Los Angeles vs San Rafael: Electrician Salary (2026)
Compare electrician salaries between Los Angeles, CA and San Rafael, CA. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Los Angeles, CA | San Rafael, CA |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $75,375 | $78,868▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $36.24 | $37.92▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $47,118 | $53,407▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $60,077 | $61,305▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $104,091▲ | $100,952 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $134,472▲ | $122,246 |
| Total Employed | 20,610▲ | 11 |
Verdict
Los Angeles and San Rafael are closely matched on overall electrician compensation, each winning on different metrics.
The salary gap between Los Angeles and San Rafael is $3,493 (4.63%). San Rafael's median is +22.22% compared to the US national median of $64,530.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Los Angeles spans $87,354,San Rafael spans $68,839. Los Angeles 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, San Rafael ($69,733 effective) pays 5.07% more than Los Angeles ($66,371 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Los Angeles if…
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($134,472)
- ✓Larger job market (20,610 employed)
- ✓You prefer the California area and lifestyle
Choose San Rafael if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($78,868/year)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $69,733)
- ✓You prefer the California area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, electrician salaries in Los Angeles grew 12.6% from 2019 to 2025, compared to -19.9% growth in San Rafael over the same period.
Los Angeles, CA
$65,560 (2019) → $73,810 (2025)
San Rafael, CA
$96,390 (2024) → $77,231 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Los Angeles, CA
San Rafael, CA
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays electricians more: Los Angeles or San Rafael?
What is the hourly rate difference between Los Angeles and San Rafael?
Should I relocate from Los Angeles to San Rafael as a electrician?
What do entry-level electricians earn in Los Angeles vs San Rafael?
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