Entry-Level Electrician Salary in Kennewick, WA: $49,283 (2026)
Quick Answer:New electricians entering the Kennewick, WA job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $49,283 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 47-2111, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out Kennewick's local price level (BEA RPP 100.1 — 0% above national), a first-year paycheck buys what $49,244 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($101,967) within a few years of clinical practice.
Official BLS data · View source
In 2026, new graduates entering the electrician field in Kennewick, Washington, can expect an entry-level electrician salary starting around $49,283. This figure is notably below the city’s median salary for electricians, which is projected at $101,967. For early-career professionals, there is a reasonable chance to progress financially as they gain experience, with expected growth moving towards $71,780 within a few years. Given Kennewick's expanding job market for electricians and its 2.12% projected growth rate, it serves as an appealing location for new graduates looking to kickstart their careers in the electrical trades.
Career Earnings Timeline in Kennewick
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 Kennewick
Entry-level electricians in Kennewick, WA typically start between $49,283 and $71,780 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $78,755 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $101,967 — 58.01% above the national median.
Return on Investment
The average electrical program cost in Washington of $18,000 represents just 36.52% of the starting electrician pay ($49,283/year) in Kennewick. 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 Kennewick
- 1Research the Kennewick market: entry-level electrician pay ranges from $49,283 to $71,780, 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 WA often pay a premium for expanded scope of work.
- 3Evaluate the full compensation package — in Kennewick, 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 Kennewick for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
- 5Kennewick'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 Kennewick is $78,755 ( 159.80%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $49,283, experienced hygienists can earn up to $128,038.
Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.
2019 BLS Actual
$30,350
2025 BLS Actual
$48,260
2026 Current Est.
$49,283
2019–2027 Growth
+65.8%
Salary Trajectory for Electricians in Kennewick (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.12% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $30,350 | Actual |
| 2020 | $32,210 | Actual |
| 2021 | $38,160 | Actual |
| 2022 | $48,780 | Actual |
| 2023 | $49,220 | Actual |
| 2024 | $54,800 | Actual |
| 2025 | $48,260 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $49,283 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $50,328 | Projected |
Entry-level electrician compensation (10th percentile) in Kennewick, WA grew 59.0% over 7 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $30,350 in 2019 to $48,260 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $50,328. New graduates entering the Kennewick job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Kennewick 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 Kennewick
Employers in Kennewick eager to onboard new electricians include both union and non-union contractors as well as utility companies. Students who pursue the structured pathways through JATC programs such as those offered by IBEW and NECA will find themselves in competitive apprenticeship roles that typically span 4-5 years. A journeyman electrician license gained through the state exam can significantly elevate job prospects, while additional certifications like OSHA cards and specialized training in PLC programming can further enhance earning potential. In the first few years, electricians with skills in high-demand areas such as solar installation and data center electrical work often see their salaries rise substantially. Those looking to secure employment in this field may also benefit from the higher wages associated with union positions, which often include comprehensive benefits and pension plans, creating additional incentive to pursue thorough training and apprenticeship opportunities in Kennewick.
More salary data for Kennewick, WA:
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 Kennewick. 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