Highest-Paying Electrician Jobs in 2026
Research Summary: The Zippia data team has compiled average salary estimates for electrician jobs across the United States by utilizing a blend of public government data, company statistics, and thousands of job postings. This analysis highlights the top-paying electrician positions based on their average annual salaries.
Here’s a summary of our findings for the highest-paying types of electricians:
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Industrial Electrician ranks as the highest-paid electrician type, with an average salary of $62,533 and an hourly rate of $30.06.
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The second highest-paying electrician position is Maintenance Electrician, earning an average salary of $62,112.
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The average annual salary for electricians across the board is $48,850, translating to an hourly pay of $23.49.
Table of Contents: Background | Table | Methodology | FAQs
Background
Selecting a career path is a significant decision, and while salary is not the only factor to consider, it certainly plays a vital role. For those aspiring to become electricians, understanding the highest-paying roles can inform your career trajectory and help you make strategic decisions.
Here are the top salaries for different types of electricians:
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Industrial Electrician
Average Salary: $62,533
Industrial Electricians are responsible for installing, maintaining, and repairing electrical systems within industrial facilities and often collaborate with construction teams to ensure proper installation and functionality of new equipment and systems.
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Maintenance Electrician
Average Salary: $62,112
Maintenance Electricians monitor and maintain electrical systems within buildings, inspecting wiring for malfunctions, performing preventive maintenance, and upgrading systems to enhance performance. They also analyze schematics and run diagnostic tests to identify and resolve issues promptly.
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Electrician/Mechanic
Average Salary: $60,355
Electrician/Mechanics are skilled tradespeople responsible for installing, repairing, and maintaining electrical systems. Their duties include conducting diagnostic tests, ensuring compliance with safety standards, and maintaining communication with clients throughout the process.
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Marine Electrician
Average Salary: $58,568
Marine Electricians specialize in electrical systems on water vessels, including ships and yachts. They handle everything from wiring to troubleshooting and repairing electrical components, ensuring safety and efficiency in maritime operations.
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Electrician Technician
Average Salary: $57,813
Electrician Technicians are involved in the assembly, evaluation, and maintenance of electrical systems, sometimes taking on roles similar to electrical engineers or electricians in various sectors, including residential and telecommunications.
Below is a comprehensive table showcasing the average pay for various electrician positions, followed by an explanation of our methodology.
Highest-Paying Types of Electricians
| Rank | Job Title | Average Salary |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Industrial Electrician | |
| 2 | Maintenance Electrician | |
| 3 | Electrician/Mechanic | |
| 4 | Marine Electrician | |
| 5 | Electrician Technician | |
| 6 | Journeyman | |
| 7 | Lead Electrician | |
| 8 | Plumber | |
| 9 | Journeyman Electrician | |
| 10 | Master Electrician | |
| 11 | Electrical Foreman | |
| 12 | Commercial and Industrial Electrician | |
| 13 | Plumber Helper | |
| 14 | Journeyman Ironworker | |
| 15 | Apprentice Electrician | |
| 16 | Apprentice | |
| 17 | Electrical Apprentice | |
| 18 | Electrician Helper | |
| 19 | Wireman | |
| 20 | Electrical Helper |
Methodology
Zippia compiles salary estimates using data from reliable sources such as the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), Foreign Labor Certification Data Center (FLC), and the Office of Personnel Management (OPM).
The data science team also reviews job postings and company reports for current salary information.
After gathering this data, a weighted average is computed for each job title. For more details on our salary estimates, you can read our detailed methodology.
FAQs on the Highest-Paying Electrician Jobs
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What is the highest-paid electrician job?
The highest-paid electrician job is an Industrial Electrician. They earn an average salary of $62,533, or $30.06 per hour.
Industrial Electricians are crucial for installing, maintaining, and repairing electrical systems in industrial settings, often working alongside construction teams.
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What is a good salary for an electrician?
A good salary for an electrician is $48,850 or more. This figure represents the average salary, so those earning at least this amount are considered to be earning above-average compensation.
Keep in mind that salaries can vary significantly based on geographic location and experience level. It’s advisable to research local salary averages for your specific role and experience.
For entry-level electricians, the average starting salary is around $31,167, so don’t judge your compensation solely against the average for all electricians.
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Do electrician jobs pay well?
Yes, electrician jobs generally pay well. While some electrician roles offer higher salaries than others, the average electrician salary of $48,850 is higher than the national average salary of approximately $44,225.
Moreover, many electricians enjoy significant earning potential, with the top 10% earning an average of $57,675 annually.
When exploring job opportunities, consider factors such as experience, industry, and location, and don’t hesitate to negotiate your salary based on local market data.
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Where do electricians get paid the most?
Electricians earn the highest salaries in Alaska. In Alaska, electricians receive an average annual salary of $80,537, or $38.72 per hour.
The states following Alaska with the highest electrician salaries include North Dakota, Oregon, and Vermont, with average annual salaries of $68,880, $67,675, and $71,064, respectively.
The cities with the highest electrician salaries are:
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Seattle, WA – $78,200
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Springfield, MA – $71,161
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Richmond, CA – $70,913
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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.
