Quick answer: Electricians in New Jersey typically bill $80–$110 per hour (2025) — and more in higher-cost metros like Trenton-Princeton. The median electrician earns $37.14/hr ($77,250/year) per U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics data — an electrical contractor charges roughly 2–3× that 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 New Jersey compares to other states.
Electrician income in New Jersey (2025)
Based on U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics wage data for New Jersey's ~13,520 electricians:
| Experience level | Hourly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Entry-level (10th percentile) | $23.35 | ~$4,047 | ~$48,568 |
| Median (typical) | $37.14 | ~$6,438 | $77,250 |
| Experienced (90th percentile) | $62.91 | ~$10,904 | ~$130,853 |
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) | ~$37/hr |
| Typical shop rate (charged) | $80–$110/hr |
Where New Jersey ranks
New Jersey pays electricians 22% above the national median, ranking 11th of 51 states — in the upper tier nationally:
| Benchmark | Median hourly wage |
|---|---|
| Highest — Oregon | $48.71 |
| New Jersey (11th) | $37.14 |
| National median | $30.38 |
| Lowest — Arkansas | $23.59 |
Electrician rates by New Jersey metro
Pay varies widely within the state. Median electrician wage by metro area (BLS, 2025):
| Metro area | Median wage | Typical billed rate |
|---|---|---|
| Trenton-Princeton | $47.21/hr | $105–$140/hr |
| Vineland | $36.98/hr | $80–$110/hr |
| Atlantic City-Hammonton | $31.59/hr | $70–$95/hr |
Trenton-Princeton is one of the higher-paying metros in the state for electricians, reflecting local demand and cost of living.
What common electrical jobs cost in New Jersey
At New Jersey billed rates, here's what typical jobs run — labor plus materials, and every job differs:
| Job | Typical New Jersey range |
|---|---|
| Service call / diagnostic | $90–$185 |
| Install outlet or switch | $150–$375 |
| Ceiling fan installation | $175–$500 |
| Panel / breaker replacement | $1,200–$3,050 |
| Whole-home rewire | $3,500–$11,000 |
| EV charger installation | $500–$1,475 |
| Light fixture installation | $125–$375 + fixture |
| Troubleshoot wiring issue | $150–$550 |
| Add a dedicated circuit | $250–$850 |
| Standby generator hookup | $600–$1,850 |
Typical ranges to benchmark against — not quotes.
How electricians compare to other trades in New Jersey
Here's how electrician pay lines up against New Jersey's other skilled trades:
| Trade | Median wage | Typical billed rate |
|---|---|---|
| Plumber | $37.61/hr | $85–$115/hr |
| Electrician | $37.14/hr | $80–$110/hr |
| Roofer | $36.83/hr | $80–$110/hr |
| HVAC technician | $35.79/hr | $80–$105/hr |
| Carpenter | $30.77/hr | $70–$90/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 New Jersey?
Licensing requirements depend on the trade and where you work. See New Jersey contractor & trade licensing to check whether electricians need a state license in New Jersey, which board issues it, and how to apply.
Frequently asked questions
How much do electricians charge per hour in New Jersey?
In 2025, most New Jersey electricians bill $80–$110 per hour. That rate covers the worker's wage (a $37/hr median) plus overhead and profit.
What is the average electrician salary in New Jersey?
The median electrician in New Jersey earns about $77,250 a year ($37.14/hr). Entry-level electricians earn around $49,000 and the most experienced earn $131,000 or more.
Do electricians earn more in New Jersey than nationally?
Yes — New Jersey's median electrician wage is about 22% above the national median of $30.38/hr, ranking 11th of 51 states.
Which New Jersey city pays electricians the most?
Trenton-Princeton, at a $47.21/hr median wage, is among the highest-paying metros in the state.
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.