Entry-Level Electrician Salary in Lawrence, KS: $37,927 (2026)
Quick Answer:New electricians entering the Lawrence, KS job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $37,927 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 47-2111, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out Lawrence's local price level (BEA RPP 90.2 — 10% below national), a first-year paycheck buys what $42,028 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($62,365) within a few years of clinical practice.
Official BLS data · View source
In 2026, the starting electrician salary in Lawrence, KS, presents an opportunity for new graduates entering the field. With a projected entry-level pay of $37,927, new electricians will find themselves earning significantly less than the city’s median annual salary of $62,365. However, there's a clear pathway for advancement; within the first few years, those starting at this foundational salary can realistically progress to approximately $49,212, hitting the 25th percentile as they gain experience. This upward trajectory highlights that Lawrence currently offers a competitive market for new grads, particularly with consistent job growth predicted at 2.12% annually over the next five years.
Career Earnings Timeline in Lawrence
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 Lawrence
Entry-level electricians in Lawrence, KS typically start between $37,927 and $49,212 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $40,613 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $62,365 — 3.36% below the national median.
Return on Investment
The average electrical program cost in Kansas of $8,000 represents just 21.09% of the starting electrician pay ($37,927/year) in Lawrence. 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 Lawrence
- 1Research the Lawrence market: entry-level electrician pay ranges from $37,927 to $49,212, 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 KS often pay a premium for expanded scope of work.
- 3Evaluate the full compensation package — in Lawrence, 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 Lawrence for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
- 5Lawrence'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 Lawrence is $40,613 ( 107.08%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $37,927, experienced hygienists can earn up to $78,540.
Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.
2019 BLS Actual
$27,530
2025 BLS Actual
$37,140
2026 Current Est.
$37,927
2019–2027 Growth
+40.7%
Salary Trajectory for Electricians in Lawrence (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.12% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $27,530 | Actual |
| 2020 | $27,770 | Actual |
| 2021 | $36,390 | Actual |
| 2022 | $36,270 | Actual |
| 2023 | $36,060 | Actual |
| 2024 | $37,160 | Actual |
| 2025 | $37,140 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $37,927 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $38,731 | Projected |
Entry-level electrician compensation (10th percentile) in Lawrence, KS grew 34.9% over 7 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $27,530 in 2019 to $37,140 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $38,731. New graduates entering the Lawrence job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Lawrence 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 Lawrence
Considering job opportunities for entry-level electricians, several employers in Lawrence actively recruit new graduates. Union JATC programs, in partnership with IBEW and NECA, offer a structured 4-5 year apprenticeship, ensuring new hires receive comprehensive training and valuable on-the-job experience. Non-union contractors often run ABC apprenticeship programs, which also provide essential training, albeit with potentially less lucrative starting pay. Obtaining credentials such as a journeyman electrician license can significantly enhance earning potential in Kansas, especially as electricians progressively acquire skills in high-demand areas like industrial controls and renewable energy setups. As many union electricians experience pay premiums of 30-50% compared to their non-union counterparts, engaging with the IBEW could lead to superior benefits and long-term job security. By strategically focusing on continuing education and specialty certifications, new grads can expect to increase their salaries steadily over the first few years in this evolving market.
More salary data for Lawrence, KS:
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 Lawrence. 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