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How Much Do Electricians Make in California?

Electricians are among California's best-paid skilled trades — and with an Electrician Trainee (ET) card you start earning from day one, while you train.

Electrician Salary in California by Career Stage

California is one of the highest-paying states for electricians in the U.S. Your earning potential grows significantly at each stage of your career:

Career Stage Hourly Rate Annual Salary
Electrical Trainee (ET Card) $18–$25/hr $37,000–$52,000
Journeyman Electrician $35–$55/hr $73,000–$114,000
Master / Supervising Electrician $55–$80/hr $115,000–$166,000

Source: California Employment Development Department (EDD) and U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment data, 2025. Figures are approximate and vary by region, employer, specialty, and experience.

What Affects an Electrician's Salary in California?

Certification level

Certified and journeyman electricians earn far more than uncertified workers. Each credential unlocks higher pay.

Region

Metro areas like Los Angeles, San Francisco, and San Jose typically pay more than rural counties.

Specialty

Industrial and commercial electricians generally out-earn residential specialists.

Union & benefits

Union positions often add health insurance, retirement, and overtime on top of base pay.

Start Earning as a Paid Trainee — From Day One

You don't have to wait years to start earning. As soon as you receive your Electrician Trainee (ET) card, you can work as a paid electrical trainee — earning $18–$25 per hour while you complete your training. There are no student loans required, and no wait list.

California Electrical Training is a DIR-approved school that handles your ET card application for you. Study 100% online in English or Spanish, get your ET card in 2–4 weeks, and start building toward journeyman and certified electrician pay. See the full path to becoming an electrician.

Start for $75 — Apply Now

Electrician Salary FAQs

How much do electricians make in California?
California electricians earn some of the highest wages in the country. Electrical trainees earn $18–$25 per hour. Journeyman electricians typically earn $35–$55 per hour, with annual salaries ranging from $73,000 to over $114,000 depending on specialty and location.
Do electrician trainees get paid in California?
Yes. Once you receive your Electrician Trainee (ET) card, you can work as a paid electrical trainee from day one — typically $18–$25 per hour — while you complete your training. You earn while you learn, with no student loans required.
What is the highest-paying electrician job in California?
Master and supervising electricians earn the most, roughly $55–$80 per hour ($115,000–$166,000 per year). Industrial and commercial electricians generally out-earn residential specialists, and union positions often add health, retirement, and overtime pay.
How long does it take to reach a top electrician salary in California?
You start earning immediately as a paid trainee. Journeyman-level pay typically comes after completing your training plus about 8,000 hours of on-the-job experience (around four years) and passing the California Electrician Certification exam.
Is becoming an electrician worth it in California?
For many people, yes. Electricians in California earn competitive wages, enjoy strong job security from steady construction demand, and can start earning right away as a paid trainee — without the student debt of a traditional degree.

Ready to Start Earning as an Electrician?

Get your ET card in 2–4 weeks and start working as a paid trainee. Apply today for just $75 — 100% online, English or Spanish.

Apply Now — Start for $75 See Program Cost