The States Where the Numbers Are Highest
Geography matters significantly in trades compensation. The same trade can pay 40 to 60 percent more in a high-demand state than in a lower-cost market. Here are the states currently offering the highest combination of trade wages and economic opportunity.
| State | Electrician (Journeyman) | State Income Tax |
|---|---|---|
| California | $95,000 – $120,000 | High (up to 13.3%) |
| Texas | $78,000 – $105,000 | None |
| Washington State | $88,000 – $115,000 | None |
| Florida | $72,000 – $95,000 | None |
| New York | $90,000 – $118,000 | Moderate-High |
| Colorado | $80,000 – $100,000 | Flat 4.4% |
Texas, Washington, and Florida stand out because they combine strong trade wages with zero state income tax. A journeyman electrician in Houston earning $98,000 keeps every dollar of that figure above the federal threshold — no state tax deduction at all. The same worker in California earning $105,000 will see roughly $9,000 to $12,000 removed in state income tax before federal taxes are calculated.