With how high the average electrician salary in New York is, it’s easy to see why so many people could consider it. But, that doesn’t mean just jumping ship and giving it a go. Like any other important decision, you’ll need to be as informed as possible.
Let’s go through how much you can earn as an electrician in New York, and whether this is actually enough to live on. It could be a little more complicated than you’d first expect.
How Much Do Electricians Earn in New York?
The average electrician salary in New York is noticeably higher than the national average, but the payscale is relatively broad. Entry-level workers earn relatively modest salaries, while experienced and fully licensed electricians can earn noticeably more. This can often reach six figures with overtime and self-employment taken into account.
On average, electricians in New York earn between $60,000 and $75,000 a year, with this falling between $28 and $38 an hour. Union roles, public infrastructure projects, and high-demand urban markets can often increase your earnings even more.
New York is often one of the best-paying states for electricians for several reasons:
- Complex electrical regulations.
- Strong union presence.
- Ongoing residential and commercial development.
- High population density.
But, that doesn’t mean you’ll earn noticeably more than your counterparts in other states from the start. There’s a bit more to it than that.
Average Electrician Salary in New York
Electrician’s salaries in New York can usually be broken down based on experience levels. The more experienced you are, the more you can expect to earn. Apprentice electricians are early in their career, and they usually earn between $40,000 and $50,000 a year, averaging between $20 and $24 an hour.
Journeyman electricians, on the other hand, tend to earn between $65,000 and $80,000 a year, thanks to their experience, certifications, and regular pay bumps. This is especially true when they’re union-backed. This works out to between $30 and $38 an hour.
Lastly are master electrician salaries in New York. As these are top-tier electricians and in-demand across various areas, they can usually expect to earn low-six figures during an average year. Whether they’re self-employed and work on large commercial projects play a significant role in this.
Factors That’ll Affect Your Salary
As you’d expect from the above, how much experience you have as an electrician in New York has a significant impact on how much you’ll earn. But, a few other factors could play a role in this, too.
Some of the larger factors are:
- Licenses and Certificates – Once you’re a licensed electrician, you can expect a higher salary than when you were an apprentice. You’ll see even more pay bumps as you earn more certifications during your career.
- Specializations – Speaking of certifications, these often mean specializing in various areas. Some electrical specializations could pay noticeably more than others, which could make them the much more interesting option.
- Location – Electricians in New York city and the surrounding areas can usually expect to earn more than those based in upstate New York and similar areas. It might be worth focusing on specific areas with your career.
- Union or Non-Union – Most electricians in New York are part of a union, and for good reason. They usually get paid more than non-union electricians, though this usually means paying union fees.
Each of these could affect your salary either positively or negatively. With the right approach, however, there’s no reason why you shouldn’t be able to see pay bumps because of them as time goes on.
Does This Cover Your Cost of Living?
As great as an electrician’s salary in New York seems, you’ll still need to wonder whether this will cover your cost of living. In New York, this is quite high, depending on exactly where in the state you live. Thankfully, this shouldn’t have to be nearly as much of an issue as you’d think.
Even an apprentice’s salary should be more than enough to get by, although finances could be relatively tight at the start. Once you’ve been working for even a year or two, however, you should start seeing pay bumps that give you a bit more financial breathing room.
Summing it Up
The average electrician salary in New York is noticeably higher than in other states, and there are plenty of reasons why. But, it often takes quite a while to start being paid on the higher end of the scale. With the right courses and a bit of time, however, this shouldn’t be too hard to see.
