Skillit

⚡ Should you stay in traditional electrical work... or make the switch to solar?
The answer depends on what matters most to you.
💰 Traditional commercial & industrial electrical work still offers the highest hourly ceiling, with industrial electricians earning $42–$58/hr and master electricians reaching $85/hr on major projects.
☀️ Utility-scale solar, however, is closing the gap. Journeyman solar electricians can earn $36–$48/hr, and many traveling projects include overtime, per diem, and years of steady work—making total annual earnings highly competitive.
Here's the real comparison:
✅ Higher hourly pay? → Traditional industrial electrical work
✅ More long-term project opportunities? → Utility-scale solar
✅ Best overtime and per diem? → Depends on the contractor and project
✅ Fastest-growing segment? → Solar continues to add projects nationwide as utility-scale construction expands.
If you're deciding where your electrical career should go next, our latest guide breaks down the pay, career outlook, and trade-offs so you can make the right move.
📖 Read it here:
https://na2.hubs.ly/H06m58c0
👇 If you had to choose today, which would you take?
⚡ Traditional Commercial/Industrial
☀️ Utility-Scale Solar

☀️ Thinking about getting into solar? The pay might surprise you.
With utility-scale solar projects popping up across the country, experienced solar installers are earning $19–$35/hour, and crew leads on large commercial projects can make even more. Add overtime and per diem, and many workers are bringing home $70,000–$90,000+ per year.
The biggest factors that affect your paycheck:
⚡ Residential vs. commercial vs. utility-scale projects
⚡ Your experience level
⚡ Certifications like OSHA 30 or NABCEP
⚡ Willingness to travel for larger projects
If you're considering a career in renewable energy—or just wondering what the market is paying—this guide breaks it all down by state, experience level, and project type.
📖 Read the full breakdown here:
https://na2.hubs.ly/H06m2QG0
Are you working in solar today? What's the biggest advantage (or challenge) you've found in the trade? Let everyone know in the comments. 👇

Solar Installer Pay: What You Actually Earn in 2026 by State and Market Solar installer pay ranges from $19 to $35+ per hour in 2026 depending on state, project type, and experience. See wage breakdowns by market and role level.