Entry-Level Electrician Salary in Gulfport, MS: $48,384 (2026)
Quick Answer:New electricians entering the Gulfport, MS job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $48,384 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 47-2111, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out Gulfport's local price level (BEA RPP 90.0 — 10% below national), a first-year paycheck buys what $53,756 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($63,764) within a few years of clinical practice.
Official BLS data · View source
In Gulfport, 2026 presents promising prospects for entry-level electricians, with starting salaries sitting at approximately $48,384. New graduates can expect their initial pay to climb steadily, as the city’s median annual salary for electricians reaches $63,764. This leaves a significant gap that new entrants can bridge over their first few years. Starting with professional roles at $48,384, newly minted electricians can realistically aim for about $60,343 in just a few years as they gain experience. Given the upward trajectory of the 2.12% annual growth rate, Gulfport serves as a relatively strong market for new tradespeople, especially considering its advantageous cost of living index, which remains below the national average.
Career Earnings Timeline in Gulfport
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 Gulfport
Entry-level electricians in Gulfport, MS typically start between $48,384 and $60,343 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $22,712 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $63,764 — 1.19% below the national median.
Return on Investment
The average electrical program cost in Mississippi of $5,000 represents just 10.33% of the starting electrician pay ($48,384/year) in Gulfport. 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 Gulfport
- 1Research the Gulfport market: entry-level electrician pay ranges from $48,384 to $60,343, 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 MS often pay a premium for expanded scope of work.
- 3Evaluate the full compensation package — in Gulfport, 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 Gulfport for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
- 5Gulfport'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 Gulfport is $22,712 ( 46.94%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $48,384, experienced hygienists can earn up to $71,096.
Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.
2019 BLS Actual
$38,670
2025 BLS Actual
$47,380
2026 Current Est.
$48,384
2019–2027 Growth
+27.8%
Salary Trajectory for Electricians in Gulfport (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.12% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $38,670 | Actual |
| 2020 | $43,810 | Actual |
| 2021 | $39,330 | Actual |
| 2022 | $43,810 | Actual |
| 2023 | $44,880 | Actual |
| 2024 | $45,840 | Actual |
| 2025 | $47,380 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $48,384 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $49,410 | Projected |
Entry-level electrician compensation (10th percentile) in Gulfport, MS grew 22.5% over 7 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $38,670 in 2019 to $47,380 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $49,410. New graduates entering the Gulfport job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Gulfport 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 Gulfport
Employers in Gulfport are keen to recruit newcomers into the electrical field, with a variety of pathways available for recent graduates. Both union and non-union options exist, with IBEW’s Joint Apprenticeship and Training Committee (JATC) offering structured programs for apprentices over 4-5 years. Non-union contractors, supported by ABC apprenticeship programs, provide hands-on training that can also lead to promising careers. Credentials significantly impact starting pay in Mississippi; pursuing a journeyman electrician license and obtaining certifications such as the OSHA 10 or 30 ensure competitive advantages. New electricians should focus on gaining specialized experience in high-demand areas like industrial controls and emerging green technologies, like solar energy. With union positions generally providing a pay premium of 30-50%, particularly in strong markets like Gulfport, first-year salaries could rise notably, setting a solid foundation for continued career advancement and higher wages over time.
More salary data for Gulfport, MS:
Frequently Asked Questions
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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 Gulfport. 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