Entry-Level Electrician Salary in Oxford, MS: $37,591 (2026)
Quick Answer:New electricians entering the Oxford, MS job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $37,591 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 47-2111, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out Oxford's local price level (BEA RPP 85.7 — 14% below national), a first-year paycheck buys what $43,863 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($52,761) within a few years of clinical practice.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
New graduates seeking to establish themselves in the electrical industry in Oxford, MS, should anticipate an entry-level electrician salary around $37,591 annually in 2026. This starting pay, while lower than the city's median salary of $52,761, represents a realistic entry point for those beginning their careers. Over the first few years, it's common for salaries to rise significantly, reaching approximately $42,201 by the 25th percentile as young electricians gain experience and skills. With a projected annual growth rate of 2.12%, Oxford continues to show promise as a viable market for new grads, especially considering the increase in renewable energy projects and infrastructure development in the area.
About the Oxford Market
Salary estimated from Mississippi average ($48,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Career Earnings Timeline in Oxford
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 Oxford
Entry-level electricians in Oxford, MS typically start between $37,591 and $42,201 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $44,189 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $52,761 — 18.24% below the national median.
Return on Investment
The average electrical program cost in Mississippi of $5,000 represents just 13.30% of the starting electrician pay ($37,591/year) in Oxford. 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 Oxford
- 1Research the Oxford market: entry-level electrician pay ranges from $37,591 to $42,201, 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 Oxford, 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 Oxford for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
- 5Oxford'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 Oxford is $44,189 ( 117.55%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $37,591, experienced hygienists can earn up to $81,780.
Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.
2019 BLS Actual
$28,843
2025 BLS Actual
$36,811
2026 Current Est.
$37,591
2019–2027 Growth
+33.1%
Salary Trajectory for Electricians in Oxford (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.12% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $28,843 | Actual |
| 2020 | $29,188 | Actual |
| 2021 | $31,959 | Actual |
| 2022 | $32,322 | Actual |
| 2023 | $33,211 | Actual |
| 2024 | $26,247 | Actual |
| 2025 | $36,811 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $37,591 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $38,388 | Projected |
Entry-level electrician compensation (10th percentile) in Oxford, MS grew 27.6% over 7 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $28,843 in 2019 to $36,811 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $38,388. New graduates entering the Oxford job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Oxford 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 Oxford
In Oxford, potential employers include union organizations like the IBEW, which provide structured apprenticeship programs through JATC partnerships, alongside non-union contractors that offer hands-on training. These pathways to apprenticeship typically last 4-5 years and can significantly boost starting pay for new recruits. Moreover, obtaining credentials such as a journeyman electrician license or specialty certifications related to PLC programming or solar panel installations can lead to better compensation. First-year salaries might trend toward the lower end of the spectrum, but as apprentices complete their training and licenses, they can expect faster salary growth. Union positions often command a premium of 30-50% over non-union roles, thereby positioning electricians for a financially rewarding career as they move through their first 1-3 years. The burgeoning fields of data center work and infrastructure related to solar and electric vehicle charging are also driving job demand, making Oxford an attractive location for new graduates entering this profession.
More salary data for Oxford, MS:
Frequently Asked Questions
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Is electrical school worth it in Oxford?
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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 Oxford. Program costs are averages and actual tuition varies by institution. ROI calculations are simplified estimates.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Oxford 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