Entry-Level Electrician Salary in Rochester, NH: $48,524 (2026)
Quick Answer:New electricians entering the Rochester, NH job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $48,524 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 47-2111, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out Rochester's local price level (BEA RPP 107.3 — 7% above national), a first-year paycheck buys what $45,223 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($66,650) within a few years of clinical practice.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Rochester, New Hampshire, the entry-level electrician salary is projected to start around $48,524 in 2026, which reflects the beginning spectrum for new graduates entering this field. While this figure is below the city’s median salary of $66,650, it marks a realistic starting point for fresh entrants in the profession. Over the first few years, as one gains experience and potentially secures a journeyman license, salaries can advance significantly, reaching approximately $54,025 at the 25th percentile and potentially approaching the median by the 3-5 year mark. This growth trajectory makes Rochester a favorable market for recent graduates, especially when considering the overall demand for electricians, highlighted by steady employment prospects in various sectors, including renewable energy and data center infrastructures.
About the Rochester Market
Salary estimated from New Hampshire average ($68,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Career Earnings Timeline in Rochester
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 Rochester
Entry-level electricians in Rochester, NH typically start between $48,524 and $54,025 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $54,783 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $66,650 — 3.29% above the national median.
Return on Investment
The average electrical program cost in New Hampshire of $13,000 represents just 26.79% of the starting electrician pay ($48,524/year) in Rochester. 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 Rochester
- 1Research the Rochester market: entry-level electrician pay ranges from $48,524 to $54,025, 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 Rochester, 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 Rochester for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
- 5Rochester'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 Rochester is $54,783 ( 112.90%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $48,524, experienced hygienists can earn up to $103,307.
Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.
2019 BLS Actual
$37,231
2025 BLS Actual
$47,517
2026 Current Est.
$48,524
2019–2027 Growth
+33.1%
Salary Trajectory for Electricians in Rochester (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.12% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $37,231 | Actual |
| 2020 | $37,677 | Actual |
| 2021 | $41,254 | Actual |
| 2022 | $41,722 | Actual |
| 2023 | $42,870 | Actual |
| 2024 | $48,065 | Actual |
| 2025 | $47,517 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $48,524 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $49,553 | Projected |
Entry-level electrician compensation (10th percentile) in Rochester, NH grew 27.6% over 7 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $37,231 in 2019 to $47,517 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $49,553. New graduates entering the Rochester job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Rochester 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 Rochester
Several employers in Rochester actively seek new graduates to fill electrician roles. Programs such as the IBEW/NECA Joint Apprenticeship and Training Committee provide structured four to five-year apprenticeships, while non-union contractors may offer alternative training routes through the ABC apprenticeship program. Opportunities abound in industrial settings or utility companies, which often have specific pathways for lineman apprentices. Earning credentials like the journeyman electrician license can elevate starting pay, and those who pursue additional qualifications, such as a master electrician license or OSHA safety certifications, may find even better earning prospects. Focusing on specialties like industrial controls or participating in the rapidly growing sectors of solar power and EV charging will enhance your marketability. Realistically, with strategic moves during the first few years, electricians can expect solid advancements in their earnings, particularly in this dynamic job market in Rochester, NH.
More salary data for Rochester, NH:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the starting salary for electricians in Rochester in 2026?
How fast do electrician salaries grow in Rochester?
Is electrical school worth it in Rochester?
What do new electricians make right out of school in Rochester?
How do I become a electrician in New Hampshire?
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 Rochester. Program costs are averages and actual tuition varies by institution. ROI calculations are simplified estimates.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Rochester 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