Burlington vs Cedar Rapids: Electrician Salary (2026)
Compare electrician salaries between Burlington, IA and Cedar Rapids, IA. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Burlington, IA | Cedar Rapids, IA |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $61,853▲ | $51,295 |
| Hourly Rate | $29.74▲ | $24.66 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $44,001▲ | $40,960 |
| 25th Percentile | $49,332▲ | $40,960 |
| 75th Percentile | $79,172▲ | $63,978 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $95,872▲ | $89,529 |
| Total Employed | 4 | 1,690▲ |
Verdict
Burlington, IA offers better overall compensation for electricians, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Cedar Rapids.
The salary gap between Burlington and Cedar Rapids is $10,558 (20.58%). Burlington's median is -4.15% compared to the US national median of $64,530.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Burlington spans $51,871,Cedar Rapids spans $48,569. Burlington 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, Burlington ($68,421 effective) pays 18.67% more than Cedar Rapids ($57,659 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Burlington if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($61,853/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($95,872)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $68,421)
- ✓You prefer the Iowa area and lifestyle
Choose Cedar Rapids if…
- ✓Larger job market (1,690 employed)
- ✓You prefer the Iowa area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, electrician salaries in Burlington grew 5.7% from 2024 to 2025, compared to -11.6% growth in Cedar Rapids over the same period.
Burlington, IA
$57,289 (2024) → $60,569 (2025)
Cedar Rapids, IA
$56,820 (2019) → $50,230 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Burlington, IA
Cedar Rapids, IA
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays electricians more: Burlington or Cedar Rapids?
What is the hourly rate difference between Burlington and Cedar Rapids?
Should I relocate from Burlington to Cedar Rapids as a electrician?
What do entry-level electricians earn in Burlington vs Cedar Rapids?
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