The US employed about 72,200 electricians in 2023, a 2.1% rise that reflects steady infrastructure demand. Globally, the electrician workforce is projected to grow 11% through 2030 as renewable energy installations expand. At the same time, age and training pipelines are under strain, with a median electrician age of 43.2 and 55,000 US apprentices in 2023.
Key Takeaways
- In 2023, the United States employed approximately 72,200 electricians, marking a 2.1% increase from 2022 due to infrastructure demands.
- The US electrician industry market size reached $192.3 billion in 2023, growing 4.2% annually.
- US electricians experienced 4,200 nonfatal injuries in 2023, rate of 2.8 per 100 workers.
- US electricians apprenticeship programs enrolled 55,000 in 2023, 4-year duration average.
- US electricians 11% projected growth 2023-2033, adding 8,100 jobs annually.
- Median hourly wage for US electricians was $29.67 in 2023, equating to $61,700 annually.
Electricians are in high demand, with steady job growth and strong salaries across the industry.
Related reading
01 · Category
Employment and Workforce30 stats
01
In 2023, the United States employed approximately 72,200 electricians, marking a 2.1% increase from 2022 due to infrastructure demands.
02
Globally, the electrician workforce is projected to grow by 11% between 2023 and 2030, driven by renewable energy installations.
03
In California, electricians numbered 45,300 in 2023, representing 15% of the national total and leading all states.
04
Women make up only 2.3% of electricians in the US workforce as of 2023, up from 1.8% in 2018.
05
The median age of electricians in the US is 43.2 years in 2023, with 28% over 50 years old.
06
Unionized electricians constitute 25.4% of the total US electrician workforce in 2023, primarily through IBEW.
07
In the UK, there were 198,000 electricians employed in 2023, with a 4.5% annual growth rate.
08
Texas holds the second-highest number of electricians at 38,500 in 2023, fueled by energy sector expansion.
09
Self-employed electricians account for 12.7% of the US total, or about 9,200 individuals in 2023.
10
Apprenticeships for electricians in the US reached 55,000 active participants in 2023, a 15% rise from 2020.
11
Florida's electrician employment grew 5.2% year-over-year to 22,100 in 2023 due to housing booms.
12
In Australia, electricians numbered 48,200 in 2023, with 3.8% unemployment rate in the trade.
13
US electricians with journeyman certification total 65% of the workforce in 2023.
14
New York state employed 24,800 electricians in 2023, concentrated in urban infrastructure projects.
15
Hispanic or Latino electricians comprise 32.1% of the US workforce in 2023.
16
Canada reported 92,500 electricians in 2023, with Ontario hosting 40% of them.
17
Entry-level electrician jobs openings averaged 8,200 per month in the US during 2023.
18
In Germany, 180,000 electricians were employed in 2023, supported by Energiewende initiatives.
19
US electricians aged 25-34 represent 28.5% of the workforce in 2023.
20
Illinois had 18,900 electricians in 2023, with growth tied to manufacturing revivals.
21
Full-time electricians in the US worked an average of 2,080 hours annually in 2023.
22
In India, the electrician sector employed 1.2 million formally in 2023, informal estimated at 5x more.
23
Pennsylvania's 15,400 electricians saw 3.1% employment growth in 2023.
24
Black or African American electricians are 6.2% of US total in 2023.
25
Ohio employed 14,200 electricians in 2023, driven by automotive electrification.
26
Veterans represent 8.7% of US electricians in 2023, aided by skillbridge programs.
27
Michigan's electrician count reached 12,500 in 2023 amid EV manufacturing surge.
28
Asian electricians comprise 2.1% of US workforce in 2023.
29
Georgia added 1,800 new electricians in 2023, totaling 13,900.
30
In 2023, North Carolina's 12,300 electricians benefited from data center constructions.
Interpretation
Employment and Workforce Interpretation
The global demand for power is surging, yet this vital trade is still primarily a seasoned, male-dominated field—so while the future is looking bright, it's clear the wiring of our workforce needs a serious upgrade to match.
