Atlantic City vs Paterson: Electrician Salary (2026)
Compare electrician salaries between Atlantic City, NJ and Paterson, NJ. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Atlantic City, NJ | Paterson, NJ |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $67,103 | $74,286▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $32.26 | $35.71▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $47,976 | $51,089▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $59,413▲ | $58,459 |
| 75th Percentile | $96,902▲ | $95,086 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $124,576▲ | $115,143 |
| Total Employed | 710▲ | 31 |
Verdict
Atlantic City and Paterson are closely matched on overall electrician compensation, each winning on different metrics.
The salary gap between Atlantic City and Paterson is $7,183 (10.70%). Paterson's median is +15.12% compared to the US national median of $64,530.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Atlantic City spans $76,600,Paterson spans $64,054. Atlantic City 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, Atlantic City ($67,879 effective) pays 5.26% more than Paterson ($64,484 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Atlantic City if…
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($124,576)
- ✓Larger job market (710 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $67,879)
- ✓You prefer the New Jersey area and lifestyle
Choose Paterson if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($74,286/year)
- ✓You prefer the New Jersey area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, electrician salaries in Atlantic City grew 11.1% from 2019 to 2025, compared to -24.8% growth in Paterson over the same period.
Atlantic City, NJ
$59,120 (2019) → $65,710 (2025)
Paterson, NJ
$96,700 (2024) → $72,744 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Atlantic City, NJ
Paterson, NJ
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays electricians more: Atlantic City or Paterson?
What is the hourly rate difference between Atlantic City and Paterson?
Should I relocate from Atlantic City to Paterson as a electrician?
What do entry-level electricians earn in Atlantic City vs Paterson?
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