Chico vs Los Angeles: Electrician Salary (2026)
Compare electrician salaries between Chico, CA and Los Angeles, CA. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Chico, CA | Los Angeles, CA |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $66,786 | $75,375▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $32.11 | $36.24▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $47,904▲ | $47,118 |
| 25th Percentile | $58,505 | $60,077▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $90,141 | $104,091▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $144,245▲ | $134,472 |
| Total Employed | 320 | 20,610▲ |
Verdict
Los Angeles, CA offers better overall compensation for electricians, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Chico.
The salary gap between Chico and Los Angeles is $8,589 (12.86%). Los Angeles's median is +16.81% compared to the US national median of $64,530.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Chico spans $96,341,Los Angeles spans $87,354. Chico 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, Los Angeles ($66,371 effective) pays 0.57% more than Chico ($65,996 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Chico if…
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($144,245)
- ✓You prefer the California area and lifestyle
Choose Los Angeles if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($75,375/year)
- ✓Larger job market (20,610 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $66,371)
- ✓You prefer the California area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, electrician salaries in Chico grew 13.1% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 12.6% growth in Los Angeles over the same period.
Chico, CA
$57,850 (2019) → $65,400 (2025)
Los Angeles, CA
$65,560 (2019) → $73,810 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Los Angeles, CA
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays electricians more: Chico or Los Angeles?
What is the hourly rate difference between Chico and Los Angeles?
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Related Comparisons
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