Average Electrician Salary in California
Electricians in California earn an average of $73,732 per year across 6 metro areas. This is +16.4% higher than the national average.
Average Salary
$73,732
per year
Hourly Rate
$35.45
per hour
vs National
+16.4%
$63,340 national
Salary Range
$47,587
to $106,715
About Electrician Careers in California
Electricians install, maintain, and repair electrical systems in residential, commercial, and industrial settings. They ensure that electrical work meets safety codes and specifications while keeping buildings and equipment powered safely. As technology advances, electricians increasingly work with smart home systems, renewable energy, and electric vehicle charging infrastructure.
In California, electricians earn an average of $73,732 per year as of 2026, with salaries ranging from $47,587 for entry-level roles to $106,715 for the most experienced professionals — +16.4% above the national average. Pay is influenced most by specialization (industrial, commercial, residential), license level (journeyman vs. master electrician), and the specific metro area within California.
Cost of Living Adjusted Salary
Nominal Salary
$73,732
Cost of Living Index
142
100 = national average
Adjusted Salary
$51,924
purchasing power equivalent
After adjusting for California's cost of living (above average), a Electrician's salary of $73,732 has the purchasing power of $51,924 in an average-cost area.
Electrician Salary by City in California
| City | Median Salary | Hourly Rate | Entry Level (P10) | Senior (P90) | Employment |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| San Francisco, CA | $87,022 | $41.84/hr | $57,440 | $128,752 | 884 |
| San Jose, CA | $84,803 | $40.77/hr | $52,936 | $120,059 | 851 |
| San Diego, CA | $71,453 | $34.35/hr | $45,531 | $102,869 | 742 |
| Los Angeles, CA | $69,272 | $33.30/hr | $44,324 | $98,915 | 979 |
| Sacramento, CA | $67,604 | $32.50/hr | $44,681 | $97,389 | 675 |
| Riverside, CA | $62,238 | $29.92/hr | $40,607 | $92,308 | 626 |
Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics OEWS Survey, 2026. Sorted by median salary (highest first).
California vs National Average
Electrician Salary Comparison
Employment in California
There are approximately 4,757 Electricians employed across 6 metro areas in California.
Key Industries: Technology, Entertainment & Media, Agriculture
State Income Tax: 1% - 13.3%
Electrician Salary Range in California
Entry Level (10th Percentile)
$47,587
Starting salary for new Electricians
Median (50th Percentile)
$73,732
Mid-career Electrician salary
Senior (90th Percentile)
$106,715
Top earners in the field
Related Occupations in California
Electrician Salary in Neighboring States
Compare Electrician salaries in California with nearby states to find the best opportunities.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the average Electrician salary in California?
The average Electrician salary in California is $73,732 per year ($35.45/hour) based on 2026 data across 6 metro areas. This is 16.4% above the national average of $63,340.
What is the highest paying city for Electricians in California?
San Francisco, CA is the highest paying city for Electricians in California, with a median salary of $87,022 per year. The lowest paying metro area is Riverside, CA at $62,238.
What is the salary range for Electricians in California?
Electrician salaries in California range from $47,587 (entry-level, 10th percentile) to $106,715 (experienced, 90th percentile). The median salary is $73,732 per year.
About This Data
Salary data is sourced from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) survey. State-level averages are calculated from metro area data within California. Figures represent 2026 estimates and may not reflect all employers or self-employed workers. Cost of living adjustments use regional indices to provide purchasing power context.