Electrician in Pennsylvania: Salary, License Requirements, and How to Start
Skilled trades
Pennsylvania employs 22,730 electricians, with a statewide median of $67,600 and wide variation by city and experience. Here is the real wage data, the exact Pennsylvania licensing picture, and where to train.
What Electricians Earn in Pennsylvania (May 2025)
- Pennsylvania median pay
- $67,600 (May 2025)
- Starting range (10th percentile)
- $45,600
- Experienced (75th percentile)
- $95,500
- Top earners (90th percentile)
- $122,620
- Employed in Pennsylvania
- 22,730
- U.S. median (for comparison)
- $62,350 (May 2024)
Wages vary substantially by metro. Median annual pay for electricians in major Pennsylvania markets:
- Philadelphia metro
- $74,590 (10,090 employed)
- Harrisburg
- $71,820 (1,050 employed)
- Scranton–Wilkes-Barre
- $69,540 (1,050 employed)
- Pittsburgh
- $69,340 (5,210 employed)
- Lehigh Valley
- $66,500 (1,100 employed)
- Lancaster
- $63,490 (1,220 employed)
What That Pay Is Worth in Pennsylvania
Prices in Pennsylvania run about 2% below the national average (cost-of-living index 97.6 vs a U.S. baseline of 100, 2024), so the $67,600 median stretches to roughly $69,262 in national buying-power terms.
Job Outlook in Pennsylvania (2024–2034)
Pennsylvania is projected to grow electricians employment +8.1%, slower than the +9.5% projected nationally. The state expects about 2,320 openings a year, counting both growth and workers who retire or move on.
Pennsylvania License and Certification Requirements
Municipal licenses where required (Philadelphia, Pittsburgh, and others) — regulated by the Local municipalities (no PA state license).
- Pennsylvania has no statewide electrician license — its 2,562 municipalities each set their own rules. Philadelphia and Pittsburgh license electricians; many townships require nothing beyond working for a registered contractor.
- Train through IBEW/NECA apprenticeships (Local 98 Philadelphia, Local 5 Pittsburgh) or ABC/IEC chapters — union locals carry the strongest wage scales.
- Some cities reciprocate locally (e.g., Allentown recognizes Bethlehem, Harrisburg, Reading, Scranton licenses) — check your target city's rules before counting hours.
Official requirements: Local municipalities (no PA state license) →
Training in Pennsylvania
Philadelphia's Local 98 and Pittsburgh's Local 5 apprenticeships are the premium paths. PA's light statewide regulation means employers' judgments (and union cards) matter more than government credentials in most of the state.
Real training providers and registered apprenticeships in Pennsylvania include:
- Berks Career & Technology Center — Certificate
- Clearfield County Career and Technology Center — Certificate
- Community College of Allegheny County — Certificate / Associate
- Delaware County Community College — Certificate
Is This the Right Move for You?
Best for: People who like tools, systems, problem solving, and earning while they train.
Think twice if: You need desk-only work or dislike tight spaces, heights, job sites, and physical risk.
Why it's resilient: Electrical work is site-specific, licensed, safety-critical, and often requires hands-on diagnosis in messy real buildings.
First Steps
Look for IBEW, IEC, ABC, or state apprenticeship openings near you.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do electricians make in Pennsylvania?
The median wage for electricians in Pennsylvania is $67,600 per year (May 2025, BLS). Entry-level pay (10th percentile) starts around $45,600, and top earners (90th percentile) make about $122,620. Pay varies by metro and years of experience.
What license or certification do you need to become an Electrician in Pennsylvania?
Municipal licenses where required (Philadelphia, Pittsburgh, and others), overseen by the Local municipalities (no PA state license). Pennsylvania has no statewide electrician license — its 2,562 municipalities each set their own rules. Philadelphia and Pittsburgh license electricians; many townships require nothing beyond working for a registered contractor.
Is being an Electrician a good career in Pennsylvania?
Electrical work is site-specific, licensed, safety-critical, and often requires hands-on diagnosis in messy real buildings.
Which Pennsylvania metros pay electricians the most?
Among Pennsylvania metro areas, Philadelphia metro leads at $74,590, followed by Harrisburg ($71,820), Scranton–Wilkes-Barre ($69,540). Local pay tracks regional demand and cost of living, so the highest-paying metro isn't always the best net move.
Where can I train to become an Electrician in Pennsylvania?
Real Pennsylvania options include Berks Career & Technology Center, Clearfield County Career and Technology Center, Community College of Allegheny County. Most electricians start with an accredited program, then earn the credential the state or employer requires.
Is Electrician a growing career in Pennsylvania?
Pennsylvania projects electricians employment to change +8.1% from 2024 to 2034, with about 2,320 openings a year — a growing field in the state.
Sources and Verification
Wage data: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (May 2025), Pennsylvania statewide and metro estimates for SOC 47-2111. Licensing summary compiled from the Local municipalities (no PA state license) (2026-06-11). Requirements change — always confirm current rules with the board and verify program costs and outcomes before enrolling.
BLS Occupational Outlook · O*NET Pennsylvania wages · Pennsylvania licensing/certification source
Employment projections: Projections Central / BLS Employment Projections (2024–2034); Cost of living: BEA Regional Price Parities.
Pay percentiles describe current workers, not entry-level offers; training costs and local demand vary, so verify locally before committing money or quitting a job.