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Electrician Apprentice Salary in Pittsburgh, PA

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the average salary for an Electrician Apprentice in Pittsburgh, PA is $69425($33.17/hr).

"SkillCat changed my life. Within months of completing their Electrical program, I landed a job. The training is spot on, and it’s designed to help you hit the ground running!"
— Rich Knill., Journeyman Electrician

Electrician Career Overview

Average Salary

$69425($33.17/hr)

Average of a SkillCat Graduate

$85,740 ($41.00/hr)

Overtime

$7,000 a year

Job Growth

50,000 new jobs by 2026

Benefits

401K, PTO, Health Insurance +

Understanding Apprentice Electrician Salaries in Pittsburgh, PA

Apprentice Electrician salaries in Pittsburgh, PA vary widely based on several factors such as the type of electrical work, geographical location, and experience level. The average electrician salary is influenced by whether one works as a residential, commercial, or industrial electrician. In high-cost metropolitan areas, the salary range tends to be higher due to the cost of living. Electricians specializing in low voltage or high voltage electrical systems can see significant pay differences based on their specialized skills.

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What Influences the Salary for Electrician Apprentices in Pittsburgh, PA?

​​Several elements contribute to how much an electrician earns annually:

  • Experience Level: From apprentice electricians to journeyman electrician to master electricians, salaries increase with experience and additional certifications. A master electrician license can unlock higher earning potential, especially for those pursuing a career as an electrical contractor.

  • Industry Type: The salary range is different for residential electricians, commercial electricians, and industrial electricians. Union electricians in large industrial settings or high-demand metropolitan areas often receive the highest paying wages.

  • Geographic Location: The average salary and annual wage differ across regions, with metropolitan areas typically offering better compensation. Electricians in these areas may also benefit from union representation, which can further boost their wages.

  • Specialized Skills: Electricians with certifications in high voltage or low voltage electrical systems are often sought after for specialized electrical work, leading to higher earnings.

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Average Salary Rates Across Different Regions

The annual salary for electricians is calculated by considering factors like cost of living, industry, and experience level.

  • Metropolitan Areas: Electricians in high-cost regions tend to earn above the national average salary.

  • Apprentice Electricians: In their early career, an apprentice electrician may earn a starting wage, which increases as they gain more experience and skills.

  • Union Electricians: Being part of a union often leads to better wages and benefits due to collective bargaining.

 

Whether you’re pursuing a career as a wireman, low voltage electrician, or aiming for a master electrician license, your salary potential is highly influenced by these factors.

Years of experience

Annual Salary

Entry Level

$50,000

2 - 4 years

$59,200

4 - 6 years

$68,500

10 + years

$80,000

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Comparing Salary for Apprentice Electricians in Pittsburgh, PA Across Categories

Electricians can specialize in different areas such as residential, commercial, or industrial work, and their salaries reflect this diversity:

  • Residential Electricians: They typically handle home installations and repairs. The average salary for residential electricians may be lower than for those in specialized commercial or industrial roles, but their annual wage can be competitive in high-demand areas.

  • Commercial Electricians: Working on larger projects like office buildings or retail spaces, commercial electricians often have salaries that compare favorably to those in the residential sector.

  • Industrial Electricians: Industrial settings require highly skilled electrical work, often involving high voltage systems. This sector generally offers some of the highest paying positions for electricians.

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How Much Does an Apprentice Electrician in Pittsburgh, PA Make Including Overtime and Bonuses?

Apprentice Electricians in Pittsburgh, PA often have opportunities to earn additional income through overtime, bonuses, and profit-sharing. A licensed electrician working overtime or handling specialized tasks can significantly boost their overall annual wage. Union electricians, in particular, benefit from negotiated overtime rates that further enhance their earnings. Additionally, electrical contractors may offer performance-based bonuses or profit-sharing to retain skilled workers.

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How you can increase your Electrician Salary 

Electrical Certifications
  • Journeyman Electrician License
    Becoming a licensed journeyman is a critical step for electricians seeking higher pay. It demonstrates advanced skills and expertise, often leading to better job opportunities and salary increases.

  • Master Electrician License
    A master electrician license is one of the highest levels of certification and opens doors to supervisory roles, self-employment, and higher-paying positions.

  • Certified Electrical Inspector (CEI)
    The CEI certification allows electricians to work as inspectors, verifying the safety and compliance of electrical installations, which can lead to higher salaries.

  • Specialty Certifications (e.g., Low Voltage, Fire Alarm, Solar Photovoltaic Systems)
    Gaining expertise in specialties like low voltage systems, fire alarms, or solar installations can significantly boost earning potential by expanding the services you can offer.

