Otis Singleton
The electrical worker industry in the United States is comprised of several unions, including the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers (IBEW), which is the largest electrical union in the country. The IBEW represents approximately 820,000 workers and retirees in the electrical industry, including electricians, lineworkers, and inside wiremen. In 2022, the total number of electricians in the US was 877,258, with the majority being male (97.6%) and the average wage being $65,761. The employment of electricians is projected to grow by 11% from 2023 to 2033, indicating a rising demand for electrical workers in the country.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Number of electrical workers in the US | 877,258 in 2022 |
| Number of electrical workers represented by IBEW | 775,000 in 2020; 820,000 as of 2025 |
| Percentage of women | 2.42% |
| Percentage of men | 97.6% |
| Average age of male electricians | 40.8 |
| Average age of female electricians | 40 |
| Most common ethnicity | White |
| Percentage of Hispanic workers | 21% |
| Percentage of non-Hispanic workers | 79% |
| Average yearly wage | $65,761 in 2022 |
| Highest average yearly wage by state | Alaska ($85,613) in 2022 |
| Number of projected yearly openings | 80,200 |
| Projected employment growth from 2023 to 2033 | 11% |
| Average annual growth from 2014 to 2022 | 29.9% |
| Main educational levels | High School or Equivalent, Some college, Associates Degree |
| Number of new electrical and power line workers needed by 2016 | 270,000 |
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What You'll Learn
In 2022, there were over 877,000 electricians in the US
Electricians in the US typically work full-time, with schedules that may include evenings and weekends. Overtime is also common in this profession. Most electricians learn their trade through an apprenticeship program, which can take four to five years to complete. During their apprenticeship, electricians gain hands-on experience under the supervision of journeymen and also receive classroom training. After completing their apprenticeship, electricians become journey workers and can perform duties independently, subject to local or state licensing requirements. Most states require electricians to be licensed, and some states require passing a test.
The employment outlook for electricians in the US is positive. Between 2014 and 2022, the electrician workforce grew by an average of 29.9% annually. Over the next decade (2023-2033), employment of electricians is projected to grow by 10% to 11%, significantly outpacing the average growth rate for all occupations. This growth is attributed to the need to replace workers who change occupations or exit the labour force.
In terms of geographical distribution, electricians are most commonly employed in the construction industry, which accounts for 92.3% of electrician jobs. The remaining electricians are employed in other sectors such as electric power generation, transmission, and distribution (5.73%), and motor vehicles and motor vehicle equipment manufacturing (1.96%). The locations with the highest concentration of electricians include Newport News City PUMA, VA, Snohomish County (North)--Marysville & Arlington Cities PUMA, WA, and Hidalgo County (North & West) PUMA, TX.
The average yearly wage for electricians in the US was $65,761 in 2022, exceeding the national average salary by over $1,000. However, wages vary across different states, with Alaska, Delaware, and Illinois offering the highest average annual wages for electricians.
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Electricians are mostly male, with 97.6% men and 2.42% women
There are a projected 80,200 openings for electricians each year in the United States, on average, over the decade. The electrician workforce in the US in 2022 was 877,258 people, with 2.42% women and 97.6% men. The gender disparity among electricians is reflected in the interest in the profession, with more men than women interested in becoming electricians at a ratio of 7.63 to 1.
The disparity is also evident in the percentage of licensed electricians who are female, which currently stands at 2.1%. This gender imbalance is not unique to the electrician profession, as other fields in the construction industry also exhibit significant gender ratio gaps. For example, occupations such as water softener installers and insulation workers have even larger disparities between men and women.
The underrepresentation of women in the electrician field may be influenced by various factors, including societal expectations, gender norms, and the perception of electrical work as a male-dominated industry. Additionally, the physical demands of the job and the need for protective clothing and safety gear, as well as hearing protection in certain environments, may contribute to the gender imbalance.
Despite the disparity, it is worth noting that the percentage of female electricians has increased over time, and efforts are being made to encourage and support women in pursuing careers in electrical work.
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The median annual wage for electricians was $62,350 in 2024
Electricians in the United States have a median annual wage that varies across sources and over time. In May 2024, the median annual wage for electricians was $62,350. This is a slight decrease from the previous year's average annual wage for electricians, which was $65,761 in 2022.
The wage for electricians can vary depending on their location and specialty. For example, in 2022, electricians in Alaska earned an average annual wage of $85,613, while those in Delaware earned $81,980, and in Illinois, they earned $80,780. The wage distribution for electricians is relatively more equitable than for the overall labour force.
