Quick answer: The median electrician in Massachusetts earns $38.18/hr — about $79,420 a year (U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, 2025), and the most experienced earn $128,000+. To hire one, an electrical contractor typically bills $85–$115 per hour — roughly 2–3× the worker's wage, to cover overhead and profit.
Here's the full picture: what electricians earn, what shops bill, what common jobs cost, how pay varies by metro, and how Massachusetts compares to other states.
Electrician income in Massachusetts (2025)
Based on U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics wage data for Massachusetts's ~17,810 electricians:
| Experience level | Hourly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Entry-level (10th percentile) | $22.59 | ~$3,916 | ~$46,987 |
| Median (typical) | $38.18 | ~$6,618 | $79,420 |
| Experienced (90th percentile) | $61.64 | ~$10,684 | ~$128,211 |
Monthly and annual figures assume full-time work (about 2,080 hours a year).
What you earn vs. what you charge
The wages above are what a electrician takes home. What a electrical contractor bills the customer is higher — it has to cover the truck, tools, insurance, licensing, fuel, office time, and profit. A shop typically bills 2.2–3× the worker's wage:
| Rate | |
|---|---|
| Median electrician wage (earned) | ~$38/hr |
| Typical shop rate (charged) | $85–$115/hr |
Where Massachusetts ranks
Massachusetts pays electricians 26% above the national median, ranking 6th of 51 states — among the highest-paying states in the country:
| Benchmark | Median hourly wage |
|---|---|
| Highest — Oregon | $48.71 |
| Massachusetts (6th) | $38.18 |
| National median | $30.38 |
| Lowest — Arkansas | $23.59 |
Electrician rates by Massachusetts metro
Pay varies widely within the state. Median electrician wage by metro area (BLS, 2025):
| Metro area | Median wage | Typical billed rate |
|---|---|---|
| Boston-Cambridge-Newton, MA-NH | $38.42/hr | $85–$115/hr |
| Massachusetts nonmetropolitan area | $38.33/hr | $85–$115/hr |
| Barnstable Town | $37.78/hr | $85–$115/hr |
| Springfield | $37.22/hr | $80–$110/hr |
| Amherst Town-Northampton | $37.01/hr | $80–$110/hr |
| Worcester | $36.30/hr | $80–$110/hr |
| Pittsfield | $35.95/hr | $80–$110/hr |
What common electrical jobs cost in Massachusetts
At Massachusetts billed rates, here's what typical jobs run — labor plus materials, and every job differs:
| Job | Typical Massachusetts range |
|---|---|
| Service call / diagnostic | $95–$190 |
| Install outlet or switch | $150–$375 |
| Ceiling fan installation | $200–$500 |
| Panel / breaker replacement | $1,250–$3,150 |
| Whole-home rewire | $4,000–$11,500 |
| EV charger installation | $500–$1,500 |
| Light fixture installation | $125–$375 + fixture |
| Troubleshoot wiring issue | $175–$575 |
| Add a dedicated circuit | $250–$875 |
| Standby generator hookup | $650–$1,900 |
Typical ranges to benchmark against — not quotes.
How electricians compare to other trades in Massachusetts
Here's how electrician pay lines up against Massachusetts's other skilled trades:
| Trade | Median wage | Typical billed rate |
|---|---|---|
| Plumber | $45.14/hr | $100–$135/hr |
| Electrician | $38.18/hr | $85–$115/hr |
| HVAC technician | $37.16/hr | $80–$110/hr |
| Carpenter | $36.16/hr | $80–$110/hr |
| Roofer | $34.98/hr | $75–$105/hr |
Setting your own rate
Use these as benchmarks, not rules — your rate has to cover your real overhead and the profit margin you need. See how to price a job to run the math, then build a quote with the free electrician estimate generator, or download BIG INVOICE to invoice from your phone with your rates saved.
Do electricians need a license in Massachusetts?
Licensing requirements depend on the trade and where you work. See Massachusetts contractor & trade licensing to check whether electricians need a state license in Massachusetts, which board issues it, and how to apply.
Frequently asked questions
How much do electricians make in Massachusetts?
The median electrician in Massachusetts earns about $79,420 a year ($38.18/hr) per the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (2025). Entry-level electricians earn around $47,000 and the most experienced earn $128,000 or more.
Can a electrician make $100,000 a year in Massachusetts?
Yes — experienced electricians in Massachusetts can. The top 10% earn about $128,000 a year, above $100,000. Running your own electrical contractor and billing $85–$115/hr can push earnings higher still.
How much do electricians charge per hour in Massachusetts?
In 2025, most Massachusetts electricians bill $85–$115 per hour. That billed rate covers the worker's wage (a $38/hr median) plus overhead and profit — it is not take-home pay.
Do electricians earn more in Massachusetts than nationally?
Yes — Massachusetts's median electrician wage is about 26% above the national median of $30.38/hr, ranking 6th of 51 states.
Which Massachusetts city pays electricians the most?
Boston-Cambridge-Newton, MA-NH, at a $38.42/hr median wage, is among the highest-paying metros in the state for electricians.
Wage data: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS), May 2025. Billed rates and job-cost ranges are illustrative estimates (median wage × 2.2–3.0 overhead-and-profit markup), not quotes. Updated August 2026.