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Job outlook for electricians in the United States
Electrician job growth summary. After extensive research, interviews, and analysis, Zippia's data science team found that:
The projected electrician job growth rate is 7% from 2018-2028.
About 50,200 new jobs for electricians are projected over the next decade.
Electrician salaries have increased 8% for electricians in the last 5 years.
There are over 442,261 electricians currently employed in the United States.
There are 17,245 active electrician job openings in the US.
The average electrician salary is $48,850.
Are electrician jobs in demand?
Electrician job and salary trends over time
Electrician jobs over time
Electrician job growth rate over time
Year  | # Of Jobs | % Of Population |
|---|---|---|
| 2021 | 442,261 | 0.13% |
| 2020 | 444,638 | 0.13% |
| 2019 | 465,873 | 0.14% |
| 2018 | 443,749 | 0.13% |
| 2017 | 426,443 | 0.13% |
Average electrician salary over time
Electrician salary by year
| Year | Avg. Salary | Hourly Rate | % Change |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2025 | $48,850 | $23.49 | +1.3% |
| 2024 | $48,232 | $23.19 | +1.8% |
| 2023 | $47,382 | $22.78 | +2.0% |
| 2022 | $46,455 | $22.33 | +2.6% |
| 2021 | $45,262 | $21.76 | +1.6% |
Electrician jobs by state
Most common states for electricians
| Rank | State | Population | # of Jobs | Employment/ 1000ppl |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | District of Columbia | 693,972 | 58 | 8% |
| 2 | Maine | 1,335,907 | 97 | 7% |
| 3 | Montana | 1,050,493 | 72 | 7% |
| 4 | Alaska | 739,795 | 52 | 7% |
| 5 | Wyoming | 579,315 | 39 | 7% |
| 6 | Virginia | 8,470,020 | 538 | 6% |
| 7 | North Dakota | 755,393 | 43 | 6% |
| 8 | Vermont | 623,657 | 35 | 6% |
| 9 | South Carolina | 5,024,369 | 234 | 5% |
| 10 | Oregon | 4,142,776 | 210 | 5% |
| 11 | Connecticut | 3,588,184 | 165 | 5% |
| 12 | Utah | 3,101,833 | 148 | 5% |
| 13 | Delaware | 961,939 | 49 | 5% |
| 14 | South Dakota | 869,666 | 46 | 5% |
| 15 | Massachusetts | 6,859,819 | 285 | 4% |
| 16 | Maryland | 6,052,177 | 265 | 4% |
| 17 | West Virginia | 1,815,857 | 64 | 4% |
| 18 | Hawaii | 1,427,538 | 52 | 4% |
| 19 | New Hampshire | 1,342,795 | 47 | 4% |
| 20 | Rhode Island | 1,059,639 | 39 | 4% |
Most common cities for electricians
| Rank | City | # of Jobs | Employment/ 1000ppl | Avg. Salary |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Cambridge | 8 | 7% | $71,027 |
| 2 | Green Bay | 7 | 7% | $60,039 |
| 3 | New Orleans | 11 | 3% | $37,724 |
| 4 | Orlando | 7 | 3% | $34,177 |
| 5 | Little Rock | 6 | 3% | $33,084 |
| 6 | Baltimore | 12 | 2% | $50,651 |
| 7 | Tampa | 6 | 2% | $34,520 |
| 8 | Oxnard | 5 | 2% | $61,949 |
| 9 | San Diego | 15 | 1% | $59,121 |
| 10 | Washington | 9 | 1% | $60,228 |
| 11 | Indianapolis | 8 | 1% | $48,716 |
| 12 | Jacksonville | 6 | 1% | $34,167 |
| 13 | Atlanta | 5 | 1% | $41,626 |
| 14 | Boston | 5 | 1% | $71,019 |
| 15 | Denver | 5 | 1% | $47,720 |
| 16 | Detroit | 5 | 1% | $55,212 |
| 17 | Phoenix | 7 | 0% | $43,010 |
| 18 | Chicago | 6 | 0% | $57,776 |
| 19 | San Jose | 5 | 0% | $69,485 |
Electrician job outlook: Expert opinions
Our panel of electrician experts
Explore The Trades
Ronald Widdoss
What general advice would you give to an Electrician?
Ronald Widdoss: Be a sponge. Learn all you can and prove to your employer you can be taught and that your up for the challenge.
What Electrician skills would you recommend for someone trying to advance their career?
Ronald Widdoss: Understanding the flow of electricity. Reading wiring diagrams. Diagnosing electrical concerns. Both AC and DC.
What will help Electricians increase their earning potential?
Ronald Widdoss: The 3 A's. a. Attendance, show up for work on time ready to work. Not getting dressed or drinking coffee or holding a elongated conversation on your phone.
b. Attitude, get your head in the game, Be ready to take on a challenge and do your best. Be pleasant to co-workers.
c. Aptitude, be ready to learn and raise your skill level.
How do you envision technology impacting Electricians in the next 5 years?
Kate Cinnamo: With ever-changing technology, it's no secret that the plumbing, HVAC and electrical trades have also been impacted. Plumbers are well-trained to install devices that monitor water usage, HVAC technicians install equipment that makes it possible to control thermostats using Wi-Fi, and electricians are installing residential charging stations for electric cars! The list could go on and on. As more homeowners are utilizing technology to their home's advantage, this also creates a positive outcome for conservation and the environment. Technology has been, and will continue to be, an essential tool for all tradespeople.