Electrician Salary: What Electricians Earn in Texas & Nationally in 2026
How much can an electrician actually make? The short answer: a lot more than most people think.
The median salary for electricians in the United States is $56,900 per year (as of May 2024, BLS). But that’s just the middle. Experienced electricians, especially those running their own businesses or specializing in high-demand sectors, regularly earn $80,000 to $120,000+ annually. In Texas, where demand is consistently high and the cost of living is reasonable, electricians enjoy both strong wages and purchasing power.
This article breaks down electrician salaries by experience level, location, specialization, and credentials—so you can understand exactly what you’re working toward.
National Electrician Salary by Percentile (2024 BLS Data)
| Percentile | Annual Salary | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|
| 10th (Entry-level) | $34,100 | $16.40 |
| 25th | $43,200 | $20.77 |
| Median (50th) | $56,900 | $27.36 |
| 75th | $74,500 | $35.81 |
| 90th (Experienced) | $96,200 | $46.25 |
Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, May 2024.
Quick Snapshot: Key Numbers to Know
- Median annual salary: $56,900
- Median hourly wage: $27.36
- Top 10% earn: $96,200+
- Job outlook: 5% growth (2023–2033)
- Texas median salary: $61,400
- Texas hourly median: $29.52
Electricians are skilled tradespeople in high demand—and the numbers show it.
Electrician Salary in Texas: A Competitive Advantage
Texas electricians have a clear advantage: strong demand + lower cost of living than the national average.
- Population growth: Texas adds roughly 300,000+ residents annually.
- Industrial expansion: Oil & gas, manufacturing, data centers, and tech hubs.
- No state income tax: Your paycheck goes further.
- Cost of living: Reasonable housing costs outside major metros.
Texas electricians earn a median of $61,400 annually compared to the national median of $56,900.
Salary by Major Texas Markets
| City | Average Annual Salary | Market Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Houston | $64,200 | Industrial hub; petrochemical and commercial sectors |
| Dallas | $63,100 | Strong commercial and residential growth |
| Austin | $62,800 | High growth; tech and commercial expansion |
| San Antonio | $59,400 | Growing military and commercial presence |
| Fort Worth | $62,500 | Manufacturing and logistics driving demand |
Electrician Salary by Experience Level
Entry-Level Electrician (Apprentice)
- Salary range: $28,000–$38,000/year
- Hourly: $13.50–$18.25
Mid-Level Electrician (Journeyman)
- Salary range: $45,000–$65,000/year
- Hourly: $21.60–$31.25
Senior Electrician (Master/Lead)
- Salary range: $65,000–$85,000/year
- Hourly: $31.25–$40.87
Business Owner (Electrical Contractor)
- Salary range: $75,000–$150,000+/year
Highest-Paying Electrician Specializations
- Industrial Electrician: $62,000–$85,000+
- Commercial Electrician: $55,000–$75,000+
- Residential Electrician: $45,000–$65,000
- Renewable Energy Electrician: $58,000–$82,000+
- Low-Voltage Technician: $50,000–$70,000+
Electrician Salary vs. Other Trades
| Trade | Median Annual Salary | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Electrician | $56,900 | Consistent demand; good wage growth |
| HVAC Technician | $52,400 | Seasonal variation |
| Plumber | $57,000 | Similar to electricians |
| Carpenter | $54,200 | More variable |
| Heavy Equipment Operator | $60,500 | Higher entry barrier |
How to Maximize Your Electrician Earnings
- Get Licensed Quickly — Move from apprentice to journeyman ASAP.
- Pursue Specializations — Industrial, renewable energy, low-voltage work pays 10–25% more.
- Consider Union Membership — 15–25% more in base wages plus benefits.
- Build a Client Base — Direct clients often pay better.
- Start Your Own Business — Double or triple your earning potential.
- Invest in Continuing Education — Smart home, EV charging, battery storage.
- Optimize for Overtime — Time-and-a-half boosts annual earnings significantly.
- Negotiate Your Rate — Strong electricians have options.
How to Get Started: Train for Electrician Work
Elite Trade Institute offers a 100% online electrician program designed to prepare you for paid apprenticeships:
- Online and self-paced
- $3,995 total cost—no surprise fees
- Approved for WIOA funding
- TWC-approved program
- Path to paid apprenticeship
Ready to get started? Visit Elite Trade Institute’s Electrical Program to enroll today.
Related Reading
- Electrician vs. HVAC Technician: Which Trade Pays More?
- How to Become an Electrician: Step-by-Step Guide
- Is Electrician a Good Career?
Sources: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (May 2024), Texas Workforce Commission (2024), NECA wage surveys.
