Pay data / Electricians / Salary / California
Electrician Salary
in California
Electricians in California (CA) earn a median of $78,800 a year, about $38 an hour. That runs roughly 28% above the national median for electricians, with most earning between $51,800 and $133,400.
Electrician pay by experience in California
- Apprentice$47,300$23/hr
Learning on the job under a licensed electrician, usually 4-5 years.
- Journeyman$78,800$38/hr
Licensed to work independently. The market's center of gravity.
- Master$107,200$52/hr
Can pull permits, run jobs, and supervise. Where the money is.
Electrician pay in California metros
- Los Angeles$83,000$40/hr
- San Francisco$82,400$40/hr
- San Diego$79,900$38/hr
Licensing in California
Electricians are licensed at the state or local level, typically moving Apprentice, Journeyman, then Master. A licensed person is legally required to pull permits and sign off on work.
Frequently asked
- How much do electricians make in California?
- Electricians in California earn a median of $78,800 per year, about $38 per hour. That is roughly 28% above the national median. Most earn between $51,800 and $133,400.
- What is the highest-paying place for electricians in California?
- Among California's major metros, Los Angeles tends to pay electricians the most, near $83,000 a year.
- Do you need a license to work as a electrician in California?
- Yes. Electricians are licensed at the state or local level, typically moving Apprentice, Journeyman, then Master. A licensed person is legally required to pull permits and sign off on work. Licensing in California is handled at the state level, and a licensed person is required to permit and sign off on most work.
Electrician pay in other states
Figures are estimates for 2026, anchored to national wage data and localized for California by cost of living and market conditions. Actual pay varies by employer, certification, and project.