Highest Paying States for Residential Electrician License in 2026
As of 2026, the average salary for residential electricians across the United States stands at $64,916, with a national median of $62,350. This data highlights significant variations in pay across different states, influenced by factors such as cost of living, local economic conditions, and demand for skilled labor. Understanding these disparities is crucial for electricians considering where to practice or for those contemplating a move to maximize their earnings.
Top 5 Highest Paying States
Illinois leads with an average annual salary of $95,090, likely due to its strong union presence and high urban demand. Hawaii follows at $92,750, where high costs of living and limited local labor supply inflate wages. Oregon's $88,770 average can be attributed to its burgeoning construction sector. Alaska and Washington, both paying over $82,000, benefit from unique local economies and substantial industrial projects requiring expert electricians.
5 Lowest Paying States
At the lower end of the pay scale, Arkansas ranks last with an average salary of $48,480, reflecting its lower cost of living and less industrial activity. Idaho and Florida, with salaries just above $49,000 and $50,000 respectively, also offer lower wages correlating with their economic landscapes. North Carolina and Alabama, slightly higher, still remain under the national median, influenced by similar economic factors.
What Affects Residential Electrician License Salary?
Several factors influence electrician salaries, including years of experience, work setting, and specializations. Electricians in industrial settings or those with specialized certifications typically earn more. Additionally, overtime hours can significantly boost income, reflecting the demand-driven nature of this profession.
Salary Comparison Table
Below is a detailed comparison of residential electrician salaries 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 | $37.24 |
| New York | $77,430 | $37.22 |
| 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 | $30.11 |
| 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: the Northeast and West Coast offer higher wages, likely due to higher living costs and more stringent licensing requirements. The South and Midwest tend to have lower salaries, possibly due to a combination of economic factors and lower costs of living.
Maximizing Your Earning Potential
Electricians looking to increase their income should consider specializing in high-demand areas such as renewable energy installations or smart home technology. Continuous education and certification in these growing fields can lead to higher wages and better job opportunities.
Bottom Line
The salary of a residential electrician varies widely across the United States, influenced by local economic conditions, cost of living, and individual qualifications. By understanding these factors, electricians can strategically plan their careers to maximize their earning potential.
Related Credentials
CredentialGuide Editorial Team
Data-driven career guidance for vocational professionals.
Ready to Get Started?
Talk to a career counselor who can help you choose the right credential and training program for your goals.
Want to Talk to a Career Counselor?
Get personalized guidance on training programs, licensing requirements, and career opportunities.
Are You a Training Provider?
List your programs on CredentialGuide and connect with students actively researching training options in your area.