Electrician Salary

Electrician Hourly Pay in Santa Maria, CA: $36.97 (2026)

Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a electrician working in Santa Maria, CA runs $36.97 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $76,886 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 47-2111). Weighted against Santa Maria's regional price level (BEA RPP 108.8, 9% above national), each hour of work buys what $33.98 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $46,135 per year.

$76,886
Median Annual Salary
$36.97/hr
Hourly Rate
$49,191
Entry Level (P10)
$115,927
Top Earners (P90)

Official BLS data · View source

Electrician Hourly Rate in Santa Maria, CA — 2026 est., based on 2025 BLS
Santa Maria, CA electrician hourly rate overview (2026 est., based on 2025 BLS)

In Santa Maria, California, the electrician hourly pay stands at a significant $36.97, which reflects a notable increase compared to the national hourly median of $31.02. This higher rate is particularly beneficial for part-time electricians working three days a week, offering them substantial earnings while allowing flexibility. Per-diem positions, commonly found on various job sites like commercial construction or residential services, can also be lucrative, as electricians might find themselves earning between $23.65 to $55.74 per hour, depending on their experience level. From entry-level workers just starting their careers to top earners with specialized skills, the variance in hourly rates illustrates a diverse workforce within Santa Maria.

Electrician Hourly Wage Breakdown

PercentileHourly RatePer 8hr Shift
Entry Level (P10)$23.65$189.21
Lower Range (P25)$27.57$220.58
Median (P50)$36.97$295.74
Upper Range (P75)$45.71$365.67
Top Earners (P90)$55.74$445.90

Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Santa Maria

Based on $36.97/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.

Horizontal bars showing a electrician in Santa Maria earning $36.97/hr would make approximately $44,361 part-time (24 hr/wk) or $76,892 full-time (40 hr/wk).Part-Time (24 hr/wk)$44,361Reduced (32 hr/wk)$59,148Full-Time (40 hr/wk)$76,892

At $36.97/hr, a electrician working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Santa Maria, CA can expect to earn approximately $76,892 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $44,361. With a cost-of-living index of 108.80 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Santa Maria.

Annual estimates assume 5052 working weeks per year. Actual earnings vary by employer, overtime, and benefits.

Hourly Rate Calculator

$295.74
per 8hr shift
$1,478.70
per week
$6,408
per month
$76,892
per year

Schedule Comparison in Santa Maria

ScheduleWeeklyMonthlyAnnual
Full-Time (40 hrs)$1,478.70$6,408$76,892
Part-Time (24 hrs)$887.22$3,845$46,135
Per Diem (16 hrs)$591.48$2,563$30,757

Compare ELEC Wages With Similar Roles

RoleMedian Hourly
Electrician (Santa Maria)$36.97
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
Horizontal bar chart comparing electrician median salary in Santa Maria ($76,886) with California average ($77,741) and the US national median ($64,530).Santa Maria$76,886California Avg$77,741-1.10%US National$64,530+19.15%

Electricians in Santa Maria, CA earn a median of $76,886 per year (2026 est.), which is 19.15% higher than the national median of $64,530 and 1.10% below the California state average of $77,741.

Electrician Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living

Working 24h/week at $36.97/hr = $46,135/year (purchasing power: $42,405).

Working 40h/week (full-time) = $76,892/year (purchasing power: $70,674).

CoL index: 108.798 (100 = national average).

2019 BLS Actual

$28.36/hr

2025 BLS Actual

$36.20/hr

2026 Current Est.

$36.97/hr

2019–2027 Growth

+33.1%

Hourly Rate Trajectory for Electricians in Santa Maria (20192027)

2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.12% projection.

BLS Actual Estimated Projected
Hourly rate trajectory chart for electricians in Santa Maria. Baseline $28.36/hr in 2025, projected to $37.75/hr by 2027.$26$30$33$36$402019202020212022202320242025202620272025 BLS$28.36$33.64$29.68$29.60$31.93$36.43$36.20$36.97$37.75
YearHourly RateStatus
2019$28.36/hrActual
2020$33.64/hrActual
2021$29.68/hrActual
2022$29.60/hrActual
2023$31.93/hrActual
2024$36.43/hrActual
2025$36.20/hrActual
2026(current)$36.97/hrEstimated
2027$37.75/hrProjected

Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for electricians in Santa Maria grew 27.6% from $28.36/hr (2019) to $36.20/hr (2025). At a 2.12% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $37.75/hr by 2027. Part-time and per-diem electricians can use this multi-year trend to benchmark future contract negotiations.

Note: Historical values (20192025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Santa Maria metropolitan area, sourced from annual Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics surveys. 20262026 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 Maria

With earnings potential influenced by both employer type and specific job circumstances, electricians working part-time can take home a considerable amount over time, although their annual earnings will differ vastly compared to full-time positions. Part-time workers clocking in 24 hours weekly could expect to earn around $46,377 annually, while those in per-diem positions can augment their income significantly through daily allowances, often ranging from $80 to $150, not to mention the base hourly wage. Furthermore, the variations in hourly rates stem from the type of employer—union contractors typically offer healthy benefits and pensions, while non-union companies might pay higher hourly rates but lack those perks. Electricians must weigh their options carefully, considering factors such as health insurance against potentially higher pay rates without benefits, especially in this evolving market where demand for specialized skills like industrial controls and renewable energy installations continues to rise. Practical negotiation skills can also further enhance an electrician's earning potential in Santa Maria, particularly when confronting the dynamic conditions of the local job market.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the hourly rate for electricians in Santa Maria in 2026?

The estimated 2026 median hourly rate for electricians in Santa Maria is $36.97/hour, based on estimated 2026 salary (projected from 2025 BLS data at 2.12% annual growth). Rates range from $23.65 at entry level (10th percentile) to $55.74 for experienced practitioners (90th percentile). This is 19.1% above the national average. Hourly pay varies based on practice type, patient volume, years of experience, and whether the position includes benefits.

How much do part-time electricians make in Santa Maria?

A part-time electrician working 3 days per week (24 hours) in Santa Maria earns approximately $3,845/month, or $46,135/year at the median hourly rate of $36.97. Many electricians prefer part-time schedules for work-life balance, and some work at multiple practices to maximize earnings. Part-time positions may not include benefits like health insurance or retirement contributions, but typically offer higher hourly rates to compensate.

Are electricians in Santa Maria paid hourly or salary?

The majority of electricians in Santa Maria are paid hourly at a median rate of $36.97/hour. Some full-time positions at larger practices or organizations offer salaried compensation around $76,892/year, often bundled with benefits including health insurance, paid time off, retirement plans, and continuing education allowances. Hourly pay gives flexibility, while salary positions provide income stability.

How much does a full-time electrician make per year in Santa Maria?

A full-time electrician working 40 hours per week (2,080 hours/year) in Santa Maria earns approximately $76,892/year at the median hourly rate of $36.97. This is 19.1% above the national median. Top earners working full-time can reach $115,933/year at the 90th percentile rate. Overtime and weekend shifts may further increase annual earnings.

Do electricians earn more per hour working part-time in Santa Maria?

Part-time and per diem electricians in Santa Maria sometimes command higher hourly rates — up to $55.74/hour — because practices need flexible coverage for specific days or peak hours. However, part-time positions typically do not include benefits like health insurance, paid time off, or retirement contributions. When factoring in the value of benefits, full-time salaried positions may offer comparable or better total compensation despite a slightly lower hourly rate.

Related Pages

Nearby Cities in California

SC

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 Maria. 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

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