Average Electrician Salary by State

Illinois offers the best compensation for electricians

Source: Construction Coverage analysis of U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics and U.S. Bureau of Economic Analysis data | Image Credit: Construction Coverage

Location plays a key role in the earning potential for electricians. Midwestern states, in particular, offer some of the highest wages when adjusted for cost of living, with Illinois leading the nation at an adjusted median annual wage of $93,910, followed by North Dakota at $85,860. While lower living costs in these states contribute to higher adjusted wages, industry mix and union strength are also significant factors.

For instance, Hawaii, despite being the second most expensive state, ranks third in electrician wages after cost-of-living adjustments. This is largely due to its top unionization rate , which drives wages higher. Similarly, Alaska, with above-average living costs, ranks sixth, thanks to its strong unions and a robust oil and gas industry that demands highly skilled electricians.

In contrast, Southern states generally offer lower wages for electricians, reflecting weaker unions and economies less reliant on industries that require skilled electrical work. Seven of the 10 worst-paying states for electricians are in the South.

The same factors are at play at the metro level, and accordingly, locations in Florida and Texas are overrepresented among the lowest-paying metropolitan areas for electricians, even when factoring in the states’ lower living costs. On the other hand, locations in Illinois—like Chicago, Decatur, and Champaign—stand out as offering some of the best compensation for the nation’s electricians.

Below is a breakdown of electrician wages for the top and bottom metropolitan statistical areas and states. The analysis was conducted by Construction Coverage , a website that provides construction software and insurance reviews, using data from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. For more information and complete results, see the original post The Best-Paying U.S. Cities for Electricians on Construction Coverage.