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The 10 Best States for Electricians in 2026
As the demand for electricians continues to grow across the United States, understanding where the best opportunities lie is crucial for aspiring and seasoned professionals alike. Electricians are vital to the infrastructure of modern society, ensuring safe and efficient electrical systems in homes, businesses, and industries. In 2026, electricians can find rewarding careers in various states, each offering unique advantages in terms of job availability, salary, and growth potential.
To help you navigate your options, we at Zippia have analyzed data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) along with other industry insights to identify the states where electricians thrive the most. Our analysis takes into account job availability and competitive salaries to help you determine the best locations to advance your career.
Here’s our updated list of the top ten states for electricians in 2026:
These states provide electricians with excellent job prospects and salaries that reflect their skills and contributions. But how did we arrive at this ranking? Read on to understand our methodology and explore the details of each state.
How We Determined the Best States for Electricians
At Zippia, we engage with job seekers from diverse backgrounds. Our research highlights two key factors that are crucial for individuals seeking employment:
- Job Availability
- Competitive Salaries
To identify the best states for electricians in 2026, we evaluated job availability and compensation using criteria sourced from the Bureau of Labor Statistics’ Occupational Employment Statistics.
- Location Quotient: A metric indicating how concentrated the electrician profession is in each state.
- Average Annual Salary: The typical earnings for electricians in each state.
- Average Entry-Level Salary: The starting salary for new electricians.
- Average Experienced Salary: Earnings for seasoned professionals in the field.
To ensure fairness in salary comparisons, we adjusted figures based on each state’s cost of living. This allows for a clearer understanding of how far a salary can stretch in different regions. For instance, while California may offer higher average salaries, the cost of living can diminish purchasing power compared to states like Illinois.
Each state was ranked on the above criteria, and we calculated an overall Job Score based on these rankings. The state with the lowest Job Score earned the title of the best state for electricians in America.
1. Wyoming
Total Jobs: 2,260
Average Annual Salary: $59,400
Average Entry Level Salary: $35,880
Average Experienced Salary: $82,310
Location Quotient: 1.85
2. North Dakota
Total Jobs: 3,110
Average Annual Salary: $63,260
Average Entry Level Salary: $36,550
Average Experienced Salary: $96,450
Location Quotient: 1.65
3. Michigan
Total Jobs: 23,320
Average Annual Salary: $59,090
Average Entry Level Salary: $32,330
Average Experienced Salary: $84,010
Location Quotient: 1.19
4. Indiana
Total Jobs: 15,090
Average Annual Salary: $59,060
Average Entry Level Salary: $34,140
Average Experienced Salary: $85,600
Location Quotient: 1.09
5. Washington
Total Jobs: 18,860
Average Annual Salary: $68,640
Average Entry Level Salary: $35,640
Average Experienced Salary: $104,940
Location Quotient: 1.28
6. Illinois
Total Jobs: 24,410
Average Annual Salary: $75,820
Average Entry Level Salary: $40,990
Average Experienced Salary: $105,100
Location Quotient: 0.9
7. Nevada
Total Jobs: 6,420
Average Annual Salary: $62,420
Average Entry Level Salary: $39,030
Average Experienced Salary: $93,670
Location Quotient: 1.05
8. Missouri
Total Jobs: 11,420
Average Annual Salary: $60,860
Average Entry Level Salary: $34,540
Average Experienced Salary: $82,630
Location Quotient: 0.9
9. Minnesota
Total Jobs: 10,780
Average Annual Salary: $70,410
Average Entry Level Salary: $37,730
Average Experienced Salary: $99,670
Location Quotient: 0.83
10. Kentucky
Total Jobs: 9,550
Average Annual Salary: $53,060
Average Entry Level Salary: $32,130
Average Experienced Salary: $77,080
Location Quotient: 1.11
There You Have It – The Best States to Be an Electrician
For those embarking on a career as an electrician, these states should top your list. They offer competitive pay, abundant job opportunities, and pathways for career advancement. If you’re also interested in exploring where electricians may find the least favorable conditions, here are the bottom three states:
Detailed List of the Best States for Electricians
| Rank | State | Average Salary |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Wyoming | $59,400 |
| 2 | North Dakota | $63,260 |
| 3 | Michigan | $59,090 |
| 4 | Indiana | $59,060 |
| 5 | Washington | $68,640 |
| 6 | Illinois | $75,820 |
| 7 | Nevada | $62,420 |
| 8 | Missouri | $60,860 |
| 9 | Minnesota | $70,410 |
| 10 | Kentucky | $53,060 |
| 11 | Utah | $54,120 |
| 12 | Pennsylvania | $65,890 |
| 13 | Wisconsin | $60,130 |
| 14 | Iowa | $53,360 |
| 15 | Alaska | $76,330 |
| 16 | Louisiana | $52,200 |
| 17 | Oregon | $69,330 |
| 18 | Montana | $58,990 |
| 19 | Delaware | $58,890 |
| 20 | Kansas | $54,940 |
| 21 | West Virginia | $53,440 |
| 22 | Mississippi | $49,540 |
| 23 | New Jersey | $71,660 |
| 24 | Texas | $50,980 |
| 25 | Nebraska | $50,470 |
| 26 | Oklahoma | $53,030 |
| 27 | New York | $77,810 |
| 28 | Tennessee | $50,610 |
| 29 | Idaho | $50,170 |
| 30 | Colorado | $55,500 |
| 31 | Ohio | $53,130 |
| 32 | New Mexico | $51,050 |
| 33 | Alabama | $47,590 |
| 34 | Georgia | $50,540 |
| 35 | Massachusetts | $68,030 |
| 36 | Virginia | $51,290 |
| 37 | Arkansas | $43,650 |
| 38 | Arizona | $47,950 |
| 39 | Maryland | $56,960 |
| 40 | South Dakota | $45,490 |
| 41 | Hawaii | $75,810 |
| 42 | California | $69,320 |
| 43 | Florida | $45,240 |
| 44 | North Carolina | $44,140 |
| 45 | Maine | $53,670 |
| 46 | Connecticut | $59,500 |
| 47 | Rhode Island | $57,620 |
| 48 | South Carolina | $44,720 |
| 49 | New Hampshire | $54,610 |
| 50 | Vermont | $51,440 |
Author
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.
