Entry-Level Electrician Salary in Kingsport, TN: $38,213 (2026)
Quick Answer:New electricians entering the Kingsport, TN job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $38,213 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 47-2111, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out Kingsport's local price level (BEA RPP 86.4 — 14% below national), a first-year paycheck buys what $44,204 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($61,343) within a few years of clinical practice.
Official BLS data · View source
Prospective electricians entering the workforce in Kingsport, Tennessee, can anticipate a starting salary of approximately $38,213, according to 2026 projections based on 2025 BLS data. While this figure represents a feasible entry point into the profession, it falls short compared to the city’s median annual salary of $61,343, signaling a significant gap for those embarking on this career path. New graduates may experience a progressive salary growth trajectory, primarily advancing from the P10 level through the P25 mark of $49,681 within their first three to five years. Therefore, while Kingsport presents opportunities for early-career electricians, a strategic approach toward skill development and obtaining established credentials will enhance one’s earning potential substantially over time.
Career Earnings Timeline in Kingsport
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 Kingsport
Entry-level electricians in Kingsport, TN typically start between $38,213 and $49,681 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $40,042 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $61,343 — 4.94% below the national median.
Return on Investment
The average electrical program cost in Tennessee of $9,000 represents just 23.55% of the starting electrician pay ($38,213/year) in Kingsport. 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 Kingsport
- 1Research the Kingsport market: entry-level electrician pay ranges from $38,213 to $49,681, 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 TN often pay a premium for expanded scope of work.
- 3Evaluate the full compensation package — in Kingsport, 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 Kingsport for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
- 5Kingsport'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 Kingsport is $40,042 ( 104.79%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $38,213, experienced hygienists can earn up to $78,255.
Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.
2019 BLS Actual
$26,440
2025 BLS Actual
$37,420
2026 Current Est.
$38,213
2019–2027 Growth
+47.6%
Salary Trajectory for Electricians in Kingsport (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.12% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $26,440 | Actual |
| 2020 | $30,550 | Actual |
| 2021 | $34,220 | Actual |
| 2022 | $36,420 | Actual |
| 2023 | $35,760 | Actual |
| 2024 | $36,820 | Actual |
| 2025 | $37,420 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $38,213 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $39,023 | Projected |
Entry-level electrician compensation (10th percentile) in Kingsport, TN grew 41.5% over 7 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $26,440 in 2019 to $37,420 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $39,023. New graduates entering the Kingsport job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Kingsport 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 Kingsport
Firms in Kingsport looking to hire electricians often include both union and non-union contractors, providing a mix of pathways for new graduates. The local IBEW and NECA partnership runs Joint Apprenticeship and Training Committee (JATC) programs that accept apprentices, offering structured training over four to five years. For those pursuing non-union opportunities, the Associated Builders and Contractors (ABC) provides on-the-job training. Candidates can significantly increase their starting pay by gaining relevant credentials, such as completing a 5,000-10,000 hour apprenticeship, earning a journeyman electrician license through a state exam, or even pursuing master electrician and state electrical contractor licenses for long-term career viability. The first few years in this profession will yield varied salary growth, especially for electricians focusing on specialties like industrial controls and renewable energy, which are steadily on the rise in Kingsport as market demands shift toward solar power and data center electrical work. Understanding these dynamics can help new grads secure a more rewarding path in what promises to be a thriving industry.
More salary data for Kingsport, TN:
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 Kingsport. Program costs are averages and actual tuition varies by institution. ROI calculations are simplified estimates.
Data Sources & Methodology
Source: BLS, OEWS, 7-year dataset (–). Per-city data from annual BLS metropolitan area surveys.
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