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Electrician Salaries in California — 2026 Overview

BLS 2026

How much does a electrician make in California? The Bureau of Labor Statistics reports a median salary of $76,540/yr ($36.80/hr), with around 73,420 people working in this field statewide.

Electrician salaries in California are above the national average by approximately $9,635. California has the highest state income tax rate in the US at up to 13.3%.

Tech-driven growth and high cost of living combine to push electrician pay higher in California.

California Electrician Take-Home Pay Calculator

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Enter your gross annual salary to estimate take-home pay in California after federal tax, Social Security and Medicare. California has the highest state income tax rate in the US at up to 13.3%.

Your annual gross salary ($)
Gross Annual
$76,540
Federal Tax (est.)
calculating...
FICA + State Tax
calculating...
Estimated Take-Home
$53,292

Estimate based on 2026 federal tax brackets, single filer, standard deduction. California has the highest state income tax rate in the US at up to 13.3%. Does not account for local taxes or benefit deductions.

Am I Paid Fairly? — California Electrician Check

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Enter your current salary to see how it compares to the California median of $76,540.

Your annual salary ($)

Electrician Salary by Experience — California

Entry Level (0–2 years)$47,500/yr · $22.84/hr
Beginning career, developing core skills under supervision in California.
Mid-Level (3–6 years)$68,120/yr · $32.75/hr
Established professional working independently in California. Pursuing advanced certifications.
Experienced (7–12 years)$84,959/yr · $40.85/hr
Senior professional with specialised skills commanding above-average pay in California.
Senior / Expert (12+ years)$110,200+/yr · $52.98/hr
Top earner. Leadership, management or highly specialised role in California.
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Electrician Salary Trend in California — 2021 to 2026

5-Year Data

Over the past five years, California has seen 13.9% wage growth for electricians — broadly in line with cost-of-living changes across the region. The growth reflects broader workforce and economic conditions in California's construction and electrical services.

2021
$67,202
2022
$71,105
+5.8%
2023
$74,396
+4.6%
2024
$75,621
+1.6%
2026
$76,540
+1.2%

Electrician Salary by City — California

BLS Metro Data
City / Metro AreaAnnual MedianHourlyvs StateJobs
Los Angeles$84,950$40.84+11.0%25,697
San Francisco$81,150$39.01+6.0%20,557
San Diego$78,850$37.91+3.0%13,215
San Jose$73,500$35.34-4.0%6,607
Sacramento$69,650$33.49-9.0%4,405
Fresno$66,600$32.02-13.0%2,936

Tip: Los Angeles offers the highest electrician salaries in California at $84,950/yr — +11.0% above the state average.

California vs Nearby States — Purchasing Power

Cost of Living Adjusted

Gross salary figures don't tell the whole story. After adjusting for state income tax, California sits in the mid-range for electricians.

California — 13.3% state income tax$76,540 gross~$53,292 take-home
Oregon — 9.9%$97,320 gross+27.1% vs CA
Nevada — no state tax$64,950 gross-15.1% vs CA
Arizona — 2.5%$59,480 gross-22.3% vs CA

Take-home estimates based on single filer, standard deduction, 2026 federal brackets. California has the highest state income tax rate in the US at up to 13.3%.

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Electrician Job Outlook in California

BLS Projections
+10%Job growth 2026–33
73,420Currently employed
7,342+New jobs projected

Employment for electricians in California is projected to grow over the next decade, driven by strong demand across the California job market. Tech-driven growth and high cost of living combine to push electrician pay higher in California.

How to Earn More as an Electrician in California

1. Pursue advanced certification or licensing. Moving from entry to senior level as an electrician in California typically adds $62,700 to your annual salary. Additional certifications from the State Electrical Licensing Board can accelerate this progression.

2. Target the highest-paying city. Los Angeles pays electricians $84,950/yr — +11.0% above the California average. Simply relocating within California can meaningfully increase your income without changing careers.

3. Specialise in high-demand areas. Electricians who specialise in construction and electrical services typically command premium rates in California. Identifying growing niches within your field is one of the fastest paths to higher pay.

4. Consider neighbouring states. Oregon pays electricians $97,320/yr — 27.1% vs California.

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Frequently Asked Questions

How much do electricians earn in California?
The average electrician salary in California is $76,540 per year, or $36.80 per hour, based on the latest Bureau of Labor Statistics OEWS data (2026 update). Entry-level positions start around $47,500 while experienced professionals earn $110,200 or more.
Which California city has the highest electrician salary?
Los Angeles pays electricians the most in California at an average of $84,950 per year — +11.0% above the state average.
Is electrician pay in California above or below the US average?
California electrician salaries are above the calculated national average by approximately $9,635. California has the highest state income tax rate in the US at up to 13.3%.
What's the after-tax salary for electricians in California?
A electrician earning the California average of $76,540 takes home approximately $53,292 per year after federal income tax, Social Security and Medicare. California has the highest state income tax rate in the US at up to 13.3%.
Should you become an electrician in California?
Yes. Electrician is a strong career choice in California with steady demand projected over the next decade. Tech-driven growth and high cost of living combine to push electrician pay higher in California.
How do you become an licensed electrician in California?
In California, electricians are licensed through the State Electrical Licensing Board. Requirements vary by specialisation level — contact the State Electrical Licensing Board for current examination and experience requirements.
DATA SOURCE All salary data from Bureau of Labor Statistics OEWS May 2024 survey. Employment projections from BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook. Full methodology →

Important disclaimer: Salary and wage data on WageByState is provided for informational purposes only. Figures are sourced from the Bureau of Labor Statistics OEWS programme and represent median values across large populations — your individual earnings will vary. Take-home pay calculations are estimates and do not constitute tax advice. WageByState accepts no liability for decisions made based on information on this site. Not affiliated with the Bureau of Labor Statistics or any government agency.