The median annual wage for journeyman electricians in the United States is $65,280 (BLS, May 2025), but licensed journeymen with 4-5 years of experience typically earn between $55,000 and $78,000 depending on location and specialization. The journey from apprentice to journeyman is the single biggest salary jump in the electrical trade.
How Much Does a Journeyman Electrician Make? National Overview
A journeyman electrician has completed a 4-5 year apprenticeship and passed the state licensing exam. This credential alone increases earning potential by 40-60% compared to apprentice wages. The BLS reports the median electrician salary at $65,280, and journeyman-level electricians sit squarely in the $55,000-$78,000 range.
| Stage | Typical Wage | Years | Hourly Range |
|---|---|---|---|
| Apprentice (Year 1-2) | $30,000 – $42,000 | 0-2 | $15-$20/hr |
| Apprentice (Year 3-4) | $40,000 – $55,000 | 2-4 | $19-$26/hr |
| Journeyman Electrician | $55,000 – $78,000 | After exam | $26-$37/hr |
| Senior Journeyman (5+ years) | $68,000 – $88,000 | 5+ | $33-$42/hr |
| Master Electrician | $75,000 – $95,000 | 2+ as journeyman | $36-$46/hr |
Journeyman Electrician Pay by Union vs Non-Union
| Category | Non-Union | Union (IBEW) | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Hourly wage | $26 – $34/hr | $38 – $52/hr | +30-50% |
| Annual salary | $54,000 – $71,000 | $79,000 – $108,000 | +$25,000-$37,000 |
| Health insurance | Varies (often partial) | Fully paid family plan | +$12,000-$20,000 value |
| Pension | Rare | Defined-benefit pension | +$2,000-$4,000/mo at retirement |
| Apprenticeship cost | $0 – $5,000 | $0 (employer-paid) | Same |
IBEW journeyman electricians in major cities earn substantially more. For example, a union journeyman in New York City earns $52.91/hr (2025 IBEW Local 3 rate), totaling $110,000+ annually before overtime. The same journeyman working non-union in the same area might earn $34-$38/hr.
Journeyman Electrician Salary by State
| State | Avg Journeyman Salary | IBEW Top Rate |
|---|---|---|
| New York | $78,000 – $95,000 | $52.91/hr (Local 3 NYC) |
| Illinois | $75,000 – $90,000 | $49.50/hr (Local 134 Chicago) |
| California | $70,000 – $88,000 | $46.50/hr (Local 11 LA) |
| Washington | $68,000 – $82,000 | $44.00/hr (Local 46 Seattle) |
| Massachusetts | $70,000 – $85,000 | $45.00/hr (Local 103 Boston) |
| Texas | $55,000 – $68,000 | $32.00/hr (non-union dominant) |
| Florida | $50,000 – $62,000 | $30.00/hr (non-union dominant) |
Journeyman vs Other Electrical Career Salaries
| Role | Median Salary | Additional Requirements |
|---|---|---|
| Apprentice Electrician | $38,000 | Enroll in apprenticeship program |
| Journeyman Electrician | $65,000 | 4-5 year apprenticeship + license exam |
| Master Electrician | $85,000 | 2+ years as journeyman + master exam |
| Electrical Contractor | $95,000+ | Master license + business license + insurance |
| Electrical Inspector | $72,000 | Licensed electrician + inspector certification |
| Electrical Engineer | $105,000 | Bachelor’s degree in EE + PE license |
How to Maximize Your Journeyman Electrician Salary
- Join IBEW. Union membership is the most effective way to increase how much a journeyman electrician makes. The wage gap between union and non-union widens each year.
- Work toward your master license. Most states require 2+ years as a journeyman before testing for master. Master electricians earn $10,000-$20,000 more.
- Specialize in high-demand areas. Industrial maintenance, PLC programming, and renewable energy installations pay premium rates.
- Relocate to a high-wage state. Moving from Florida ($50,000-$62,000) to New York ($78,000-$95,000) can nearly double your income.
- Get NFPA 70E certification. Arc flash safety training is required for many industrial jobs and adds $3-$5/hr to your rate.
- Develop side skills. Low voltage, security systems, fire alarms, and home automation all command higher rates than basic residential wiring.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a journeyman electrician make per hour?
The average journeyman electrician makes $31-$37/hr non-union or $38-$52/hr in IBEW union shops. Rates vary significantly by state and local market conditions.
How much does a journeyman electrician make per year?
Journeyman electricians typically earn $55,000-$78,000 annually. IBEW journeymen in major cities like New York, Chicago, and Seattle earn $80,000-$110,000 with full benefits.
Is becoming a journeyman electrician worth it?
Yes. The 4-5 year apprenticeship is paid (earning while learning), and the salary jump from apprentice ($38,000) to journeyman ($65,000) is 70%. With no student debt and strong union benefits, it offers one of the best ROIs of any career path.
How much more does a master electrician make than a journeyman?
Master electricians earn approximately $10,000-$20,000 more per year than journeymen, plus they can pull permits independently and start their own contracting business.
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Journeyman Electrician Salary by Location
Journeyman electrician wages vary significantly across the country. The highest-paying states include New York ($82,000-$96,000), Massachusetts ($78,000-$92,000), Hawaii ($76,000-$89,000), Oregon ($74,000-$87,000), and Washington ($73,000-$86,000). In major metro areas, journeymen earn notably more: New York City $85,000-$110,000, San Francisco $90,000-$115,000, and Seattle $80,000-$100,000. Union-represented electricians in locals like Local 3 (NYC) and Local 46 (Seattle) have some of the highest wage scales, with total compensation packages including pensions and health insurance.
From Apprentice to Journeyman
The journeyman electrician license marks completion of a 4-5 year apprenticeship with 8,000 hours of on-the-job training and 500+ hours of classroom instruction. Candidates must pass the state journeyman licensing exam covering the National Electrical Code (NEC), electrical theory, and practical applications. Many states have reciprocity agreements allowing licensed journeymen to work across state lines. After achieving journeyman status, electricians can pursue additional certifications in fire alarm systems, industrial controls, or renewable energy. With 2-4 years of experience, many pursue master electrician licensure to obtain permits, run projects, and start contracting businesses.
Career Advancement for Journeyman Electricians
Licensed journeyman electricians have multiple advancement paths. They can advance to foreman ($75,000-$95,000), project supervisor ($85,000-$110,000), or electrical superintendent ($95,000-$130,000). Increasing numbers are specializing in emerging technologies like EV charging station installation, solar photovoltaic systems, battery storage, and smart home automation — areas commanding 20-30% wage premiums. Those who obtain master electrician licensure and start contracting businesses have the highest earning potential, with successful contractors earning $120,000-$200,000+ annually.
