Location matters in the trades. Union density, cost of living, and local demand create significant wage differences across states. Here's what the numbers actually show.
Data reflects BLS Occupational Employment Statistics, May 2025. Figures represent median journeyman wages and 90th percentile (master/top earner) across major trades per state.
| State | Journeyman Median | Top Earner (90th %) | Top Trades | Demand |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| California | $98K | $142K | Electrician, Pipefitter | Very High |
| New York | $95K | $138K | Electrician, Elevator Mechanic | Very High |
| Texas | $82K | $118K | Pipefitter, Electrician | High |
| Illinois | $88K | $130K | Electrician, Ironworker | High |
| Washington | $92K | $135K | Electrician, Pipefitter | Very High |
| Massachusetts | $90K | $132K | Electrician, Plumber | Very High |
| New Jersey | $88K | $128K | Electrician, Plumber | High |
| Pennsylvania | $78K | $115K | Pipefitter, Welder | High |
| Ohio | $72K | $108K | Welder, Electrician | Moderate |
| Florida | $70K | $104K | Electrician, HVAC | High |
| Georgia | $68K | $100K | Electrician, HVAC | High |
| Colorado | $80K | $118K | Electrician, Pipefitter | High |
Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics OES, May 2025. State-level figures reflect union and non-union combined. Individual trade data available via our Salary Compare tool.
States with strong union presence (California, New York, Illinois, Washington) have negotiated wage scales that are 20–40% higher than non-union equivalents in other states. Union membership is a major wage driver.
States with high construction volume — driven by population growth, manufacturing reshoring, or infrastructure investment — see higher trade wages due to increased competition for qualified workers.
Texas, Oklahoma, and offshore states see premium wages for pipefitters and industrial maintenance tradespeople driven by oil, gas, and increasingly, renewable energy infrastructure projects.
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