Electrician Hourly Pay in Opelika, AL: $26.33 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a electrician working in Opelika, AL runs $26.33 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $54,766 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 47-2111). Weighted against Opelika's regional price level (BEA RPP 87.9, 12% below national), each hour of work buys what $29.95 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $32,856 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Opelika, Alabama, the electrician hourly pay stands at a median rate of $26.33, notably lower than the national median of $31.02. This figure is particularly relevant for part-time electricians, who may work three days a week, offering flexibility that appeals to many in the trade. When considering the hourly range, workers start around $19.29 as entry-level electricians and can reach up to $40.81 for top earners in more specialized roles. Typical employment settings include commercial and industrial construction sites, residential service calls, and utility operations. These estimates reflect projections based on 2025 BLS data and provide important context for both journeyman and apprentice electricians seeking opportunities in the area.
About the Opelika Market
Salary estimated from Alabama average ($55,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Electrician Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $19.29 | $154.32 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $21.45 | $171.56 |
| Median (P50) | $26.33 | $210.61 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $33.70 | $269.60 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $40.81 | $326.46 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Opelika
Based on $26.33/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $26.33/hr, a electrician working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Opelika, AL can expect to earn approximately $54,759 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $31,592. With a cost-of-living index of 87.90 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Opelika.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Opelika
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,053.06 | $4,563 | $54,759 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $631.84 | $2,738 | $32,856 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $421.22 | $1,825 | $21,904 |
Compare ELEC Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Electrician (Opelika) | $26.33 |
| Plumber (National Avg) | $32.85 |
| HVAC Technician (National Avg) | $28.47 |
| Industrial Machinery Mechanic (National Avg) | $29.53 |
| Solar PV Installer (National Avg) | $24.85 |
Electricians in Opelika, AL earn a median of $54,766 per year (2026 est.), which is 15.13% lower than the national median of $64,530 and 3.20% below the Alabama state average of $56,576.
Electrician Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $26.33/hr = $32,856/year (purchasing power: $37,378).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $54,759/year (purchasing power: $62,297).
CoL index: 87.9 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$22.92/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$25.78/hr
2026 Current Est.
$26.33/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+17.3%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Electricians in Opelika (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.12% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $22.92/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $23.21/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $24.49/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $24.58/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $25.13/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $22.45/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $25.78/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $26.33/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $26.88/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for electricians in Opelika grew 12.5% from $22.92/hr (2019) to $25.78/hr (2025). At a 2.12% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $26.88/hr by 2027. Part-time and per-diem electricians can use this multi-year trend to benchmark future contract negotiations.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Opelika 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.
Working as an Hourly Electrician in Opelika
When looking at part-time earnings, a three-day-per-week electrician would take home substantially less than a full-time worker. Specifically, working 24 hours a week offers a distinct earning structure that can limit overall income. Travel electricians, on the other hand, working on out-of-town projects, can augment their hourly wage with per diem compensation ranging from $80 to $150 daily. This setup is particularly appealing for those involved in emergency storm response where linemen can command double-time pay along with daily allowances of up to $500. In Opelika, the variability in electrician hourly rates is influenced by employer types, with union contractors (IBEW affiliated), typically offering higher compensation packages that include benefits, compared to non-union counterparts. For electricians negotiating pay, understanding these dynamics and articulating the value of benefits versus hourly pay is crucial for making informed career decisions in the local market.
More salary data for Opelika, AL:
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
Hourly wage figures on this page are 2026 projections based on the Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) survey, May 2026 release. A 2.12% compound annual growth rate (CAGR), derived from 6-year national BLS wage trends, was applied to estimate current 2026 hourly rates for electricians in Opelika. Part-time and full-time income estimates assume consistent weekly hours and do not account for overtime, benefits, or seasonal variation.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Opelika 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