Bakersfield vs Los Angeles: Electrician Salary (2026)
Compare electrician salaries between Bakersfield, CA and Los Angeles, CA. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Bakersfield, CA | Los Angeles, CA |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $77,468▲ | $75,375 |
| Hourly Rate | $37.24▲ | $36.24 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $47,762▲ | $47,118 |
| 25th Percentile | $59,087 | $60,077▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $100,854 | $104,091▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $126,568 | $134,472▲ |
| Total Employed | 1,410 | 20,610▲ |
Verdict
Bakersfield and Los Angeles are closely matched on overall electrician compensation, each winning on different metrics.
The salary gap between Bakersfield and Los Angeles is $2,093 (2.78%). Bakersfield's median is +20.05% compared to the US national median of $64,530.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Bakersfield spans $78,806,Los Angeles spans $87,354. Los Angeles 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, Bakersfield ($76,788 effective) pays 15.69% more than Los Angeles ($66,371 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Bakersfield if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($77,468/year)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $76,788)
- ✓You prefer the California area and lifestyle
Choose Los Angeles if…
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($134,472)
- ✓Larger job market (20,610 employed)
- ✓You prefer the California area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, electrician salaries in Bakersfield grew 12.4% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 12.6% growth in Los Angeles over the same period.
Bakersfield, CA
$67,500 (2019) → $75,860 (2025)
Los Angeles, CA
$65,560 (2019) → $73,810 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Bakersfield, CA
Los Angeles, CA
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays electricians more: Bakersfield or Los Angeles?
What is the hourly rate difference between Bakersfield and Los Angeles?
Should I relocate from Bakersfield to Los Angeles as a electrician?
What do entry-level electricians earn in Bakersfield vs Los Angeles?
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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