Electricians in Washington
Want to work as an Electricians in Washington? Here’s what you need to know. Install, maintain, and repair electrical wiring, equipment, and fixtures. Ensure that work is in accordance with relevant codes. May install or service street lights, intercom systems, or electrical control systems. Excludes “Security and Fire Alarm Systems Installers” (49-2098).
What do Electricians Make in Washington?
The electricians working in Washington, the median annual wage is $96,530 per year (or roughly $46.41/hour).Annual wages span from $54,800 at the 10th percentile to $133,310 at the 90th percentile.
| Wage Statistic | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| 10th percentile | $54,800 | $26.35 |
| 25th percentile | $69,520 | $33.43 |
| Median (50th) | $96,530 | $46.41 |
| 75th percentile | $115,970 | $55.75 |
| 90th percentile | $133,310 | $64.09 |
The job concentration index in Washington nationwide is 1.08.
National Wage Comparison
Nationally, electricians earn a median of $57,376 per year ($27.59/hour), above the Washington median.
Employment Outlook
There are roughly 267,745 electricians nationwide. In Washington alone, about 18,380 people work in this role. That puts the state above the typical state, which employs around 9,740 electricians.
Top Washington Metros for Electricians
The metro areas below employ the most electricians in Washington.
| Metro Area | Number Employed | Annual Median Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue, WA | 9,160 | $101,600 |
| Spokane-Spokane Valley, WA | 1,150 | $79,230 |
| Bremerton-Silverdale-Port Orchard, WA | 1,110 | $75,750 |
| Kennewick-Richland, WA | 970 | $108,740 |
| Bellingham, WA | 540 | $86,170 |
| Mount Vernon-Anacortes, WA | 520 | $103,270 |
| Olympia-Lacey-Tumwater, WA | 490 | $85,620 |
| Wenatchee-East Wenatchee, WA | 450 | $102,160 |
| Yakima, WA | 440 | $80,870 |
| Longview-Kelso, WA | 270 | $83,870 |
| Walla Walla, WA | 90 | $75,250 |
Top States for Electricians Employment
The table below shows the states where the most electricians work.
| State | Number Employed |
|---|---|
| California | 73,420 |
| Texas | 71,880 |
| Florida | 47,980 |
| New York | 40,380 |
| Ohio | 27,150 |
| Michigan | 24,670 |
| Virginia | 24,300 |
| North Carolina | 23,660 |
| Illinois | 22,880 |
| Pennsylvania | 21,860 |
| Arizona | 21,280 |
| Georgia | 20,740 |
| Tennessee | 19,500 |
| Washington | 18,380 |
| Indiana | 17,370 |
| Colorado | 17,140 |
| Massachusetts | 16,570 |
| New Jersey | 15,230 |
| Maryland | 14,750 |
| Minnesota | 12,970 |
Highest-Paying States for Electricians
Where electricians earn the most: electricians.
| State | Annual Median Salary |
|---|---|
| Oregon | $97,320 |
| Washington | $96,530 |
| Illinois | $96,360 |
| Hawaii | $83,200 |
| Massachusetts | $82,120 |
| District of Columbia | $81,950 |
| Alaska | $81,860 |
| Minnesota | $81,430 |
| New York | $77,460 |
| Connecticut | $76,790 |
Skills
Top electricians skills, rated on an importance scale of 0 to 5:
Knowledge Areas
Core knowledge areas for this occupation, rated on an importance scale of 0 to 5:
Abilities
The abilities that matter most for electricians, rated on an importance scale of 0 to 5:
Daily Tasks
Common tasks include:
- Prepare sketches or follow blueprints to determine the location of wiring or equipment and to ensure conformance to building and safety codes.
- Place conduit, pipes, or tubing, inside designated partitions, walls, or other concealed areas, and pull insulated wires or cables through the conduit to complete circuits between boxes.
- Work from ladders, scaffolds, or roofs to install, maintain, or repair electrical wiring, equipment, or fixtures.
- Use a variety of tools or equipment, such as power construction equipment, measuring devices, power tools, and testing equipment, such as oscilloscopes, ammeters, or test lamps.
- Assemble, install, test, or maintain electrical or electronic wiring, equipment, appliances, apparatus, or fixtures, using hand tools or power tools.
- Connect wires to circuit breakers, transformers, or other components.
- Maintain current electrician's license or identification card to meet governmental regulations.
- Plan layout and installation of electrical wiring, equipment, or fixtures, based on job specifications and local codes.
- Direct or train workers to install, maintain, or repair electrical wiring, equipment, or fixtures.
- Test electrical systems or continuity of circuits in electrical wiring, equipment, or fixtures, using testing devices, such as ohmmeters, voltmeters, or oscilloscopes, to ensure compatibility and safety of system.
- Diagnose malfunctioning systems, apparatus, or components, using test equipment and hand tools to locate the cause of a breakdown and correct the problem.
- Inspect electrical systems, equipment, or components to identify hazards, defects, or the need for adjustment or repair, and to ensure compliance with codes.
Work Activities
- Performing General Physical Activities
- Communicating with Supervisors, Peers, or Subordinates
- Organizing, Planning, and Prioritizing Work
- Getting Information
- Monitoring Processes, Materials, or Surroundings
- Updating and Using Relevant Knowledge
- Establishing and Maintaining Interpersonal Relationships
- Handling and Moving Objects
- Coordinating the Work and Activities of Others
- Inspecting Equipment, Structures, or Materials
- Identifying Objects, Actions, and Events
- Making Decisions and Solving Problems
Tools & Technology
Technologies frequently used: Hot technologies: Adobe Acrobat
What Major Will Prepare You For This Career?
Programs that train for this career include:
- Electrical & Power Installation
Featured schools near , edit
Related Careers
Other careers like electricians include:
- Lighting Technicians
- Boilermakers
- Carpenters
- Insulation Workers, Mechanical
- Plumbers, Pipefitters, and Steamfitters
- Sheet Metal Workers
Also Known As
Airport Electrician, Antenna Installer, Antenna Rigger, Commercial Electrician, Conduit Installer, Conduit Mechanic, Construction Electrician, Control Electrician, Conventional System Lightning Protection Technician, Diesel Electrician, Diesel Maintenance Electrician, Electric Sign Wirer, Electric Stop Installer, Electric Wirer, Electrical Installer.
References
- U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics — https://www.bls.gov/oes/
- O*NET Online — https://www.onetonline.org/
- BLS Employment Projections — https://www.bls.gov/emp/
- O*NET-SOC code: 47-2111.00