Entry-Level Electrician Salary in Lackawanna, NY: $55,620 (2026)
Quick Answer:New electricians entering the Lackawanna, NY job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $55,620 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 47-2111, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out Lackawanna's local price level (BEA RPP 115.9 — 16% above national), a first-year paycheck buys what $47,990 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($73,487) within a few years of clinical practice.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
Starting a career as an electrician in Lackawanna, NY, presents new graduates with a landscape of opportunities, particularly when considering the entry-level electrician salary projected for 2026 at $55,620. This starting pay is notably below the city's median annual salary of $73,487, which suggests that while entry-level positions do not offer the highest earnings, there is significant potential for growth within the first few years in the profession. For new electricians, the salary trajectory is promising, advancing from entry-level wages to about $60,807 within the first quartile and eventually approaching the median as experience accumulates. Given the projected annual growth rate of 2.12%, Lackawanna proves to be a favorable market for new electrician graduates, providing a robust foundation for early-career success.
About the Lackawanna Market
Salary estimated from New York average ($90,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Career Earnings Timeline in Lackawanna
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 Lackawanna
Entry-level electricians in Lackawanna, NY typically start between $55,620 and $60,807 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $58,285 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $73,487 — 13.88% above the national median.
Return on Investment
The average electrical program cost in New York of $22,000 represents just 39.55% of the starting electrician pay ($55,620/year) in Lackawanna. 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 Lackawanna
- 1Research the Lackawanna market: entry-level electrician pay ranges from $55,620 to $60,807, 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 NY often pay a premium for expanded scope of work.
- 3Evaluate the full compensation package — in Lackawanna, 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 Lackawanna for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
- 5Factor in Lackawanna's above-average cost of living (index: 115.9) when evaluating offers — a slightly lower salary in a nearby affordable area may provide better purchasing power.
Electrician Compensation Range
The electrician wage spread in Lackawanna is $58,285 ( 104.79%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $55,620, experienced hygienists can earn up to $113,905.
Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.
2019 BLS Actual
$42,675
2025 BLS Actual
$54,465
2026 Current Est.
$55,620
2019–2027 Growth
+33.1%
Salary Trajectory for Electricians in Lackawanna (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.12% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $42,675 | Actual |
| 2020 | $43,186 | Actual |
| 2021 | $47,286 | Actual |
| 2022 | $47,823 | Actual |
| 2023 | $49,139 | Actual |
| 2024 | $69,486 | Actual |
| 2025 | $54,465 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $55,620 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $56,799 | Projected |
Entry-level electrician compensation (10th percentile) in Lackawanna, NY grew 27.6% over 7 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $42,675 in 2019 to $54,465 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $56,799. New graduates entering the Lackawanna job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Lackawanna 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 Lackawanna
Employers in Lackawanna looking to recruit entry-level electricians include both union and non-union sources, with structured pathways such as the IBEW and NECA Joint Apprenticeship and Training Committee (JATC) offering comprehensive four to five-year apprenticeship programs. Non-union contractors may provide similar apprenticeship opportunities, focusing on hands-on training. Pursuing additional credentials like OSHA safety certifications, a journeyman license, and specialty certifications can enhance starting pay in New York. The first few years will be critical for establishing a career trajectory; electricians specializing in industrial controls or working in emerging sectors such as solar energy and EV infrastructure can see faster salary growth in the 30-50% range compared to their non-union peers. With the booming demand for services in data centers focusing on server rack power, early-career electricians in Lackawanna can position themselves for rewarding long-term careers.
More salary data for Lackawanna, NY:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the starting salary for electricians in Lackawanna in 2026?
How fast do electrician salaries grow in Lackawanna?
Is electrical school worth it in Lackawanna?
What do new electricians make right out of school in Lackawanna?
How do I become a electrician in New York?
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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 Lackawanna. Program costs are averages and actual tuition varies by institution. ROI calculations are simplified estimates.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Lackawanna 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