Entry-Level Electrician Salary in Wilson, NC: $38,789 (2026)
Quick Answer:New electricians entering the Wilson, NC job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $38,789 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 47-2111, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out Wilson's local price level (BEA RPP 93.6 — 6% below national), a first-year paycheck buys what $41,441 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($53,774) within a few years of clinical practice.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
For aspiring electricians in Wilson, North Carolina, entry-level positions offer a starting salary set at around $38,789 for 2026, which is notably lower than the median annual salary of $53,774 for the area. New graduates should remain optimistic, as there is a clear pathway to salary growth over the early years of their career. The journey typically begins with the initial pay scale, gradually rising towards the first quartile (P25) at $43,321 within a few years, and can eventually reach the median salary as electricians gain experience and further certifications. Given the projected growth rate of 2.12% annually in this profession, Wilson remains a viable market for new entrants, especially as demand for electrical services continues to rise due to both technological advancements and infrastructure developments.
About the Wilson Market
Salary estimated from North Carolina average ($56,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Career Earnings Timeline in Wilson
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 Wilson
Entry-level electricians in Wilson, NC typically start between $38,789 and $43,321 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $44,561 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $53,774 — 16.67% below the national median.
Return on Investment
The average electrical program cost in North Carolina of $8,000 represents just 20.62% of the starting electrician pay ($38,789/year) in Wilson. 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 Wilson
- 1Research the Wilson market: entry-level electrician pay ranges from $38,789 to $43,321, 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 NC often pay a premium for expanded scope of work.
- 3Evaluate the full compensation package — in Wilson, 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 Wilson for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
- 5Wilson's below-average cost of living means your starting salary goes further here compared to many larger metro areas.
Electrician Compensation Range
The electrician wage spread in Wilson is $44,561 ( 114.88%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $38,789, experienced hygienists can earn up to $83,350.
Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.
2019 BLS Actual
$29,762
2025 BLS Actual
$37,984
2026 Current Est.
$38,789
2019–2027 Growth
+33.1%
Salary Trajectory for Electricians in Wilson (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.12% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $29,762 | Actual |
| 2020 | $30,118 | Actual |
| 2021 | $32,978 | Actual |
| 2022 | $33,352 | Actual |
| 2023 | $34,269 | Actual |
| 2024 | $34,049 | Actual |
| 2025 | $37,984 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $38,789 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $39,612 | Projected |
Entry-level electrician compensation (10th percentile) in Wilson, NC grew 27.6% over 7 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $29,762 in 2019 to $37,984 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $39,612. New graduates entering the Wilson job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Wilson 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 Wilson
In Wilson, various employers actively seek to hire new graduate electricians. Candidates may find opportunities through apprenticeships with local union programs, like those offered in partnership with IBEW and NECA, which provide comprehensive training over 4-5 years. Non-union contractors may also offer apprenticeships that emphasize on-the-job training. For those looking to enhance their earning potential right from the start, obtaining credentials such as OSHA safety cards or pursuing specialized training in areas like industrial controls or solar energy can lead to higher pay. The first few years in this field can be promising, particularly for those who invest in education and skill development. Focus on joining the IBEW can lead to salaries that are 30-50% higher compared to non-union positions. With the demand for electricians in sectors like data centers and EV charging infrastructure on the rise, new electricians in Wilson should expect a solid career trajectory that aligns well with industry growth trends.
More salary data for Wilson, NC:
Frequently Asked Questions
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Is electrical school worth it in Wilson?
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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 Wilson. Program costs are averages and actual tuition varies by institution. ROI calculations are simplified estimates.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Wilson 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