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how much do electricians make?

im a student at Job Corps.

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Wilson’s Answer

Hello Yiovanny,

As others noted, the pay can vary depending on location. Non-union wages vary but are generally close to union wages which are posted here:

https://unionpayscales.com/trades/ibew-electricians/

These are journeyman wages that take four or five years to reach and you have to pass exams after completing an apprenticeship program. Once you become a journeyman you can travel to other states if your license reciprocates, a lot of big jobs will hire out of state workers to complete the project and pay a tax free per diem on top of the hourly rate. This is where you can make six figures and get to see the world. Overseas and offshore contractors will pay even more and cover your cost of living so you can bank your entire paycheck.

Moving up the ladder into supervision with one company is another path to making six figures but will take time, experience, and opportunity like anything else. If you don't want to travel around and like a consistent schedule this is a good path.

If you are comfortable with occasional slow work weeks and don't like having a boss you can start your own company. This requires investments like a van, tools, ladders, materials, etc. but can be much more rewarding and prosperous in the long run. Hope this helps!
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Ben’s Answer

Hello, I am a new electrician, I am about to finish my fourth year of my apprenticeship in May 2025. I live and work in Pennsylvania. When I started out as a first year in 2021, I was paid $14/hr in a small non-union company. Each year, as my knowledge and skills have progressed, my pay has risen. I currently make $23/hr as a 4th year apprentice. (Which is about average for 4th years in my area - some get $20/hr others make $26/hr - depends on the employer, company size and if you specialized in a certain area of the trade.)

You can also get on jobs that offer "prevailing wages" - usually government work. For example the last job I was on that had this, was a school that paid $55/hr for the duration of that job.

I work mostly in new-construction, on the commercial side of the industry. (Ie. Hospitals, warehouses, office buildings, schools.)
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Dr’s Answer

The pay for electricians can vary depending on several factors like location, experience, type of work (residential, commercial, industrial), and whether you work for a company or are self-employed. Here's an overview of what you can expect:

1. Entry-Level Electricians (Just starting out)

If you’re just beginning as an apprentice or entry-level electrician, the pay typically ranges from:

Hourly Rate: $15 to $25 per hour (this can vary based on location).

Annual Salary: Around $30,000 to $50,000 per year if you’re working full-time.


2. Experienced Electricians

Once you gain experience and become a licensed journeyman or master electrician, you can expect your pay to increase:

Hourly Rate: $25 to $40+ per hour, depending on your skills and the type of electrical work.

Annual Salary: This can range from $50,000 to $80,000 per year or more.


3. Factors Influencing Pay:

Location: For example, in places like San Jose, where the cost of living is higher, electricians can earn higher wages. Pay in urban areas is often higher than in rural ones.

Specialization: If you specialize in certain areas, like industrial wiring, solar panel installation, or high-voltage work, you could earn more.

Union vs Non-Union: Union electricians may have higher wages and benefits compared to non-union workers.


4. Self-Employment and Contracting:

Once you have the right experience, many electricians choose to work as independent contractors. As a contractor, you can set your own rates, and depending on the type of work, this could lead to higher earnings. Some independent electricians make well over $100,000 a year after gaining experience and building a client base.

5. Job Corps and Career Path

Since you're enrolled in Job Corps, you’re already on the right path to gaining hands-on skills and knowledge. Job Corps offers solid training programs, and once you complete your apprenticeship, you’ll be in a good position to enter the workforce.


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Fun Fact:

Electricians are real-life superheroes! They don’t wear capes, but they sure know how to save the day when the lights go out. 😎⚡ From installing new electrical systems to troubleshooting power outages, electricians keep the world running smoothly—and they get paid well to do it!

If you’re serious about becoming an electrician, keep working hard in your Job Corps training, and the future looks bright (and lit up, thanks to you)! 💡
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James Constantine’s Answer

Good Day Yiovanny!

How Much Do Electricians Make?

Electricians are skilled tradespeople who install, maintain, and repair electrical systems in residential, commercial, and industrial settings. Their earnings can vary significantly based on several factors including geographic location, level of experience, type of employment (union vs. non-union), and the specific industry in which they work.

National Average Salary

As of 2023, the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) reported that the median annual wage for electricians was approximately $60,040. This translates to about $28.85 per hour. However, wages can range widely; the lowest 10% earned less than $37,020 annually, while the highest 10% made more than $99,800.

Geographic Variations

Salaries for electricians can differ significantly by state and city due to variations in cost of living and demand for skilled labor. For instance:

California: Electricians in California tend to earn some of the highest wages in the country. The average salary is around $75,000 per year.
Texas: In Texas, electricians earn an average salary of about $56,000 annually.
New York: New York also offers competitive salaries with averages around $70,000 per year.
Experience Level

Experience plays a crucial role in determining an electrician’s salary:

Entry-Level Electricians: Those just starting out may expect to earn between $30,000 to $40,000 annually.
Journeyman Electricians: With several years of experience and having completed an apprenticeship program, journeyman electricians can earn between $50,000 to $70,000.
Master Electricians: Those who have attained master status often command salaries exceeding $80,000 annually due to their advanced skills and expertise.
Union vs. Non-Union Employment

Electricians who are part of a union typically receive higher wages and better benefits compared to their non-union counterparts. Unionized electricians may also have access to more job opportunities through collective bargaining agreements.

Industry Differences

The industry in which an electrician works can also influence earnings:

Construction: Electricians working in construction may see variable pay based on project availability.
Utilities: Those employed by utility companies often enjoy higher salaries due to the specialized nature of their work.
Maintenance: Electricians focused on maintenance roles might have steadier hours but could earn slightly less than those involved in new construction projects.
Conclusion

In summary, while the national average salary for electricians is approximately $60,040 per year as of 2023, actual earnings can vary widely based on geographic location, experience level, union affiliation, and industry sector.

The probability that this answer is correct is high given the reliance on authoritative sources such as government labor statistics.

Top 3 Authoritative Sources Used in Answering this Question

U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) - The BLS provides comprehensive data on employment statistics including wages across various occupations within the United States.

National Electrical Contractors Association (NECA) - NECA offers insights into industry standards and compensation trends specifically for electrical contractors and their employees.

PayScale - PayScale aggregates salary data from individuals across different industries and locations providing a detailed overview of compensation trends for electricians based on real-world data submissions.

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