Electrician Salary

Stratford vs Waterbury: Electrician Salary (2026)

Compare electrician salaries between Stratford, CT and Waterbury, CT. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.

Stratford, CT
$78,308
$37.65/hr
Waterbury, CT
$77,458
$37.24/hr

Side-by-Side Comparison

MetricStratford, CTWaterbury, CT
Median Salary$78,308$77,458
Hourly Rate$37.65$37.24
Entry Level (P10)$50,069$48,691
25th Percentile$63,289$58,852
75th Percentile$100,234$96,524
Top Earner (P90)$121,377$98,301
Total Employed131,030
Side-by-side bar chart comparing Stratford ($78,308) and Waterbury ($77,458) electrician salaries.StratfordWaterburyMedian Salary$78,308$77,458Entry Level (P10)$50,069$48,691Top Earner (P90)$121,377$98,301US Median $64,530

Verdict

Stratford, CT offers better overall compensation for electricians, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Waterbury.

The salary gap between Stratford and Waterbury is $850 (1.10%). Stratford's median is +21.35% compared to the US national median of $64,530.

Salary Range Comparison

The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Stratford spans $71,308,Waterbury spans $49,610. Stratford has a wider pay range, meaning more potential for high earners but also more variation.

Stratford
P10 (Entry)$50,069
P25$63,289
Median$78,308
P75$100,234
P90 (Top)$121,377
Waterbury
P10 (Entry)$48,691
P25$58,852
Median$77,458
P75$96,524
P90 (Top)$98,301

Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison

After cost-of-living adjustment, Waterbury ($77,630 effective) pays 6.97% more than Stratford ($72,575 effective).

Stratford
Nominal: $78,308
CoL Index: 107.9
Adjusted: $72,575
Waterbury
Nominal: $77,458
CoL Index: 99.778
Adjusted: $77,630

Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.

Which City Is Right for You?

Choose Stratford if…

  • Higher median salary ($78,308/year)
  • Better top-earner potential ($121,377)
  • You prefer the Connecticut area and lifestyle

Choose Waterbury if…

  • Larger job market (1,030 employed)
  • Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $77,630)
  • You prefer the Connecticut area and lifestyle

Historical Salary Growth Comparison

Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, electrician salaries in Stratford grew -0.4% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 23.8% growth in Waterbury over the same period.

Stratford, CT

+-0.4%

$76,957 (2024) → $76,682 (2025)

Waterbury, CT

+23.8%

$61,260 (2019) → $75,850 (2025)

View Full Salary Data

Frequently Asked Questions

Which city pays electricians more: Stratford or Waterbury?

Stratford has a higher median electrician salary at $78,308/year, compared to Waterbury at $77,458/year — a difference of $850 (1.10%).

What is the hourly rate difference between Stratford and Waterbury?

Stratford electricians earn $37.65/hr while Waterbury hygienists earn $37.24/hr (2026 est.).

Should I relocate from Stratford to Waterbury as a electrician?

Consider more than just salary when comparing Stratford and Waterbury. Factor in cost of living (CoL-adjusted: Stratford = $72,575, Waterbury = $77,630), job availability (13 vs 1,030 employed), commute, and career growth potential.

What do entry-level electricians earn in Stratford vs Waterbury?

Entry-level (10th percentile) electricians earn $50,069 in Stratford and $48,691 in Waterbury. The Stratford area offers higher starting salaries.
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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