Quick answer: Electricians in Pennsylvania typically bill $70–$100 per hour (2025). The median electrician earns $32.50/hr ($67,600/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 Pennsylvania compares to other states.
Electrician income in Pennsylvania (2025)
Based on U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics wage data for Pennsylvania's ~22,730 electricians:
| Experience level | Hourly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Entry-level (10th percentile) | $21.92 | ~$3,799 | ~$45,594 |
| Median (typical) | $32.50 | ~$5,633 | $67,600 |
| Experienced (90th percentile) | $58.95 | ~$10,218 | ~$122,616 |
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) | ~$32/hr |
| Typical shop rate (charged) | $70–$100/hr |
Where Pennsylvania ranks
Pennsylvania pays electricians 7% above the national median, ranking 22nd of 51 states — right around the national middle:
| Benchmark | Median hourly wage |
|---|---|
| Highest — Oregon | $48.71 |
| Pennsylvania (22nd) | $32.50 |
| National median | $30.38 |
| Lowest — Arkansas | $23.59 |
Electrician rates by Pennsylvania metro
Pay varies widely within the state. Median electrician wage by metro area (BLS, 2025):
| Metro area | Median wage | Typical billed rate |
|---|---|---|
| Reading | $36.09/hr | $80–$110/hr |
| Philadelphia-Camden-Wilmington, PA-NJ-DE-MD | $35.86/hr | $80–$110/hr |
| Harrisburg-Carlisle | $34.53/hr | $75–$105/hr |
| Scranton--Wilkes-Barre | $33.44/hr | $75–$100/hr |
| Pittsburgh | $33.34/hr | $75–$100/hr |
| Allentown-Bethlehem-Easton, PA-NJ | $31.97/hr | $70–$95/hr |
| York-Hanover | $31.43/hr | $70–$95/hr |
Reading 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 Pennsylvania
At Pennsylvania billed rates, here's what typical jobs run — labor plus materials, and every job differs:
| Job | Typical Pennsylvania range |
|---|---|
| Service call / diagnostic | $80–$160 |
| Install outlet or switch | $125–$325 |
| Ceiling fan installation | $150–$425 |
| Panel / breaker replacement | $1,050–$2,650 |
| Whole-home rewire | $3,000–$9,500 |
| EV charger installation | $425–$1,275 |
| Light fixture installation | $100–$325 + fixture |
| Troubleshoot wiring issue | $150–$475 |
| Add a dedicated circuit | $225–$750 |
| Standby generator hookup | $550–$1,600 |
Typical ranges to benchmark against — not quotes.
How electricians compare to other trades in Pennsylvania
Here's how electrician pay lines up against Pennsylvania's other skilled trades:
| Trade | Median wage | Typical billed rate |
|---|---|---|
| Plumber | $32.73/hr | $70–$100/hr |
| Electrician | $32.50/hr | $70–$100/hr |
| HVAC technician | $30.00/hr | $65–$90/hr |
| Carpenter | $28.54/hr | $65–$85/hr |
| Roofer | $26.79/hr | $60–$80/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 Pennsylvania?
Licensing requirements depend on the trade and where you work. See Pennsylvania contractor & trade licensing to check whether electricians need a state license in Pennsylvania, which board issues it, and how to apply.
Frequently asked questions
How much do electricians charge per hour in Pennsylvania?
In 2025, most Pennsylvania electricians bill $70–$100 per hour. That rate covers the worker's wage (a $32/hr median) plus overhead and profit.
What is the average electrician salary in Pennsylvania?
The median electrician in Pennsylvania earns about $67,600 a year ($32.50/hr). Entry-level electricians earn around $46,000 and the most experienced earn $123,000 or more.
Do electricians earn more in Pennsylvania than nationally?
Yes — Pennsylvania's median electrician wage is about 7% above the national median of $30.38/hr, ranking 22nd of 51 states.
Which Pennsylvania city pays electricians the most?
Reading, at a $36.09/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.