Gastonia vs Raleigh: Electrician Salary (2026)
Compare electrician salaries between Gastonia, NC and Raleigh, NC. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Gastonia, NC | Raleigh, NC |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $59,046▲ | $58,004 |
| Hourly Rate | $28.39▲ | $27.89 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $40,347 | $46,669▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $46,168 | $49,773▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $75,579▲ | $63,131 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $91,521▲ | $75,324 |
| Total Employed | 16 | 3,740▲ |
Verdict
Gastonia, NC offers better overall compensation for electricians, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Raleigh.
The salary gap between Gastonia and Raleigh is $1,042 (1.80%). Gastonia's median is -8.50% compared to the US national median of $64,530.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Gastonia spans $51,174,Raleigh spans $28,655. Gastonia 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, Gastonia ($63,083 effective) pays 6.75% more than Raleigh ($59,093 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Gastonia if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($59,046/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($91,521)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $63,083)
- ✓You prefer the North Carolina area and lifestyle
Choose Raleigh if…
- ✓Larger job market (3,740 employed)
- ✓You prefer the North Carolina area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, electrician salaries in Gastonia grew 13.9% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 35.6% growth in Raleigh over the same period.
Gastonia, NC
$50,786 (2024) → $57,820 (2025)
Raleigh, NC
$41,890 (2019) → $56,800 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Gastonia, NC
Raleigh, NC
Frequently Asked Questions
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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