BLS OEWS May 2025
Electrician Salary in California 2026
Updated 22 June 2026
$76,160/yr median · $36.62/hr
State Median
$76k
vs. National
+$13k
Top 10%
$140k
COL-Adjusted
$54k
Electrician Salary Range in California
The full wage spread for electricians (occupation 47-2111) in California, from the lowest-paid 10% to the highest-paid 10%. All three figures are reported directly by the BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics program (May 2025).
10th percentile
$47k
$46,800/yr
Lowest-paid 10%
Median (50th)
$76k
$76,160/yr
Typical electrician
90th percentile
$140k
$140,340/yr
Highest-paid 10%
An electrician in the bottom 10% of California earners makes about $46,800/yr, while the top 10% earn $140,340/yr or more — a range of $93,540. The 10th-percentile figure is a real BLS wage observation (it typically reflects apprentices and newly-licensed journeymen), distinct from the modelled apprentice-entry estimate shown in the experience table below.
Where California Ranks
California ranks #14 nationally for electrician median wages. The national median is $63,190 (BLS OEWS May 2025). California pays $12,970 above the national average.
California's cost-of-living index is 142 (MERIC 2026, where 100 = US average). After adjustment, the purchasing power of an electrician's salary here is equivalent to $53,634/yr in national-average dollar terms. The high cost of living significantly reduces the real value of nominal wages.
Pay by Metro Area
Estimated median pay for the top 5 metropolitan areas in California, modelled from the state median and regional cost differentials (not BLS metro estimates).
| Metro Area | Median Annual | vs. State Avg |
|---|---|---|
| San Francisco Bay Area | $88,400 | +12.2k |
| Los Angeles Metro | $78,200 | +2.0k |
| San Diego | $72,400 | -3.8k |
| Sacramento Metro | $68,800 | -7.4k |
| Fresno | $58,400 | -17.8k |
Pay by Experience Level
| Level | Hourly | Annual |
|---|---|---|
| Apprentice (Year 1) | $20 - $26/hr | $42,000 - $54,000 |
| Apprentice (Year 4-5) | $28 - $36/hr | $58,000 - $75,000 |
| Journeyman (Employee) | $34 - $52/hr | $71,000 - $108,000 |
| Master Electrician (Employee) | $42 - $62/hr | $87,000 - $129,000 |
| Self-Employed Contractor | $95 - $180/hr billed | $90,000 - $250,000 net |
California Licensing Requirements
See full 50-state licensing matrix at electriciansalary.com/licensing
Union Presence in California
IBEW Locals: IBEW Local 11 (Los Angeles), Local 332 (San Jose), Local 6 (San Francisco), Local 1245 (NorCal utilities/linemen)
Union share: approximately 26% of electricians in California are union.
Union electricians in California typically earn 20-35% more in total compensation than non-union electricians, when wages, health insurance, pension, and annuity are included.
Full IBEW wage scale breakdown and union vs non-union analysis
Job Outlook in California
California electricians benefit from some of the strongest demand in the nation: the state's 100% clean energy mandate by 2045 requires massive solar, wind, and battery storage electrical installations. EV charging infrastructure is a growing specialty. Housing shortage means apartment and mixed-use construction remains active even during downturns.
Major Employers in California
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do electricians make in California?
What is the salary range for electricians in California?
How does California rank for electrician pay?
Do I need a license to work as an electrician in California?
Are union electricians better paid in California?
What is the job outlook for electricians in California?
Related Pages
State 10th-percentile, median, and 90th-percentile (top 10%) wage figures: BLS OEWS May 2025 (47-2111). COL index: MERIC 2026. Metro, apprentice, and contractor figures are modelled estimates (not BLS). IBEW local agreements 2025-2026.