Electrician Hourly Pay in Los Angeles, CA: $36.24 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a electrician working in Los Angeles, CA runs $36.24 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $75,375 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 47-2111). Weighted against Los Angeles's regional price level (BEA RPP 113.6, 14% above national), each hour of work buys what $31.91 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $45,231 per year.
Official BLS data · View source

In Los Angeles, the electrician hourly pay is projected to reach a median of $36.24 in 2026, significantly higher than the national median of $31.02. This substantial hourly wage allows electricians in various settings—such as commercial and industrial construction sites, residential service calls, utility line trucks, and data centers—to thrive financially. For those working a part-time schedule at three days a week, the hourly rate translates into a valuable earning opportunity, especially alongside the potential for per-diem work. Entry-level electricians can expect to earn around $22.66 per hour, whereas top earners can bring in up to $64.65 per hour. Such differences reflect the varying demands and skill levels required in this diverse profession, where the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) data provides these clear insights into the local labor market.
Electrician Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $22.66 | $181.28 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $28.89 | $231.12 |
| Median (P50) | $36.24 | $289.94 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $50.05 | $400.39 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $64.65 | $517.22 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Los Angeles
Based on $36.24/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $36.24/hr, a electrician working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Los Angeles, CA can expect to earn approximately $75,384 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $43,491. With a cost-of-living index of 113.57 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Los Angeles.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Los Angeles
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,449.70 | $6,282 | $75,384 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $869.82 | $3,769 | $45,231 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $579.88 | $2,513 | $30,154 |
Compare ELEC Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Electrician (Los Angeles) | $36.24 |
| 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 Los Angeles, CA earn a median of $75,375 per year (2026 est.), which is 16.81% higher than the national median of $64,530 and 3.00% below the California state average of $77,706.
Electrician Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $36.24/hr = $45,231/year (purchasing power: $39,828).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $75,384/year (purchasing power: $66,379).
CoL index: 113.566 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$31.52/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$35.49/hr
2026 Current Est.
$36.24/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+17.4%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Electricians in Los Angeles (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.12% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $31.52/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $35.74/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $30.82/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $35.26/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $37.78/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $36.60/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $35.49/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $36.24/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $37.01/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for electricians in Los Angeles grew 12.6% from $31.52/hr (2019) to $35.49/hr (2025). At a 2.12% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $37.01/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 Los Angeles 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 Los Angeles
Exploring the financial landscape for electricians in Los Angeles reveals that those opting for part-time work can earn a substantial income despite such a reduced schedule. Working roughly 24 hours a week, part-time electricians could take home an estimated gross income that competes favorably with full-time positions. The per diem electrician pay in Los Angeles also adds an intriguing layer for professionals willing to travel; it is common to see earnings scale with daily stipends ranging from $80 to $150 alongside an hourly base of $35 to $60. Moreover, electricians catering to industrial clients, specialized in technologies like PLC controls, often earn between $80 and $140 per hour on a 1099 basis. It's crucial to recognize the differences in hourly rates across employer types; union electricians typically enjoy hourly wages that are 30-50% higher due to comprehensive benefits packages. Negotiating rates effectively in this competitive city requires an understanding of individual circumstances, including health benefits against higher hourly wages without insurance. Electricians in Los Angeles can maximize their earning potential by leveraging their skills and positioning themselves within the right employer framework.
More salary data for Los Angeles, 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 Los Angeles. 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