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Electrician Salary in Washington: Is It a Good Career?

Washington · 2026 BLS salary data

Electrician pay in Washington

The median wage is $95,220/yr — 51% above the national median. Among U.S. states, Washingtonranks #4 of 51 states by median pay.

The numbers in Washington

Real BLS state-level figures for Electrician.

Median salary
$95,220/yr
Pay range (25th–75th)
$66,630 – $121,530
National median
$63,190/yr
Employed in Washington
19,380

Source: BLS Occupational Employment & Wage Statistics (OEWS), state estimates, May 2025 release.

What that pay is really worth in Washington

Salary alone can mislead — Washington costs 7% more than the U.S. average. Here's the median adjusted for local prices (real purchasing power).

Cost of living (US=100)
107
Nominal median
$95,220
Adjusted for cost of living
≈ $88,991
State income tax
None

Washington levies no state income tax, so more of that pay stays in your pocket than in high-tax states.

Cost of living: BEA Regional Price Parities (all items, US=100), 2024. Adjusted pay = nominal median ÷ (RPP/100) — purchasing power vs the U.S. average. State income tax = top marginal rate on wage income (Tax Foundation, 2025); your effective rate is lower and depends on income and deductions.

FAQ

How much do electrician professionals make in Washington?

The median annual wage is $95,220 (BLS OEWS, state estimates), with the middle 50% earning between $66,630 and $121,530. That's 51% above the national median.

Is Washington a good state for electrician?

By raw pay, Washington ranks #4 of 51 states by median pay. Adjusted for cost of living (Washington costs 7% more than the U.S. average), that median is worth about $88,991. And with no state income tax, more of that pay stays in your pocket.

Are electrician professionals in demand in Washington?

About 19,380 people work in this field in Washington (BLS OEWS). Nationally, BLS projects +9.5% employment growth for this field from 2024 to 2034.

The verdict, pros, and cons below apply to Electrician nationally — Washington pay is 51% above the national median. See the full Electrician career guide →

The verdict

Yes — electricians combine debt-free apprenticeship entry with faster-than-average growth, boosted by the electrification and data-center boom. A strong pick unless you want office work or can't meet the physical/safety demands.

Pros & cons

Pros

  • Faster-than-average projected growth
  • Paid apprenticeship — earn while you learn, no debt
  • Riding the electrification / data-center / solar boom
  • Strong self-employment potential
  • Skilled, code-driven work that resists automation

Cons

  • Real safety risks (shock, falls)
  • Physically demanding, variable job sites
  • Multi-year apprenticeship before full licensure
  • Some travel and irregular hours

Who it's for

✓ A good fit if…

  • Technically-minded, hands-on people
  • Those wanting a debt-free path into a growing trade
  • Anyone eyeing self-employment

✗ Probably not if…

  • People who want office or remote work
  • Those uncomfortable with heights or electrical risk

What people are actually asking

Real Reddit discussions on whether Electrician is worth it — titles link to the original threads.