If you’ve ever wondered how much electricians make, you’re not alone. With the right qualifications and training, electricians can enjoy a lucrative career and have plenty of opportunities for advancement. But what does an electrician’s salary look like?
This guide will give you an overview of the average electrician’s salary, as well as the factors that can influence how much an electrician makes. From experience and location to the type of electrician you are, this guide will explain everything you need to know about the electrician’s salary.
What Are the Different Types of Electricians?
If you want to make a career as an electrician, you’ll first need to understand the different types of electricians. This will help you to choose a career path that suits your skills and interests. Here are some of the most common types of electricians:
Residential electrician
Residential electricians work in homes to install electrical systems. This can include installing wiring and light fixtures, as well as repairing or replacing existing systems.
Commercial electrician
Commercial electricians install and maintain electrical systems at commercial properties, such as office buildings, hotels, or factories.
Industrial electrician
Industrial electricians work in the manufacturing industry, designing and installing electrical systems. This can include electrical wiring, control systems, and installing electrical equipment.
Electrical engineer
Electrical engineers work with high-voltage systems in factories, power plants, and other environments. Electricians with engineering skills can earn a higher salary and have more job opportunities.
Electrical contractor
Electrical contractors are responsible for hiring and managing other electricians. They might install electrical systems as part of a construction project, or maintain systems at a commercial property.
How Much Does an Electrician Make?
You can earn a decent salary as an electrician, but it’s important to understand what factors can influence your pay. The average electrical salary is around $93,600, with the top 10% of earners making more than $120,000. If you’re working in a management position, you can earn up to $130,000. Of course, these are just average salaries, and there is a lot of variation depending on location, experience, and the type of company you work for.
Electrical technicians earn around $87,000 on average, while maintenance electricians can earn up to $96,000. The best way to understand how much an electrician can earn is to look at salary data for your state and employment sector. You can find salary data for various careers at sites like Payscale and Indeed.
Electrician Salary by Location
Where you choose to live can have a big impact on your salary as an electrician. The cost of living is different in every state and can affect your salary, even if you’re in the same occupation as someone who lives elsewhere.
For example, the average salary for an electrician in New South Wales is around $85k – 102k, while the same position in Western Australia can earn around $110k – 130k. If you want to maximise your salary, it’s best to choose a state with a high cost of living.
While this might seem counterintuitive, it’s because high-cost states can offer competitive salaries to attract skilled workers.
Electrician Salary by Experience
As you gain more experience, you can expect to earn more. Entry-level electricians can expect to earn around $80,000 per year, while senior electricians can make up to $130,000. After 10 years of experience, you can expect to earn more than $95,000 per year. Your salary will increase as you gain experience because you’re more valuable to employers.
You’ll have a greater skill set, which allows you to complete tasks more quickly and improve the quality of the work you produce. You’ll also be able to take on more responsibilities, helping to manage a team of other electricians.
Benefits of Being an Electrician
If you enjoy solving problems, working with your hands, and working outdoors, an electrician might be the right career for you. Here are a few benefits of being an electrician:
Hands-on work
Electrical work can involve lots of hands-on activities, such as installing and repairing electrical systems. You’ll be expected to work with your hands and possess a certain level of manual dexterity.
Varied work
Electrical work is varied, meaning you’ll be completing a range of tasks each day. This can include outdoor work, such as repairing power lines. It also includes indoor tasks, such as installing wiring or light fixtures.
High demand
Electrical work is in high demand, meaning there are always new jobs available. According to the National Electrical Contractors Association (NECA), Electricians are among the most in-demand tradespeople in Australia. You will not struggle to find electrical jobs in Australia. This means that you have plenty of opportunities to find work, and it also means that you can negotiate your salary.
How to Become an Electrician?
If you’re keen to become an electrician, you’ll need to find an apprenticeship program near you. Apprenticeships are a great way to get into the industry, and many employers prefer to hire through apprenticeships.
This is because it allows them to source skilled workers who can hit the ground running. It also enables them to fill shortages in specific areas. To find an apprenticeship program near you, it’s best to talk with your local union. Unions are responsible for managing apprenticeships in each state, and they can help you find the right program.
Conclusion
If you enjoy working with electricity and solving problems, being an electrician is a rewarding career choice. From outdoor work to indoor installation, electricians have hands-on jobs. You can expect to earn a decent salary as an electrician, and there are lots of opportunities for advancement. To become an electrician, you’ll need to find an apprenticeship program in your state.