Quick answer: The median electrician in New York earns $37.86/hr — about $78,750 a year (U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, 2025), and the most experienced earn $132,000+. 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 New York compares to other states.
Electrician income in New York (2025)
Based on U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics wage data for New York's ~40,130 electricians:
| Experience level | Hourly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Entry-level (10th percentile) | $21.99 | ~$3,812 | ~$45,739 |
| Median (typical) | $37.86 | ~$6,562 | $78,750 |
| Experienced (90th percentile) | $63.29 | ~$10,970 | ~$131,643 |
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 New York ranks
New York pays electricians 25% above the national median, ranking 8th of 51 states — among the highest-paying states in the country:
| Benchmark | Median hourly wage |
|---|---|
| Highest — Oregon | $48.71 |
| New York (8th) | $37.86 |
| National median | $30.38 |
| Lowest — Arkansas | $23.59 |
Electrician rates by New York metro
Pay varies widely within the state. Median electrician wage by metro area (BLS, 2025):
| Metro area | Median wage | Typical billed rate |
|---|---|---|
| New York-Newark-Jersey City, NY-NJ | $37.99/hr | $85–$115/hr |
| Buffalo-Cheektowaga | $37.47/hr | $80–$110/hr |
| Rochester | $37.17/hr | $80–$110/hr |
| Syracuse | $37.07/hr | $80–$110/hr |
| Albany-Schenectady-Troy | $36.01/hr | $80–$110/hr |
| Kiryas Joel-Poughkeepsie-Newburgh | $33.70/hr | $75–$100/hr |
| Capital/Northern New York nonmetropolitan area | $32.03/hr | $70–$95/hr |
What common electrical jobs cost in New York
At New York billed rates, here's what typical jobs run — labor plus materials, and every job differs:
| Job | Typical New York range |
|---|---|
| Service call / diagnostic | $95–$185 |
| Install outlet or switch | $150–$375 |
| Ceiling fan installation | $175–$500 |
| Panel / breaker replacement | $1,250–$3,100 |
| Whole-home rewire | $3,500–$11,000 |
| EV charger installation | $500–$1,500 |
| Light fixture installation | $125–$375 + fixture |
| Troubleshoot wiring issue | $150–$550 |
| Add a dedicated circuit | $250–$875 |
| Standby generator hookup | $600–$1,850 |
Typical ranges to benchmark against — not quotes.
How electricians compare to other trades in New York
Here's how electrician pay lines up against New York's other skilled trades:
| Trade | Median wage | Typical billed rate |
|---|---|---|
| Electrician | $37.86/hr | $85–$115/hr |
| Plumber | $37.26/hr | $80–$110/hr |
| HVAC technician | $35.78/hr | $80–$105/hr |
| Carpenter | $34.77/hr | $75–$105/hr |
| Roofer | $31.74/hr | $70–$95/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 York?
Licensing requirements depend on the trade and where you work. See New York contractor & trade licensing to check whether electricians need a state license in New York, which board issues it, and how to apply.
Frequently asked questions
How much do electricians make in New York?
The median electrician in New York earns about $78,750 a year ($37.86/hr) per the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (2025). Entry-level electricians earn around $46,000 and the most experienced earn $132,000 or more.
Can a electrician make $100,000 a year in New York?
Yes — experienced electricians in New York can. The top 10% earn about $132,000 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 New York?
In 2025, most New York 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 New York than nationally?
Yes — New York's median electrician wage is about 25% above the national median of $30.38/hr, ranking 8th of 51 states.
Which New York city pays electricians the most?
New York-Newark-Jersey City, NY-NJ, at a $37.99/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.