Oakland vs San Francisco: Electrician Salary (2026)
Compare electrician salaries between Oakland, CA and San Francisco, CA. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Oakland, CA | San Francisco, CA |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $96,956▲ | $94,798 |
| Hourly Rate | $46.62▲ | $45.58 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $62,316▲ | $56,534 |
| 25th Percentile | $73,311▲ | $71,576 |
| 75th Percentile | $124,103 | $133,022▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $150,282 | $186,206▲ |
| Total Employed | 78 | 9,060▲ |
Verdict
Oakland and San Francisco are closely matched on overall electrician compensation, each winning on different metrics.
The salary gap between Oakland and San Francisco is $2,158 (2.28%). Oakland's median is +50.25% compared to the US national median of $64,530.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Oakland spans $87,966,San Francisco spans $129,672. San Francisco has a wider pay range, suggesting more variation in pay between entry-level and experienced electricians.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison
After cost-of-living adjustment, Oakland ($85,726 effective) pays 4.55% more than San Francisco ($81,996 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Oakland if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($96,956/year)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $85,726)
- ✓You prefer the California area and lifestyle
Choose San Francisco if…
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($186,206)
- ✓Larger job market (9,060 employed)
- ✓You prefer the California area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, electrician salaries in Oakland grew -6.9% from 2024 to 2025, compared to -8.7% growth in San Francisco over the same period.
Oakland, CA
$102,025 (2024) → $94,943 (2025)
San Francisco, CA
$101,730 (2019) → $92,830 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Oakland, CA
San Francisco, CA
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays electricians more: Oakland or San Francisco?
What is the hourly rate difference between Oakland and San Francisco?
Should I relocate from Oakland to San Francisco as a electrician?
What do entry-level electricians earn in Oakland vs San Francisco?
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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