Entry-Level Electrician Salary in Memphis, TN: $39,490 (2026)
Quick Answer:New electricians entering the Memphis, TN job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $39,490 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 47-2111, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out Memphis's local price level (BEA RPP 92.2 — 8% below national), a first-year paycheck buys what $42,841 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($62,181) within a few years of clinical practice.
Official BLS data · View source
In 2026, new graduates entering the electrical trade in Memphis, Tennessee, can expect a starting electrician salary of around $39,490, which is notably lower than the overall city median salary of $62,181. This creates a significant salary gap that early-career professionals should consider as they begin their careers. As entry-level electricians gain experience and expertise, prospects for salary growth appear promising. Within the first three to five years, individuals may realistically progress to approximately $49,334, and with continued effort, they could eventually reach the median level after a few more years in the field. Overall, Memphis presents a viable market for newly minted electricians, particularly given the city’s consistent demand for skilled tradespeople in an evolving industry landscape.
Career Earnings Timeline in Memphis
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 Memphis
Entry-level electricians in Memphis, TN typically start between $39,490 and $49,334 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $47,200 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $62,181 — 3.64% below the national median.
Return on Investment
The average electrical program cost in Tennessee of $9,000 represents just 22.79% of the starting electrician pay ($39,490/year) in Memphis. 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 Memphis
- 1Research the Memphis market: entry-level electrician pay ranges from $39,490 to $49,334, 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 Memphis, 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 Memphis for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
- 5Memphis'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 Memphis is $47,200 ( 119.52%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $39,490, experienced hygienists can earn up to $86,690.
Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.
2019 BLS Actual
$28,790
2025 BLS Actual
$38,670
2026 Current Est.
$39,490
2019–2027 Growth
+40.1%
Salary Trajectory for Electricians in Memphis (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.12% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $28,790 | Actual |
| 2020 | $30,660 | Actual |
| 2021 | $30,660 | Actual |
| 2022 | $34,360 | Actual |
| 2023 | $36,820 | Actual |
| 2024 | $37,560 | Actual |
| 2025 | $38,670 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $39,490 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $40,327 | Projected |
Entry-level electrician compensation (10th percentile) in Memphis, TN grew 34.3% over 7 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $28,790 in 2019 to $38,670 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $40,327. New graduates entering the Memphis job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Memphis 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 Memphis
Several employers across Memphis actively recruit entry-level electricians, including union and non-union companies embracing different training pathways. The IBEW (International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers) and NECA (National Electrical Contractors Association) sponsor JATC (Joint Apprenticeship and Training Committee) programs that accept apprentices for structured 4-5 year training, while non-union apprenticeships offered through the ABC (Associated Builders and Contractors) encourage hands-on learning. It's essential for new graduates to consider pursuing credentials that enhance their earning potential, including a journeyman electrician license obtained by passing a state exam and potentially a master electrician license after gaining 1-2 additional years of experience. In the fast-evolving landscape of electrical work in Memphis, specialties such as industrial controls and renewable energy sectors lead to higher salaries, reinforcing the idea that a strategic approach to learning and credentials can facilitate a rewarding career path.
More salary data for Memphis, TN:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the starting salary for electricians in Memphis in 2026?
How fast do electrician salaries grow in Memphis?
Is electrical school worth it in Memphis?
What do new electricians make right out of school in Memphis?
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Related Pages
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Nearby Cities in Tennessee
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 Memphis. 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