As with most questions, there are many answers to the question “How much money do electricians make?”.  The hourly wage or salary of an electrician is based on many factors such as location, clientele, and experience.  For example a master electrician in San Francisco will make significantly more than an apprentice in Idaho.   Becoming an electrician is a long process but the rewards are significant.  There is some great money to be made in the industry and there seems to always be a somewhat substantial need for these types of technicians.  These electricians must complete an accredited technical program and an apprenticeship with a master electrician that can last between four and five years.

Some electricians are paid on an hourly basis whereas some are paid a fixed yearly salary.  However with a 40-hour workweek it is not hard to determine the hourly rate of these salary based employees.  In 2009 the average electrician hourly wages was $26.50, which has been growing compared to previous years.   Fortunately for Electricians there seems to be no end in sight for the field considering the rapidly growing technology industry.  With more technology comes the need for more people to maintain the devices dependent on electrical power.

Although interesting, the average hourly rate of electricians is somewhat irrelevant because pay Is based heavily on experience level.  Going into the industry on day one you will make significantly less than the average pay but after a few years you might find yourself much closer or even higher than this average.  Apprentice-level electrician salaries are between $24,000 and $30,000 a year.  One step above apprentice-level electrician is entry-level electricians who make an average of around $40,000 a year.  Experienced electricians with ten to twenty years under their belt can make up to $65,000 or more.

Electrical contractor costs are variable dependant on your location and the reputation of the company.  In more commercial and higher salaried areas electrical companies will charge a premium for their services to cover the overhead.  In a less wealthy area the companies do not need to charge as much for the simple reason that building, land, and equipment expenses are much lower.  Contracting a company over hiring an individual will also be much more expensive for a few simple reasons.  A company will usually have management and owners who need to both pay their electricians and make a profit.  You are also paying extra for the confidence you gain by hiring a company that has a proven track record and the assumption that the company would typically not employ an electrician that was not up to par with company expectations.  However this is not always the case as not all companies take pride in providing a quality service.

Electricians are a much-needed service in our society and they are paid accordingly.  With that being said, training to become an electrician is a tedious task and the reward of a great and stable salary is matched by the dedication and commitment one has to have to complete all of the training required in this skilled industry.