Entry-Level Electrician Salary in Salem, MA: $55,344 (2026)
Quick Answer:New electricians entering the Salem, MA job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $55,344 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 47-2111, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out Salem's local price level (BEA RPP 108.5 — 9% above national), a first-year paycheck buys what $51,008 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($75,961) within a few years of clinical practice.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
For new electricians entering the workforce in Salem, Massachusetts, the starting salary is projected at $55,344 in 2026. This figure is notably lower than the city’s median annual salary of $75,961, revealing a gap that early-career professionals can gradually close. Starting from this entry-level wage, individuals can expect to see significant growth in the initial years, moving towards $61,675 at the 25th percentile as they gain experience. Salem presents a promising market for new graduates right now, especially with an encouraging job growth rate of 2.12% annually, which indicates a steady demand for skilled electricians. Given the city's growing industries and the potential for salary advancement, starting in this field can be a smart financial choice for those just entering the electrical trade.
About the Salem Market
Salary estimated from Massachusetts average ($82,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Career Earnings Timeline in Salem
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 Salem
Entry-level electricians in Salem, MA typically start between $55,344 and $61,675 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $62,395 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $75,961 — 17.71% above the national median.
Return on Investment
The average electrical program cost in Massachusetts of $18,000 represents just 32.52% of the starting electrician pay ($55,344/year) in Salem. 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 Salem
- 1Research the Salem market: entry-level electrician pay ranges from $55,344 to $61,675, 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 Salem, 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 Salem for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
- 5Salem'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 Salem is $62,395 ( 112.74%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $55,344, experienced hygienists can earn up to $117,739.
Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.
2019 BLS Actual
$42,464
2025 BLS Actual
$54,195
2026 Current Est.
$55,344
2019–2027 Growth
+33.1%
Salary Trajectory for Electricians in Salem (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.12% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $42,464 | Actual |
| 2020 | $42,972 | Actual |
| 2021 | $47,052 | Actual |
| 2022 | $47,586 | Actual |
| 2023 | $48,895 | Actual |
| 2024 | $58,711 | Actual |
| 2025 | $54,195 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $55,344 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $56,517 | Projected |
Entry-level electrician compensation (10th percentile) in Salem, MA grew 27.6% over 7 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $42,464 in 2019 to $54,195 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $56,517. New graduates entering the Salem job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Salem 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 Salem
In Salem, several employers actively recruit new graduates through various apprenticeship programs. The local IBEW and NECA partnership offers structured Joint Apprenticeship and Training Committee (JATC) programs that integrate hands-on training over four to five years, preparing apprentices for the challenges of the field. Non-union contractors also provide opportunities through American Builders and Contractors (ABC) apprenticeships, which emphasize on-the-job training. For increased earning potential, obtaining credentials such as a journeyman electrician license or specialized certifications can be beneficial. New electricians focusing on fields like industrial controls or solar PV, for instance, may see quicker financial rewards given current market demands. Realistically, those in their first three years can anticipate salary increases as they build skills and qualifications, creating a pathway toward higher earning opportunities in the future.
More salary data for Salem, MA:
Frequently Asked Questions
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Is electrical school worth it in Salem?
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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 Salem. Program costs are averages and actual tuition varies by institution. ROI calculations are simplified estimates.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Salem 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