02 · Category
Market Size and Growth24 stats
01
The US electrician industry market size reached $192.3 billion in 2023, growing 4.2% annually.
02
Global electrical contracting market valued at $1.2 trillion in 2023, projected to hit $1.8 trillion by 2030.
03
Residential electrical services segment accounted for 42% of US market revenue in 2023 at $80.8 billion.
04
Commercial construction drove 35% of electrician industry growth in 2023, adding $15.4 billion.
05
Renewable energy installations contributed $28.5 billion to electrician revenues in 2023.
06
UK electrician services market expanded to £18.7 billion in 2023, up 5.1% from prior year.
07
EV charging infrastructure market for electricians hit $12.3 billion globally in 2023.
08
Industrial electrical work segment grew 6.8% in 2023, reaching $45.2 billion in the US.
09
Data centers boosted electrician demand, contributing $22.1 billion in contracts in 2023.
10
Australia's electrical services market was AUD 32.4 billion in 2023, with 4.7% CAGR.
11
US nonresidential electrical construction revenue rose 7.2% to $112.6 billion in 2023.
12
Smart home installations generated $9.8 billion for electricians in 2023.
13
Canada's electrical contractors market size was CAD 28.9 billion in 2023.
14
Maintenance and repair services made up 28% of US electrician revenues, or $53.9 billion in 2023.
15
Germany's electrical installation market reached €45.2 billion in 2023.
16
Solar PV installations by electricians added $17.4 billion to US market in 2023.
17
New housing starts increased electrician billings by 3.8% to $42.1 billion in 2023.
18
Europe's electrical services market grew to €450 billion in 2023 at 3.9% rate.
19
US electrician industry profit margin averaged 6.2% in 2023, up from 5.1% in 2022.
20
Infrastructure bill (IIJA) allocated $65 billion for grid upgrades benefiting electricians in 2023.
21
India's electrical contracting market surged to INR 4.2 trillion in 2023.
22
Commercial retrofits contributed $18.7 billion to electrician growth in 2023.
23
Brazil's electrician market size was BRL 120 billion in 2023, driven by urbanization.
24
US electrician enterprises totaled 124,500 in 2023, with 92% small businesses under 20 employees.
Interpretation
Market Size and Growth Interpretation
While the world is busy getting rewired, upgraded, and charged—from our homes and data centers to entire national grids—the global electrician industry is quite literally powering the future, proving that in a digital age, the most shocking growth still comes from good, old-fashioned current events.
03 · Category
Safety and Accidents25 stats
01
US electricians experienced 4,200 nonfatal injuries in 2023, rate of 2.8 per 100 workers.
02
Fatalities among electricians totaled 78 in 2023, primarily from electrocutions at 42%.
03
Electrocution accounted for 68% of electrician fatalities over 2018-2023 period.
04
Falls from ladders caused 15% of nonfatal injuries to electricians in 2023.
05
OSHA cited 1,245 electrician firms for electrical safety violations in 2023.
06
UK electricians had 1,200 reportable injuries in 2023, shock incidents at 320.
07
Arc flash incidents injured 450 US electricians in 2023, per NFPA reports.
08
Lockout/tagout violations topped OSHA fines for electricians at $14.2 million in 2023.
09
Australia recorded 28 electrician fatalities from 2019-2023, average 5.6 yearly.
10
PPE non-compliance caused 22% of electrician injuries in US 2023 data.
11
Canada electricians injury rate was 3.1 per 100 in 2023, higher than average trades.
12
Trenching accidents affected 180 electricians, 12 fatalities in US 2023.
13
65% of electrician electrocutions involved voltages over 600V in 2023.
14
Germany's electricians saw 890 injuries, low due to strict VDE regulations in 2023.
15
Ladder safety training reduced falls by 34% in trained electrician firms 2023.
16
Overhead power line contacts caused 112 injuries to electricians in 2023 US.
17
NFPA 70E compliance lowered arc flash incidents by 25% in audited sites 2023.
