Entry-Level Electrician Salary in Dover, NH: $49,239 (2026)
Quick Answer:New electricians entering the Dover, NH job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $49,239 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 47-2111, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out Dover's local price level (BEA RPP 107.3 — 7% above national), a first-year paycheck buys what $45,889 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($66,951) within a few years of clinical practice.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
With a projected median annual salary of $66,951 in 2026, starting out as an electrician in Dover, New Hampshire, offers a solid foundation for new graduates entering the field. However, entry-level electricians can expect to earn around $49,239 initially, which highlights a significant gap to the city’s median salary. The starting pay for new graduates in this profession can vary, with many gradually reaching levels closer to the first quartile at $54,634 within a few years. This growth trajectory indicates that Dover has the potential to be a competitive and rewarding market for entry-level electricians, providing opportunities for professional development and upward mobility in the industry.
About the Dover Market
Salary estimated from New Hampshire average ($68,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Career Earnings Timeline in Dover
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 Dover
Entry-level electricians in Dover, NH typically start between $49,239 and $54,634 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $54,535 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $66,951 — 3.75% above the national median.
Return on Investment
The average electrical program cost in New Hampshire of $13,000 represents just 26.40% of the starting electrician pay ($49,239/year) in Dover. 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 Dover
- 1Research the Dover market: entry-level electrician pay ranges from $49,239 to $54,634, 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 NH often pay a premium for expanded scope of work.
- 3Evaluate the full compensation package — in Dover, 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 Dover for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
- 5Dover'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 Dover is $54,535 ( 110.76%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $49,239, experienced hygienists can earn up to $103,774.
Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.
2019 BLS Actual
$29,110
2025 BLS Actual
$48,217
2026 Current Est.
$49,239
2019–2027 Growth
+72.7%
Salary Trajectory for Electricians in Dover (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.12% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $29,110 | Actual |
| 2020 | $29,970 | Actual |
| 2021 | $37,020 | Actual |
| 2022 | $37,070 | Actual |
| 2023 | $37,000 | Actual |
| 2024 | $48,803 | Actual |
| 2025 | $48,217 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $49,239 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $50,283 | Projected |
Entry-level electrician compensation (10th percentile) in Dover, NH grew 65.6% over 7 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $29,110 in 2019 to $48,217 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $50,283. New graduates entering the Dover job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Dover 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 Dover
Employers in Dover actively seek out new graduates for various positions, particularly through apprenticeship programs tied to either the IBEW/NECA partnership or non-union contractors offering ABC apprenticeships. These structured 4-5 year programs combine classroom learning with hands-on experience and can significantly enhance starting electrician pay in NH. Acquiring credentials like a journeyman electrician license can further elevate one’s marketability. Those aspiring to excel should consider specializing in emerging sectors such as solar PV and EV charging infrastructure, as well as industrial controls, which are seeing increased demand due to recent tax incentives. Realistically, early-career electricians can anticipate salary growth as they gain experience, with unionized positions often paying a premium, offering the potential for significant financial gains within their first 1-3 years.
More salary data for Dover, NH:
Frequently Asked Questions
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Related Pages
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Nearby Cities in New Hampshire
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 Dover. Program costs are averages and actual tuition varies by institution. ROI calculations are simplified estimates.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Dover 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