Independent salary reference. Not affiliated with BLS, IBEW, NECA, or any electrical contractor. All wage figures cite the source; individual earnings vary by employer, certifications, and market.
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IBEW Local 262025-2026 Agreement

IBEW Local 26 Washington DC Pay 2026

Journeyman base $50.88/hr, total package $77+/hr

DC, Northern Virginia, Montgomery County MD, Prince George County MD. Source: Local 26 NECA agreement, unionpayscales.com archive.

Base Wage50.88USD/hr

Total Package Breakdown

Base wage is one number. Total compensation including health, pension, annuity, NEBF, and training is what actually lands.

ComponentAmount
Base wage$50.88/hr
Health and Welfare$12.40/hr
Pension$8.00/hr
Annuity / 401(k)$4.50/hr
NEBF (National Electrical Benefit Fund)$1.53/hr (3% of gross)
Training (JATC)$0.60/hr
Total Package~$77.91/hr

Figures sourced from publicly available NECA-IBEW Local 26 wage and fringe schedules current as of 2025-2026 agreement. Verify against the signed agreement at local26ibew.org for precise current rates.

Apprentice Pay Ladder (5-Year Inside Wireman)

Apprentices progress from 40% to 90% of journeyman rate across 10 six-month periods. Health, pension, annuity, NEBF, and training contributions paid throughout.

Period% of JWHourly
Period 1 (months 1-6)40%$20.35/hr
Period 2 (months 7-12)45%$22.90/hr
Period 3 (months 13-18)50%$25.44/hr
Period 4 (months 19-24)55%$27.98/hr
Period 5 (months 25-30)60%$30.53/hr
Period 6 (months 31-36)65%$33.07/hr
Period 7 (months 37-42)70%$35.62/hr
Period 8 (months 43-48)75%$38.16/hr
Period 9 (months 49-54)80%$40.70/hr
Period 10 (months 55-60)90%$45.79/hr
Journeyman100%$50.88/hr

Ladder percentages reflect typical IBEW JATC standards. Specific Period rates and progression timing are governed by the Local 26 JATC apprenticeship standards on file.

Federal Davis-Bacon Premium

Federal construction projects in the DC area are typically subject to the Davis-Bacon Act, which requires payment of prevailing wages set by the US Department of Labor. In the DC region, the federal Davis-Bacon wage determination for Electrician (BLS 47-2111) usually aligns with or matches the IBEW Local 26 wage package, effectively making the union scale the floor on federal jobs.

This is why Local 26 work is concentrated around federal facilities: Pentagon, NASA Goddard, NIH Bethesda, National Mall museums, US Capitol, GSA buildings, and military installations. Non-union contractors bidding federal work in DC face the same wage floor.

Davis-Bacon wage determinations are public: search sam.gov by county code (DC: 11001, Montgomery MD: 24031, Fairfax VA: 51059) for the current general decision applicable to your project type.

Major Signatory Contractors

Signatory NECA contractors in the Local 26 jurisdiction. Members can request work referrals through the Local hiring hall.

M.C. Dean Inc
Power Solutions Inc
Rosendin Electric (DC office)
Truland Group successors
Mona Electric
Singleton Electric
Dynalectric
Costello Industries
L.F. Jennings Electrical
Anchor Construction

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the IBEW Local 26 base wage in 2026?
IBEW Local 26 inside wireman journeyman base wage is approximately $50.88/hr under the 2025-2026 NECA-IBEW agreement. Total compensation including health and welfare ($12.40/hr), pension ($8.00/hr), annuity, NEBF, and training fund reaches roughly $77+/hr total package. Rates are set by collective bargaining and published in the signed agreement available through the Local.
What jurisdiction does Local 26 cover?
IBEW Local 26 covers the District of Columbia, all of Northern Virginia (Arlington, Alexandria, Fairfax, Loudoun, Prince William counties), and Montgomery and Prince George counties in Maryland. This wide federal-region jurisdiction makes Local 26 one of the most strategic Locals for federal building work, including NASA Goddard, the Pentagon, NIH Bethesda, the National Mall museums, and Capitol Hill modernisation.
How does Davis-Bacon affect Local 26 wages?
Federal construction projects in the DC area are typically subject to the Davis-Bacon Act, which requires contractors to pay prevailing wages set by the US Department of Labor. In the DC region, the federal Davis-Bacon determination for Electrician (BLS 47-2111) usually aligns with or matches the IBEW Local 26 rate, meaning non-union electricians on federal jobs must be paid the same wage package as union members. This effectively makes the Local 26 rate the floor on federal work.
How long is the Local 26 apprenticeship?
Local 26 inside wireman apprenticeship is a five-year program through the Joint Apprenticeship and Training Committee (JATC). Apprentices progress through wage percentages starting at approximately 40% of journeyman rate in Period 1 and reaching 90% in Period 10 (each period is six months). Apprentices receive full health and welfare coverage and accrue pension and annuity contributions throughout the program.
How do I apply to Local 26?
Apply through the Local 26 JATC training website. Standard requirements: 18 years of age or older, high school diploma or GED, valid drivers license, one year of high school algebra (with grade C or higher), aptitude test through the Electrical Training Alliance, drug screening, and personal interview. Application windows open periodically; check the JATC website for current schedule.

Related Pages

Union vs Non-UnionPrevailing WageDavis-Bacon DetailMaryland Electrician SalaryVirginia Electrician Salary

Sources: IBEW Local 26 (local26ibew.org), NECA Washington DC chapter, unionpayscales.com Local 26 archive, US Department of Labor Davis-Bacon Wage Determination Online (sam.gov).

Updated 2026-04-27