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Highest-Paying Electrician Jobs [2023]

By Chris Kolmar
Nov. 14, 2022

Research Summary. Using a combination of public government and company data as well as data gathered from thousands of job postings, the Zippia data team has created average salary estimates for jobs across the US. Using that data set, the team has identified the types of electricians that are the highest paid based on their average annual salaries.

Here is a summary of our findings for the highest-paying types of electricians:

  • Industrial Electrician is the highest-paid type of electrician with an average salary of $62,533 and an average hourly rate of $30.06.

  • The second highest-paying type of electrician is maintenance electrician, with an average salary of $62,112.

  • The average electrician salary is $48,850 per year, and the average hourly pay is $23.49.

Table Of Contents: Background | Table | Methodology | FAQs

Background

Choosing a career path can be difficult, and while pay shouldn’t be the only thing you consider in your decision, it is a significant factor. So if you’d like to work as an electrician, it helps to have an idea of what the highest-paid types of electricians are so that you can plan your career progression.

Here are the top salaries for different types of electricians:

  1. Industrial Electrician

    Average Salary: $62,533

    An Industrial Electrician installs, maintains, and repairs electrical systems in industrial facilities. They are usually part of a construction team to put in and check new equipment and systems.

  2. Maintenance Electrician

    Average Salary: $62,112

    A maintenance electrician is responsible for monitoring the electrical systems of a building, inspecting the wiring and cables for any malfunctions, and perform preventive maintenance as needed to ensure its safety and efficiency. Maintenance electricians upgrade electrical network systems for optimal performance and replacing faulty wiring, as well as installing new equipment in the building as the management advises. They also analyze schematics and blueprints for electrical line placements and running diagnostic tests to identify possible defects for immediate resolution. A maintenance electrician must have excellent knowledge of the electrical industry, especially on recording maintenance reports and solutions.

  3. Electrician/Mechanic

    Average Salary: $60,355

    Electricians are skilled tradesmen responsible for installing, repair, testing, and modifying electrical systems and components. Their duties include maintaining electrical components and systems, conducting diagnostic testings, ensuring complete repair and service documentation, and making sure that supplies have sufficient inventory. They also implement preventative maintenance, troubleshoot repair issues, and verify that work adheres to blueprints, electrical codes, and regulations. Electricians work with power tools to complete a project and maintain open communication with clients to deliver progress reports.

  4. Marine Electrician

    Average Salary: $58,568

    A marine electrician specializes in installing and maintaining electrical wiring and equipment in water vessels such as ships and yachts. Among their responsibilities include understanding diagrams and blueprints, upgrading systems, responding to complaints and concerns, inspecting systems, troubleshooting problems, handling fixtures and outlets, and replacing electrical components. They must also conduct regular maintenance checks, performing repairs as needed. Furthermore, as a marine technician, it is essential to maintain an active communication line with staff, coordinating for a safe and efficient workflow.

  5. Electrician Technician

    Average Salary: $57,813

    The main duties of an electrical technician involve the assembly, evaluation, testing, and maintenance of electronic or electrical wiring and equipment. Sometimes, electrical technicians can take the role of electrical engineers or electricians. They may perform the duties of residential, telecommunications, and inside electricians. They may also work on-site for the efficient functionality of specialty equipment and machinery. The technicians are expected to have mechanical aptitude, reading comprehension, problem-solving skills, and customer service skills.

Below is a full table of the average pay for various electrician that pay the most followed by a more detailed explanation of our methodology.

Highest-Paying Types Of Electricians

Rank Job Title Average Salary
1 Industrial Electrician $62,533
2 Maintenance Electrician $62,112
3 Electrician/Mechanic $60,355
4 Marine Electrician $58,568
5 Electrician Technician $57,813
6 Journeyman $57,682
7 Lead Electrician $56,709
8 Plumber $55,337
9 Journeyman Electrician $54,526
10 Master Electrician $52,154
11 Electrical Foreman $50,996
12 Commercial And Industrial Electrician $46,340
13 Plumber Helper $43,893
14 Journeyman Ironworker $41,312
15 Apprentice Electrician $38,799
16 Apprentice $37,107
17 Electrical Apprentice $37,081
18 Electrician Helper $36,733
19 Wireman $31,807
20 Electrical Helper $31,465

Methodology

Zippia uses publicly published information from government sources such as the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), Foreign Labor Certification Data Center (FLC), and the Office of Personnel Management (OPM) to create its salary estimates.

Our data science team also checks job postings and company-published resources for additional up-to-date salary information for electricians.

Once they’ve gathered the data, the team calculates a weighted average for each job title they’re estimating a salary for. For more details on our salary estimates, you can read the detailed methodology.

Highest-Paying Types Of Electrician Jobs FAQs

  1. What is the highest-paid electrician job?

    The highest-paid electrician job is an industrial electrician. Industrial Electricians earn an average salary of $62,533, which is $ 30.06 hourly.

    An Industrial Electrician installs, maintains, and repairs electrical systems in industrial facilities. They are usually part of a construction team to put in and check new equipment and systems.

  2. What is a good salary for an electrician?

    A good salary for an electrician is $48,850 or more. The average electrician salary is $48,850, so those making at least $48,850 are earning above-average paychecks.

    Keep in mind, however, that the average electrician salary does fluctuate based on location, as companies will adjust their pay scales based on the cost of living in that area. Research what the average salary is in your area for someone of your expertise and experience level to get a more accurate view on how well you’re being paid.

    In addition, if you’re just starting your career as an electrician, the average entry level salary is $31,167, so don’t base your opinion of your salary on the $48,850 average, as this includes all electricians of all skill and experience levels.

  3. Do Electrician jobs pay well?

    Yes, electrician jobs pay well. As in any industry, some electrician jobs pay better than others, but the average electrician salary of $48,850 is times the average national salary of about $44,225 per year.

    In addition to this, many electrician jobs have high earning potential, with the top 10% of electricians earning $57,675 a year on average.

    Electricians’ salaries will fluctuate based on their experience level, industry, and location, so pay attention to these factors when you’re looking for a job as an electrician. Do your research on the going rate for an electrician in your area with your expertise, and don’t be afraid to negotiate your salary based on that information.

  4. Where do electricians get paid the most?

    Electricians get paid the most in Alaska. In Alaska, electricians earn an average annual salary of $80,537 and an average hourly wage of $38.72.

    Following AK, the states with the highest-paid electricians are North Dakota, Oregon, and Vermont, with average annual salaries of $68,880, $67,675, and $71,064 respectively.

    The cities with the highest-paid electrician salaries are:

    1. Seattle, WA – $78,200

    2. Springfield, MA – $71,161

    3. Richmond, CA – $70,913

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Author

Chris Kolmar

Chris Kolmar is a co-founder of Zippia and the editor-in-chief of the Zippia career advice blog. He has hired over 50 people in his career, been hired five times, and wants to help you land your next job. His research has been featured on the New York Times, Thrillist, VOX, The Atlantic, and a host of local news. More recently, he's been quoted on USA Today, BusinessInsider, and CNBC.

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