These electrician salaries may shock you ⚡

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How Much Do Female Electricians Make? ⚡

As we move away from fossil fuels and embrace cleaner energy sources like wind and solar power, the demand for electricians is skyrocketing—and so are their paychecks. 

Electrician jobs are expected to grow by 11% annually through 2033—over three times the average job growth rate!—with 80,200 job openings each year, per the Bureau of Labor Statistics. 

But electricians are in short supply. Every year, 10,000 electricians retire or switch careers, while only 7,000 new ones enter the field. Translation? Electricians are earning more than ever as companies compete for scarce talent.

• IBEW Union Electricians average a $82,664 annual salary. 

• Meanwhile, their non-union counterparts earn an average of $56,180. 

One big reason behind the shortage, even as electricians make solid salaries? Only 2% of electricians in the US are women. So, the STS team went to the IBEW’s International Women’s Conference to hear from women electricians about their experiences and salaries. Here’s the rundown on the path to this lucrative career. 🔌

Phase One: Apprenticeship

The first step to becoming an electrician (after getting your high school diploma or GED) is an apprentice program. These programs blend classroom and hands-on experience and take 4 to 5 years to complete. 

The best part? They’re “earn as you learn” programs. One fourth-year IBEW apprentice we spoke with told us she makes over $50 an hour in Washington state—and she’s not even close to reaching her full earning potential. 

Phase Two: Journeyman 

After completing their apprenticeship, electricians take a licensing exam to become journeymen—trained electricians who can work independently. 

• We chatted with a journeyman inside wireman (a specialized electrician who performs electrical work inside residential or commercial buildings) with 5.5 years of experience based in Los Angeles who earns $63 an hour. 

• But with benefits factored in, her total compensation was closer to $100 an hour. 👀

Phase Three: “Veteran” or Master Electrician

After a few years as journeymen, electricians can pass another licensing exam to become master electricians. These professionals can…

• Train other electricians

• Run their own electrical business

• Lead large and complex electrical projects 

We met a master IBEW electrician from Minneapolis with 27 years of experience who earns a solid $96 an hour with her total benefits package. And those benefits? We’re talking three separate pensions, healthcare, an annuity, and more. 

This is just a glimpse of the stories these women electricians shared. Watch our full interviews below! 

How do we budget $285,000 as a married couple living in Virginia? 

In this episode of Two Cents, James and I expose our finances. You’ll see exactly where my $5,500 biweekly paycheck goes, how much debt we’re carrying, and what our biggest monthly expense is (hint: 🏠). 

Tune in to our podcast (#6 on the Top Career Podcasts on Apple Podcasts 📈) today!

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Thanks for being here! With just 13 days until the 2024 election, make sure you’re registered to vote if you haven’t already! 🇺🇸

Speaking of the election: Ever wondered how much the presidential candidates earn? James and I dug up their salaries in an episode of Two Cents and we were stunned. 

For example, Governor Tim Walz has a net worth of $1 million. But can you guess how much comes from his salary as an experienced public school teacher?

We’ll reveal the answer next week. See you soon!