Entry-Level Electrician Salary in Davenport, IA: $41,502 (2026)
Quick Answer:New electricians entering the Davenport, IA job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $41,502 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 47-2111, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out Davenport's local price level (BEA RPP 89.1 — 11% below national), a first-year paycheck buys what $46,590 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($78,581) within a few years of clinical practice.
Official BLS data · View source
Graduating as a new electrician in Davenport, IA, presents promising financial expectations for those entering the field. In 2026, starting electrician salaries are projected to be around $41,502, which is a significant gap from the city's median annual salary of $78,581. However, this entry-level compensation represents a launching point that can widen to approximately $52,714 as new electricians gain experience over the first few years. With a 2.12% projected growth rate, aspiring electricians can reasonably anticipate consistent salary increases as they develop their skills and competency. The Davenport market is favorable for fresh graduates in this profession, given the above-average salary rates compared to the national median of $64,530.
Career Earnings Timeline in Davenport
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 Davenport
Entry-level electricians in Davenport, IA typically start between $41,502 and $52,714 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $63,151 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $78,581 — 21.77% above the national median.
Return on Investment
The average electrical program cost in Iowa of $10,000 represents just 24.10% of the starting electrician pay ($41,502/year) in Davenport. 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 Davenport
- 1Research the Davenport market: entry-level electrician pay ranges from $41,502 to $52,714, 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 IA often pay a premium for expanded scope of work.
- 3Evaluate the full compensation package — in Davenport, 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 Davenport for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
- 5Davenport'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 Davenport is $63,151 ( 152.16%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $41,502, experienced hygienists can earn up to $104,653.
Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.
2019 BLS Actual
$31,330
2025 BLS Actual
$40,640
2026 Current Est.
$41,502
2019–2027 Growth
+35.3%
Salary Trajectory for Electricians in Davenport (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.12% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $31,330 | Actual |
| 2020 | $31,810 | Actual |
| 2021 | $37,240 | Actual |
| 2022 | $39,470 | Actual |
| 2023 | $41,790 | Actual |
| 2024 | $39,800 | Actual |
| 2025 | $40,640 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $41,502 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $42,381 | Projected |
Entry-level electrician compensation (10th percentile) in Davenport, IA grew 29.7% over 7 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $31,330 in 2019 to $40,640 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $42,381. New graduates entering the Davenport job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Davenport 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 Davenport
Several employers in Davenport offer opportunities suited for new grads entering the electrical field. For instance, union-sponsored programs through IBEW (International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers) and NECA (National Electrical Contractors Association) typically enroll apprentices in structured training lasting 4-5 years, providing a clear pathway for advancement. Non-union contractors may also hire apprentices, offering them valuable on-the-job experience. Furthermore, credentials can significantly enhance earning potential in Iowa, with many electricians pursuing a journeyman license after completing a rigorous apprenticeship, which averages between 5,000 and 10,000 hours. Engaging in specialized training, such as OSHA certifications or additional endorsements in areas like fire alarm systems or PLC programming, can further distinguish early-career electricians. In their first few years, those in union roles often enjoy a pay premium of 30-50% over non-union counterparts, particularly as demand surges due to ongoing projects in solar energy and data center electrical work. With continuous growth opportunities, aspiring electricians can expect to see realistic salary increases as they gain experience and build their credentials in Davenport.
More salary data for Davenport, IA:
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
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 Davenport. 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