Entry-Level Electrician Salary in Pierre, SD: $38,162 (2026)
Quick Answer:New electricians entering the Pierre, SD job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $38,162 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 47-2111, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out Pierre's local price level (BEA RPP 92.8 — 7% below national), a first-year paycheck buys what $41,123 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($56,261) within a few years of clinical practice.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, new graduates stepping into the electrician field in Pierre, SD, can expect to start their careers with a salary around $38,162. This figure represents the lower end of the salary range for entry-level positions and is significantly below the city’s overall median annual salary of $56,261. While this starting electrician salary in Pierre may seem modest, there’s potential for growth as early-career professionals gain experience and progress toward earnings of $46,822 at the 25th percentile and eventually reaching the median pay within their first three to five years of service. Given the projected growth rate of 2.12% annually in this line of work, Pierre presents a viable market for new electricians eager to establish their careers.
About the Pierre Market
Salary estimated from South Dakota average ($60,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Career Earnings Timeline in Pierre
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 Pierre
Entry-level electricians in Pierre, SD typically start between $38,162 and $46,822 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $49,042 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $56,261 — 12.81% below the national median.
Return on Investment
The average electrical program cost in South Dakota of $9,000 represents just 23.58% of the starting electrician pay ($38,162/year) in Pierre. 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 Pierre
- 1Research the Pierre market: entry-level electrician pay ranges from $38,162 to $46,822, 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 SD often pay a premium for expanded scope of work.
- 3Evaluate the full compensation package — in Pierre, 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 Pierre for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
- 5Pierre'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 Pierre is $49,042 ( 128.51%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $38,162, experienced hygienists can earn up to $87,204.
Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.
2019 BLS Actual
$29,281
2025 BLS Actual
$37,370
2026 Current Est.
$38,162
2019–2027 Growth
+33.1%
Salary Trajectory for Electricians in Pierre (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.12% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $29,281 | Actual |
| 2020 | $29,631 | Actual |
| 2021 | $32,445 | Actual |
| 2022 | $32,813 | Actual |
| 2023 | $33,715 | Actual |
| 2024 | $33,124 | Actual |
| 2025 | $37,370 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $38,162 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $38,971 | Projected |
Entry-level electrician compensation (10th percentile) in Pierre, SD grew 27.6% over 7 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $29,281 in 2019 to $37,370 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $38,971. New graduates entering the Pierre job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Pierre 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 Pierre
Employers in Pierre who hire entry-level electricians include local contractors, apprenticeship programs, and utilities. The Joint Apprenticeship and Training Committee (JATC), in collaboration with IBEW and NECA, offers a structured 4-5 year apprenticeship for those entering the field, while non-union contractors may provide apprenticeship opportunities through organizations like the Associated Builders and Contractors (ABC). Credentials significantly influence starting pay, so obtaining a journeyman electrician license through state exam completion, as well as any relevant OSHA safety certifications, can enhance salary prospects. Within the first few years, electricians with specialized skills in industrial controls or experience in fast-growing sectors like solar PV or data center work are well-positioned to command higher wages and benefit from significant market demand, ensuring a promising career trajectory in the coming years.
More salary data for Pierre, SD:
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 Pierre. Program costs are averages and actual tuition varies by institution. ROI calculations are simplified estimates.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Pierre 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