According to the U.S. Department of Labor, median hourly earnings of electricians were $26.53 in May 2018 ($55,190 annually). Wages ranged from less than $15.84 ($32,940 annually) for the lowest paid 10 percent to more than $45.49 an hour ($94,620 annually) for the highest paid 10 percent. Beginning apprentices earn 40 to 50 percent of the base electrician's wage and receive periodic increases each year of their apprenticeship.

Overall, it's important to realize these wages can vary widely, depending on a number of factors, including geographic location, the industry in which an electrician works, prevailing economic conditions, union membership, and others. Wage rates for many electricians are set by contract agreements between unions and employers. In general, electricians working in cities tend to be better paid than those in other areas. Those working as telecommunications or residential specialists tend to make slightly less than those working as linemen or wiremen.

Electricians who are members of the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers, the industry's main labor union, are entitled to benefits including paid vacation days and holidays, health insurance, pensions to help with retirement savings, supplemental unemployment compensation plans, and so forth.

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