Entry-Level Electrician Salary in Erie, CO: $42,629 (2026)
Quick Answer:New electricians entering the Erie, CO job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $42,629 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 47-2111, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out Erie's local price level (BEA RPP 105.0 — 5% above national), a first-year paycheck buys what $40,599 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($62,049) within a few years of clinical practice.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
For new graduates starting out in the electrical trade in Erie, Colorado, the entry-level electrician salary is projected to be around $42,629 in 2026. This initial pay may seem modest compared to the median annual salary of $62,049 for electricians in the area, indicating a significant gap as one advances in the field. However, it’s essential for new electricians to recognize the potential for growth. Over the first few years, entry-level salaries can rise substantially, moving from the lower ranges to the 25th percentile at $48,608, making Erie a viable market for aspiring electricians. Projections also show that with experience and skill progression, the first few years can lead to a fulfilling career path that rewards dedication and hard work.
About the Erie Market
Salary estimated from Colorado average ($68,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Career Earnings Timeline in Erie
New Graduate
Early Career
Mid Career
Experienced
Salary progression estimated from BLS percentile data. Actual progression varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Erie
Entry-level electricians in Erie, CO typically start between $42,629 and $48,608 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $53,548 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $62,049 — 3.84% below the national median.
Return on Investment
The average electrical program cost in Colorado of $12,000 represents just 28.15% of the starting electrician pay ($42,629/year) in Erie. Most graduates begin earning back their investment from day one, though actual ROI varies based on living expenses, loan interest, and the 2-year opportunity cost of schooling.
Program cost estimates reflect registered apprenticeship training through NECA/IBEW JATCs or independent electrical contractors. Costs cover union dues, tools, books, and related technical instruction. Non-union trade school pathways cost more but are shorter.
ELEC Salary Negotiation Tips for New Graduates in Erie
- 1Research the Erie market: entry-level electrician pay ranges from $42,629 to $48,608, so aim for at least the 25th percentile if you have strong credentials.
- 2Highlight any additional certifications or specialty training within the electrical field — employers in CO often pay a premium for expanded scope of work.
- 3Evaluate the full compensation package — in Erie, benefits like health insurance, continuing-education allowances, and schedule flexibility can add 20-30% to your effective compensation.
- 4Consider starting with a larger hospital system or multi-site employer in Erie for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
- 5Erie's moderate cost of living means your starting salary goes further here compared to many larger metro areas.
Electrician Compensation Range
The electrician wage spread in Erie is $53,548 ( 125.61%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $42,629, experienced hygienists can earn up to $96,177.
Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.
2019 BLS Actual
$32,708
2025 BLS Actual
$41,744
2026 Current Est.
$42,629
2019–2027 Growth
+33.1%
Salary Trajectory for Electricians in Erie (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.12% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $32,708 | Actual |
| 2020 | $33,100 | Actual |
| 2021 | $36,242 | Actual |
| 2022 | $36,653 | Actual |
| 2023 | $37,662 | Actual |
| 2024 | $45,448 | Actual |
| 2025 | $41,744 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $42,629 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $43,533 | Projected |
Entry-level electrician compensation (10th percentile) in Erie, CO grew 27.6% over 7 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $32,708 in 2019 to $41,744 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $43,533. New graduates entering the Erie job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Erie metropolitan area, sourced from annual Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics surveys. 2026–2026 figures are current estimates, and 2027 values are projections, calculated using a 2.12% CAGR derived from 7-year BLS historical data. Actual salaries may vary based on employer, experience, certifications, and local market conditions.
Starting Your electrical Career in Erie
Employers in Erie that welcome new electricians include various union and non-union firms. The IBEW and NECA offer Joint Apprenticeship and Training Committee (JATC) programs, featuring structured apprenticeship tracks that span 4-5 years. Non-union contractors, such as those affiliated with the ABC apprenticeship, also hire fresh talent, providing valuable on-the-job training. Attaining credentials like a journeyman electrician license and pursuing further certifications can enhance starting pay in this competitive market. Those specializing in areas like industrial control or solar infrastructure find themselves positioned for top-tier earnings. New grads can expect salary progression to reflect their dedication and the diverse technical demands of the job, aligning with current industry growth in areas like data center electrical work—a rapidly emerging niche in Erie.
More salary data for Erie, CO:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the starting salary for electricians in Erie in 2026?
How fast do electrician salaries grow in Erie?
Is electrical school worth it in Erie?
What do new electricians make right out of school in Erie?
How do I become a electrician in Colorado?
Related Pages
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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
Entry-level salary figures on this page are 2026 projections based on the Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) survey, May 2026 release. The 10th percentile (entry-level) is used as the starting salary benchmark for new electrical graduates. A 2.12% compound annual growth rate (CAGR), derived from 6-year national BLS wage trends, was applied to project current 2026 entry-level compensation in Erie. Program costs are averages and actual tuition varies by institution. ROI calculations are simplified estimates.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Erie is estimated from official BLS state-level occupational wage data (2025), adjusted for regional cost-of-living differences using BEA RPP (Regional Price Parities).
2026 figures are projected from 2025 BLS data using a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 2.12%, derived from historical BLS wage trends for electricians (SOC 47-2111).
Compiled and verified by Samuel Carter, Career Analyst, a licensed electrician with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov