Entry-Level Electrician Salary in Laurel, MS: $37,687 (2026)
Quick Answer:New electricians entering the Laurel, MS job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $37,687 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 47-2111, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out Laurel's local price level (BEA RPP 85.7 — 14% below national), a first-year paycheck buys what $43,975 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($51,146) within a few years of clinical practice.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
The entry-level electrician salary in Laurel, MS, offers new graduates a promising yet realistic starting point. In 2026, fresh entrants can expect to earn around $37,687 annually, which is notably lower than the city’s median of $51,146. This gap highlights the typical trajectory for early-career electricians, as they progress toward a more competitive salary. Over the first three to five years, those starting at entry-level positions can anticipate moving into the P25 range of $41,577, reflecting the expected growth within the industry. With a projected annual growth rate of 2.12%, Laurel appears to be a reasonable market for new grads seeking opportunities in electrical work, particularly as demand in various sectors continues to rise.
About the Laurel Market
Salary estimated from Mississippi average ($48,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Career Earnings Timeline in Laurel
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 Laurel
Entry-level electricians in Laurel, MS typically start between $37,687 and $41,577 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $41,589 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $51,146 — 20.74% below the national median.
Return on Investment
The average electrical program cost in Mississippi of $5,000 represents just 13.27% of the starting electrician pay ($37,687/year) in Laurel. 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 Laurel
- 1Research the Laurel market: entry-level electrician pay ranges from $37,687 to $41,577, 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 Laurel, 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 Laurel for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
- 5Laurel'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 Laurel is $41,589 ( 110.35%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $37,687, experienced hygienists can earn up to $79,276.
Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.
2019 BLS Actual
$28,916
2025 BLS Actual
$36,905
2026 Current Est.
$37,687
2019–2027 Growth
+33.1%
Salary Trajectory for Electricians in Laurel (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.12% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $28,916 | Actual |
| 2020 | $29,263 | Actual |
| 2021 | $32,041 | Actual |
| 2022 | $32,404 | Actual |
| 2023 | $33,296 | Actual |
| 2024 | $26,318 | Actual |
| 2025 | $36,905 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $37,687 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $38,486 | Projected |
Entry-level electrician compensation (10th percentile) in Laurel, MS grew 27.6% over 7 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $28,916 in 2019 to $36,905 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $38,486. New graduates entering the Laurel job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Laurel 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 Laurel
In Laurel, various employers actively recruit new electricians, making the local job market dynamic for recent graduates. Union pathways, such as those offered through IBEW's Joint Apprenticeship and Training Committee (JATC), provide structured programs lasting four to five years, whereas non-union contractors, associated with organizations like ABC, often offer on-the-job training for apprentices. Aside from apprenticeships, obtaining credentials like a journeyman electrician license following the required hours can significantly enhance starting pay in MS. New electricians should consider specializing in areas such as industrial controls or solar PV systems to align themselves with high-demand sectors; these roles often command higher wages. As they gain experience and credentials, electricians can realistically expect significant salary progression, particularly as unionized markets provide a 30-50% premium over non-union pay. The evolving landscape of electrical work in data centers and renewable energy initiatives further underlines the potential for lucrative and meaningful careers in this field.
More salary data for Laurel, MS:
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 Laurel. Program costs are averages and actual tuition varies by institution. ROI calculations are simplified estimates.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Laurel 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