Electrician Hourly Pay in Brea, CA: $35.46 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a electrician working in Brea, CA runs $35.46 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $73,752 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 47-2111). Weighted against Brea's regional price level (BEA RPP 113.1, 13% above national), each hour of work buys what $31.35 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $44,249 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source

Electricians in Brea, California can expect a median hourly pay of $35.46, which positions them notably above the national hourly median of $31.02. This competitive rate indicates a favorable landscape for part-time electricians and per-diem workers in various typical settings, including commercial construction sites, residential service calls, and utility line jobs. With an hourly range that spans from $24.95 for entry-level positions to $54.96 for top earners, electricians have ample opportunities based on their skill sets and experience. Influences such as local demand, cost of living, and the complexity of electrical work can also affect these earnings, making it essential for professionals in Brea to understand their market value.
About the Brea Market
Salary estimated from California average ($84,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Electrician Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $24.95 | $199.58 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $28.12 | $224.99 |
| Median (P50) | $35.46 | $283.65 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $45.38 | $363.06 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $54.96 | $439.69 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Brea
Based on $35.46/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $35.46/hr, a electrician working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Brea, CA can expect to earn approximately $73,749 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $42,547. With a cost-of-living index of 113.10 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Brea.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Brea
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,418.24 | $6,146 | $73,749 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $850.95 | $3,687 | $44,249 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $567.30 | $2,458 | $29,499 |
Compare ELEC Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Electrician (Brea) | $35.46 |
| 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 Brea, CA earn a median of $73,752 per year (2026 est.), which is 14.29% higher than the national median of $64,530 and 5.10% below the California state average of $77,716.
Electrician Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $35.46/hr = $44,249/year (purchasing power: $39,124).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $73,749/year (purchasing power: $65,207).
CoL index: 113.1 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$30.87/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$34.72/hr
2026 Current Est.
$35.46/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+17.3%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Electricians in Brea (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.12% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $30.87/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $31.26/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $32.99/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $33.10/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $33.84/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $43.34/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $34.72/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $35.46/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $36.21/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for electricians in Brea grew 12.5% from $30.87/hr (2019) to $34.72/hr (2025). At a 2.12% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $36.21/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 Brea 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 Brea
When considering the earning potential in Brea, part-time electricians working three days a week can take home significant amounts annually. For example, a typical working schedule of 24 hours a week could yield an annual income of approximately $44,000, which remains healthy compared to staying full-time. Electricians who travel for work often utilize per-diem arrangements, which provide additional compensation ranging from $80-$150 per day on top of their hourly wage—these per diem rates can be even more lucrative during storm work, where utility linemen may receive double-time pay and substantial per-diem allowances. The landscape of employer types also impacts wages; union electricians, particularly those affiliated with IBEW, frequently earn 30-50% more than their non-union counterparts, who may focus on residential work. Navigating benefits can be a significant factor in compensation discussions, as some electricians may opt for lower hourly rates for better health insurance benefits, while others pursue higher rates with no benefits. Engaging in constructive salary negotiations can also be crucial, especially as Brea's electrical market continues to experience growth due to emerging sectors like solar energy and data center installations.
More salary data for Brea, 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 Brea. 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 Brea 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