Electrician Hourly Pay in San Marcos, CA: $37.37 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a electrician working in San Marcos, CA runs $37.37 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $77,723 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 47-2111). Weighted against San Marcos's regional price level (BEA RPP 113.1, 13% above national), each hour of work buys what $33.04 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $46,632 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, electricians in San Marcos, California, can expect to earn a median hourly rate of $37.37, significantly higher than the national median hourly rate of $31.02. This elevated rate reflects the local market's demand for skilled labor, particularly in commercial and industrial construction settings, as well as residential service calls and utility work. For part-time electricians working three days a week, this translates to an impressive earning potential that could support sustainable living while allowing ample work-life balance. With a broad hourly range from $24.29 for entry-level positions to $57.92 for top earners, electricians can find varied opportunities depending on their skill level and specialization. These hourly estimates are derived from anticipated annual salary figures, offering a snapshot of what to expect in the field.
About the San Marcos 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) | $24.29 | $194.35 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $28.38 | $227.03 |
| Median (P50) | $37.37 | $298.93 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $47.83 | $382.66 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $57.92 | $463.38 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in San Marcos
Based on $37.37/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $37.37/hr, a electrician working full-time (40 hr/wk) in San Marcos, CA can expect to earn approximately $77,721 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $44,839. With a cost-of-living index of 113.10 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in San Marcos.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in San Marcos
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,494.63 | $6,477 | $77,721 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $896.78 | $3,886 | $46,632 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $597.85 | $2,591 | $31,088 |
Compare ELEC Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Electrician (San Marcos) | $37.37 |
| 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 Marcos, CA earn a median of $77,723 per year (2026 est.), which is 20.44% higher than the national median of $64,530.
Electrician Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $37.37/hr = $46,632/year (purchasing power: $41,231).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $77,721/year (purchasing power: $68,719).
CoL index: 113.1 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$32.53/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$36.59/hr
2026 Current Est.
$37.37/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+17.3%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Electricians in San Marcos (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.12% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $32.53/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $32.95/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $34.77/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $34.88/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $35.66/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $45.67/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $36.59/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $37.37/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $38.16/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for electricians in San Marcos grew 12.5% from $32.53/hr (2019) to $36.59/hr (2025). At a 2.12% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $38.16/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 Marcos 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 Marcos
Part-time electricians working 24 hours a week can earn approximately $46,000 annually, creating a viable income pathway without the commitment of full-time hours. Per diem electricians can further enhance their earnings; for those traveling for out-of-town commercial or industrial projects, daily compensation often ranges from $80 to $150, combining with hourly pay from $35 to $60. In storm response scenarios, utility linemen may receive double-time pay and daily per diem that ranges from $300 to $500. Hourly rates fluctuate based on the type of employer, with union electrical contractors generally offering higher pay due to the benefits and job security they provide. Negotiating rates with non-union contractors can lead to higher hourly pay but often with less security, forcing electricians to weigh the benefit of health insurance against potential wage increases. Ultimately, understanding San Marcos' electrician hourly pay landscape enables skilled tradespeople to make informed decisions about their career paths and temporary work opportunities.
More salary data for San Marcos, 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 Marcos. 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 San Marcos 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