New York electricians — particularly those in New York City — earn some of the highest wages of any trade in the world. IBEW Local 3 journeyman electricians in NYC earn $55-$70/hr with total compensation packages that often exceed $120/hr. Upstate New York is also seeing rapid wage growth driven by the Micron semiconductor campus near Syracuse and the Albany NanoTech cluster. Here is a complete look at electrician salaries across New York State.
Electrician Salary in New York by City
- New York City (IBEW Local 3): $55-$70/hr journeyman union with full benefits.
- Long Island (IBEW Local 25): $52-$66/hr journeyman union.
- Westchester County: $48-$62/hr journeyman.
- Albany and Capital Region (IBEW Local 139): $40-$54/hr journeyman union. Growing rapidly due to semiconductor corridor.
- Syracuse area (near Micron campus): $38-$52/hr and rising fast.
- Buffalo (IBEW Local 41): $36-$50/hr journeyman union.
Electrician Salary in New York by Experience
- Apprentice NYC Year 1: Approximately $27/hr
- Apprentice NYC Year 5: Approximately $60/hr
- Journeyman 0-5 years: $48-$60/hr
- Journeyman 10+ years: $55-$70/hr
- Foreman NYC: $64-$78/hr
- Master Electrician Contractor: NYC contractors routinely earn $200,000-$800,000+/yr
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the average electrician salary in New York City?
IBEW Local 3 journeyman electricians in NYC earn $55-$70/hr base wage. Adding all benefits including pension, health insurance, annuity, and vacation, the total compensation package value is $90-$120/hr. Over a 30-year NYC electrician career the accumulated wages and benefits routinely exceed $5 million.
How do New York State electrician wages compare outside NYC?
NYC wages are the highest. Albany and the Central NY semiconductor corridor have seen rapid wage growth due to Micron and Albany NanoTech construction. Buffalo is below NYC but strong by national standards. All New York IBEW locals negotiate wages significantly above national averages.
What is driving wage growth in Upstate NY?
Micron Technology's $100B+ semiconductor fab in Clay NY near Syracuse and the Albany NanoTech semiconductor research and manufacturing cluster are driving unprecedented electrician demand in Upstate NY. Wages in the Albany-to-Syracuse corridor have risen rapidly as contractors recruit from across the country to staff these projects.
Is NYC a good place to become an electrician?
Yes, if you can get into IBEW Local 3 apprenticeship. The competition is significant but the payoff over a career is exceptional. Local 3 journeyman wages plus benefits make NYC electricians among the highest-compensated workers without professional degrees anywhere in the world.
What is the IBEW Local 3 apprenticeship in NYC like?
IBEW Local 3 apprenticeship is 5 years combining classroom instruction at the IBEW training center with field OJT. Pay starts at approximately $27/hr in year one and increases each year. By year 5 you are earning approximately 90 percent of journeyman wage. The program is rigorous and competitive but produces some of the best-trained electricians in the world.
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