Start Your Electrician Career Today

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Affordable Certifications & Training

Continue learning new skills & keep up to date with new technology

As an Electrician, you will constantly work on new projects and equipment. Make sure you stay up to date and complete the Electrician that's available to you. To grow your Electrical career, you'll have to continue growing your skillset as well!

 
Start your own company

Once you have enough experience as an Electrician, you can start your own company. To do so you want to make sure you have both sales and management experience from your past experience. Your earnings are limitless when you run your own company. 

Other Industries to Consider

Get hired and trained as an Electrician. All of our training and certifications are online and can be completed anywhere and at anytime!

HVAC

Gain the Skills and Certification you need for a successful HVAC Career

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Plumbing

Plumbing training that'll teach you the skills you need to succeed in the industry

Plumbing Training

Appliance Repair

Training to make you feel job-ready everyday

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Electrician

Learn all of the Electrician skills you need to get a high-paying apprenticeship

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Building Maintenance

The maintenance training you need to advance your career

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Solar Installation

Get into the Solar Industry with free training that will leave you confident

Solar Installation Training

FAQs

What Do Most Electricians Charge Per Hour?
 

The average hourly rate for electricians depends on various factors, including location, experience, and the type of electrical jobs involved. On average, residential electricians charge between $50 and $100 per hour. However, more complex electrical jobs, such as installing an electrical panel or wiring a generator, can command higher rates. For those looking to hire an electrician near them, it’s essential to compare the rates of licensed professionals, especially when hiring for specialized jobs like installing a light switch or setting up a smart thermostat. Industrial electricians, who are often hired for larger projects, typically charge a higher hourly rate due to the advanced skills required in the electrical industry. Additionally, the hours worked can significantly impact the final cost, especially if overtime hours are needed.

 

What Work Do Electricians Do?
Electricians perform various jobs, from basic tasks like installing light switches to complex electrical panel upgrades and industrial systems. Residential electricians are often hired to work on home electrical jobs, including installing wiring for new construction or upgrading outdated systems. The electrical industry is broad, with professionals specializing in different areas, such as smart thermostat installations and industrial machinery. Many businesses are continuously hiring skilled electricians for ongoing maintenance and complex installations. If you're looking to hire an electrician near you, whether for a small job like replacing a light switch or for more extensive work, it’s important to find someone with experience in the specific area. The hours involved in completing these tasks also vary, affecting both the project timeline and cost.

 

What Are the 4 Types of Electricians?
The four main types of electricians include residential electricians, commercial electricians, industrial electricians, and low-voltage specialists. Residential electricians handle jobs like wiring homes, installing light switches, and setting up electrical panels. Commercial electricians work on electrical jobs in business settings, often involving more complex installations that require additional hours. Industrial electricians are hired for large-scale electrical jobs in factories, where the hours can be long due to the complexity of the systems involved. Low-voltage specialists focus on installations like smart thermostats and data cabling. The electrical industry continues to grow, with businesses frequently hiring electricians near their location for a variety of tasks. Whether you're looking to hire someone to install a light switch or manage complex electrical jobs in an industrial setting, understanding the type of electrician you need is crucial.

 

Is Being an Electrician a Good Career?
Yes, becoming an electrician is a rewarding career with high job security and growth potential in the electrical industry. Electricians are hired for a wide range of jobs, from basic light switch installations to more advanced electrical panel upgrades and industrial projects. The average salary for electricians is competitive, with ample opportunities for growth as you gain experience. Those who enter the field often find themselves hired for a variety of tasks, requiring them to work different hours depending on the job. For example, setting up a smart thermostat might take just a few hours, while industrial jobs can involve long hours and complex planning. If you're looking to hire an electrician near you, it’s important to find someone with the right experience for the specific job, whether it’s a simple installation or a large-scale electrical project. With a growing demand for skilled labor, the electrical industry continues to expand, making it an excellent career choice.

 

How Can I Become an Electrician?

To become an electrician, you typically start as an apprentice, working under experienced electricians while receiving formal training. After completing the required hours and gaining experience, you can take exams to become a licensed electrician. Those looking to specialize, such as becoming a low voltage electrician or industrial electrician, may pursue additional certifications.

 

What are the Highest Paying Electrician Jobs?

The highest paying electrician jobs are usually found in industrial settings or for those holding a master electrician license. Union electricians and those specializing in low voltage or high voltage systems are often at the top of the salary range. Electrician salaries in these high-demand fields can significantly exceed the national average.

 

What Does a Wireman Do, and How Much Do They Earn?

A wireman focuses on installing, connecting, and maintaining the electrical wiring systems in buildings. They are a vital part of the electrical workforce, and their earnings vary based on experience and the complexity of the work. On average, a wireman can expect to earn between $45,000 and $65,000 annually, with opportunities for growth as they gain specialized skills or union membership.

