Electrician Hourly Pay in Santa Clara, CA: $45.44 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a electrician working in Santa Clara, CA runs $45.44 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $94,518 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 47-2111). Weighted against Santa Clara's regional price level (BEA RPP 113.1, 13% above national), each hour of work buys what $40.18 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $56,713 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source

In Santa Clara, California, the median electrician hourly pay is projected at $45.44 for 2026, significantly exceeding the national average of $31.02 per hour. This distinction underscores the region's demand for skilled electricians across various settings, including commercial construction sites, residential service calls, and data centers. For part-time electricians working three days a week, the hourly rate translates into a respectable income, with the range for entry-level positions starting around $29.64 and seasoned professionals earning up to $70.43 per hour. Many electricians also take on per-diem work, which can enhance earnings by offering additional compensation structures on top of the prevailing hourly rates. Such favorable conditions make Santa Clara an attractive locale for electrical professionals in California.
About the Santa Clara 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) | $29.64 | $237.08 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $36.25 | $290.02 |
| Median (P50) | $45.44 | $363.55 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $58.17 | $465.34 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $70.43 | $563.46 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Santa Clara
Based on $45.44/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $45.44/hr, a electrician working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Santa Clara, CA can expect to earn approximately $94,522 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $54,532. With a cost-of-living index of 113.10 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Santa Clara.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Santa Clara
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,817.74 | $7,877 | $94,522 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $1,090.64 | $4,726 | $56,713 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $727.09 | $3,151 | $37,809 |
Compare ELEC Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Electrician (Santa Clara) | $45.44 |
| 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 Santa Clara, CA earn a median of $94,518 per year (2026 est.), which is 46.47% higher than the national median of $64,530 and 21.60% above the California state average of $77,729.
Electrician Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $45.44/hr = $56,713/year (purchasing power: $50,144).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $94,522/year (purchasing power: $83,574).
CoL index: 113.1 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$39.56/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$44.50/hr
2026 Current Est.
$45.44/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+17.3%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Electricians in Santa Clara (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.12% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $39.56/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $40.07/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $42.28/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $42.42/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $43.37/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $46.90/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $44.50/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $45.44/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $46.41/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for electricians in Santa Clara grew 12.5% from $39.56/hr (2019) to $44.50/hr (2025). At a 2.12% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $46.41/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 Santa Clara 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 Santa Clara
The earning potential of part-time electricians in Santa Clara can vary greatly compared to their full-time counterparts. Working an estimated 24 hours a week, a part-time electrician could expect to take home around $53,836 annually, while those choosing to work full-time can significantly increase their earnings based on hours worked and skill level. For per-diem or travel placements, electricians might command a base pay of $35-$60 per hour supplemented by daily per-diem allowances ranging from $80-$150. In some specialty sectors, such as industrial control systems or renewable energy, pay can reach $80-$140 per hour, depending on specific expertise. It's crucial for electricians to consider employer types; union jobs often provide higher hourly wages along with benefits, whereas non-union positions might offer more flexibility at lower hourly rates. Negotiation skills are vital in this market, allowing electricians in Santa Clara to leverage their skills and experience effectively, especially amidst the growing demand driven by trends like solar installations and expanded data centers.
More salary data for Santa Clara, CA:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for electricians in Santa Clara in 2026?
How much do part-time electricians make in Santa Clara?
Are electricians in Santa Clara paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time electrician make per year in Santa Clara?
Do electricians earn more per hour working part-time in Santa Clara?
Related Pages
Compare Salaries
Career Resources
Nearby Cities in California
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 Santa Clara. 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 Santa Clara 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