Electrician Salary

Lincoln vs Papillion: Electrician Salary (2026)

Compare electrician salaries between Lincoln, NE and Papillion, NE. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.

Lincoln, NE
$61,966
$29.79/hr
Papillion, NE
$54,922
$26.41/hr

Side-by-Side Comparison

MetricLincoln, NEPapillion, NE
Median Salary$61,966$54,922
Hourly Rate$29.79$26.41
Entry Level (P10)$46,924$41,001
25th Percentile$49,069$45,033
75th Percentile$79,848$70,300
Top Earner (P90)$86,445$85,129
Total Employed1,0205
Side-by-side bar chart comparing Lincoln ($61,966) and Papillion ($54,922) electrician salaries.LincolnPapillionMedian Salary$61,966$54,922Entry Level (P10)$46,924$41,001Top Earner (P90)$86,445$85,129US Median $64,530

Verdict

Lincoln, NE offers better overall compensation for electricians, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Papillion.

The salary gap between Lincoln and Papillion is $7,044 (12.83%). Lincoln's median is -3.97% compared to the US national median of $64,530.

Salary Range Comparison

The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Lincoln spans $39,521,Papillion spans $44,128. Papillion has a wider pay range, suggesting more variation in pay between entry-level and experienced electricians.

Lincoln
P10 (Entry)$46,924
P25$49,069
Median$61,966
P75$79,848
P90 (Top)$86,445
Papillion
P10 (Entry)$41,001
P25$45,033
Median$54,922
P75$70,300
P90 (Top)$85,129

Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison

After cost-of-living adjustment, Lincoln ($67,663 effective) pays 12.73% more than Papillion ($60,024 effective).

Lincoln
Nominal: $61,966
CoL Index: 91.581
Adjusted: $67,663
Papillion
Nominal: $54,922
CoL Index: 91.5
Adjusted: $60,024

Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.

Which City Is Right for You?

Choose Lincoln if…

  • Higher median salary ($61,966/year)
  • Better top-earner potential ($86,445)
  • Larger job market (1,020 employed)
  • Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $67,663)
  • You prefer the Nebraska area and lifestyle

Choose Papillion if…

  • You prefer the Nebraska area and lifestyle

Historical Salary Growth Comparison

Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, electrician salaries in Lincoln grew 22.3% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 5.3% growth in Papillion over the same period.

Lincoln, NE

+22.3%

$49,630 (2019) → $60,680 (2025)

Papillion, NE

+5.3%

$51,067 (2024) → $53,782 (2025)

View Full Salary Data

Frequently Asked Questions

Which city pays electricians more: Lincoln or Papillion?

Lincoln has a higher median electrician salary at $61,966/year, compared to Papillion at $54,922/year — a difference of $7,044 (12.83%).

What is the hourly rate difference between Lincoln and Papillion?

Lincoln electricians earn $29.79/hr while Papillion hygienists earn $26.41/hr (2026 est.).

Should I relocate from Lincoln to Papillion as a electrician?

Consider more than just salary when comparing Lincoln and Papillion. Factor in cost of living (CoL-adjusted: Lincoln = $67,663, Papillion = $60,024), job availability (1,020 vs 5 employed), commute, and career growth potential.

What do entry-level electricians earn in Lincoln vs Papillion?

Entry-level (10th percentile) electricians earn $46,924 in Lincoln and $41,001 in Papillion. The Lincoln area offers higher starting salaries.
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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