Bethlehem vs Lancaster: Electrician Salary (2026)
Compare electrician salaries between Bethlehem, PA and Lancaster, PA. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Bethlehem, PA | Lancaster, PA |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $69,564▲ | $64,836 |
| Hourly Rate | $33.44▲ | $31.17 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $46,838▲ | $41,869 |
| 25th Percentile | $54,032▲ | $50,355 |
| 75th Percentile | $89,043▲ | $84,167 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $107,824 | $135,973▲ |
| Total Employed | 14 | 1,220▲ |
Verdict
Bethlehem and Lancaster are closely matched on overall electrician compensation, each winning on different metrics.
The salary gap between Bethlehem and Lancaster is $4,728 (7.29%). Bethlehem's median is +7.80% compared to the US national median of $64,530.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Bethlehem spans $60,986,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, Bethlehem ($71,421 effective) pays 8.24% 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 Bethlehem if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($69,564/year)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $71,421)
- ✓You prefer the Pennsylvania area and lifestyle
Choose Lancaster if…
- ✓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 Bethlehem grew -4.2% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 23.6% growth in Lancaster over the same period.
Bethlehem, PA
$71,118 (2024) → $68,120 (2025)
Lancaster, PA
$51,370 (2019) → $63,490 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Bethlehem, PA
Lancaster, PA
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays electricians more: Bethlehem or Lancaster?
What is the hourly rate difference between Bethlehem and Lancaster?
Should I relocate from Bethlehem 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