Entry-Level Electrician Salary in Wichita, KS: $39,520 (2026)
Quick Answer:New electricians entering the Wichita, KS job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $39,520 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 47-2111, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out Wichita's local price level (BEA RPP 88.9 — 11% below national), a first-year paycheck buys what $44,431 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($67,062) within a few years of clinical practice.
Official BLS data · View source
For those considering a career as an electrician in Wichita, the starting pay can be quite enlightening. New graduates entering the workforce can expect an entry-level electrician salary in Wichita of approximately $39,520 annually, suggesting a significant gap compared to the city's median salary of $67,062. This discrepancy may initially seem daunting, but there is ample opportunity for growth within just a few years. Entry-level electricians can progress through P25, which stands at $53,245, and ultimately enhance their earnings toward the median as they gain experience and industry knowledge. Overall, Wichita represents a favorable market for new grads looking to kickstart their careers, especially given its lower cost of living and competitive employment options in the skilled trades.
Career Earnings Timeline in Wichita
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 Wichita
Entry-level electricians in Wichita, KS typically start between $39,520 and $53,245 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $59,363 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $67,062 — 3.92% above the national median.
Return on Investment
The average electrical program cost in Kansas of $8,000 represents just 20.24% of the starting electrician pay ($39,520/year) in Wichita. 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 Wichita
- 1Research the Wichita market: entry-level electrician pay ranges from $39,520 to $53,245, 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 Wichita, 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 Wichita for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
- 5Wichita'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 Wichita is $59,363 ( 150.21%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $39,520, experienced hygienists can earn up to $98,883.
Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.
2019 BLS Actual
$29,360
2025 BLS Actual
$38,700
2026 Current Est.
$39,520
2019–2027 Growth
+37.5%
Salary Trajectory for Electricians in Wichita (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.12% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $29,360 | Actual |
| 2020 | $27,830 | Actual |
| 2021 | $36,900 | Actual |
| 2022 | $38,000 | Actual |
| 2023 | $37,550 | Actual |
| 2024 | $37,650 | Actual |
| 2025 | $38,700 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $39,520 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $40,358 | Projected |
Entry-level electrician compensation (10th percentile) in Wichita, KS grew 31.8% over 7 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $29,360 in 2019 to $38,700 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $40,358. New graduates entering the Wichita job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Wichita 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 Wichita
Various local employers in Wichita actively seek out and hire new graduates in the electrical field. For example, the IBEW and NECA offer structured JATC apprenticeship programs that provide a comprehensive 4-5 years of training for aspiring electricians. Additionally, non-union contractors often engage apprentices through ABC apprenticeship pathways that include extensive on-the-job learning. Many companies in industrial maintenance, utilities, and construction actively recruit skilled labor, making the job market robust for entry-level positions. Obtaining credentials like the journeyman and master electrician licenses significantly enhances starting pay in Kansas, along with safety certifications such as OSHA 10/30. New electricians should ideally focus on specialties in industrial controls, solar power, and electric vehicle charging infrastructure, as these areas are experiencing substantial growth. Aspiring electricians can realistically expect considerable salary growth of up to 30-50% over their first few years, particularly in unionized settings, reinforcing the potential for a rewarding career trajectory in the Wichita area.
More salary data for Wichita, KS:
Frequently Asked Questions
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Is electrical school worth it in Wichita?
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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 Wichita. 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