The skilled trades are the backbone of our economy, and few careers offer the stability, hands-on engagement, and strong earning potential of an electrician. For those who have completed an apprenticeship and earned their license, the title of "Journeyman Electrician" represents a significant professional milestone. But what does that mean for your wallet?
The path to becoming a journeyman is demanding, but the financial rewards are significant. A journeyman electrician in the United States can expect to earn a competitive salary, with most professionals falling in the $60,000 to $78,000 range annually. However, top earners in high-demand areas can command salaries well over $95,000.
This article will provide a data-driven breakdown of an electrician journeyman's salary, explore the key factors that influence your earning potential, and examine the promising future of this essential profession.
What Does an Electrician Journeyman Do?
Before diving into the numbers, it's important to understand the role. A journeyman electrician is a trained and licensed professional who has successfully completed a multi-year apprenticeship program (typically 4-5 years). They are qualified to work independently without the direct supervision required of an apprentice. While not yet a Master Electrician, a journeyman is a fully-fledged, skilled craftsperson.
Key responsibilities include:
- Reading and interpreting blueprints and technical diagrams.
- Installing and maintaining electrical wiring, control systems, and lighting fixtures.
- Troubleshooting and repairing electrical systems and equipment in residential, commercial, and industrial settings.
- Inspecting electrical components, such as transformers and circuit breakers.
- Ensuring all work complies with the National Electrical Code (NEC) and local building regulations.
- Mentoring and guiding apprentices on the job site.
Average Electrician Journeyman Salary
While salaries vary, we can establish a strong baseline using data from authoritative sources. It's important to note that the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) groups all electricians together, reporting a median annual wage of $61,590 as of May 2023. Since this figure includes lower-paid apprentices, a licensed journeyman's average salary is typically higher.
More specific salary aggregators provide a clearer picture for the journeyman level:
- Salary.com reports that the median salary for a Journeyman Electrician in the U.S. is approximately $68,914 per year, with a common range falling between $60,495 and $77,882.
- Payscale.com indicates a median salary of around $63,500, with an earning spectrum from $46,000 for early-career journeymen to over $94,000 for those with extensive experience.
- Glassdoor.com estimates the average total pay (including base salary and additional compensation like overtime) to be around $70,500 per year.
The key takeaway is that a newly licensed journeyman can expect to start in the low $60,000s, with a clear and attainable path to earning $75,000 or more as they gain experience and specialized skills.
Key Factors That Influence Salary
Your salary as a journeyman electrician is not a single, fixed number. It is a dynamic figure influenced by several critical factors. Understanding these variables is key to maximizing your earning potential.
### Level of Education & Certifications
While a four-year college degree is not required, your investment in training directly impacts your pay. A completed apprenticeship and a journeyman license are the standard foundation. However, additional certifications can make you a more valuable asset. For example, obtaining a certification from the North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP) for solar panel installation can open doors to higher-paying jobs in the rapidly growing renewable energy sector. Certifications in fiber optics, instrumentation, or specific control systems (like PLCs) can also provide a significant salary boost.
### Years of Experience
Experience is one of the most significant drivers of salary in the skilled trades. A journeyman's career is a journey of continuous learning.
- Early-Career Journeyman (0-5 years): A professional who has recently completed their apprenticeship. They have the core skills but are still building speed, efficiency, and advanced troubleshooting abilities. Salaries typically fall in the lower end of the average range.
- Mid-Career Journeyman (5-10 years): With substantial experience, these electricians can handle more complex projects, work faster, and often take on leadership roles, mentoring apprentices. Their earnings will be at or above the median.
- Experienced/Senior Journeyman (10+ years): These professionals have a deep understanding of electrical systems and codes. They are often the go-to experts for challenging diagnostic issues and may specialize in high-value areas. They command salaries at the top end of the pay scale.
### Geographic Location
Where you work matters—a lot. Demand for skilled electricians and the local cost of living create significant salary variations across the country. States with high construction activity, major industrial centers, or high living costs tend to offer the highest wages.
According to BLS data, the top-paying states for electricians include:
1. Illinois: ($88,170 average annual salary)
2. District of Columbia: ($85,830)
3. Hawaii: ($85,270)
4. New York: ($84,740)
5. Oregon: ($84,110)
Conversely, states in the Southeast and rural Midwest may offer salaries below the national average, though this is often balanced by a lower cost of living.
### Company Type
The type of employer you work for plays a crucial role in your compensation package.
- Union vs. Non-Union: Union electricians, typically members of the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers (IBEW), often have higher standardized wages, excellent benefits (pensions, healthcare), and structured pay increases negotiated through collective bargaining. Non-union shops may offer more flexibility but salaries can vary more widely.
- Residential vs. Commercial/Industrial: Commercial and industrial electricians generally earn more than residential electricians due to the complexity, scale, and technical knowledge required for the work (e.g., three-phase power, motor controls, automation).
- Private Contractor vs. Government/Utility: Working for a large utility company or a government entity (like a municipality or federal agency) can provide excellent job security, robust benefits, and competitive, stable salaries.
### Area of Specialization
General electrical work provides a solid living, but specialization is the fastest way to increase your value. High-demand, high-skill specializations command premium pay. Consider pursuing expertise in areas like:
- Industrial Electrician: Working with complex machinery, motor controls, and automation systems in factories and manufacturing plants.
- Electrical Lineworker: Installing and maintaining high-voltage power lines. This is a high-risk, high-reward field with excellent pay.
- Solar & Renewable Energy: Installing and maintaining solar panels, wind turbines, and battery storage systems.
- Instrumentation & Control: Focusing on the precise instruments that measure and control processes in industrial settings.
- Fire Alarm & Security Systems: A specialized field requiring knowledge of low-voltage systems and life-safety codes.
Job Outlook
The future for journeyman electricians is bright. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics projects that employment for electricians will grow by 6% from 2022 to 2032, which is faster than the average for all occupations.
This growth is driven by several factors:
- New Construction: Homes and businesses will always need wiring.
- Aging Infrastructure: The need to maintain and upgrade older electrical systems in existing buildings is constant.
- The Green Economy: The transition to alternative energy sources, including solar power, wind power, and the installation of electric vehicle (EV) charging stations, is creating a massive demand for qualified electricians.
The BLS estimates there will be about 73,500 openings for electricians each year over the decade, stemming from both new job growth and the need to replace workers who retire or transition to different occupations.
Conclusion
Choosing a career as a journeyman electrician is a strategic move toward a stable and financially rewarding future. While the national average salary provides a solid benchmark in the $60,000s to mid-$70,000s, it is by no means a ceiling.
Your earning potential is directly in your hands. By gaining experience, pursuing valuable certifications, choosing a strategic location, and developing a high-demand specialization, you can significantly increase your salary. For many, the journeyman license is not the final destination but a powerful platform from which to launch a career as a Master Electrician, project manager, or even a successful business owner. The opportunities are, quite literally, ready to be wired.