Electrician Hourly Pay in Bakersfield, CA: $37.24 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a electrician working in Bakersfield, CA runs $37.24 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $77,468 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 47-2111). Weighted against Bakersfield's regional price level (BEA RPP 100.9, 1% above national), each hour of work buys what $36.92 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $46,479 per year.
Official BLS data · View source
In Bakersfield, electricians earn a median hourly rate of $37.24, significantly surpassing the national hourly median of $31.02. This elevated pay structure indicates a strong demand for skilled electricians in various settings, including commercial and industrial construction sites, residential service calls, and utility service work. For those working part-time, say three days a week, the potential to earn approximately $29,000 annually is feasible, depending on hours and projects completed. Entry-level electricians may start at around $22.97 per hour, while seasoned professionals can command rates up to $60.85. These figures are grounded in 2026 projections based on 2025 BLS OEWS data, reflecting not just the local economy’s health but also the specialized technical skills required in this trade.
Electrician Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $22.97 | $183.73 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $28.41 | $227.28 |
| Median (P50) | $37.24 | $297.95 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $48.49 | $387.89 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $60.85 | $486.83 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Bakersfield
Based on $37.24/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $37.24/hr, a electrician working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Bakersfield, CA can expect to earn approximately $77,466 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $44,692. With a cost-of-living index of 100.89 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Bakersfield.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Bakersfield
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,489.73 | $6,455 | $77,466 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $893.84 | $3,873 | $46,479 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $595.89 | $2,582 | $30,986 |
Compare ELEC Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Electrician (Bakersfield) | $37.24 |
| 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 Bakersfield, CA earn a median of $77,468 per year (2026 est.), which is 20.05% higher than the national median of $64,530 and 0.30% below the California state average of $77,701.
Electrician Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $37.24/hr = $46,479/year (purchasing power: $46,071).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $77,466/year (purchasing power: $76,785).
CoL index: 100.886 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$32.45/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$36.47/hr
2026 Current Est.
$37.24/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+17.2%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Electricians in Bakersfield (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.12% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $32.45/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $32.69/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $30.01/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $32.55/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $35.00/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $36.21/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $36.47/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $37.24/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $38.03/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for electricians in Bakersfield grew 12.4% from $32.45/hr (2019) to $36.47/hr (2025). At a 2.12% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $38.03/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 Bakersfield 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 Bakersfield
When considering the compensation landscape, per diem electrician pay in Bakersfield can vary significantly, especially for those undertaking travel projects. Electricians deployed out-of-town may receive between $80 to $150 per day, alongside their base pay of $35 to $60 per hour. Storm work for utility linemen could yield double-time wages, reaching $300-$500 daily, while specialized industrial PLC contractors can earn $80-$140 per hour. As the industry evolves, electrician hourly rates differ depending on the employer; for instance, IBEW union contractors offer benefits that translate to 30-50% higher pay compared to non-union contractors. However, some electricians opt for self-employed or independent contracting routes, trading off the security of a benefits package for potentially higher wages without scheduled hours. In Bakersfield’s competitive job market, negotiation is key, especially for those seeking roles that balance reasonable pay with health benefits, thus ensuring both financial stability and job satisfaction.
More salary data for Bakersfield, CA:
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 Bakersfield. Part-time and full-time income estimates assume consistent weekly hours and do not account for overtime, benefits, or seasonal variation.
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