Raleigh vs Wilmington: Electrician Salary (2026)
Compare electrician salaries between Raleigh, NC and Wilmington, NC. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Raleigh, NC | Wilmington, NC |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $58,004▲ | $55,226 |
| Hourly Rate | $27.89▲ | $26.55 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $46,669▲ | $38,479 |
| 25th Percentile | $49,773▲ | $46,883 |
| 75th Percentile | $63,131▲ | $61,323 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $75,324 | $77,152▲ |
| Total Employed | 3,740▲ | 910 |
Verdict
Raleigh, NC offers better overall compensation for electricians, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Wilmington.
The salary gap between Raleigh and Wilmington is $2,778 (5.03%). Raleigh's median is -10.11% compared to the US national median of $64,530.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Raleigh spans $28,655,Wilmington spans $38,673. Wilmington 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, Raleigh ($59,093 effective) pays 3.17% more than Wilmington ($57,275 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Raleigh if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($58,004/year)
- ✓Larger job market (3,740 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $59,093)
- ✓You prefer the North Carolina area and lifestyle
Choose Wilmington if…
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($77,152)
- ✓You prefer the North Carolina area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, electrician salaries in Raleigh grew 35.6% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 40.2% growth in Wilmington over the same period.
Raleigh, NC
$41,890 (2019) → $56,800 (2025)
Wilmington, NC
$38,580 (2019) → $54,080 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Raleigh, NC
Wilmington, 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