Entry-Level Electrician Salary in San Antonio, TX: $38,254 (2026)
Quick Answer:New electricians entering the San Antonio, TX job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $38,254 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 47-2111, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out San Antonio's local price level (BEA RPP 94.7 — 5% below national), a first-year paycheck buys what $40,388 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($58,219) within a few years of clinical practice.
Official BLS data · View source
In 2026, a new grad electrician in San Antonio can expect a starting salary around $38,254, which reflects the lower end of the pay spectrum for entry-level positions. This figure is significantly below the city-wide median annual salary of $58,219, showing that entry-level roles in the electrical field typically offer a gap of approximately $19,965. However, those just starting in their careers should not be discouraged, as they can anticipate steady salary growth over the first few years, progressing from the starting point through the 25th percentile ($46,260) and nearing the median as they gain experience. Given the growth rate of 2.12% projected for this industry, San Antonio remains a viable market for new electricians, providing various opportunities for employment and career advancement.
Career Earnings Timeline in San Antonio
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 San Antonio
Entry-level electricians in San Antonio, TX typically start between $38,254 and $46,260 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $39,020 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $58,219 — 9.78% below the national median.
Return on Investment
The average electrical program cost in Texas of $11,000 represents just 28.76% of the starting electrician pay ($38,254/year) in San Antonio. 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 San Antonio
- 1Research the San Antonio market: entry-level electrician pay ranges from $38,254 to $46,260, 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 TX often pay a premium for expanded scope of work.
- 3Evaluate the full compensation package — in San Antonio, 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 San Antonio for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
- 5San Antonio'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 San Antonio is $39,020 ( 102.00%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $38,254, experienced hygienists can earn up to $77,274.
Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.
2019 BLS Actual
$32,860
2025 BLS Actual
$37,460
2026 Current Est.
$38,254
2019–2027 Growth
+18.9%
Salary Trajectory for Electricians in San Antonio (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.12% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $32,860 | Actual |
| 2020 | $34,580 | Actual |
| 2021 | $35,660 | Actual |
| 2022 | $35,500 | Actual |
| 2023 | $36,730 | Actual |
| 2024 | $37,110 | Actual |
| 2025 | $37,460 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $38,254 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $39,065 | Projected |
Entry-level electrician compensation (10th percentile) in San Antonio, TX grew 14.0% over 7 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $32,860 in 2019 to $37,460 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $39,065. New graduates entering the San Antonio job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the San Antonio 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 San Antonio
When it comes to hiring entry-level electricians, San Antonio presents multiple pathways for new graduates. Union programs like the JATC through IBEW and NECA offer structured apprenticeships that not only pay while you learn but also pave the way to journeyman status, which is critical for increasing your salary potential. Non-union contractors also play a significant role in employing apprentices, and on-the-job training can provide valuable experience. Credentials such as completion of a 5,000-10,000 hour apprenticeship, a journeyman electrician license, and OSHA safety certifications can enhance employability and lead to better starting pay in Texas. Moreover, specialized skills in areas like industrial controls, solar energy, or EV infrastructure will command higher wages and meet the growing demand driven by legislative incentives. Over the first 1-3 years of their career, electricians can realistically expect their earnings to rise as they achieve additional certifications and gain practical experience in a market where union wages often exceed those of non-union positions by 30-50%.
More salary data for San Antonio, TX:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the starting salary for electricians in San Antonio in 2026?
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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 San Antonio. 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