Electricians are essential skilled tradespeople who ensure homes, businesses, and industrial facilities have safe and reliable electrical systems. In Seattle, WA, electricians enjoy competitive salaries due to high demand, ongoing construction, and specialized energy projects.
This guide provides a detailed look at electrician salaries in Seattle in 2026, including average pay, salary by experience, key factors affecting earnings, job market trends, benefits, and how Seattle compares with other major cities.
Average Electrician Salary in Seattle, WA (2026)
Seattle offers some of the highest electrician wages in the Pacific Northwest. Salaries are boosted by union presence, high living costs, and demand for residential, commercial, and industrial projects.
Estimated Salary Range (2026)
| Level | Annual Salary | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|
| Entry-level | $55,000 – $70,000 | $26 – $34 |
| Mid-level | $75,000 – $95,000 | $36 – $46 |
| Experienced | $100,000 – $120,000 | $48 – $58 |
| Master / Specialized | $125,000 – $150,000+ | $60 – $72+ |
Average electrician salary in Seattle (2026):
👉 Around $92,000 – $98,000 per year
Salary by Experience Level
Experience significantly affects earnings in Seattle’s electrical trade.
1. Entry-Level Electricians (0–2 Years)
Usually apprentices or trainees
Work under supervision
Focus on residential installations and repairs
Average pay: $55,000–$70,000/year
2. Mid-Level Electricians (3–6 Years)
Handle independent projects
Work on both residential and light commercial jobs
Gain higher hourly rates and overtime opportunities
Average pay: $75,000–$95,000/year
3. Experienced Electricians (7–10+ Years)
Manage large-scale commercial or industrial projects
Perform system inspections and troubleshooting
Eligible for project bonuses and leadership roles
Average pay: $100,000–$120,000/year
4. Master Electricians & Specialists
Licensed to oversee complex electrical systems
Often contractors or business owners
Specialized work: renewable energy, medical facilities, or industrial automation
Average pay: $125,000–$150,000+ per year
Factors That Influence Electrician Earnings in Seattle
Several elements determine how much an electrician can earn:
Key Salary Drivers
Licensing and certification level (Journeyman vs Master)
Union membership vs. non-union work
Type of work (residential, commercial, industrial)
Overtime and emergency service availability
Specializations (solar panels, automation, high-voltage systems)
Business ownership or freelancing
Union electricians typically earn higher salaries and receive better benefits.
Certifications and Education That Boost Salary
Although a college degree is not required, certain licenses and certifications improve income potential.
High-Value Certifications
Washington State Journeyman Electrician License
Master Electrician License
OSHA Safety Certification
Specialty certifications (solar, medical, high-voltage)
Education & Training Path
High school diploma or GED
Apprenticeship (4–5 years)
Licensing exams
Certified and master electricians can earn 20–30% more than entry-level workers.
Job Market Trends for Electricians in Seattle (2026)
The demand for electricians in Seattle remains strong due to population growth, tech industry expansion, and aging infrastructure.
Current Trends
Residential construction and home renovations
Commercial construction and tech campuses
Industrial and renewable energy projects
Retiring electricians creating labor shortages
Increased demand for green energy installations
Seattle consistently has a high number of open electrician positions, providing strong job security.
Benefits of Being an Electrician in Seattle
Electricians enjoy many benefits beyond salary:
Common Benefits
Health, dental, and vision insurance
Retirement and pension plans, especially for union workers
Paid overtime and holiday pay
Job stability and high demand
Opportunities for business ownership
Continuous professional growth
Union electricians in Seattle often receive some of the best benefits packages in the region.
Electrician Salary Comparison: Seattle vs Other Cities (2026)
Seattle ranks as a high-paying city for electricians, particularly in the West Coast region.
| City | Average Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| Seattle, WA | $92,000 – $98,000 |
| Portland, OR | $78,000 – $88,000 |
| San Francisco, CA | $100,000 – $110,000 |
| Los Angeles, CA | $90,000 – $98,000 |
| Denver, CO | $75,000 – $85,000 |
| Dallas, TX | $65,000 – $75,000 |
| Phoenix, AZ | $68,000 – $78,000 |
Seattle offers a strong combination of competitive pay and job opportunities.
Cost of Living vs Salary in Seattle
Seattle has a high cost of living, but electrician wages are adjusted accordingly.
Key Takeaways
Higher pay offsets housing and transportation costs
Overtime increases net earnings
Many electricians live in suburban areas to save money
Union wages help maintain purchasing power
Electricians can maintain a solid standard of living even with Seattle’s higher expenses.
Job Outlook for Electricians in Seattle
The future looks promising for electricians in Seattle:
Reasons for Positive Outlook
Essential trade with low automation risk
Ongoing residential, commercial, and industrial projects
Infrastructure and renewable energy investment
Population and tech industry growth
Electricians enjoy one of the most recession-resistant careers in the city.
Is Being an Electrician in Seattle a Good Career in 2026?
Absolutely. Benefits of choosing this career include:
High earning potential without a college degree
Job security and consistent demand
Opportunity to own a business
Strong long-term growth potential
Apprenticeships, licensing, and certifications are keys to maximizing salary and career advancement.
Final Thoughts
In 2026, the electrician salary in Seattle, WA reflects strong demand, skilled labor shortages, and the city’s growing infrastructure needs. With average salaries approaching six figures, excellent benefits, and stable career prospects, becoming an electrician in Seattle is a smart, future-proof choice for skilled tradespeople. Whether starting as an apprentice or advancing to master-level specialization, Seattle offers some of the best opportunities for electricians in the U.S.