Entry-Level Electrician Salary in Bennington, VT: $45,581 (2026)
Quick Answer:New electricians entering the Bennington, VT job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $45,581 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 47-2111, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out Bennington's local price level (BEA RPP 103.5 — 4% above national), a first-year paycheck buys what $44,040 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($64,000) within a few years of clinical practice.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, new graduates entering the electrician field in Bennington, VT, should anticipate starting salaries around $45,581. This figure is significantly lower than the city's median annual salary of $64,000, highlighting the entry-level gap that many professionals face. However, aspiring electricians can view this as a stepping stone, with pathways that typically lead from the entry-level pay to around $50,879 within a few years, ultimately progressing towards the median as they gain experience. Given the projected annual growth rate of 2.12%, Bennington may present a favorable job market for new grads looking to capitalize on the expanding demand for electricians, particularly with a variety of sectors in need of skilled labor.
About the Bennington Market
Salary estimated from Vermont average ($64,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Career Earnings Timeline in Bennington
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 Bennington
Entry-level electricians in Bennington, VT typically start between $45,581 and $50,879 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $53,618 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $64,000 — 0.82% below the national median.
Return on Investment
The average electrical program cost in Vermont of $12,000 represents just 26.33% of the starting electrician pay ($45,581/year) in Bennington. 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 Bennington
- 1Research the Bennington market: entry-level electrician pay ranges from $45,581 to $50,879, 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 VT often pay a premium for expanded scope of work.
- 3Evaluate the full compensation package — in Bennington, 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 Bennington for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
- 5Bennington'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 Bennington is $53,618 ( 117.63%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $45,581, experienced hygienists can earn up to $99,199.
Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.
2019 BLS Actual
$34,973
2025 BLS Actual
$44,635
2026 Current Est.
$45,581
2019–2027 Growth
+33.1%
Salary Trajectory for Electricians in Bennington (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.12% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $34,973 | Actual |
| 2020 | $35,392 | Actual |
| 2021 | $38,752 | Actual |
| 2022 | $39,192 | Actual |
| 2023 | $40,270 | Actual |
| 2024 | $42,344 | Actual |
| 2025 | $44,635 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $45,581 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $46,548 | Projected |
Entry-level electrician compensation (10th percentile) in Bennington, VT grew 27.6% over 7 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $34,973 in 2019 to $44,635 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $46,548. New graduates entering the Bennington job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Bennington 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 Bennington
Employers in Bennington offer various pathways for new graduates, including union apprenticeships through the IBEW and NECA Joint Apprenticeship and Training Committee, which typically span 4-5 years and provide structured on-the-job training. Non-union contractors, following ABC apprenticeship models, also hire entry-level electricians, while industrial maintenance teams often look for journeymen. Earning additional credentials, such as a journeyman electrician license or OSHA safety certifications, can enhance starting pay in this region. For those aiming to accelerate their careers, specializing in high-demand areas like solar energy or industrial controls can lead to higher wages. Additionally, understanding the union versus non-union dynamics, where unionized positions may offer 30-50% higher pay with full benefits, will aid new professionals in strategizing their growth and salary expectations in the early years of their careers in Bennington.
More salary data for Bennington, VT:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the starting salary for electricians in Bennington in 2026?
How fast do electrician salaries grow in Bennington?
Is electrical school worth it in Bennington?
What do new electricians make right out of school in Bennington?
How do I become a electrician in Vermont?
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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 Bennington. Program costs are averages and actual tuition varies by institution. ROI calculations are simplified estimates.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Bennington 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