Entry-Level Electrician Salary in Waltham, MA: $53,019 (2026)
Quick Answer:New electricians entering the Waltham, MA job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $53,019 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 47-2111, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out Waltham's local price level (BEA RPP 108.5 — 9% above national), a first-year paycheck buys what $48,865 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($76,716) within a few years of clinical practice.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
For new graduates entering the electrical field in Waltham, Massachusetts, an entry-level electrician can expect to earn around $53,019 in their first position, significantly lower than the city’s median annual salary of $76,716. The starting pay reflects a typical beginning point for fresh talent just entering the workforce. However, prospects are positive; within the first few years, new electricians can realistically aim to earn closer to $60,375, setting them on a trajectory to reach the median as they gain experience and hone their skills. With a projected annual growth rate of 2.12%, the Waltham market appears favorable for rookies aiming to establish themselves in a lucrative trade such as this.
About the Waltham Market
Salary estimated from Massachusetts average ($82,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Career Earnings Timeline in Waltham
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 Waltham
Entry-level electricians in Waltham, MA typically start between $53,019 and $60,375 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $65,891 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $76,716 — 18.88% above the national median.
Return on Investment
The average electrical program cost in Massachusetts of $18,000 represents just 33.95% of the starting electrician pay ($53,019/year) in Waltham. 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 Waltham
- 1Research the Waltham market: entry-level electrician pay ranges from $53,019 to $60,375, 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 Waltham, 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 Waltham for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
- 5Waltham'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 Waltham is $65,891 ( 124.28%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $53,019, experienced hygienists can earn up to $118,910.
Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.
2019 BLS Actual
$40,680
2025 BLS Actual
$51,918
2026 Current Est.
$53,019
2019–2027 Growth
+33.1%
Salary Trajectory for Electricians in Waltham (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.12% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $40,680 | Actual |
| 2020 | $41,167 | Actual |
| 2021 | $45,075 | Actual |
| 2022 | $45,587 | Actual |
| 2023 | $46,841 | Actual |
| 2024 | $56,163 | Actual |
| 2025 | $51,918 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $53,019 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $54,143 | Projected |
Entry-level electrician compensation (10th percentile) in Waltham, MA grew 27.6% over 7 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $40,680 in 2019 to $51,918 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $54,143. New graduates entering the Waltham job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Waltham 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 Waltham
Acquiring experience and credentials in Waltham can greatly enhance a new grad electrician's pay and marketability. Employers in the area, including union-operated JATC programs affiliated with IBEW and non-union contractors utilizing ABC apprenticeship models, actively recruit apprentices keen to engage in structured training paths. As a first step, completing a comprehensive 5,000-10,000 hour apprenticeship can pave the way toward obtaining a journeyman or even a master electrician license, which can lead to higher-paying opportunities. Those who specialize in rapidly growing sectors, such as industrial controls or renewable energy, may find their efforts rewarded with substantial pay increases; for instance, experience with solar PV installations and data center electrical work places candidates at the forefront of the market. By strategically pursuing specialty certifications and continuing education, new electricians not only enhance their knowledge but can also anticipate realistic salary growth as they progress through the initial years of their careers.
More salary data for Waltham, 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 Waltham. Program costs are averages and actual tuition varies by institution. ROI calculations are simplified estimates.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Waltham 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