Electricians are in high demand across the United States, and the rewards for skilled professionals in this field continue to grow. At Grounded Electric, we’ve seen firsthand how dedication, training, and the right specialization can lead to some of the highest paying jobs for electricians in both residential and commercial sectors.
Whether you’re starting out or considering an advanced role, this guide outlines the top-paying paths in today’s market.
Top Electrician Roles and What They Pay
What type of electricians make the most money? It depends on the role, work environment, and required skill level. The highest paid electricians often take on technically complex or high-risk jobs. They may also work in locations where demand and the cost of living are higher.
Below are examples of top paid electricians and their typical earnings:
- Industrial Electrician: These electricians install and maintain electrical systems in manufacturing plants and factories. They often work with electrically powered machinery and equipment. With growing demand in automation and processing, industrial electricians can expect an average salary of $67,000, sometimes more when working on oil rigs or in isolated environments.
- Substation Technician: Responsible for maintaining electrical substations, they handle high-voltage systems that power entire neighborhoods. These professionals often command salaries above $69,000 and must be ready to respond to emergencies any time.
- Automation Technician: This role requires technical knowledge in electrical systems and programming. These electricians install and troubleshoot automation controls in manufacturing environments, earning around $68,800 annually.
- Master Electrician: A licensed master electrician can oversee complex projects and teams. Due to their leadership and licensing credentials, they frequently earn between $75,000 and $100,000. This role often involves planning, inspections, and code compliance.
- Commercial Electrician: Commercial electricians install and maintain electrical wiring in office buildings, retail stores, and institutions. Their skills are in high demand due to continued commercial construction. The average salary is around $58,000, but experienced professionals can earn $70,000 or more.
- Electrical Foreperson: This supervisory role involves managing teams, planning systems, and ensuring project quality. Forepersons typically earn $70,000+ annually, especially on large commercial projects.
- Lineworker: Although not always classified as an electrician, lineworkers who maintain power lines are among the highest paid, with an average salary above $75,000. The risk level and physical demands contribute to the pay scale.
- Maintenance Electrician: These professionals handle repairs and upkeep in commercial and industrial settings. With steady demand, their salaries average around $63,000.
- Electrical Technician: Working closely with engineers, they build and test electrical components, usually in labs or manufacturing. Average pay is about $66,000.
These roles represent the highest electrician salary ranges in the field today. At Grounded Electric, head electrician Robert “Bobby” Mulholland has shown how mastering specialized skills can lead to a thriving, well-compensated career. He mentors younger technicians, demonstrating the value of deep expertise in achieving career advancement.
How Much Can Electricians Really Earn?
Electrician salaries vary widely depending on role, region, and certification. But with the right approach, it’s realistic to reach six figures in this field.
- Many electricians earn $60,000 to $80,000 annually.
- Specialized roles like industrial or substation technicians can earn $90,000–$120,000.
- Union-backed or licensed professionals in high-demand areas can exceed $150,000 with overtime and bonuses.
Can electricians make $200,000 or even $300,000 a year? While rare, it is possible in supervisory roles, with extensive overtime, or in high-cost-of-living zones. These salaries are usually tied to a combination of certifications, experience, and demand.
Where Do Electricians Make the Most Money?
Location is one of the most important factors affecting electrician salaries. States with strong union presence, high construction demand, or dense urban development often pay electricians more.
Top-Paying States for Electricians
- Oregon: Average electrician salary of $91,000.
- Alaska: Around $88,000.
- California: High demand leads to average wages near $85,000.
- New Jersey: Skilled electricians like those at Grounded Electric can earn $80,000–$100,000 with the right licenses and union support.
Best Cities for Electrician Salaries
- San Francisco, CA
- Chicago, IL
- New York, NY
- Portland, OR
- Seattle, WA
These cities offer higher pay due to cost of living and infrastructure demands.
Why Geography Affects Income
- Areas with more complex infrastructure projects demand experienced electricians.
- Union density can drive up wages and benefits.
- Higher cost of living leads employers to pay electricians more to retain talent.
Barret Abramow, Grounded Electric’s project manager and co-owner, emphasizes the value of understanding your local market. “Knowing where your skills are most needed can be just as important as having the skills themselves,” he says.
Highest Paid Electrician Country: Who Leads Globally?
While the U.S. ranks high in electrician earnings, a few other countries also offer lucrative opportunities:
- Switzerland: Some electricians earn over $100,000, adjusted for cost of living.
- Australia: Average salary is around $85,000–$95,000 USD.
- Canada: Pays roughly $80,000 for experienced roles.
Still, the United States remains one of the most competitive countries for career advancement and salary growth in electrical work.
What Increases an Electrician’s Salary?
Several key factors affect how much electricians earn:
- Licensing and Certification: Becoming a master electrician or obtaining state-specific credentials can significantly raise your pay.
- Specialization: Working with automation, renewable energy, or industrial systems boosts value.
- Union Membership: Often provides better pay, benefits, and job security.
- Experience: More years on the job typically means higher pay.
- Location: As noted, high-cost or high-demand areas increase salary.
Electricians who install and maintain electrical systems for complex facilities, or take on supervisory roles, tend to reach the highest pay tiers. Choosing a career path that builds both technical skill and leadership ability is key.
If you’re unsure whether your current skills or experience justify a pay raise or a career shift, start by identifying the scope of your electrical expertise. Here’s how to tell if you need an electrician—and when it’s time to level up.
How Much Can Electricians Really Earn?
Electrician salaries vary widely depending on role, region, and certification. But with the right approach, it’s realistic to reach six figures in this field.
- Many electricians earn $60,000 to $80,000 annually.
- Specialized roles like industrial or substation technicians can earn $90,000–$120,000.
- Union-backed or licensed professionals in high-demand areas can exceed $150,000 with overtime and bonuses.
Can electricians make $200,000 or even $300,000 a year? While rare, it is possible in supervisory roles, with extensive overtime, or in high-cost-of-living zones. These salaries are usually tied to a combination of certifications, experience, and demand.
Where Do Electricians Make the Most Money?
Location is one of the most important factors affecting electrician salaries. States with strong union presence, high construction demand, or dense urban development often pay electricians more.
Top-Paying States for Electricians
- Oregon: Average electrician salary of $91,000.
- Alaska: Around $88,000.
- California: High demand leads to average wages near $85,000.
- New Jersey: Skilled electricians like those at Grounded Electric can earn $80,000–$100,000 with the right licenses and union support.
What Increases an Electrician’s Salary?
Several key factors affect how much electricians earn:
- Licensing and Certification: Becoming a master electrician or obtaining state-specific credentials can significantly raise your pay.
- Specialization: Working with automation, renewable energy, or industrial systems boosts value.
- Union Membership: Often provides better pay, benefits, and job security.
- Experience: More years on the job typically means higher pay.
- Location: As noted, high-cost or high-demand areas increase salary.
Electricians who install and maintain electrical systems for complex facilities, or take on supervisory roles, tend to reach the highest pay tiers. Choosing a career path that builds both technical skill and leadership ability is key.
Whether you’re just starting out or looking to maximize your earnings, the path to the highest paying jobs for electricians involves smart decisions, continuous learning, and market awareness. At Grounded Electric, we’re proud to support the next generation of skilled electricians—led by industry veterans like Bobby Mulholland and guided by the strategic insight of Barret Abramow.
For example, licensed electricians working in Bergen County, NJ often benefit from a strong local market, competitive pay rates, and steady commercial demand.
When you understand your role, know your market, and keep building your expertise, you open the door to long-term earning potential and career satisfaction.
