Entry-Level Electrician Salary in Pocatello, ID: $39,469 (2026)
Quick Answer:New electricians entering the Pocatello, ID job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $39,469 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 47-2111, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out Pocatello's local price level (BEA RPP 88.9 — 11% below national), a first-year paycheck buys what $44,394 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($61,823) within a few years of clinical practice.
Official BLS data · View source
In 2026, new graduate electricians in Pocatello, Idaho, can expect to start with an entry-level salary around $39,469 annually. This figure is significantly lower than the city's median electrician salary of $61,823, illustrating the gap that new arrivals in the field may face as they begin their careers. As they gain experience, those initial salaries can realistically rise toward the 25th percentile earnings of $46,781 within the first few years. Given the annual growth rate of 2.12%, Pocatello presents a promising environment for new grads due to its stable market and the demand for electrical work. With adequate training and skill acquisition, recent graduates have the opportunity to build strong foundations for their financial future in the electrical trade.
Career Earnings Timeline in Pocatello
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 Pocatello
Entry-level electricians in Pocatello, ID typically start between $39,469 and $46,781 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $52,480 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $61,823 — 4.19% below the national median.
Return on Investment
The average electrical program cost in Idaho of $9,000 represents just 22.80% of the starting electrician pay ($39,469/year) in Pocatello. 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 Pocatello
- 1Research the Pocatello market: entry-level electrician pay ranges from $39,469 to $46,781, 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 ID often pay a premium for expanded scope of work.
- 3Evaluate the full compensation package — in Pocatello, 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 Pocatello for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
- 5Pocatello's below-average cost of living means your starting salary goes further here compared to many larger metro areas.
Electrician Compensation Range
The electrician wage spread in Pocatello is $52,480 ( 132.97%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $39,469, experienced hygienists can earn up to $91,949.
Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.
2019 BLS Actual
$36,340
2025 BLS Actual
$38,650
2026 Current Est.
$39,469
2019–2027 Growth
+10.9%
Salary Trajectory for Electricians in Pocatello (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.12% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $36,340 | Actual |
| 2020 | $23,440 | Actual |
| 2021 | $27,740 | Actual |
| 2022 | $30,360 | Actual |
| 2023 | $37,570 | Actual |
| 2024 | $36,970 | Actual |
| 2025 | $38,650 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $39,469 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $40,306 | Projected |
Entry-level electrician compensation (10th percentile) in Pocatello, ID grew 6.4% over 7 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $36,340 in 2019 to $38,650 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $40,306. New graduates entering the Pocatello job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Pocatello 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 Pocatello
Employers in Pocatello actively seek entry-level applicants through various channels, including union avenues like the IBEW/NECA apprenticeship programs, which typically span 4-5 years. Non-union contractors also offer apprenticeship opportunities, providing valuable on-the-job training. Among local industry players, utilities are known to maintain dedicated lineman apprenticeship programs and are looking for both experienced journeymen and eager newcomers. Credentials such as journeyman or master electrician licenses can significantly enhance one's starting pay, alongside safety certifications like OSHA training. For the first three years, realistic salary growth is achievable, particularly in specialized fields like industrial controls, which often command a premium above the average electrician pay in non-union positions. The current boom in solar and electric vehicle infrastructure also boosts prospects for new electricians, presenting a solid opportunity for growth in the competitive Pocatello market.
More salary data for Pocatello, ID:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the starting salary for electricians in Pocatello in 2026?
How fast do electrician salaries grow in Pocatello?
Is electrical school worth it in Pocatello?
What do new electricians make right out of school in Pocatello?
How do I become a electrician in Idaho?
Related Pages
Compare Salaries
Career Resources
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 Pocatello. Program costs are averages and actual tuition varies by institution. ROI calculations are simplified estimates.
Data Sources & Methodology
Source: BLS, OEWS, 7-year dataset (–). Per-city data from annual BLS metropolitan area surveys.
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