As of 2025, journeyman electricians continue to be in high demand across residential, commercial, and industrial sectors. If you’re considering a career in this skilled trade—or you’re already working as a journeyman electrician—understanding salary trends, influencing factors, and growth opportunities is essential for making informed career choices.
In this guide, we’ll cover everything from average salaries to certifications that can boost your income, providing a clear picture of what journeyman electricians can expect to earn in 2025.
🧰 What Is a Journeyman Electrician?
A journeyman electrician is a licensed tradesperson who has completed an apprenticeship and passed a licensing exam. They can work independently on wiring, repairs, and installations but cannot pull permits or run their own business without becoming a master electrician.
💰 Average Journeyman Electrician Salary in 2025
As of 2025, the average salary for a journeyman electrician in the United States is approximately $67,500 per year, or about $32.50 per hour. However, this figure can vary widely based on location, experience, and specialization.
Salary Ranges:
Low End (Entry-Level): $48,000/year
Mid-Level (5–9 years): $68,000/year
High End (15+ years or specialized roles): $85,000–$100,000+/year
🧾 Take-Home Pay for a $103K Salary
If you’re earning $103,000 as a journeyman electrician (typically with 15+ years of experience or working in a high-paying state like California or New York), your estimated take-home pay after federal taxes, Social Security, and Medicare would be around $74,000–$78,000 annually, depending on state taxes and deductions like health insurance or retirement contributions.
📈 Factors That Influence Salary
Several variables can impact your salary as a journeyman electrician:
1. Location
Top-paying states: California, Alaska, New York, Illinois, Washington
Lower-paying states: Mississippi, Arkansas, South Carolina
2. Experience Level
Apprentice: $30K–$45K
Journeyman: $50K–$85K
Master Electrician: $80K–$120K+
3. Industry
Construction: Mid-range salaries
Manufacturing and utilities: Higher salaries
Government contracts and union jobs: Top-tier pay and benefits
4. Certifications and Specializations
OSHA Safety Certification
Low-voltage or high-voltage specialization
Solar panel installation training
Programmable Logic Controllers (PLC) certification
These credentials can raise your earning potential by 10–20%.
🧪 Related Roles: A Quick Comparison
Here’s how journeyman electrician salaries compare to similar or alternative roles:
| Role | Avg Salary (2025) |
|---|---|
| Peloton Instructor | $85,000–$110,000 |
| Penetration Tester (Cybersecurity) | $95,000–$125,000 |
| Auxano Senior Lead Navigator | $90,000–$115,000 |
While these roles may pay similarly or higher, they require different skill sets and educational backgrounds.
🧠 Education and Certifications That Impact Salary
You don’t need a college degree to become a journeyman electrician, but the right certifications and training can significantly increase your pay:
Apprenticeship Completion (Typically 4–5 years)
State Licensing Exam
National Electrical Code (NEC) Proficiency
Optional: Associate Degree in Electrical Technology
Continuing education is also crucial to stay current with evolving codes and technologies, especially in solar and smart home systems.
📊 Job Market Trends for Electricians in 2025
The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics projects a 6% growth rate in electrician jobs from 2024 to 2030—faster than average for all occupations. This demand is fueled by:
Increased construction of commercial and residential buildings
Expansion in green energy projects
Rising need for electric vehicle (EV) infrastructure
Aging electrical infrastructure requiring upgrades
Union membership also continues to play a role in better wages, healthcare, and retirement benefits for electricians in many regions.
🎯 Benefits of Being a Journeyman Electrician
High Job Stability: Skilled trades are always in demand.
Great Pay Without a Degree: Competitive wages compared to many college-educated roles.
Hands-On, Fulfilling Work: Perfect for those who enjoy problem-solving and working with their hands.
Path to Business Ownership: Advancing to a master electrician opens doors to running your own contracting business.
✅ Final Thoughts
A journeyman electrician’s salary in 2025 reflects strong demand, steady wage growth, and the importance of skilled trades in an increasingly tech-driven infrastructure landscape. With the right combination of experience, certifications, and location, earning $70K–$100K+ per year is well within reach.
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