Electrician Hourly Pay in Tennessee: What You Need to Know

The hourly pay for electricians in Tennessee isn’t some big secret, but getting the real numbers makes a difference when you’re deciding on a career or just curious about moving up. Whether you’re straight out of high school thinking about trades, or you’re already knee-deep in training, the money question keeps popping up: how much do electricians earn per hour here?

Right now in 2025, the demand for skilled electricians in Tennessee is steady, partly because new buildings and renovations aren’t slowing down. It doesn’t matter if it’s Nashville suburbs, small-town workshops, or booming factories—everyone needs power, and somebody’s got to keep the lights (and the Wi-Fi) running. But there’s more to your paycheck than just showing up. Your experience, licenses, and even where you work in the state all end up playing a part. And if you’re wondering how Tennessee stacks up against the rest of the U.S., stick around—because the differences may surprise you.

Let’s get straight into what electricians are actually making per hour in Tennessee, what could make those numbers climb, and how you can put yourself in a spot to earn the best rates.

• Average Hourly Wage for Tennessee Electricians
• What Affects Electrician Pay?
• Entry-Level vs. Experienced Electricians
• Top-Paying Cities in Tennessee
• How to Boost Your Hourly Rate
• Tips for Starting Your Electrician Career

Average Hourly Wage for Tennessee Electricians

If you type in “how much does an electrician make an hour in Tennessee” this year, you’ll see numbers that are pretty decent for a trade job. According to the latest 2025 state wage data, the average hourly wage for electricians in Tennessee is about $25.50 per hour. That means a full-time electrician could pull in roughly $53,000 a year, and that’s not counting overtime, bonuses, or side gigs.

Here’s a quick look at the range you’ll actually see across the state. These numbers can change depending on experience, location, and certifications, but this should give you a good idea of what’s happening right now:

These wage brackets come straight from Tennessee’s Department of Labor and job postings from big companies around Nashville and Memphis. Sure, some smaller towns might be on the low end, and larger cities usually pay a little more. If you’re working as a contractor or owning your small business, the numbers are a whole different ball game—sometimes much higher, sometimes more up and down, depending on how much work you land.

Remember, many electricians boost their hourly wage with overtime, jobs in the evenings, or taking on emergency calls. On top of base pay, employers might offer benefits, union rates, or even cash incentives for tough projects. Next up, we’ll talk about what really moves these numbers up (or down), and what you can do to grab those higher rates.

What Affects Electrician Pay?

Your paycheck as an electrician in Tennessee doesn’t come out of thin air. There’s a bunch of stuff that can bump your hourly wage up or down. Honestly, understanding these factors can make you more money—if you use them to your advantage.

Electrician salary Tennessee changes depending on your experience. First-year apprentices don’t get paid the same as folks with a journeyman’s license or those running big jobs. Another big deal? Your location. Cities like Nashville and Memphis tend to pay more than smaller towns, usually because the cost of living is higher and there’s more work to go around.

• Experience and certification level: More experience or higher certification (like Master Electrician) usually means better pay.
• Type of employer: Working for a big electrical contractor often pays a bit better than a small local shop. Union jobs generally offer higher hourly rates too.
• Industry: Commercial work typically pays more than residential, and specialized gigs (like solar or industrial work) can mean even higher hourly rates.
• Special skills: If you have extra training—something like programmable logic controllers (PLCs) or low-voltage wiring—you might be offered more.

Check out some real numbers for Tennessee electricians as of early 2025:

Here’s a solid take from the Associated Builders and Contractors of Tennessee:

"If you put in the time to get certified and keep learning, you won’t have any trouble finding a job that pays you well above the state’s median wage."

Another thing: emergencies, overtime, and travel pay. For instance, electricians who are willing to answer those middle-of-the-night calls or travel for jobs can tack on even more cash per hour. If you’ve ever wondered why some electricians on big construction sites talk about their paychecks so much—it’s because all those little extras add up fast.

Entry-Level vs. Experienced Electricians

The pay gap between someone just starting out as an electrician in Tennessee and a seasoned pro is bigger than most people expect. If you’re just getting your first job after training, you’ll probably start near the bottom of the pay scale. Based on numbers from the Tennessee Department of Labor in 2025, brand-new electricians in the state make around $17 to $21 per hour. Not too bad for a first job, but it definitely gets better.

Once you start stacking up a few years of work, grab your journeyman license, or specialize in high-demand areas like industrial work or controls, the cash really starts to show up. Experienced electricians often earn $26 to $34 per hour in Tennessee, depending on their certifications and whether they’re union or non-union. Master electricians and those running their own small businesses can pick up even more, sometimes seeing hourly rates north of $38 if they work on commercial jobs or handle short-notice emergencies.

You can see a quick side-by-side comparison here:

Don’t forget, these numbers don’t even count overtime, bonuses for emergency calls, or special shift work. Extra certifications (think solar, automation, or fire alarms) can put you at the top of the electrician salary Tennessee range without waiting decades.

