San Diego vs San Mateo: Electrician Salary (2026)
Compare electrician salaries between San Diego, CA and San Mateo, CA. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | San Diego, CA | San Mateo, CA |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $77,775 | $78,558▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $37.40 | $37.76▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $48,905 | $49,166▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $61,384 | $62,866▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $103,917▲ | $100,555 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $128,937▲ | $121,765 |
| Total Employed | 8,060▲ | 21 |
Verdict
San Diego and San Mateo are closely matched on overall electrician compensation, each winning on different metrics.
The salary gap between San Diego and San Mateo is $783 (1.01%). San Mateo's median is +21.74% compared to the US national median of $64,530.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in San Diego spans $80,032,San Mateo spans $72,599. San Diego 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 Diego ($69,512 effective) pays 0.08% more than San Mateo ($69,459 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose San Diego if…
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($128,937)
- ✓Larger job market (8,060 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $69,512)
- ✓You prefer the California area and lifestyle
Choose San Mateo if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($78,558/year)
- ✓You prefer the California area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, electrician salaries in San Diego grew 29.6% from 2019 to 2025, compared to -19.9% growth in San Mateo over the same period.
San Diego, CA
$58,780 (2019) → $76,160 (2025)
San Mateo, CA
$96,012 (2024) → $76,927 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
San Diego, CA
San Mateo, CA
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays electricians more: San Diego or San Mateo?
What is the hourly rate difference between San Diego and San Mateo?
Should I relocate from San Diego to San Mateo as a electrician?
What do entry-level electricians earn in San Diego vs San Mateo?
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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