Entry-Level Electrician Salary in Manchester, NH: $40,950 (2026)
Quick Answer:New electricians entering the Manchester, NH job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $40,950 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 47-2111, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out Manchester's local price level (BEA RPP 105.7 — 6% above national), a first-year paycheck buys what $38,757 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($65,438) within a few years of clinical practice.
Official BLS data · View source
Starting as an electrician in Manchester, New Hampshire, comes with a projected entry-level salary of around $40,950 in 2026. This figure, while it establishes a foundation, is notably lower compared to the city's median annual salary of $65,438. For new graduates, this gap can feel substantial, but there's potential for significant upward mobility. Over the first three to five years, entry-level electricians can expect their compensation to naturally climb, with realistic salaries moving toward the 25th percentile of $48,487 and eventually approaching the median. Given the current local demand for electricians and the anticipated growth trajectory of 2.12%, Manchester remains a promising market for those just starting their careers in the electrical trade.
Career Earnings Timeline in Manchester
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 Manchester
Entry-level electricians in Manchester, NH typically start between $40,950 and $48,487 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $52,766 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $65,438 — 1.41% above the national median.
Return on Investment
The average electrical program cost in New Hampshire of $13,000 represents just 31.75% of the starting electrician pay ($40,950/year) in Manchester. 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 Manchester
- 1Research the Manchester market: entry-level electrician pay ranges from $40,950 to $48,487, 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 Manchester, 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 Manchester for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
- 5Manchester'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 Manchester is $52,766 ( 128.85%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $40,950, experienced hygienists can earn up to $93,716.
Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.
2019 BLS Actual
$33,410
2025 BLS Actual
$40,100
2026 Current Est.
$40,950
2019–2027 Growth
+25.2%
Salary Trajectory for Electricians in Manchester (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.12% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $33,410 | Actual |
| 2020 | $34,950 | Actual |
| 2021 | $37,210 | Actual |
| 2022 | $37,370 | Actual |
| 2023 | $36,040 | Actual |
| 2024 | $38,920 | Actual |
| 2025 | $40,100 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $40,950 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $41,818 | Projected |
Entry-level electrician compensation (10th percentile) in Manchester, NH grew 20.0% over 7 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $33,410 in 2019 to $40,100 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $41,818. New graduates entering the Manchester job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Manchester 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 Manchester
Emerging electricians looking for their first jobs in Manchester can find opportunities through various employers. Local JATC programs in partnership with the IBEW provide structured apprenticeship paths for new graduates, immersing them in hands-on training over four to five years. Non-union contractors often seek apprentices who benefit from on-the-job training in settings like residential, commercial, or industrial maintenance. Credentials play a crucial role in boosting starting pay; completing a 5,000-10,000 hour apprenticeship is vital, as well as acquiring a journeyman license through a state exam. In Manchester, gaining additional skills in areas such as industrial controls or renewable energy can also enhance an electrician's marketability. Realistically, an electrician could expect wage growth in their first few years, benefiting significantly from the higher wages provided in union settings, where pay can rise substantially above non-union levels due to added benefits and pension plans.
More salary data for Manchester, NH:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the starting salary for electricians in Manchester in 2026?
How fast do electrician salaries grow in Manchester?
Is electrical school worth it in Manchester?
What do new electricians make right out of school in Manchester?
How do I become a electrician in New Hampshire?
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 Manchester. 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