Entry-Level Electrician Salary in Barnstable, MA: $50,708 (2026)
Quick Answer:New electricians entering the Barnstable, MA job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $50,708 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 47-2111, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out Barnstable's local price level (BEA RPP 108.5 — 9% above national), a first-year paycheck buys what $46,735 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($76,634) within a few years of clinical practice.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source

The starting electrician salary in Barnstable, Massachusetts, for 2026 is projected to be around $50,708, which sets a realistic baseline for new graduates entering the field. This figure represents a considerable starting point when compared to the city’s overall median annual salary of $76,634, revealing a gap that underscores the potential for growth in a relatively short time. Over the first few years of employment, new electricians can anticipate moving up to an expected salary of approximately $63,028 as they gain experience and take on more responsibilities. Given the area's promising job market for entry-level electricians, which is backed by a growth rate of 2.12%, Barnstable represents an attractive location for those looking to start their careers in electrical work.
About the Barnstable Market
Salary estimated from Massachusetts average ($82,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Career Earnings Timeline in Barnstable
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 Barnstable
Entry-level electricians in Barnstable, MA typically start between $50,708 and $63,028 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $68,075 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $76,634 — 18.76% above the national median.
Return on Investment
The average electrical program cost in Massachusetts of $18,000 represents just 35.50% of the starting electrician pay ($50,708/year) in Barnstable. 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 Barnstable
- 1Research the Barnstable market: entry-level electrician pay ranges from $50,708 to $63,028, 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 MA often pay a premium for expanded scope of work.
- 3Evaluate the full compensation package — in Barnstable, 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 Barnstable for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
- 5Barnstable's moderate cost of living means your starting salary goes further here compared to many larger metro areas.
Electrician Compensation Range
The electrician wage spread in Barnstable is $68,075 ( 134.25%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $50,708, experienced hygienists can earn up to $118,783.
Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.
2019 BLS Actual
$38,907
2025 BLS Actual
$49,655
2026 Current Est.
$50,708
2019–2027 Growth
+33.1%
Salary Trajectory for Electricians in Barnstable (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.12% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $38,907 | Actual |
| 2020 | $39,372 | Actual |
| 2021 | $43,110 | Actual |
| 2022 | $43,600 | Actual |
| 2023 | $44,799 | Actual |
| 2024 | $53,445 | Actual |
| 2025 | $49,655 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $50,708 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $51,783 | Projected |
Entry-level electrician compensation (10th percentile) in Barnstable, MA grew 27.6% over 7 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $38,907 in 2019 to $49,655 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $51,783. New graduates entering the Barnstable job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Barnstable 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 Barnstable
Entry-level positions for electricians in Barnstable are primarily filled through a mixture of union and non-union employers. Programs like the IBEW and NECA Joint Apprenticeship and Training Committee offer structured pathways for apprentices to enhance their skills over a typical four to five years, leading to improved pay and job stability. Alongside this, the non-union contractors often engage in apprenticeship programs that provide hands-on experience. For electricians looking to elevate their entry-level pay, obtaining a journeyman license through a state exam is crucial, as is pursuing OSHA safety certifications. In the first three years, electricians can grow their earnings significantly, especially those specializing in high-demand fields such as industrial controls, solar PV systems, or data center work. Notably, IBEW union electricians typically enjoy 30-50% higher pay with full benefits compared to their non-union counterparts, making membership in such organizations a strategic choice for new grads aiming for upward mobility in their careers.
More salary data for Barnstable, MA:
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 Barnstable. Program costs are averages and actual tuition varies by institution. ROI calculations are simplified estimates.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Barnstable 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