It is worth noting that electricians in the United States typically work full-time, and overtime is common. Additionally, most states require electricians to be licensed, and the licensing requirements vary by state. Electricians often learn through an apprenticeship program, which can take four to five years to complete, and they may be subject to continuing education requirements to maintain their licenses.
The number of electricians in the workforce is also relevant when discussing wages. In 2022, there were approximately 877,258 electricians in the United States, with the majority being men (97.6%) and the average age being around 40 years old. The workforce is projected to grow by 10.8% over a ten-year period, which is faster than the national average for all occupations.
To address the growing demand for electricians and the projected job openings, organisations like the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers (IBEW) and the National Electrical Contractors Association (NECA) are actively recruiting new workers and offering apprenticeship programs to train the next generation of electricians.
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Electricians are divided into two categories: lineperson and wiremen
Electricians are professionals who install, maintain, and repair electrical power, communications, lighting, and control systems. They read electrical schematics, order electrical supplies, and may also troubleshoot electrical components and conduct testing and inspections. Electricians are most often employed by the construction industry, with 92.3% of electricians working in this sector. The average yearly wage for electricians was $65,761 in 2022, and the workforce consisted of 877,258 people, with 2.42% women and 97.6% men.
Electricians are divided into two categories: linemen (or linepersons) and wiremen. Linemen work on power transmission lines and utility poles, often at heights of 30 feet or more. They work with higher-voltage currents, often hundreds of thousands of volts. Linemen require protective gear due to the high voltages they work with. Wiremen, on the other hand, work on lower voltages inside buildings, installing, maintaining, and repairing electrical components. They have more predictable work and schedules and can usually shut down the circuits they are working on. Both types of electricians require specialized training and licensing, and both play essential roles in providing electricity.
The International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers (IBEW) is a labor union representing approximately 820,000 workers in the electrical industry in the United States and several other countries. The IBEW conducts apprenticeship programs for electricians, linemen, and VDV installers, providing on-the-job training and education.
Becoming a lineman or wireman usually starts with an apprenticeship program, which can last four to ten years. Apprentices advance to become journeymen and eventually master electricians. Licensing requirements vary by state, with different exams, hands-on training, and classroom hours stipulated by state and local regulatory boards. Electricians must meet safety standards and regulations, and safety gear is essential to protect against electrical hazards.
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Most electricians learn through an apprenticeship program
Apprenticeship programs are a popular way for people to become electricians in the United States. The International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers (IBEW), a labour union representing around 775,000 to 820,000 workers and retirees in the electrical industry, offers apprenticeship programs for electricians, linemen, and VDV (voice, data, and video) installers. These programs are conducted in conjunction with the National Electrical Contractors Association under the National Joint Apprenticeship and Training Committee (NJATC), allowing apprentices to "earn while they learn".
The IBEW's apprenticeship programs provide hands-on education and in-class lessons. Apprentices are required to gain a certain amount of in-class and hands-on experience, with the time spent in the program depending on their specialty. After completing an apprenticeship program, electricians are considered journey workers and may perform duties on their own, subject to local or state licensing requirements.
Other apprenticeship programs are also available, such as the ABC Heart of America's program, which offers aspiring electricians quality education and valuable training. This program pairs classroom education with on-the-job training, allowing students to graduate with a competitive advantage and the skills necessary to excel in their careers. Safety is a top priority in this program, which adheres to strict safety standards and requirements.
While most electricians learn through an apprenticeship, some start out by attending a technical school. Many technical schools offer programs related to circuitry, safety practices, and basic electrical information.
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Frequently asked questions
There were 877,258 electricians in the US in 2022. 2.42% of these workers were women, and 97.6% were men.
According to statistics released by the US Department of Labor, America needed to train 270,000 new electrical and power line workers by 2016. Employment of electricians is projected to grow 11% from 2023 to 2023, with about 80,200 openings projected each year.
The average yearly wage for electricians in the US was $65,761 in 2022. However, this varies by state, with Alaska, Delaware, and Illinois offering the best average annual wages.
The IBEW is a labor union that represents approximately 820,000 workers and retirees in the electrical industry in the US, Canada, Guam, Panama, Puerto Rico, and the US Virgin Islands. The IBEW conducts apprenticeship programs for electricians, linemen, and VDV installers.
