Entry-Level Electrician Salary in Marshalltown, IA: $43,607 (2026)
Quick Answer:New electricians entering the Marshalltown, IA job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $43,607 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 47-2111, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out Marshalltown's local price level (BEA RPP 90.4 — 10% below national), a first-year paycheck buys what $48,238 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($61,353) within a few years of clinical practice.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Marshalltown, Iowa, new graduates entering the electrical field can expect a starting electrician salary of approximately $43,607 in 2026. This initial pay is significantly below the city's median annual salary of $61,353, indicating a gap that entry-level electricians may need to bridge as they gain experience. However, those beginning their careers should view this starting point as a foundation for future growth, as they can advance to around $47,584 after gaining some experience and climb further as they approach the median within their first few years. With an annual growth rate forecast of 2.12%, Marshalltown presents a reasonable market for fresh graduates seeking careers as electricians, especially considering the development of local infrastructure and electrical projects.
About the Marshalltown Market
Salary estimated from Iowa average ($66,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Career Earnings Timeline in Marshalltown
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 Marshalltown
Entry-level electricians in Marshalltown, IA typically start between $43,607 and $47,584 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $51,489 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $61,353 — 4.92% below the national median.
Return on Investment
The average electrical program cost in Iowa of $10,000 represents just 22.93% of the starting electrician pay ($43,607/year) in Marshalltown. 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 Marshalltown
- 1Research the Marshalltown market: entry-level electrician pay ranges from $43,607 to $47,584, 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 Marshalltown, 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 Marshalltown for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
- 5Marshalltown'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 Marshalltown is $51,489 ( 118.08%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $43,607, experienced hygienists can earn up to $95,096.
Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.
2019 BLS Actual
$33,459
2025 BLS Actual
$42,702
2026 Current Est.
$43,607
2019–2027 Growth
+33.1%
Salary Trajectory for Electricians in Marshalltown (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.12% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $33,459 | Actual |
| 2020 | $33,859 | Actual |
| 2021 | $37,074 | Actual |
| 2022 | $37,494 | Actual |
| 2023 | $38,526 | Actual |
| 2024 | $37,906 | Actual |
| 2025 | $42,702 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $43,607 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $44,532 | Projected |
Entry-level electrician compensation (10th percentile) in Marshalltown, IA grew 27.6% over 7 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $33,459 in 2019 to $42,702 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $44,532. New graduates entering the Marshalltown job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Marshalltown 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 Marshalltown
Employers in Marshalltown that actively seek new graduates include both union and non-union contractors, providing various paths for entry into the profession. The IBEW and NECA partnership allows new entrants to join structured apprenticeship programs, while non-union contractors often offer apprenticeship opportunities through ABC. For those considering industrial roles, companies focused on maintenance frequently look for skilled electricians, and utilities may have lineman apprenticeship pipelines available. New electricians can increase their starting pay by pursuing credentials such as OSHA safety cards, a journeyman electrician license, and specialty certifications in areas like industrial controls or solar energy. As the electric vehicle and solar power sectors expand, electricians specializing in these areas may see quicker and higher pay increases, reflecting the growing demand in Marshalltown and across IA. With the potential for career advancement and increasing wages, new electricians can expect to see significant salary growth as they navigate their first three years in the field.
More salary data for Marshalltown, IA:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the starting salary for electricians in Marshalltown in 2026?
How fast do electrician salaries grow in Marshalltown?
Is electrical school worth it in Marshalltown?
What do new electricians make right out of school in Marshalltown?
How do I become a electrician in Iowa?
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 Marshalltown. Program costs are averages and actual tuition varies by institution. ROI calculations are simplified estimates.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Marshalltown 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