Know what your trade should actually pay.

This early IronGuilds wage estimator helps skilled tradespeople get a rough starting point for hourly pay.

Version 1 is a simple trade-and-experience estimate built to help workers enter pay conversations with more clarity.

Choose your trade

Start with the trade that best matches your work.

This first version is a simple estimate tool built to provide directional wage ranges, not exact compensation quotes.

Electrician

View estimated hourly wage ranges for electricians by experience level.

Plumber

View estimated hourly wage ranges for plumbers by experience level.

View estimated hourly wage ranges for HVAC technicians by experience level.

HVAC Technician

Choose your trade to jump to a simple wage estimate table.

These ranges are designed as directional guidance only and will evolve as IronGuilds adds more regional and specialty-specific detail.

Electrician wage estimate

Example wage ranges for electricians by experience level.

Early Career (0–2 years)

$24–$34/hr

Mid-Level (3–5 years)

$32–$44/hr

Apprentice / Entry Level

$20–$28/hr

$40–$58/hr

Experienced / Journeyman+ (6+ years)

Actual pay varies by location, specialization, certifications, and project type.

Plumber wage estimate

Example wage ranges for plumbers by experience level.

Early Career (0–2 years)

$23–$33/hr

Mid-Level (3–5 years)

$32–$44/hr

Apprentice / Entry Level

$19–$27/hr

$30–$42/hr

Experienced / Journeyman+ (6+ years)

Actual pay varies by location, specialization, certifications, and project type.

HVAC technician wage estimate

Example wage ranges for HVAC technicians by experience level.

Early Career (0–2 years)

$22–$31/hr

Mid-Level (3–5 years)

$28–$40/hr

Apprentice / Entry Level

$18–$26/hr

$35–$50/hr

Experienced / Journeyman+ (6+ years)

Actual pay varies by location, specialization, certifications, and project type.

What affects your pay

Hourly rates can shift based on:

• region and local labor demand

• union vs. non-union work

• certifications and licensing

• commercial vs. residential projects

• travel requirements

• specialty experience

IronGuilds will continue expanding this tool to reflect more of that nuance over time.

Want more precision?

IronGuilds is building more tools to help skilled tradespeople understand their value, negotiate with clarity, and build stronger careers.

Same trade. Different ZIP. Completely different life.

A licensed electrician in one part of the country can make over $45/hour.
In another, that same role pays closer to $28/hour.

Same license. Same work. Same risk.

The only difference is where you are.

Most tradespeople don’t realize they’re underpaid, they just think they’re “average.”

You’re not.
You’re just priced by your location.

Electrician
San Francisco, CA: ~$45–$60/hr
Dallas, TX: ~$28–$38/hr

Plumber
New York, NY: ~$40–$55/hr
Tampa, FL: ~$22–$32/hr

HVAC Technician
Chicago, IL: ~$30–$42/hr
Rural Midwest: ~$18–$28/hr

Higher pay doesn’t always mean more money in your pocket.

Housing, taxes, and demand shift everything.

But here’s the truth:
Some markets are objectively underpaying — even after cost of living is factored in.

If you’ve never compared, you don’t know where you stand.

Check another trade →
Explore apprenticeship paths →
Join as a founding member →

We’re building something bigger. Tools first. Leverage next.