Electrician Hourly Pay in San Diego, CA: $37.40 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a electrician working in San Diego, CA runs $37.40 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $77,775 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 47-2111). Weighted against San Diego's regional price level (BEA RPP 111.9, 12% above national), each hour of work buys what $33.42 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $46,671 per year.
Official BLS data · View source
In San Diego, the projected electrician hourly pay for 2026 sits at $37.40, significantly higher than the national hourly median of $31.02. This elevated rate reflects the city's robust demand for skilled electricians, particularly within its diverse sector, involving commercial and industrial construction sites, residential services, utility installations, and specialized electrical work in data centers and manufacturing plants. For those working part-time, such as three days a week, this median translates to an annual income that can still support a respectable standard of living, especially compared to the entry-level range which starts around $23.52 per hour. Meanwhile, seasoned electricians in high-demand specialties may command rates approaching $61.99 per hour, showcasing the potential for lucrative per-diem opportunities, particularly for self-employed contractors and those working on residential and small-scale projects.
Electrician Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $23.52 | $188.15 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $29.51 | $236.10 |
| Median (P50) | $37.40 | $299.17 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $49.96 | $399.66 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $61.99 | $495.89 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in San Diego
Based on $37.40/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $37.40/hr, a electrician working full-time (40 hr/wk) in San Diego, CA can expect to earn approximately $77,784 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $44,876. With a cost-of-living index of 111.89 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in San Diego.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in San Diego
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,495.85 | $6,482 | $77,784 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $897.51 | $3,889 | $46,671 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $598.34 | $2,593 | $31,114 |
Compare ELEC Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Electrician (San Diego) | $37.40 |
| 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 San Diego, CA earn a median of $77,775 per year (2026 est.), which is 20.53% higher than the national median of $64,530 and 0.10% above the California state average of $77,697.
Electrician Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $37.40/hr = $46,671/year (purchasing power: $41,712).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $77,784/year (purchasing power: $69,520).
CoL index: 111.887 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$28.26/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$36.62/hr
2026 Current Est.
$37.40/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+35.1%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Electricians in San Diego (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.12% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $28.26/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $29.39/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $29.64/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $29.90/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $34.94/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $36.37/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $36.62/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $37.40/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $38.19/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for electricians in San Diego grew 29.6% from $28.26/hr (2019) to $36.62/hr (2025). At a 2.12% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $38.19/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 San Diego 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 San Diego
The income reality for electricians also varies notably depending on employment type. Part-time electricians working 24 hours a week can expect an annual income around $46,393, which illustrates a comfortable yet less comprehensive earning potential compared to full-time professionals. For those engaged in per-diem electrician pay in San Diego, the earnings can significantly increase, with typical rates ranging from $80 to $150 per day, combined with base hourly pay between $35 and $60. This is especially true for travel electricians involved in out-of-town projects or storm restoration work, which can see pay double-time along with substantial per-diem compensation. Different employers also influence earnings; union jobs through IBEW often present 30-50% premiums over non-union positions but typically come with full benefits. Electricians may want to consider trade-offs such as accepting lower hourly rates for comprehensive health coverage versus higher hourly rates without benefits. In negotiations, it’s crucial to research the going rates across employer types in San Diego and to articulate the value of your specific skills, particularly in trending sectors like renewable energy or industrial electrical systems.
More salary data for San Diego, 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 San Diego. 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