Altoona vs Lancaster: Electrician Salary (2026)
Compare electrician salaries between Altoona, PA and Lancaster, PA. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Altoona, PA | Lancaster, PA |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $59,863 | $64,836▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $28.78 | $31.17▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $38,172 | $41,869▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $48,456 | $50,355▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $70,095 | $84,167▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $104,949 | $135,973▲ |
| Total Employed | 170 | 1,220▲ |
Verdict
Lancaster, PA offers better overall compensation for electricians, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Altoona.
The salary gap between Altoona and Lancaster is $4,973 (8.31%). Lancaster's median is +0.47% compared to the US national median of $64,530.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Altoona spans $66,777,Lancaster spans $94,104. Lancaster has a wider pay range, suggesting more variation in pay between entry-level and experienced electricians.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison
After cost-of-living adjustment, Altoona ($66,881 effective) pays 1.36% more than Lancaster ($65,986 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Altoona if…
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $66,881)
- ✓You prefer the Pennsylvania area and lifestyle
Choose Lancaster if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($64,836/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($135,973)
- ✓Larger job market (1,220 employed)
- ✓You prefer the Pennsylvania area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, electrician salaries in Altoona grew 15.6% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 23.6% growth in Lancaster over the same period.
Altoona, PA
$50,690 (2019) → $58,620 (2025)
Lancaster, PA
$51,370 (2019) → $63,490 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Altoona, PA
Lancaster, PA
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays electricians more: Altoona or Lancaster?
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Should I relocate from Altoona to Lancaster as a electrician?
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Written by Samuel Carter, Career Analyst
Career Analyst
Samuel Carter has over 10 years of experience as an electrician. His focus includes residential wiring and safety standards. He has worked in various construction firms.
Methodology & Data Source
All salary figures are 2026 projections based on BLS OEWS May 2025 data. A 2.12% CAGR (derived from 6-year national BLS trends) was applied to estimate current compensation. Cost-of-living adjustments use BEA Regional Price Parity data. Actual salaries vary by employer, certifications, and experience.
Data Sources & Methodology
Source: BLS, OEWS , released .
Compiled and verified by Samuel Carter, Career Analyst, a licensed electrician with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov