Electricians are in high demand across the United States, and St. Paul, MN offers competitive pay due to a steady construction market, commercial growth, and residential development. In 2026, the electrician profession in St. Paul is seeing strong wage growth, driven by infrastructure projects, renewable energy installations, and skilled labor shortages.
This comprehensive guide explores the average electrician salary in St. Paul, earnings by experience, key factors affecting pay, job market trends, benefits, and comparisons with other cities.
Average Electrician Salary in St. Paul, MN (2026)
Electricians in St. Paul earn salaries above the national median for skilled trades, reflecting both demand and cost of living.
Estimated Salary Range (2026)
| Experience Level | Annual Salary | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|
| Entry-Level | $50,000 – $62,000 | $24 – $30 |
| Mid-Level | $65,000 – $82,000 | $31 – $39 |
| Experienced | $85,000 – $105,000 | $41 – $50 |
| Master / Specialized | $110,000 – $130,000+ | $53 – $63+ |
Average electrician salary in St. Paul (2026):
👉 Approximately $78,000 – $85,000 per year
Salary by Experience Level
Experience plays a crucial role in determining an electrician’s earnings in St. Paul.
1. Entry-Level Electricians (0–2 Years)
Usually apprentices or newly licensed
Supervised work on residential and basic commercial jobs
Focused on learning local codes and standards
Average pay: $50,000–$62,000/year
2. Mid-Level Electricians (3–6 Years)
Work independently on complex projects
Residential, commercial, and light industrial wiring
Greater exposure to troubleshooting and system design
Average pay: $65,000–$82,000/year
3. Experienced Electricians (7–10+ Years)
Handle large-scale projects, commercial or industrial installations
May supervise teams or apprentices
Often receive bonuses for project completion
Average pay: $85,000–$105,000/year
4. Master Electricians & Specialists
Expert-level electricians with licenses or specialized skills
Work on industrial automation, renewable energy, or government contracts
Often operate their own contracting business
Average pay: $110,000–$130,000+ per year
Factors Influencing Electrician Earnings in St. Paul
Several factors directly impact how much electricians can earn:
Licensing and certifications (Journeyman vs. Master)
Union membership
Type of work (residential, commercial, industrial)
Overtime and emergency call availability
Specialized skills (solar installation, high-voltage systems)
Business ownership or freelance contracting
Electricians offering emergency services or specialized skills often earn 20–30% more than standard positions.
Certifications and Education That Increase Salary
Licensing and certifications are crucial for electricians seeking higher pay in St. Paul.
Key Certifications
Minnesota Journeyman Electrician License
Master Electrician License
OSHA Safety Certification
Renewable Energy / Solar Installation Certification
Electrical Inspector Certification
Education Path
High school diploma or GED
Completion of an apprenticeship program (typically 4–5 years)
Passing state licensing exams
Certified electricians can earn significantly more and have greater access to high-paying projects.
Job Market Trends for Electricians in St. Paul (2026)
The electrician job market in St. Paul is expected to remain strong in 2026 and beyond.
Key Trends
Residential construction and home remodeling growth
Increased commercial and industrial projects
Rising adoption of renewable energy systems
Labor shortages due to retirements in the skilled trades
Demand for electricians with automation and tech skills
St. Paul regularly reports multiple job openings for licensed electricians, ensuring high job stability.
Benefits of Being an Electrician in St. Paul
Beyond competitive salaries, electricians enjoy multiple benefits in St. Paul.
Common Benefits
Health, dental, and vision insurance
Retirement and pension plans, especially with unions
Paid overtime and holidays
Strong job security
Opportunities for self-employment
Year-round demand due to essential services
Union electricians often enjoy additional perks, including training opportunities and negotiated wage increases.
Electrician Salary Comparison: St. Paul vs Other Cities (2026)
St. Paul offers competitive wages compared to other U.S. cities.
| City | Average Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| St. Paul, MN | $78,000 – $85,000 |
| Minneapolis, MN | $80,000 – $88,000 |
| Chicago, IL | $72,000 – $82,000 |
| Denver, CO | $75,000 – $85,000 |
| Seattle, WA | $85,000 – $95,000 |
| Houston, TX | $65,000 – $75,000 |
While cities like Seattle may pay slightly more, St. Paul provides lower living costs and high job availability.
Cost of Living vs Salary in St. Paul
St. Paul has a moderate cost of living compared to larger metropolitan areas, allowing electricians to maintain a comfortable lifestyle.
Key Insights
Salaries exceed regional cost-of-living averages
Overtime and union benefits further increase disposable income
Living slightly outside the city center can maximize savings
Many electricians purchase homes due to strong earning potential
Job Outlook for Electricians in St. Paul
The job outlook for electricians remains strong and stable for the next decade.
Reasons for Positive Outlook
Essential trade with minimal automation risk
Constant demand for installation, repair, and maintenance
Population growth and urban development
Infrastructure and renewable energy projects
Electricians are considered recession-resistant, making this a secure career path.
Conclusion
In 2026, the electrician salary in St. Paul, MN reflects high demand, steady construction activity, and skilled labor shortages. With average salaries approaching $85,000 per year and excellent benefits, the profession offers financial stability and career growth. Whether starting as an apprentice or advancing to a master electrician, St. Paul provides lucrative and long-term opportunities for those in the electrical trade.
Electrician careers in St. Paul combine strong earning potential, job security, and room for specialization, making it an attractive choice for skilled workers seeking a future-proof profession.