 

How Much Can an Apprentice Electrician Earn Annually?

An apprentice electrician typically earns between $30,000 and $40,000 annually. However, as they gain experience and move up the ranks, their salary for electricians increases. Labor statistics indicate that apprentices who complete their training and become licensed electricians see a significant jump in their earnings annually.

 

What is the Role of the Bureau of Labor Statistics in Tracking Electrician Salaries?

The Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) plays a crucial role in tracking and reporting electrician salaries across different regions and industries. The BLS provides data on the average electrician salary, wage trends, and employment opportunities, helping prospective electricians understand the earning potential within this field.

 

What Factors Influence the Cost of Electrical Wiring in a New Home?

The cost of electrical wiring in a new home depends on several factors, including the complexity of the electrical job, the materials used, and the hourly rate of the electrician. Residential electricians typically handle this type of work, but high-demand areas with a high cost of living can drive up the average salary and hourly rate. Industrial electricians, by contrast, deal with more complex wiring systems, often resulting in higher electrician salaries. For those who have advanced from apprentice to journeyman electrician status, the rates are generally higher due to their increased expertise.

 

How Does the Salary Range for Residential Electricians Compare to Industrial Electricians?

The salary range for residential electricians is generally lower compared to that of industrial electricians. This difference is due to the complexity of the jobs and the skills required in industrial settings, where electrical wiring and equipment can be more advanced. On average, industrial electricians and journeyman electricians command higher salaries, especially in regions with a high cost of living. These factors also influence the electrician hourly rate, which varies widely depending on location and the specific job. A journeyman electrician, who has gained substantial experience, often earns more than those at the apprentice level.

 

What Steps Should You Take to Become a Journeyman Electrician?

To become a journeyman electrician, you must first complete an apprenticeship program that provides on-the-job training and classroom education. After gaining sufficient experience, you can take the licensing exam to become a journeyman electrician. This career path is essential in the electrical industry, offering stable salaries and a wide range of job opportunities, whether you aim to specialize in residential wiring or pursue more advanced electrical jobs. As a journeyman electrician, you can take on more complex projects and command higher pay compared to an apprentice.

 

How Do Electrician Salaries Vary by Region and Cost of Living?

Electrician salaries vary significantly by region, with areas that have a high cost of living typically offering higher wages. For instance, in cities where housing and other living expenses are high, electricians, particularly those at the journeyman electrician level, tend to earn more. The average salary for electricians in these areas often reflects the increased demand for skilled electrical work. Comparing electrician salaries between high-cost and low-cost regions shows a clear correlation between local living expenses and pay rates, especially for journeyman electricians.

 

What is the Average Hourly Rate for a Contractor Specializing in Electrical Jobs?

The average hourly rate for a contractor specializing in electrical jobs depends on several factors, including their level of experience, the complexity of the job, and the region they operate in. Industrial electricians and journeyman electricians working as contractors tend to charge higher rates than those focused on residential work. Additionally, areas with a high cost of living often see increased hourly rates due to the elevated demand for skilled electrical work. A journeyman electrician’s experience level allows them to take on specialized jobs that justify higher pay.

 

How Does the Cost of Generator Installation Compare to Other Electrical Jobs?

The cost of generator installation varies based on factors like the size of the generator, the complexity of the wiring involved, and the rates charged by the contractor. Residential electricians and journeyman electricians typically handle these jobs, but more advanced systems may require the expertise of industrial electricians. Comparing these costs to other electrical jobs reveals that generator installation can be more expensive due to the technical skills required and the electrician hourly rate in regions with a high cost of living. A journeyman electrician with extensive experience in complex wiring setups is often preferred for such projects.

 

What is the Average Time it Takes to Become an Electrician?

On average, it takes about 4 to 5 years to complete an apprenticeship and meet the requirements to become an electrician. The process of becoming an electrician involves on-the-job training combined with classroom education. Once the required hours are completed, aspiring electricians can take the licensing exam. Mastering electrical wiring techniques is crucial during this period, as it directly impacts your ability to perform various electrical jobs efficiently. After becoming an electrician, many choose to specialize further, such as working with smart thermostats or industrial systems.

 

How Do Electrician Salaries Compare Across Different Specializations?

Electrician salaries compare differently depending on the specialization, experience, and region. On average, residential electricians may earn less than those who work on industrial electrical wiring projects. Those interested in becoming an electrician often choose their specialization based on salary potential and job opportunities. Electricians with expertise in generator costs, smart thermostats, and complex electrical systems tend to earn more. Understanding how salaries compare across various fields can guide your career path and help you decide where to focus your skills.

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