Entry-Level Electrician Salary in Bartlesville, OK: $38,042 (2026)
Quick Answer:New electricians entering the Bartlesville, OK job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $38,042 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 47-2111, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out Bartlesville's local price level (BEA RPP 88.9 — 11% below national), a first-year paycheck buys what $42,792 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($56,280) within a few years of clinical practice.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
An entry-level electrician in Bartlesville, Oklahoma, can expect to start their career with a salary around $38,042 in 2026. While this may seem modest compared to the city's median annual salary of $56,280, it sets a foundation for growth as individuals progress through their careers. New graduates can anticipate a clear advancement trajectory; within the first three to five years, salaries could increase toward the projected 25th percentile pay of $43,496. This upward mobility is crucial for recent graduates, especially in a region like Bartlesville, where the cost of living index stands at 88.9—below the national average. Therefore, the entry-level electrician salary in Bartlesville, while lower than the national figure of $64,530, provides an accessible starting point for those willing to invest in their skills and experience.
About the Bartlesville Market
Salary estimated from Oklahoma average ($54,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Career Earnings Timeline in Bartlesville
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 Bartlesville
Entry-level electricians in Bartlesville, OK typically start between $38,042 and $43,496 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $49,193 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $56,280 — 12.78% below the national median.
Return on Investment
The average electrical program cost in Oklahoma of $8,000 represents just 21.03% of the starting electrician pay ($38,042/year) in Bartlesville. 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 Bartlesville
- 1Research the Bartlesville market: entry-level electrician pay ranges from $38,042 to $43,496, 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 OK often pay a premium for expanded scope of work.
- 3Evaluate the full compensation package — in Bartlesville, 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 Bartlesville for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
- 5Bartlesville'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 Bartlesville is $49,193 ( 129.31%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $38,042, experienced hygienists can earn up to $87,235.
Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.
2019 BLS Actual
$29,188
2025 BLS Actual
$37,252
2026 Current Est.
$38,042
2019–2027 Growth
+33.1%
Salary Trajectory for Electricians in Bartlesville (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.12% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $29,188 | Actual |
| 2020 | $29,538 | Actual |
| 2021 | $32,342 | Actual |
| 2022 | $32,709 | Actual |
| 2023 | $33,609 | Actual |
| 2024 | $29,776 | Actual |
| 2025 | $37,252 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $38,042 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $38,848 | Projected |
Entry-level electrician compensation (10th percentile) in Bartlesville, OK grew 27.6% over 7 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $29,188 in 2019 to $37,252 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $38,848. New graduates entering the Bartlesville job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Bartlesville 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 Bartlesville
Looking at the local job market, Bartlesville presents several opportunities for new electricians through various employers. For those entering the field, the IBEW/NECA collaboration offers structured apprenticeship programs that can effectively set up newcomers for success over a four to five-year timeline. In addition, non-union contractors may also hire apprentices, providing valuable hands-on experience and on-the-job training. To enhance starting pay in OK, it's advisable for new electricians to obtain certifications such as OSHA safety cards and even pursue further credentials like a journeyman electrician license. Career strategies for the first few years should include aligning with union markets, where electricians can earn between 30-50% more than their non-union counterparts, in addition to benefits. Finally, tapping into the growing demand for electricians in sectors like solar energy and data centers can significantly influence salary growth early in one's career.
More salary data for Bartlesville, OK:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the starting salary for electricians in Bartlesville in 2026?
How fast do electrician salaries grow in Bartlesville?
Is electrical school worth it in Bartlesville?
What do new electricians make right out of school in Bartlesville?
How do I become a electrician in Oklahoma?
Related Pages
Compare Salaries
Career Resources
Nearby Cities in Oklahoma
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 Bartlesville. Program costs are averages and actual tuition varies by institution. ROI calculations are simplified estimates.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Bartlesville 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