Electrician pay in California
These figures are from the Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics survey, May 2025, for electricians (occupation code 47-2111). BLS OEWS
| May 2025 | California | Sacramento–Roseville–Folsom area | United States |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median (half earn more, half less) | $76,160 a year $36.62/hour | $74,830 a year $35.98/hour | $63,190 a year $30.38/hour |
| Middle half earned | $59,280 to $103,000 | $52,720 to $98,130 | |
| Lowest 10% earned less than | $46,800 | $46,230 | $42,640 |
| Highest 10% earned more than | $140,340 | $130,020 | $108,510 |
| Electricians employed | 73,310 | 6,340 |
Sources: BLS OEWS, Electricians, May 2025 and BLS OEWS California tables; U.S. figures from the BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook. OEWS wages don’t include self-employed workers.
Pay depends on experience, the kind of work, where you live, and whether you’re in an apprenticeship. Apprentices start lower and earn more as they progress. BLS
Job outlook
Nationally, the BLS projects employment of electricians to grow 9% from 2025 to 2035, much faster than the average for all jobs, with about 72,700 openings a year. Many openings come from people retiring or changing careers. BLS
The BLS points to a few reasons: buildings always need power, solar and wind need to be connected to homes, businesses and the grid, and growing electricity demand (including from data centers) means the grid needs upgrades. BLS
For California-specific projections by region, see the California EDD Labor Market Information site.
Where electricians work
About two out of three electricians nationwide work for electrical contractors. Others work in manufacturing, for government, or for themselves. BLS
Common questions
How much do electricians make in California?
In May 2025, the median pay for electricians in California was $76,160 a year, or $36.62 an hour, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics. The middle half earned between $59,280 and $103,000 a year.
How much do apprentices make?
Apprentices are paid less than fully trained electricians, and their pay goes up as they learn and finish more of the program. Each program sets its own pay scale, so ask the programs you apply to.
Is there demand for electricians?
Yes. Nationally, the BLS projects electrician jobs to grow 9% from 2025 to 2035, much faster than average, with about 72,700 openings a year. Connecting solar and wind power and upgrading the power grid are part of the reason.
Thinking about the trade? We’d be glad to talk.
We’re Innovative Electrical Services, a family-run C‑10 electrical contractor in Auburn, working on homes, businesses and industrial sites from the Oregon border down to Southern California, and everywhere in between, including San Francisco and the Bay Area. Part of our mission is to help change how the world thinks about construction, construction workers and the trades.
We’re always interested in hearing from people who take pride in their work and put safety first, including apprentices. Tell us where you are: just curious, in school, an apprentice or trainee, or already certified.
Official sources
- BLS OEWS: Electricians (47-2111), May 2025 www.bls.gov
- BLS OEWS: California, May 2025 www.bls.gov
- BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook: Electricians www.bls.gov
- California EDD: Employment projections labormarketinfo.edd.ca.gov
General information, checked against the official sources above in October 2026. Requirements and fees can change; the Labor Commissioner (DIR), the CSLB and each apprenticeship program have the final word.