Shocking Truth: How Much Does A Journeyman Electrician REALLY Make In 2025? (Top 10 States & Union Pay)

The journeyman electrician salary is a topic of intense curiosity, and for good reason: it represents the payoff for years of demanding apprenticeship, technical training, and hands-on experience in the skilled trades. As of late 2024 and heading into 2025, the earning potential for a licensed journeyman electrician is highly competitive, often significantly exceeding the national average for all occupations. The specific number, however, is not a simple figure; it's a dynamic range influenced heavily by location, union status, and the specialized industry you choose.

The latest data confirms that the electrical trade remains a financially rewarding career path with strong job security. The median annual wage for all electricians in the United States, which includes journeymen, was approximately $62,350 in May 2024, translating to an hourly rate of around $29.50. However, a seasoned journeyman electrician with a license can expect to earn substantially more than this median, with top earners pushing well into the six-figure range depending on their specialization and willingness to travel for high-paying commercial or industrial projects.

The Journeyman Electrician Salary: National Averages and Hourly Rates (2025 Update)

A "journeyman" is a fully qualified electrician who has completed an apprenticeship (typically 4-5 years) and passed a licensing exam, allowing them to work independently and supervise apprentices. This level of certification immediately translates to a higher earning ceiling compared to an apprentice electrician.

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National Average Salary Breakdown

• Median Annual Wage (All Electricians): $62,350 (as of May 2024)
• Average Journeyman Salary Range: $55,000 to $75,000 per year
• Experienced Journeyman Potential: $70,000 to over $100,000, particularly for those with specialized skills or in high-cost-of-living areas.

What is the Hourly Pay for a Journeyman Electrician?

Most journeymen are paid an hourly rate, which can vary wildly based on location and employer. The national average hourly pay for a journeyman electrician is approximately $32.72. This figure is a baseline, and many professionals report earning much higher, especially when factoring in overtime pay, which is common in the construction and electrical installation fields.

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• Average Hourly Rate: $32.72
• Low-End Hourly Rate: Around $18.51 (for those in lower-cost-of-living areas or entry-level positions)
• High-End Hourly Rate: Can exceed $50 per hour, especially in union contracts or major metropolitan areas.

The key takeaway is that the base salary is just the starting point. Overtime, bonuses, and comprehensive benefits packages (health insurance, 401k, pension plans) can significantly increase the total compensation package, often adding tens of thousands of dollars to the annual value.

The Union Advantage: IBEW Journeyman Pay vs. Non-Union

One of the most significant factors determining a journeyman electrician's income is union membership, specifically with the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers (IBEW). The difference in pay and benefits is substantial and often cited as the primary reason for joining the union.

Union (IBEW) Journeyman Compensation

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Union electricians generally command higher wages and more robust benefits due to collective bargaining agreements. The data consistently shows a substantial pay gap:

• Wage Premium: IBEW electricians and communications workers, on average, earn about 40% more than their non-union counterparts.
• Average IBEW Journeyman Total Compensation: A comprehensive breakdown of union pay scales across North America suggests an average total compensation (wage plus benefits) of over $87,000 annually for a journeyman.

While non-union employers often argue for merit-based advancement and direct relationships, the guaranteed wages, defined pension plans, and comprehensive health insurance offered through union contracts often result in a higher overall quality of life and financial security for the electrician and their family.

Top 10 Highest-Paying States for Journeyman Electricians

Geographical location is a critical driver of salary in the electrical trade. Wages are typically highest in states and metropolitan areas with a high cost of living, strong union presence, and robust commercial or industrial construction sectors. The following states are frequently cited as offering the best compensation for licensed journeyman electricians:

The Highest-Paying States (Based on Latest Data)

1. Vermont: Frequently ranks at the top, with average journeyman salaries reported around $81,538.
2. Alaska: Known as one of the best states for journeyman electrician jobs, often due to specialized industrial work and high cost of living adjustments.
3. New York: Metropolitan areas like New York City offer some of the highest-paying union contracts in the country.
4. California: Cities like San Francisco and San Jose offer significant wages, with entry-level electricians sometimes commanding salaries upwards of $69,400.
5. Massachusetts: A strong market for commercial and residential electrical work.
6. Illinois: Driven by strong union activity in the Chicago area.
7. Washington: High demand in the booming tech and construction sectors of Seattle and surrounding areas.
8. New Jersey: Proximity to major urban centers ensures high wage scales.
9. Minnesota: Known for competitive pay, with reports of non-union journeymen earning $50 an hour or more.
10. Oregon: Strong construction and infrastructure investment keeps wages high.

It's important to remember that a high salary in a state like California or New York must be weighed against the exceptionally high cost of living in those areas. A journeyman in a Midwestern state with a lower cost of living might have a higher disposable income despite a lower base salary.

Career Progression: Apprentice vs. Journeyman vs. Master Electrician

The journey from a novice to a top-tier professional in the electrical trade follows a clear progression, with each step unlocking a higher earning potential. Understanding this path is key to maximizing your career salary.

Apprentice Electrician Salary

This is the entry-level phase, typically lasting 4-5 years, where you learn the trade under the supervision of a journeyman or master electrician. Compensation is lower but includes pay raises each year as your skills improve.

• Typical Annual Salary: Ranges from approximately $39,430 to $47,449 per year.
• Hourly Rate: Averages around $23 per hour.

Journeyman Electrician Salary

As detailed above, this is the first major financial leap after obtaining your license. You are a fully competent, licensed electrician.

• Typical Annual Salary: $55,000 to $75,000
• Role: Can work independently, pull permits, and supervise apprentices.

Master Electrician Salary

The final and most prestigious license, requiring several years of experience as a journeyman and passing a rigorous exam. A master electrician can design, plan, and supervise entire electrical systems and often holds management or ownership positions.

• Typical Annual Salary: $75,000 to $95,000 or more.
• Top-End Earnings: Master electricians can earn $100,000+ annually, especially if they run their own contracting business.
• Role: Can manage teams, pull master permits, and often move into specialized consulting or project management roles.

The difference between a journeyman and a master electrician is not just in pay; it's in authority and scope of work. A master license is the ultimate credential for maximizing lifetime earnings in the electrical trade.

Key Factors That Influence Journeyman Earning Potential

While the license is the foundation, several other entities and factors play a crucial role in determining how much a journeyman electrician can make:

• Industry Specialization: Commercial and Industrial electricians (working on large construction sites, power plants, or factories) typically earn more than residential electricians.
• Overtime and On-Call Pay: The electrical trade often requires working long hours, especially to meet project deadlines. Overtime pay (time-and-a-half or double-time) is a significant income booster.
• Economic Conditions: The health of the local construction and electrical industries directly impacts demand and, consequently, wage levels.
• Specialized Skills and Certifications: Having certifications in areas like solar panel installation, low-voltage systems, or high-voltage work makes you a more valuable asset and can lead to higher hourly rates.
• Experience Level: Even within the journeyman rank, a professional with 10+ years of experience will command a higher wage than one who just received their license.

In conclusion, becoming a journeyman electrician is a financially sound career move. While the national average hovers around $68,000, the true potential, especially for union members or those in high-demand states, is well into the six figures. The key to unlocking the highest salary is to pursue union membership, specialize in commercial or industrial work, and continuously seek out high-cost-of-living metropolitan areas with robust construction activity.