Des Moines vs Spokane: Electrician Salary (2026)
Compare electrician salaries between Des Moines, WA and Spokane, WA. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Des Moines, WA | Spokane, WA |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $97,736▲ | $81,522 |
| Hourly Rate | $46.99▲ | $39.19 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $67,366▲ | $48,313 |
| 25th Percentile | $76,727▲ | $63,182 |
| 75th Percentile | $125,102▲ | $102,631 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $151,491▲ | $125,209 |
| Total Employed | 7 | 1,290▲ |
Verdict
Des Moines, WA offers better overall compensation for electricians, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Spokane.
The salary gap between Des Moines and Spokane is $16,214 (19.89%). Des Moines's median is +51.46% compared to the US national median of $64,530.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Des Moines spans $84,125,Spokane spans $76,896. Des Moines 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, Des Moines ($91,002 effective) pays 12.01% more than Spokane ($81,241 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Des Moines if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($97,736/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($151,491)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $91,002)
- ✓You prefer the Washington area and lifestyle
Choose Spokane if…
- ✓Larger job market (1,290 employed)
- ✓You prefer the Washington area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, electrician salaries in Des Moines grew 9.7% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 42.1% growth in Spokane over the same period.
Des Moines, WA
$87,254 (2024) → $95,707 (2025)
Spokane, WA
$56,160 (2019) → $79,830 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Des Moines, WA
Spokane, WA
Frequently Asked Questions
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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