Entry-Level Electrician Salary in Oregon City, OR: $69,350 (2026)
Quick Answer:New electricians entering the Oregon City, OR job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $69,350 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 47-2111, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out Oregon City's local price level (BEA RPP 102.6 — 3% above national), a first-year paycheck buys what $67,593 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($100,135) within a few years of clinical practice.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, the starting electrician salary in Oregon City is projected to be around $69,350, a figure that offers new graduates a solid entry point into the field. This initial pay is substantially lower than the city’s median salary of $100,135, indicating that as electricians gain experience, their earnings can expand significantly. New workers might expect to see growth within their first few years as they advance from the entry-level point at the 10th percentile towards the 25th percentile salary of $78,542. Given the projected annual growth rate of 2.12%, Oregon City presents a favorable market for new electricians, providing opportunities for financial progression, due to a combination of local demand and a skilled workforce transition as seasoned electricians retire.
Employers in Oregon City eager to take on new graduates include both union and non-union contracting companies. The IBEW and NECA partnership offers robust apprenticeship programs that typically span four to five years, while non-union options like ABC apprenticeship provide hands-on experience for aspiring electricians. Achieving a journeyman electrician license—often a key milestone for better pay—requires passing a state exam after completing thousands of hours of practical training. Specialized certifications can further enhance earning potential; fields such as industrial controls and solar energy installations are witnessing rapid growth, fueled by investments in green infrastructure and innovations in technology. Realistically, new graduates can anticipate steady salary increases as they progress through their first three years, especially if they prioritize credentials and engage in areas experiencing strong market demand, such as data center electrical work, which is emerging as a lucrative niche in Oregon City.
About the Oregon City Market
Salary estimated from Oregon average ($80,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Career Earnings Timeline in Oregon City
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 Oregon City
Entry-level electricians in Oregon City, OR typically start between $69,350 and $78,542 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $85,859 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $100,135 — 55.18% above the national median.
Return on Investment
The average electrical program cost in Oregon of $17,000 represents just 24.51% of the starting electrician pay ($69,350/year) in Oregon City. 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 Oregon City
- 1Research the Oregon City market: entry-level electrician pay ranges from $69,350 to $78,542, 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 OR often pay a premium for expanded scope of work.
- 3Evaluate the full compensation package — in Oregon City, 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 Oregon City for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
- 5Oregon City'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 Oregon City is $85,859 ( 123.81%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $69,350, experienced hygienists can earn up to $155,209.
Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.
2019 BLS Actual
$53,210
2025 BLS Actual
$67,910
2026 Current Est.
$69,350
2019–2027 Growth
+33.1%
Salary Trajectory for Electricians in Oregon City (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.12% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $53,210 | Actual |
| 2020 | $53,847 | Actual |
| 2021 | $58,959 | Actual |
| 2022 | $59,628 | Actual |
| 2023 | $61,269 | Actual |
| 2024 | $52,737 | Actual |
| 2025 | $67,910 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $69,350 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $70,820 | Projected |
Entry-level electrician compensation (10th percentile) in Oregon City, OR grew 27.6% over 7 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $53,210 in 2019 to $67,910 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $70,820. New graduates entering the Oregon City job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Oregon City 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.
More salary data for Oregon City, OR:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the starting salary for electricians in Oregon City in 2026?
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What do new electricians make right out of school in Oregon City?
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Related Pages
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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 Oregon City. Program costs are averages and actual tuition varies by institution. ROI calculations are simplified estimates.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Oregon City 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