Electrician Hourly Pay in East Chicago, IN: $34.47 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a electrician working in East Chicago, IN runs $34.47 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $71,696 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 47-2111). Weighted against East Chicago's regional price level (BEA RPP 91.3, 9% below national), each hour of work buys what $37.75 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $43,013 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
Electricians in East Chicago, Indiana, can expect a median hourly pay of $34.47, well above the national median of $31.02. This favorable rate significantly benefits those seeking part-time work, particularly if they are engaged for three days a week. With diverse employment settings from commercial and industrial construction sites to residential service calls and data centers, hourly wages become crucial for both full-time and part-time electricians. For entry-level positions, hourly wages start at around $24.22, while experienced electricians can earn as much as $53.43. Moreover, these figures are derived from 2026 projections based on 2025 BLS data, revealing a competitive landscape for electrical professionals in the region.
About the East Chicago Market
Salary estimated from Indiana average ($66,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Electrician Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $24.22 | $193.78 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $27.30 | $218.37 |
| Median (P50) | $34.47 | $275.72 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $44.12 | $352.93 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $53.43 | $427.43 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in East Chicago
Based on $34.47/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $34.47/hr, a electrician working full-time (40 hr/wk) in East Chicago, IN can expect to earn approximately $71,688 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $41,359. With a cost-of-living index of 91.30 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in East Chicago.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in East Chicago
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,378.62 | $5,974 | $71,688 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $827.17 | $3,584 | $43,013 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $551.45 | $2,390 | $28,675 |
Compare ELEC Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Electrician (East Chicago) | $34.47 |
| 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 East Chicago, IN earn a median of $71,696 per year (2026 est.), which is 11.10% higher than the national median of $64,530 and 3.50% below the Indiana state average of $74,297.
Electrician Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $34.47/hr = $43,013/year (purchasing power: $47,112).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $71,688/year (purchasing power: $78,519).
CoL index: 91.3 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$30.01/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$33.75/hr
2026 Current Est.
$34.47/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+17.3%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Electricians in East Chicago (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.12% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $30.01/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $30.39/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $32.07/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $32.17/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $32.90/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $27.97/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $33.75/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $34.47/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $35.20/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for electricians in East Chicago grew 12.5% from $30.01/hr (2019) to $33.75/hr (2025). At a 2.12% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $35.20/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 East Chicago 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 East Chicago
Part-time electricians working 24 hours a week can take home an estimated annual income of around $42,000, compared to full-time workers earning nearly $72,000 yearly. Traveling electricians, often securing agency gigs on out-of-town ventures, can command substantial per diem rates, which typically range from $80 to $150 daily, along with their base hourly wage between $35 and $60. In unique circumstances, storm work for utility linemen offers even greater rewards, paying double-time plus a per diem that can total between $300 and $500 per day. Different employer types across East Chicago yield varied hourly rates; union contractors often pay a premium, while non-union shops may offer higher flexibility in scheduling. Medical benefits and retirement plans can sway decisions on hourly pay versus additional compensation. Being well-prepared to negotiate can greatly enhance a worker's situation, especially when discussing pay rates that fit their skills and required credentials in the evolving electrical field.
More salary data for East Chicago, IN:
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 East Chicago. 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 East Chicago 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