Entry-Level Electrician Salary in Syracuse, NY: $47,057 (2026)
Quick Answer:New electricians entering the Syracuse, NY job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $47,057 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 47-2111, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out Syracuse's local price level (BEA RPP 95.7 — 4% below national), a first-year paycheck buys what $49,150 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($78,745) within a few years of clinical practice.
Official BLS data · View source
For new graduates entering the electrical field in Syracuse, New York, realistic starting salaries can be expected around $47,057, which reflects the 10th percentile of pay in this occupation. This figure contrasts sharply with the projected median salary of $78,745 for all electricians in the city, illustrating a notable pay gap. As newcomers gain experience, they can anticipate a potential upward trajectory in earnings that may see them reach around $60,261 within their first few years. Given that Syracuse has a developing market for electricians, this is a promising time for entry-level professionals. Opportunities exist that not only meet these salary expectations but also provide the groundwork for long-term career advancement and financial growth.
Career Earnings Timeline in Syracuse
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 Syracuse
Entry-level electricians in Syracuse, NY typically start between $47,057 and $60,261 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $72,740 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $78,745 — 22.03% above the national median.
Return on Investment
The average electrical program cost in New York of $22,000 represents just 46.75% of the starting electrician pay ($47,057/year) in Syracuse. 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 Syracuse
- 1Research the Syracuse market: entry-level electrician pay ranges from $47,057 to $60,261, 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 Syracuse, 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 Syracuse for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
- 5Syracuse'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 Syracuse is $72,740 ( 154.58%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $47,057, experienced hygienists can earn up to $119,797.
Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.
2019 BLS Actual
$35,680
2025 BLS Actual
$46,080
2026 Current Est.
$47,057
2019–2027 Growth
+34.7%
Salary Trajectory for Electricians in Syracuse (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.12% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $35,680 | Actual |
| 2020 | $38,930 | Actual |
| 2021 | $39,650 | Actual |
| 2022 | $38,060 | Actual |
| 2023 | $41,880 | Actual |
| 2024 | $45,050 | Actual |
| 2025 | $46,080 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $47,057 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $48,055 | Projected |
Entry-level electrician compensation (10th percentile) in Syracuse, NY grew 29.1% over 7 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $35,680 in 2019 to $46,080 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $48,055. New graduates entering the Syracuse job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Syracuse 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 Syracuse
Various employers in Syracuse are actively seeking to onboard new electricians, with pathways leading to valuable apprenticeships through both union and non-union routes. The International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers (IBEW) offers a Joint Apprenticeship and Training Committee (JATC) program that combines classroom education with rigorous on-the-job training for a 4-5 year duration. Non-union contractors also provide apprenticeship opportunities, and many industrial maintenance teams prioritize hiring biennial journeymen for their expertise. In terms of credentials, obtaining a journeyman electrician license after completing the requisite apprenticeship presents an advantageous step for improving starting pay in New York. This market offers compelling growth for professionals specializing in areas like industrial controls or renewable energy sectors such as solar and electric vehicle infrastructure. Within the first few years, entry-level electricians can expect to see improvements in their compensation as they strategically build upon their skills and certifications, potentially leading to greater earnings in an evolving job market.
More salary data for Syracuse, NY:
Frequently Asked Questions
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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 Syracuse. 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