18
Texas reported 210 electrician injuries, highest state total in 2023.
19
Respiratory hazards from soldering affected 89 cases in 2023.
20
78% of fatalities preventable with proper PPE per 2023 NIOSH analysis.
21
Vehicle-related incidents injured 145 electricians on job sites in 2023.
22
Hearing loss claims among electricians rose 8% to 320 in 2023.
23
Struck-by objects caused 210 nonfatal injuries in 2023 US electricians.
24
Apprentices had 1.8x higher injury rate than journeymen in 2023.
25
Heat-related illnesses hit 45 electricians during summer 2023 peak.
Interpretation
Safety and Accidents Interpretation
Behind these sobering statistics lies a hard truth: while electricity is the invisible force powering modern life, ignoring the very visible rules for taming it—like lockout/tagout, PPE, and proper training—turns our work into a game of lethal roulette where the stakes are measured in shattered lives and million-dollar fines.
More related reading
04 · Category
Training and Education22 stats
01
US electricians apprenticeship programs enrolled 55,000 in 2023, 4-year duration average.
02
78% of US electricians hold NCCER certification in 2023 surveys.
03
Community colleges trained 42,500 aspiring electricians via 1,200 programs in 2023.
04
IBEW apprenticeships completed 12,300 certifications in 2023.
05
Online electrician training modules reached 28,000 users in 2023 via Mike Holt.
06
UK NVQ Level 3 qualifications awarded to 15,200 electricians in 2023.
07
OSHA 10-hour safety training completed by 92% of US electricians in 2023.
08
Australia Certificate III in Electrotechnology issued to 9,800 in 2023.
09
Continuing education hours averaged 24 per year for licensed electricians in 2023.
10
Women in electrician apprenticeships rose to 4.2% of total in 2023 US.
11
Canada Red Seal endorsement held by 68% of electricians in 2023.
12
Virtual reality arc flash training adopted by 1,200 firms, training 15,000 in 2023.
13
High school vocational programs graduated 18,400 electrician-ready students in 2023.
14
Germany's Ausbildung system trained 32,000 new electricians in 2023.
15
Master electrician exams passed by 8,500 candidates nationwide in 2023.
16
Bilingual training programs served 12,000 Hispanic apprentices in 2023.
17
EV charging certification (QMERIT) earned by 22,000 electricians in 2023.
18
Solar installation NABCEP certifications issued 4,200 in 2023.
19
45% of apprentices drop out rate reduced to 28% with mentorship in 2023 programs.
20
Texas community colleges enrolled 6,200 in electrician programs in 2023.
21
PLC programming courses completed by 9,800 industrial electricians in 2023.
22
Drone inspection training for overhead lines reached 3,500 electricians in 2023.
Interpretation
Training and Education Interpretation
The industry is undergoing a massive, high-voltage upskilling, where traditional apprenticeships are being supercharged by specialized certifications, a surge in diverse training pathways, and a welcome (though still too low) jolt of new talent, all while trying to keep pace with green energy and smart tech without getting shocked by the high attrition rate.
05 · Category
Trends and Projections20 stats
01
US electricians 11% projected growth 2023-2033, adding 8,100 jobs annually.
02
Renewable energy to create 42,000 new US electrician jobs by 2030.
03
EV infrastructure projected to need 100,000 additional electricians by 2035.
04
Smart grid upgrades forecast to boost demand 15% for electricians 2024-2028.
05
Data center boom to add $50 billion in electrical work by 2027.
06
US residential electrification trend projects 20% revenue growth by 2030.
07
Global solar workforce needs 2 million more electricians by 2030.
08
Building automation systems to employ 25% more electricians by 2028.
09
Aging workforce retirement to create 30% openings for new electricians by 2032.
10
UK net-zero goals project 15% electrician shortage by 2025.
11
Microgrids expected to generate $12 billion annual revenue for electricians post-2025.
12
Wireless charging tech to impact 10% of EV installations by 2030.
13
Prefab modular wiring to reduce on-site labor 25% by 2027.
