Entry-Level Electrician Salary in Williamsburg, VA: $41,396 (2026)
Quick Answer:New electricians entering the Williamsburg, VA job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $41,396 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 47-2111, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out Williamsburg's local price level (BEA RPP 103.2 — 3% above national), a first-year paycheck buys what $40,112 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($59,840) within a few years of clinical practice.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source

In Williamsburg, Virginia, those entering the electrician field can expect a starting salary of around $41,396, which marks a couple of notable gaps in the salary spectrum for this profession. Even though this entry-level figure is positioned at the 10th percentile, it does provide a pathway to significantly higher earnings. The city's median annual salary for electricians is projected to be $59,840 in 2026, indicating a substantial middle ground for early-career professionals. Over the first three to five years, new graduates can anticipate salary growth moving towards the 25th percentile at $46,684 and potentially reaching the median figure as they gain experience and skill. This steady growth makes Williamsburg a viable market for new electricians, especially given its overall demand for skilled labor in a variety of sectors.
About the Williamsburg Market
Salary estimated from Virginia average ($62,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Career Earnings Timeline in Williamsburg
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 Williamsburg
Entry-level electricians in Williamsburg, VA typically start between $41,396 and $46,684 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $51,357 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $59,840 — 7.27% below the national median.
Return on Investment
The average electrical program cost in Virginia of $11,000 represents just 26.57% of the starting electrician pay ($41,396/year) in Williamsburg. 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 Williamsburg
- 1Research the Williamsburg market: entry-level electrician pay ranges from $41,396 to $46,684, 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 VA often pay a premium for expanded scope of work.
- 3Evaluate the full compensation package — in Williamsburg, 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 Williamsburg for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
- 5Williamsburg'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 Williamsburg is $51,357 ( 124.06%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $41,396, experienced hygienists can earn up to $92,753.
Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.
2019 BLS Actual
$31,762
2025 BLS Actual
$40,537
2026 Current Est.
$41,396
2019–2027 Growth
+33.1%
Salary Trajectory for Electricians in Williamsburg (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.12% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $31,762 | Actual |
| 2020 | $32,142 | Actual |
| 2021 | $35,194 | Actual |
| 2022 | $35,593 | Actual |
| 2023 | $36,573 | Actual |
| 2024 | $39,183 | Actual |
| 2025 | $40,537 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $41,396 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $42,274 | Projected |
Entry-level electrician compensation (10th percentile) in Williamsburg, VA grew 27.6% over 7 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $31,762 in 2019 to $40,537 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $42,274. New graduates entering the Williamsburg job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Williamsburg 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 Williamsburg
In the Williamsburg area, several employers actively recruit new graduates, providing valuable opportunities for apprentices. For instance, union Joint Apprenticeship and Training Committee (JATC) programs, partnering with IBEW and NECA, offer structured 4-5 year training paths for those looking to start their careers. Non-union contractors also play a role by hiring apprentices through the Associated Builders and Contractors (ABC) apprenticeship programs, which combine on-the-job training with hands-on experience. Obtaining relevant credentials can boost earnings, with many electricians undertaking the required 5,000-10,000 hour apprenticeship, followed by obtaining their journeyman license. Those seeking to further enhance their qualifications, such as pursuing specialties in areas like industrial controls or solar energy, can command even higher wages. Realistically, entry-level electricians in Williamsburg can expect gradual salary increases in their first few years, with the state’s union markets capable of providing a 30-50% premium over non-union opportunities, complemented by benefits like pensions. As the demand for energy-efficient technologies and electrical work increases, especially in burgeoning fields such as data center infrastructure, new graduates can strategically position themselves for substantial growth in their careers.
More salary data for Williamsburg, VA:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the starting salary for electricians in Williamsburg in 2026?
How fast do electrician salaries grow in Williamsburg?
Is electrical school worth it in Williamsburg?
What do new electricians make right out of school in Williamsburg?
How do I become a electrician in Virginia?
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 Williamsburg. Program costs are averages and actual tuition varies by institution. ROI calculations are simplified estimates.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Williamsburg 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