Earnings

The median annual wage of electricians was $48,250 in May 2010. The lowest 10 percent earned less than $29,400. The top 10 percent earned more than $80,890.

The starting pay for apprentices usually is between 30 percent and 50 percent of what full trained electricians make, receiving pay increases as the gain more skill.

Source: U.S. Department of Labor Occupational Outlook Handbook, 2012-2013 Edition (http://www.bls.gov/oco/)