14
AI predictive maintenance to cut electrician repair calls 18% by 2030.
15
Australia electrification targets 500,000 new jobs in trades by 2050.
16
US CHIPS Act to spur $20 billion semiconductor electrical installs by 2028.
17
Heat pump installations to double electrician residential work by 2030.
18
5G tower retrofits project 50,000 electrician hours nationwide 2024-2026.
19
Canada aims for 30% workforce expansion in green electrical by 2035.
20
Digital twin tech adoption in 40% of large projects by 2028.
Interpretation
Trends and Projections Interpretation
The future's electrical current is surging with opportunity, as the industry's traditional wires are now tangled with threads of renewable energy, smart tech, and global electrification, creating a shockingly high demand for a new wave of skilled electricians to keep the lights on and the world charging forward.
06 · Category
Wages and Earnings26 stats
01
Median hourly wage for US electricians was $29.67in 2023, equating to $61,700 annually.
02
Top 10% of US electricians earned over $48.91 per hour or $101,770 yearly in 2023.
03
Entry-level electricians (lowest 10%) earned $18.42 hourly or $38,310 annually in 2023.
04
California electricians averaged $38.25hourly, highest state wage at $79,560 yearly in 2023.
05
Union electricians earned 22.4% more than non-union, averaging $35.12 vs $28.69 hourly in 2023.
06
UK electricians median salary was £38,500 annually in 2023, or £18.52 hourly.
07
Master electricians in US averaged $42.18hourly or $87,740 yearly in 2023.
08
Texas electricians earned $26.45median hourly, $55,020 annually in 2023.
09
Overtime pay boosted electrician earnings by 12.3% on average in 2023 US data.
10
Australia electricians averaged AUD 95,000 yearly, highest in mining regions at AUD 120,000.
11
Benefits added 32% to base wages, with health insurance covering 85% of premiums for electricians in 2023.
12
New York electricians median wage $37.82hourly, $78,660 annually in 2023.
13
Self-employed electricians netted $75,200median after expenses in 2023.
14
Canada electricians averaged CAD 68,400 yearly, Ontario at CAD 75,200 in 2023.
15
Industrial electricians earned 15% premium over residential at $34.21 hourly in 2023.
16
Germany electricians grossed €52,800 annually, net €38,200 after taxes in 2023.
17
Florida wages averaged $24.88hourly, $51,740 yearly for electricians in 2023.
18
Apprentices earned $20.45median hourly, rising 40% upon journeyman status in 2023.
19
Washington state topped wages at $39.12hourly, $81,370 annually in 2023.
20
Bonus pay for electricians averaged $3,200annually in large firms in 2023.
21
Illinois electricians $32.45hourly median, $67,500 yearly in 2023.
22
Overtime averaged 420 hours per year for US electricians, adding $12,500to earnings in 2023.
23
Nevada high wages at $36.78hourly due to construction boom in 2023.
24
Women electricians earned 94% of male counterparts' wages at $28.12 vs $29.89 hourly in 2023.
25
Pennsylvania $28.91hourly median for electricians in 2023.
26
Journeyman electricians saw 5.2% wage growth from 2022 to 2023 nationally.
Interpretation
Wages and Earnings Interpretation
The shocking truth is that while an electrician's potential is electrifying—from a bright future for apprentices to a current that favors unions, specialization, and high-voltage regions—the wires of fortune are decidedly grounded in geography, experience, and which side of the Atlantic you're wiring.
Reference
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APA
Elif Demirci. (2026, February 13). Electrician Industry Statistics. Gitnux. https://gitnux.org/electrician-industry-statistics
MLA
Elif Demirci. "Electrician Industry Statistics." Gitnux, 13 Feb 2026, https://gitnux.org/electrician-industry-statistics.
Chicago
Elif Demirci. 2026. "Electrician Industry Statistics." Gitnux. https://gitnux.org/electrician-industry-statistics.
Sources & references
74 datasets cited across this report · attribution is report-level