Electrician Salary in California (2025)

Live in LA, the Bay Area, or anywhere in between - and thinking about becoming an electrician?
You're asking the right question: "How much can I make?"

Here's the truth: Electricians in California earn some of the highest wages in the country, and demand is climbing fast - especially in solar, EV infrastructure, and large-scale construction.

Whether you're starting as an apprentice or aiming to run your own electrical business, this guide breaks down exactly what you can expect to earn at every stage of your career.

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Average Electrician Salary in California

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (2024):

Role	Avg Hourly Wage	Avg Annual Salary
Statewide Average	$38.17	$79,390
Top 10% Earners	$52.00+	$108,160+

📊 Source: BLS - Electricians in California

Top-Paying Cities for Electricians in California

The Bay Area dominates the pay scale, but wages across SoCal and Central California remain strong:

Metro Area	Hourly Wage	Estimated Salary
San Francisco - Oakland	$46.17	~$96,034[^1]
San Jose	$44.22	~$91,978[^2]
Los Angeles - Long Beach	$40.50	~$84,240[^3]
San Diego	$38.40	~$79,872[^4]
Sacramento	$36.70	~$76,336[^5]

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Apprentice Electrician Pay in California

California apprentices earn some of the highest starting wages in the U.S., especially in union-backed programs like:

Program	Starting Wage	Top Apprentice Wage
IBEW Local 617 (San Mateo)	$25.15/hr	~$38.00/hr
IBEW Local 11 (LA County)	$21.95/hr	~$35.00/hr
Indeed Listings (Statewide)	~$22.40/hr	~$28.75/hr

✅ Apprentices typically receive:

• Raises every 6-12 months
• Health benefits and pensions
• Paid classroom instruction
• Zero student debt

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California Electrician Salary by Career Stage

Career Stage	Avg Hourly Wage	Estimated Annual Salary
Apprentice	$25-$29	~$52,000-$60,000[^6]
Journeyman	$31-$40	~$64,000-$83,000[^7]
Master Electrician	$34-$45	~$71,000-$94,000[^8]
Business Owner	N/A	$100,000-$150,000+[^9]

💡 Annual salary estimates assume a full-time 40-hour week over 52 weeks.

🧠 In California, most licensed electricians work as either:

• General Electricians (through DIR & CSLB)
• C-10 Electrical Contractors (licensed to run a business)

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What Affects Your Salary in California?

These factors matter most:

• ✅ C-10 License - Required to operate as a contractor
• ✅ DIR Certification - Required for public works
• ✅ Union Membership - IBEW members earn more and receive full benefits
• ✅ Region - Bay Area, LA, and OC typically lead on pay
• ✅ Specialty - Solar installation, EV charging, smart home systems = better pay

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California Electrician Job Outlook

The California Employment Development Department (EDD) reports:

• 🔧 +9% job growth projected by 2030
• ☀️ Growth fueled by:
  • Solar + battery storage mandates (SB 100)
  • EV charging infrastructure
  • Statewide housing boom

📦 Expect consistent demand for C-10 licensed electricians and union journeymen across public works, residential, and green energy projects.

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TL;DR - What Do Electricians Make in California?

• 💵 Average salary: $79,390/year
• 📈 Top earners: $108K+
• 🧰 Apprentice wage: $22-$28/hour
• 🌆 Best cities for pay: San Francisco, San Jose, LA
• ⚡ Boost pay with: Union membership, C-10 license, solar/EV certifications

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What to Do Next

Want to make top dollar as an electrician in California?

• ✅ How to Become an Electrician in California

⚡ Start your career with real income, no college debt, and long-term job security.

Citations

[^1]: Indeed - Electrician Salary in San Francisco
[^2]: Indeed - Electrician Salary in San Jose
[^3]: Indeed - Electrician Salary in Los Angeles
[^4]: Indeed - Electrician Salary in San Diego
[^5]: Indeed - Electrician Salary in Sacramento [^6]: Indeed - Apprentice Electrician Salaries in CA
[^7]: Salary.com - Journeyman Electrician in California
[^8]: ZipRecruiter - Master Electrician Salary CA
[^9]: SERA.Tech - Electrical Business Owner Income

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