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.
Official BLS data · View source

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
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 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.
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.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Santa Maria
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| 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
| Role | Median 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 |
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 (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.12% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $28.36/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $33.64/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $29.68/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $29.60/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $31.93/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $36.43/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $36.20/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $36.97/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $37.75/hr | Projected |
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 (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Santa Maria 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 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.
More salary data for Santa Maria, 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 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