So, if you want to climb the pay ladder faster, it’s smart to pick up extra skills and focus on licensing as soon as you can. Employers love electricians who can handle more than just basic wiring—it means less hassle for them and more money for you.

Top-Paying Cities in Tennessee

If you care about your paycheck, it matters where you live and work in Tennessee. City size, local industries, and the cost of living all influence how much you’ll bring home. But some places stand out for electricians trying to get the most bang for their buck.

Nashville usually tops the charts. There are more construction projects, tech start-ups, and new businesses than anywhere else in the state. Knoxville and Chattanooga aren't far behind, especially because they’re seeing a boost in manufacturing and high-tech jobs needing skilled trade workers. Memphis, with its always-busy distribution centers and steady commercial growth, is right up there too.

Here’s a quick look at average hourly rates you can expect in the top cities as of June 2025:

These pay rates can jump higher if you have special certifications or work for a union. Nashville’s higher average reflects heavy competition and a tech-fueled building boom. Smaller cities might not pay as much, but they can offer steadier work and sometimes lower living costs—something to factor into your decision.

Want a tip to cash in on these numbers? If you’re mobile, following the big projects or chasing the demand in growing cities could put more in your pocket. And employers in these hot spots are always looking for experienced and reliable hands, so having up-to-date training can give you a solid edge.

If you’re planning where to start your electrician salary Tennessee search, these cities deserve a spot on your radar.

How to Boost Your Hourly Rate

If you want to earn more as an electrician in Tennessee, you’ve got options—real, practical moves that can up your paycheck. The truth is, you’re rarely stuck at the bottom unless you stay there by not leveling up your skills or credentials. Here’s how to keep climbing.

First, get licensed. Having your journeyman license can bump your hourly wage by several dollars compared to being just an apprentice. For example, Tennessee journeyman electricians averaged around $27 per hour, while some licensed masters easily cleared $35 or more in 2025. The paperwork and tests take effort, but most employers pay more for certified proof you know your stuff.

If you want to specialize, pick a niche that’s in high demand. Industrial electricians or those with experience in automation and controls can charge higher rates, especially in big cities or manufacturing hubs. Training in solar installation or smart home tech is also a solid way to grab higher-paying jobs as energy tech changes what homeowners and businesses need.

• Take extra certification courses—like OSHA safety training or advanced troubleshooting. You’ll be more valuable on complex jobs, and companies will pay more to keep you on site.
• Don’t skip over networking. Union connections, job fairs, or professional groups will help you find better-paying gigs. People talk, and referrals land jobs that never get posted online.
• If you’ve got a few years under your belt, consider starting your own small electrical business. Independent contractors in Tennessee sometimes make over $45 an hour if they manage multiple jobs and keep their schedules tight.

Finally, location matters. Bigger cities like Nashville and Knoxville have more commercial projects, so rates trend higher there. But even in smaller towns, getting solid electrician salary Tennessee numbers is possible if you’re known for quality work or quick response times.

At the end of the day, electricians who invest in their credentials, learn trends, and keep hustling outside the standard 9-to-5 make the most money. So look at where you can add value—every new skill is another dollar on your paycheck.

Tips for Starting Your Electrician Career

Thinking about jumping into the world of electricians in Tennessee? The process isn’t as complicated as people think, but there are some smart moves you can make to get yourself on the right track from the get-go. Here’s what works best right now in 2025.

The biggest step is getting into a legit apprenticeship program. In Tennessee, the most common way is through a registered apprenticeship with a local contractor or a program like those offered by Independent Electrical Contractors (IEC) Middle Tennessee or the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers (IBEW) Local 429. These programs usually take four years and pay you to learn on the job while you knock out some classroom hours on the side. The technical name in Tennessee is an "apprentice registration." You’ve got to be at least 18 years old, hold a high school diploma or GED, and pass a basic background check. Some larger employers may want a pre-apprenticeship or a little construction experience, but don’t stress if you’re starting from scratch.

Here’s a quick rundown of the main steps in Tennessee:

1. Get your high school diploma or pass your GED.
2. Apply for an apprenticeship with a contractor, IEC, or IBEW program.
3. Log your work hours (usually at least 8,000 hours of job training for journeyman level).
4. Complete at least 576 hours of required classroom education.
5. Take and pass the state journeyman exam to move up the pay ladder.

If you’re looking to boost your earnings faster, focus on places with lots of work, like Nashville or Chattanooga. Networking helps, too. Go to local job fairs, talk to folks at supply houses, and don’t be shy about asking about openings. The word of mouth in trades still counts.

And when you finish your apprenticeship? Getting licensed is a must for most full-time work. Tennessee requires electricians to pass a trade exam and background check for the journeyman license. You’ll also find that electrician salary Tennessee numbers start to climb once you’re licensed—sometimes by $5 or more per hour.

Check out a quick look at apprenticeships in Tennessee based on recent stats:

If you’re still weighing your options, a lot of folks in trade school or early apprenticeships work side gigs wiring up for small businesses or helping out with residential installs. Every hour counts toward your total experience for going full-time and getting licensed. Remember, showing up hungry to learn and on time matters almost as much as technical skills in this industry.