If you’re considering a career as an electrician or are already on the path, understanding the journeyman electrician salary in 2025 is key. This role is not only essential to modern infrastructure but also offers strong pay, job stability, and room for growth.
In this guide, weβll break down the current numbers, state-by-state comparisons, what factors impact your pay, and how to increase your earnings as a journeyman.
β‘ What Is a Journeyman Electrician?
A journeyman electrician is a licensed tradesperson who has completed an apprenticeship and passed the required exams to work independently on electrical systems. They install, maintain, and repair wiring in residential, commercial, and industrial settings.
Itβs the mid-level stage between apprentice and master electrician, and typically requires 4β5 years of training and experience.
π΅ What Is the Average Journeyman Electrician Salary in 2025?
The national journeyman electrician salary in 2025 will average between $56,000 and $82,000 per year, depending on location, experience, and industry. Hourly rates range from $27 to $42.
Region | Hourly Rate | Annual Salary |
---|---|---|
California | $38β$45 | $75,000β$93,000 |
Texas | $30β$36 | $62,000β$74,000 |
Florida | $27β$32 | $56,000β$65,000 |
New York | $35β$43 | $72,000β$89,000 |
Illinois | $31β$38 | $65,000β$79,000 |
In states with higher cost of living, like California and New York, journeyman electrician salary tends to skew higher, especially in unionized areas or large cities.

π§ What Factors Influence Journeyman Electrician Salary?
Several factors determine how much you can earn:
1. Location
Urban centers typically offer higher pay due to demand and cost of living.
2. Union vs Non-Union
Union electricians often earn 15β25% more than non-union workers.
3. Years of Experience
A journeyman with 1β3 years of experience may earn less than a peer with 8+ years and specialty training.
4. Certifications
Holding advanced certifications (like OSHA, solar, or high-voltage systems) can bump up your journeyman electrician salary.
5. Industry Type
Working in commercial or industrial sectors pays more than residential work.
ποΈ Top-Paying Industries for Journeyman Electricians
Industry | Avg. Annual Salary |
---|---|
Industrial Construction | $84,000+ |
Power Generation Plants | $80,000β$90,000 |
Oil & Gas / Refineries | $88,000+ |
Government Facilities | $78,000β$85,000 |
Residential Construction | $60,000β$70,000 |
Choosing the right sector early can shape your journeyman electrician salary trajectory for the long term.
π Career Growth: How to Increase Your Salary
If youβre looking to earn more, consider these career boosters:
- Get licensed in multiple states
- Pursue certifications like NICET, OSHA 30, solar installation, or BICSI
- Move into high-paying niches like fiber optics, renewables, or commercial wiring
- Work overtime or weekends (common in the trade)
- Level up to Master Electrician for managerial or contractor roles
All these steps contribute to a higher journeyman electrician salary and better job prospects.
π State-by-State Salary Breakdown for 2025
State | Low-End Salary | High-End Salary |
---|---|---|
California | $70,000 | $93,000 |
Washington | $68,000 | $88,000 |
Arizona | $58,000 | $74,000 |
Michigan | $60,000 | $78,000 |
Georgia | $55,000 | $70,000 |
Note: These figures include both union and non-union journeymen.

π οΈ Union vs Non-Union Journeyman Pay
Unionized electricians enjoy several benefits:
- Higher base wage
- Paid training and certifications
- Retirement and pension plans
- Stronger job security
In many states, union workers can earn $5β$10 more per hour, pushing their journeyman electrician salary well past the national average.
π‘ Is It Worth Becoming a Journeyman Electrician?
Absolutely. Hereβs why:
- No 4-year college degree required
- Strong job demand projected through 2030
- Portable skills across all states
- Good mix of physical and technical work
- Above-average salary and benefits
With the rise in electric vehicles, smart homes, and renewable energy, electricians are more valuable than ever, making the journeyman electrician salary worth the effort of training.
π 2025 Job Outlook for Electricians
The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics projects a 6β7% increase in electrician jobs through 2030, especially in renewable energy and commercial construction. Areas like solar installation and EV charging will drive growth.
This growth ensures that the journeyman electrician‘s salary stays strong, with room to move up and specialize.
β Final Thoughts
The journeyman electrician’s salary in 2025 reflects a stable, respected, and well-paying career. Whether youβre just finishing an apprenticeship or already in the field, your earning potential is solid and rising, especially with continued demand for skilled trades.
If youβre ready to wire your future for success, this is a smart path forward.
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