Electrician Hourly Pay in San Rafael, CA: $37.92 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a electrician working in San Rafael, CA runs $37.92 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $78,868 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 47-2111). Weighted against San Rafael's regional price level (BEA RPP 113.1, 13% above national), each hour of work buys what $33.53 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $47,321 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, the electrician hourly pay in San Rafael, California, is projected at $37.92, significantly higher than the national median of $31.02 per hour. This robust hourly rate allows electricians to enjoy a comfortable lifestyle, particularly for those who may work part-time schedules, such as three days a week. Within this landscape, part-time electricians can still harness a solid income, particularly in various work settings like commercial construction sites, residential service calls, and industrial plants. The hourly earning potential ranges from $25.67 for entry-level positions up to $58.77 for skilled top earners, illustrating a broad spectrum of opportunities within the field. Such figures gauge expectations not only for full-time roles but also for per-diem workers who frequently engage with different projects across the region.
About the San Rafael 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) | $25.67 | $205.38 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $29.47 | $235.77 |
| Median (P50) | $37.92 | $303.34 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $48.54 | $388.30 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $58.77 | $470.16 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in San Rafael
Based on $37.92/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $37.92/hr, a electrician working full-time (40 hr/wk) in San Rafael, CA can expect to earn approximately $78,868 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $45,501. With a cost-of-living index of 113.10 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in San Rafael.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in San Rafael
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,516.69 | $6,572 | $78,868 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $910.01 | $3,943 | $47,321 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $606.67 | $2,629 | $31,547 |
Compare ELEC Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Electrician (San Rafael) | $37.92 |
| 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 Rafael, CA earn a median of $78,868 per year (2026 est.), which is 22.22% higher than the national median of $64,530 and 1.50% above the California state average of $77,703.
Electrician Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $37.92/hr = $47,321/year (purchasing power: $41,840).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $78,868/year (purchasing power: $69,733).
CoL index: 113.1 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$33.01/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$37.13/hr
2026 Current Est.
$37.92/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+17.3%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Electricians in San Rafael (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.12% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $33.01/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $33.43/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $35.28/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $35.40/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $36.19/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $46.34/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $37.13/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $37.92/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $38.72/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for electricians in San Rafael grew 12.5% from $33.01/hr (2019) to $37.13/hr (2025). At a 2.12% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $38.72/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 Rafael 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 Rafael
Evaluating the part-time earning potential, an electrician working 24 hours a week can expect to take home nearly $48,000 annually, considerably lower than full-time counterparts but still viable, especially for those balancing other commitments. Per diem electrician pay in San Rafael can offer enticing financial benefits, with travel electricians often making between $80 and $150 each day in addition to their base rate of $35 to $60 per hour. Furthermore, specialized roles, such as industrial PLC contractors, command hourly rates of $80 to $140, creating competitive avenues based on skill expertise. Pay scales also vary significantly across different employer types, with unionized electricians often enjoying a 30-50% premium in compensation compared to non-union contractors, largely due to benefits and pension plans. For those considering their options, creative negotiation strategies involving discussions about health benefits versus hourly rate are key, particularly in a city where high demand for electricians in areas like solar energy and data centers sustains job opportunities.
More salary data for San Rafael, 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 Rafael. 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 Rafael 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