Arlington vs Houston: Electrician Salary (2026)
Compare electrician salaries between Arlington, TX and Houston, TX. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Arlington, TX | Houston, TX |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $59,044 | $60,435▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $28.39 | $29.05▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $36,941 | $39,623▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $43,871 | $48,241▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $75,576▲ | $75,273 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $91,518▲ | $86,261 |
| Total Employed | 83 | 19,730▲ |
Verdict
Houston, TX offers better overall compensation for electricians, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Arlington.
The salary gap between Arlington and Houston is $1,391 (2.36%). Houston's median is -6.35% compared to the US national median of $64,530.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Arlington spans $54,577,Houston spans $46,638. Arlington has a wider pay range, meaning more potential for high earners but also more variation.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison
After cost-of-living adjustment, Arlington ($61,504 effective) pays 0.37% more than Houston ($61,275 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Arlington if…
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($91,518)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $61,504)
- ✓You prefer the Texas area and lifestyle
Choose Houston if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($60,435/year)
- ✓Larger job market (19,730 employed)
- ✓You prefer the Texas area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, electrician salaries in Arlington grew -2.4% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 3.4% growth in Houston over the same period.
Arlington, TX
$59,258 (2024) → $57,818 (2025)
Houston, TX
$57,230 (2019) → $59,180 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Arlington, TX
Houston, TX
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays electricians more: Arlington or Houston?
What is the hourly rate difference between Arlington and Houston?
Should I relocate from Arlington to Houston as a electrician?
What do entry-level electricians earn in Arlington vs Houston?
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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