California Electrician Salary: Hourly and Annual Pay (2026)
Live in LA, the Bay Area, or anywhere in between - and Thinking about how to become 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.
Quick answers
| Percentile | Annual wage |
|---|---|
| 10th | $42,640 |
| 25th | $49,430 |
| 50th (median) | $63,190 |
| 75th | $83,940 |
| 90th | $108,510 |
| Year | Employment |
|---|---|
| 2024 | 818,700 |
| 2034 projected | 896,100 |
| Percent change | +9.5% |
What is the average electrician salary in California? The statewide average is $38.17 per hour and $79,390 per year (BLS 2024).
What do top earners make? The top 10% earn $52.00+ per hour and $108,160+ per year (BLS 2024).
What do apprentices make in California? The page lists apprentice pay around $22 to $28 per hour, with examples from IBEW locals and statewide job listings.
Which California cities pay electricians the most? The highest-paying metro areas listed are San Francisco - Oakland, San Jose, and Los Angeles - Long Beach.
What affects electrician pay in California? Pay varies by license and certification (C-10, DIR), union membership, region, and specialty like solar, EV charging, and smart home systems.
What is the job outlook in California? California EDD reports +9% job growth projected by 2030, with demand tied to solar, EV charging infrastructure, and the statewide housing boom.
At a glance
- Statewide average (BLS 2024): $38.17/hr ($79,390/yr)
- Top 10% (BLS 2024): $52.00+/hr ($108,160+/yr)
- Apprentice pay: ~$22-$28/hr
- Top-paying metros listed: San Francisco - Oakland, San Jose, Los Angeles - Long Beach
- Job outlook (CA EDD): +9% growth projected by 2030
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 | ~$96,0341 |
| San Jose | $44.22 | ~$91,9782 |
| Los Angeles - Long Beach | $40.50 | ~$84,2403 |
| San Diego | $38.40 | ~$79,8724 |
| Sacramento | $36.70 | ~$76,3365 |
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
California Electrician Salary by Career Stage
| Career Stage | Avg Hourly Wage | Estimated Annual Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Apprentice | $25-$29 | ~$52,000-$60,0006 |
| Journeyman | $31-$40 | ~$64,000-$83,0007 |
| Master Electrician | $34-$45 | ~$71,000-$94,0008 |
| 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)
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
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.
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
What to Do Next
Want to make top dollar as an electrician in California?
Start your career with real income, no college debt, and long-term job security.## Citations
Related Resources
About this guide: Researched and written by the TradeCareerPath Editorial Team. Our editorial team researches and sources every trade school and career guide using federal labor and education data, including BLS OEWS and Employment Projections, DOL apprenticeship records, IPEDS, College Scorecard, and state licensing boards. We follow the editorial standards documented at /editorial-policy/.
References
Data sources
Figures on this page are sourced from the federal and state datasets below. Methodology: how we rank and source data.
| Data | Provider | Vintage |
|---|---|---|
| Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) | U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics | May 2025 |
| Employment Projections | U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics | 2024-2034 |
| Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System | National Center for Education Statistics (IPEDS) | 2024 |
| College Scorecard (school-level outcomes) | U.S. Department of Education | latest release |
| College Scorecard (field-of-study earnings) | U.S. Department of Education | latest release (updated 2026-06-12) |
| Occupational licensing requirements | CareerOneStop (U.S. Department of Labor) | latest release (updated 2026-02-22) |
| Registered apprenticeship programs | CareerOneStop / Apprenticeship.gov (U.S. Department of Labor) | latest release (updated 2025-10-25) |
| O*NET occupation profiles (skills, tasks, tools, job zones) | U.S. Department of Labor (O*NET / Employment & Training Admin.) | O*NET 29.1 (updated 2026-06-13) |