Electrician Hourly Pay in Sunnyvale, CA: $45.74 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a electrician working in Sunnyvale, CA runs $45.74 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $95,142 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 47-2111). Weighted against Sunnyvale's regional price level (BEA RPP 113.1, 13% above national), each hour of work buys what $40.44 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $57,083 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
With an estimated electrician hourly pay of $45.74 in Sunnyvale, California, professionals in this field can expect to earn significantly more than the national hourly median of $31.02. This rate positions electricians in Sunnyvale well above their peers nationwide, making it an attractive location for both full-time and part-time work. Part-time electricians, for instance, who work three days a week may still achieve a respectable income while balancing other commitments, earning around $25,000 annually based on a typical 24-hour work schedule. Entry-level electricians might start at the lower end of the scale, with hourly wages around $30.32, while top earners in the area can see pay rates reaching $70.90, reflecting a diverse range of skills and experiences that contribute to the overall compensation structure in different work environments such as residential, commercial, and industrial settings.
About the Sunnyvale 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) | $30.32 | $242.56 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $35.13 | $281.03 |
| Median (P50) | $45.74 | $365.92 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $58.55 | $468.36 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $70.90 | $567.22 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Sunnyvale
Based on $45.74/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $45.74/hr, a electrician working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Sunnyvale, CA can expect to earn approximately $95,138 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $54,887. With a cost-of-living index of 113.10 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Sunnyvale.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Sunnyvale
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,829.58 | $7,928 | $95,138 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $1,097.75 | $4,757 | $57,083 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $731.83 | $3,171 | $38,055 |
Compare ELEC Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Electrician (Sunnyvale) | $45.74 |
| 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 Sunnyvale, CA earn a median of $95,142 per year (2026 est.), which is 47.44% higher than the national median of $64,530 and 22.40% above the California state average of $77,731.
Electrician Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $45.74/hr = $57,083/year (purchasing power: $50,471).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $95,138/year (purchasing power: $84,119).
CoL index: 113.1 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$39.82/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$44.79/hr
2026 Current Est.
$45.74/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+17.3%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Electricians in Sunnyvale (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.12% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $39.82/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $40.33/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $42.56/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $42.70/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $43.66/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $47.21/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $44.79/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $45.74/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $46.71/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for electricians in Sunnyvale grew 12.5% from $39.82/hr (2019) to $44.79/hr (2025). At a 2.12% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $46.71/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 Sunnyvale 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 Sunnyvale
When considering the realities of working as an electrician, part-time earnings for a professional working 24 hours a week yield an annual income that is competitive, especially when factoring in the potential for per diem pay in out-of-town assignments. For travel electricians, per diem rates can add considerable income, often between $80-$150 a day on top of base hourly rates ranging from $35-$60. In situations such as storm restoration, linemen may command double-time rates plus per diem, significantly boosting earnings. Moreover, hourly rates can vary widely based on the type of employer, with union positions under IBEW typically providing higher pay and benefits compared to non-union roles. Self-employed electricians and renewable energy contractors are also seeing increasing demand, thanks to trends like solar installations. Understanding these nuances and negotiating effectively—such as confirming health benefits for lower hourly rates—can enhance career prospects and job satisfaction for electrical workers in Sunnyvale.
More salary data for Sunnyvale, 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 Sunnyvale. 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 Sunnyvale 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