demand areas like solar installation or high-voltage equipment can also lead to higher earnings. Additionally, electricians willing to work overtime or in emergency situations often see increased pay.
Salary Comparison Table
Below is a comprehensive table detailing the median annual and hourly wages for journeyman electricians across all states:
| State | Median Annual Salary | Median Hourly Wage |
|---|---|---|
| Illinois | $95,090 | $45.72 |
| Hawaii | $92,750 | $44.59 |
| Oregon | $88,770 | $42.68 |
| Alaska | $82,160 | $39.50 |
| Washington | $82,020 | $39.43 |
| Massachusetts | $81,170 | $39.02 |
| District of Columbia | $79,520 | $38.23 |
| Minnesota | $78,050 | $37.52 |
| California | $77,470 | $37.25 |
| New York | $77,430 | $37.23 |
| North Dakota | $76,120 | $36.60 |
| Wisconsin | $74,660 | $35.89 |
| Connecticut | $71,500 | $34.38 |
| New Jersey | $68,250 | $32.81 |
| Indiana | $68,070 | $32.73 |
| Rhode Island | $66,240 | $31.85 |
| Pennsylvania | $65,700 | $31.59 |
| Montana | $64,590 | $31.05 |
| Wyoming | $64,440 | $30.98 |
| Iowa | $63,670 | $30.61 |
| Ohio | $63,370 | $30.47 |
| West Virginia | $63,100 | $30.34 |
| Maryland | $63,030 | $30.30 |
| Michigan | $62,980 | $30.28 |
| Missouri | $62,640 | $30.12 |
| Maine | $61,970 | $29.80 |
| New Hampshire | $61,270 | $29.46 |
| Delaware | $60,990 | $29.32 |
| Colorado | $60,850 | $29.25 |
| Nevada | $60,460 | $29.07 |
| Arizona | $60,440 | $29.06 |
| Virginia | $60,320 | $29.00 |
| Utah | $59,890 | $28.80 |
| Kansas | $59,880 | $28.79 |
| Nebraska | $59,660 | $28.68 |
| Louisiana | $59,260 | $28.49 |
| Mississippi | $58,580 | $28.16 |
| Oklahoma | $57,750 | $27.76 |
| South Dakota | $57,750 | $27.76 |
| Kentucky | $57,140 | $27.47 |
| Vermont | $56,830 | $27.32 |
| New Mexico | $56,000 | $26.92 |
| Texas | $55,890 | $26.87 |
| Tennessee | $55,380 | $26.62 |
| Georgia | $55,300 | $26.59 |
| South Carolina | $51,950 | $24.98 |
| Alabama | $51,500 | $24.76 |
| North Carolina | $50,950 | $24.50 |
| Florida | $50,120 | $24.10 |
| Idaho | $49,310 | $23.71 |
| Arkansas | $48,480 | $23.31 |
Regional Patterns
A closer look at the data reveals regional trends in electrician salaries. The Northeast and West Coast generally offer higher wages, reflecting the higher cost of living and stronger labor unions in these areas. The Midwest shows moderate salary levels, possibly influenced by industrial and manufacturing sectors. In contrast, the South and parts of the Midwest tend to have lower wages, which may be impacted by less union presence and lower costs of living.
Maximizing Your Earning Potential
To maximize earnings, electricians should consider gaining specialized certifications, pursuing opportunities in high-demand areas, and being willing to relocate to states with higher wages. Networking with other professionals and continuous learning through workshops and additional training can also enhance career prospects and potential earnings.
Bottom Line
Understanding the factors that affect electrician salaries and the geographical differences can help professionals make informed decisions about their careers. By strategically enhancing skills and considering locations, electricians can effectively increase their earning potential.
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CredentialGuide Editorial Team
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