Entry-Level Electrician Salary in Wausau, WI: $42,410 (2026)
Quick Answer:New electricians entering the Wausau, WI job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $42,410 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 47-2111, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out Wausau's local price level (BEA RPP 92.7 — 7% below national), a first-year paycheck buys what $45,774 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($80,348) within a few years of clinical practice.
Official BLS data · View source
In Wausau, the entry-level electrician salary is quite competitive compared to both state and national averages. New graduates can expect to earn around $42,410 annually as they begin their careers in this dynamic field. This starting pay may seem modest when viewed against the city’s median salary of $80,348, but it serves as a strong foundation for growth. Within the first few years, early-career electricians can realistically anticipate their pay increasing to approximately $51,254, as they gain experience and skills. With a projected growth rate of 2.12% for this profession, Wausau presents a favorable job market for those entering the electrical trades in 2026, offering both stability and upward mobility.
Career Earnings Timeline in Wausau
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 Wausau
Entry-level electricians in Wausau, WI typically start between $42,410 and $51,254 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $46,220 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $80,348 — 24.51% above the national median.
Return on Investment
The average electrical program cost in Wisconsin of $15,000 represents just 35.37% of the starting electrician pay ($42,410/year) in Wausau. 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 Wausau
- 1Research the Wausau market: entry-level electrician pay ranges from $42,410 to $51,254, 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 WI often pay a premium for expanded scope of work.
- 3Evaluate the full compensation package — in Wausau, 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 Wausau for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
- 5Wausau'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 Wausau is $46,220 ( 108.98%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $42,410, experienced hygienists can earn up to $88,630.
Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.
2019 BLS Actual
$28,270
2025 BLS Actual
$41,530
2026 Current Est.
$42,410
2019–2027 Growth
+53.2%
Salary Trajectory for Electricians in Wausau (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.12% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $28,270 | Actual |
| 2020 | $30,900 | Actual |
| 2021 | $36,850 | Actual |
| 2022 | $42,360 | Actual |
| 2023 | $38,780 | Actual |
| 2024 | $40,520 | Actual |
| 2025 | $41,530 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $42,410 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $43,310 | Projected |
Entry-level electrician compensation (10th percentile) in Wausau, WI grew 46.9% over 7 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $28,270 in 2019 to $41,530 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $43,310. New graduates entering the Wausau job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Wausau 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 Wausau
Employers in Wausau that typically recruit new graduates include union Joint Apprenticeship and Training Committee (JATC) programs, like those affiliated with IBEW, and non-union contractors that participate in the ABC apprenticeship. These pathways provide structured on-the-job training for aspiring electricians. Additionally, attaining a journeyman electrician license, which involves passing a state exam along with completing a 5,000-10,000 hour apprenticeship, can significantly boost earning potential. Engaging in specialized areas such as industrial controls or obtaining certifications for solar PV and EV charging systems can lead to salaries at the higher end of the pay scale. Those entering the field in Wausau can expect salary growth during their first few years to reflect these advancements in expertise and credentialing, positioning them well in a market where union electricians often command a premium compared to their non-union peers.
More salary data for Wausau, WI:
Frequently Asked Questions
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Is electrical school worth it in Wausau?
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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 Wausau. 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