Electrician Hourly Pay in San Francisco, CA: $45.58 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a electrician working in San Francisco, CA runs $45.58 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $94,798 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 47-2111). Weighted against San Francisco's regional price level (BEA RPP 115.6, 16% above national), each hour of work buys what $39.42 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $56,879 per year.
Official BLS data · View source
In 2026, electricians in San Francisco can expect an impressive median hourly rate of $45.58, significantly surpassing the national median of $31.02. This robust pay structure reflects the city's elevated cost of living, where part-time workers—those clocking in three days per week—can still earn a healthy wage without committing to a full-time schedule. In typical environments such as commercial construction sites and residential service calls, the hourly pay can range from $27.18 for entry-level positions to a remarkable $89.52 for top earners. These figures, drawn from official BLS data, underscore the lucrative nature of this trade in the Bay Area, making it an attractive option for those considering a career as an electrician in CA.
Electrician Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $27.18 | $217.47 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $34.41 | $275.32 |
| Median (P50) | $45.58 | $364.61 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $63.96 | $511.66 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $89.52 | $716.15 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in San Francisco
Based on $45.58/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $45.58/hr, a electrician working full-time (40 hr/wk) in San Francisco, CA can expect to earn approximately $94,798 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $54,691. With a cost-of-living index of 115.61 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in San Francisco.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in San Francisco
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,823.05 | $7,900 | $94,798 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $1,093.83 | $4,740 | $56,879 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $729.22 | $3,160 | $37,919 |
Compare ELEC Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Electrician (San Francisco) | $45.58 |
| 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 Francisco, CA earn a median of $94,798 per year (2026 est.), which is 46.91% higher than the national median of $64,530 and 22.00% above the California state average of $77,703.
Electrician Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $45.58/hr = $56,879/year (purchasing power: $49,198).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $94,798/year (purchasing power: $81,996).
CoL index: 115.613 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$48.91/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$44.63/hr
2026 Current Est.
$45.58/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+-4.8%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Electricians in San Francisco (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.12% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $48.91/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $50.38/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $43.61/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $40.46/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $47.38/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $45.07/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $44.63/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $45.58/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $46.54/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for electricians in San Francisco grew -8.8% from $48.91/hr (2019) to $44.63/hr (2025). At a 2.12% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $46.54/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 Francisco 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 Francisco
For electricians working part-time, the financial landscape can shift notably compared to their full-time counterparts. A professional working a 24-hour week might bring home roughly $56,000 annually, which, while less than full-time earnings, still provides a solid income. Moreover, many electricians engage in per-diem work, particularly for out-of-town projects, earning between $80-$150 daily on top of their hourly wages of $35-$60. Those involved in storm work with utility companies can command double-time pay that, combined with substantial per-diem allowances, could amount to $300-$500 daily. In San Francisco, various employment settings—such as unionized contractors versus non-union shops—can produce differing pay scales. Union members often benefit from higher wages and benefits, while self-employed electricians might negotiate for better hourly rates in exchange for the absence of insurance perks. Understanding these dynamics and being strategic in hourly negotiations can greatly influence an electrician's earnings potential in this thriving market.
More salary data for San Francisco, 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 Francisco. 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