Entry-Level Electrician Salary in Tualatin, OR: $70,323 (2026)
Quick Answer:New electricians entering the Tualatin, OR job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $70,323 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 47-2111, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out Tualatin's local price level (BEA RPP 102.6 — 3% above national), a first-year paycheck buys what $68,541 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($97,153) within a few years of clinical practice.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
For new graduates stepping into the electrical field in Tualatin, Oregon, the entry-level electrician salary is set to reflect competitive industry trends. In 2026, an entry-level position can expect to start around $70,323 annually, which positions them significantly below the city median of $97,153. While this initial pay may seem modest compared to the median, it is essential to recognize that there is potential for upward movement; those new to the field can anticipate gradual salary growth, moving toward $78,522 by the 25th percentile, and eventually reaching the median as they gain experience. Tualatin proves to be an attractive market for new grads, particularly given the projected 2.12% annual growth rate in the field, indicating stability and potential for salary increases in subsequent years.
About the Tualatin Market
Salary estimated from Oregon average ($80,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Career Earnings Timeline in Tualatin
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 Tualatin
Entry-level electricians in Tualatin, OR typically start between $70,323 and $78,522 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $80,264 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $97,153 — 50.55% above the national median.
Return on Investment
The average electrical program cost in Oregon of $17,000 represents just 24.17% of the starting electrician pay ($70,323/year) in Tualatin. 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 Tualatin
- 1Research the Tualatin market: entry-level electrician pay ranges from $70,323 to $78,522, 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 Tualatin, 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 Tualatin for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
- 5Tualatin'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 Tualatin is $80,264 ( 114.14%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $70,323, experienced hygienists can earn up to $150,587.
Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.
2019 BLS Actual
$53,957
2025 BLS Actual
$68,863
2026 Current Est.
$70,323
2019–2027 Growth
+33.1%
Salary Trajectory for Electricians in Tualatin (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.12% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $53,957 | Actual |
| 2020 | $54,603 | Actual |
| 2021 | $59,787 | Actual |
| 2022 | $60,465 | Actual |
| 2023 | $62,129 | Actual |
| 2024 | $53,632 | Actual |
| 2025 | $68,863 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $70,323 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $71,814 | Projected |
Entry-level electrician compensation (10th percentile) in Tualatin, OR grew 27.6% over 7 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $53,957 in 2019 to $68,863 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $71,814. New graduates entering the Tualatin job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Tualatin 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 Tualatin
Electricians in Tualatin who are just starting out have unique pathways to capitalize on as they enter the job market. Many local employers are eager to onboard apprentices, particularly through programs such as the IBEW/NECA Joint Apprenticeship and Training Committee (JATC), which provides structured 4-5 year training. There are also opportunities with non-union contractors who offer apprenticeships focused on on-the-job training. Securing additional credentials can enhance starting electrician pay in OR; for instance, completing the required 5,000-10,000 hour apprenticeship and obtaining a journeyman electrician license can significantly boost earning potential. Initially, entry-level electricians might find themselves earning less than their journeyman counterparts, especially in union markets where salaries may be 30-50% higher due to full benefits and pension. Specializing in areas such as industrial controls or gaining certification in burgeoning fields like solar PV and EV charging can lead to lucrative opportunities within the first few years. Overall, new grads should aim for continuous learning and seize every chance to increase their skill set to enhance their salaries over time in this evolving market.
More salary data for Tualatin, OR:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the starting salary for electricians in Tualatin in 2026?
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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 Tualatin. Program costs are averages and actual tuition varies by institution. ROI calculations are simplified estimates.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Tualatin 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