Phoenix vs Tempe: Electrician Salary (2026)
Compare electrician salaries between Phoenix, AZ and Tempe, AZ. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Phoenix, AZ | Tempe, AZ |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $62,508▲ | $60,997 |
| Hourly Rate | $30.05▲ | $29.33 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $47,915▲ | $42,417 |
| 25th Percentile | $49,937▲ | $48,355 |
| 75th Percentile | $78,694▲ | $78,077 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $88,640 | $94,546▲ |
| Total Employed | 17,240▲ | 43 |
Verdict
Phoenix, AZ offers better overall compensation for electricians, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Tempe.
The salary gap between Phoenix and Tempe is $1,511 (2.48%). Phoenix's median is -3.13% compared to the US national median of $64,530.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Phoenix spans $40,725,Tempe spans $52,129. Tempe 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, Tempe ($61,926 effective) pays 2.35% more than Phoenix ($60,502 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Phoenix if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($62,508/year)
- ✓Larger job market (17,240 employed)
- ✓You prefer the Arizona area and lifestyle
Choose Tempe if…
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($94,546)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $61,926)
- ✓You prefer the Arizona area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, electrician salaries in Phoenix grew 26.7% from 2019 to 2025, compared to -2.6% growth in Tempe over the same period.
Phoenix, AZ
$48,310 (2019) → $61,210 (2025)
Tempe, AZ
$61,328 (2024) → $59,731 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Phoenix, AZ
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays electricians more: Phoenix or Tempe?
What is the hourly rate difference between Phoenix and Tempe?
Should I relocate from Phoenix to Tempe as a electrician?
What do entry-level electricians earn in Phoenix vs Tempe?
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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