Electrician Salary in California
Based on 73K+ workers in California
Median Annual Salary (CA)
$76,160
$36.62/hr
vs National Average
$69,300
+9.9% vs national median
Salary Range (10th–90th)
$47K – $140K
73K employed in California
The median electrician salary in California is $76,160 per year, placing the state approximately 10 percent above the national average. With over 73,000 electricians employed throughout California, the profession offers competitive compensation. However, salaries vary significantly, ranging from $46,800 to $140,340 annually depending on individual circumstances and career progression.
Several factors influence electrician salary in California, including experience level, specialization, and geographic location within the state. Highly skilled electricians with certifications in specialized areas such as solar installation or industrial systems typically command higher wages. Additionally, employment in major metropolitan areas and regions with strong construction activity tends to offer better compensation than rural areas.
Salary Distribution — Electrician in California
| Percentile | Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 10th percentile | $46,800 |
| 25th percentile | $59,280 |
| Median (50th percentile) | $76,160 |
| 75th percentile | $103,000 |
| 90th percentile | $140,340 |
Top-Paying Industries for Electrician (U.S.)
Which industries pay Electricians the most — nationwide figures (industry-level data is not available by state). Electricians in California tend to follow these industry patterns.
| Industry (U.S.) | Median Salary | Employed (U.S.) |
|---|---|---|
| Utilities | $106,640 | 9K |
| Information | $97,780 | 1K |
| Finance and Insurance | $86,150 | 100 |
| Retail Trade | $84,050 | 1K |
| Transportation and Warehousing | $81,280 | 6K |
Source: U.S. BLS OEWS National Industry-Specific estimates, May 2025. National figures (not state-specific).
Historical Salary Trend — Electrician in California vs National
| Year | Median Salary (California) |
|---|---|
| 2022 | $71,030 |
| 2023 | $77,470 |
| 2024 | $76,540 |
| 2025 | $76,160 |
| 2026 (projected) | $76,160 |
The latest year is a projection based on recent wage trends — BLS has not yet released that year’s data.
| Year | California Median | National Median |
|---|---|---|
| 2022 | $71,030 | $62,198 |
| 2023 | $77,470 | $64,916 |
| 2024 | $76,540 | $67,201 |
| 2025 | $76,160 | $69,300 |
| 2026 (projected) | $76,160 | $69,300 |
Electrician Salary by Experience Level in California
| Experience Level | Years | Median Annual Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Junior | 0-2 yrs | $59,280 |
| Mid-level | 3-5 yrs | $76,160 |
| Senior | 6-9 yrs | $103,000 |
| Staff / Lead | 10+ yrs | $140,340 |
Electrician Salary in Other States
Related Electrician Salaries in California
How other high-demand occupations in California compare to Electrician ($76,160 median).
| Occupation | Median Salary | vs Electrician | Hourly |
|---|---|---|---|
| Airline Pilot in CA | $353,900 | +364.7% | $170.14/hr |
| Construction Supervisor in CA | $97,680 | +28.3% | $46.96/hr |
| Plumber in CA | $72,830 | -4.4% | $35.01/hr |
| Automotive Service Technician in CA | $64,980 | -14.7% | $31.24/hr |
| Air Traffic Controller in CA | $62,600 | -17.8% | $30.10/hr |
| Construction Laborer in CA | $60,270 | -20.9% | $28.98/hr |
| Maintenance and Repair Worker in CA | $57,000 | -25.2% | $27.40/hr |
| Insurance Sales Agent in CA | $76,120 | -0.1% | $36.60/hr |
| Training and Development Specialist in CA | $75,790 | -0.5% | $36.44/hr |
| Property and Real Estate Manager in CA | $77,030 | +1.1% | $37.03/hr |
| Graphic Designer in CA | $75,130 | -1.4% | $36.12/hr |
| Paralegal in CA | $77,390 | +1.6% | $37.21/hr |
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do electricians make in California?
- The median salary for electricians in California is $76,160 per year, or approximately $37 per hour. This is about 9.9% higher than the national average for electricians.
What is the salary range for electricians in California?
- Electrician salaries in California range from $46,800 at the lower end to $140,340 at the higher end, depending on experience, specialization, and location within the state.
How many electricians are employed in California?
- There are approximately 73,310 electricians currently employed in California, making it a significant portion of the skilled trades workforce in the state.
Is being an electrician in California better paid than the national average?
- Yes, electricians in California earn 9.9% more than the national average, with a median salary of $76,160 compared to lower national figures, making California one of the better-paying states for this profession.