Electrician Hourly Pay in Paterson, NJ: $35.71 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a electrician working in Paterson, NJ runs $35.71 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $74,286 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 47-2111). Weighted against Paterson's regional price level (BEA RPP 115.2, 15% above national), each hour of work buys what $31.00 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $44,568 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, the electrician hourly pay in Paterson, NJ is projected to be $35.71, which is significantly higher than the national hourly median of $31.02. This robust hourly rate can greatly benefit part-time electricians working three days a week, allowing them to earn a competitive wage while maintaining a flexible schedule. For per-diem workers traversing the landscape of commercial or industrial construction sites, this rate also opens doors to lucrative opportunities. Entry-level electricians can expect to start at around $24.56 per hour, while top earners in Paterson can reach rates as high as $55.36. The estimated hourly pay figures derive from annual salary data, painting a realistic picture of what electricians can expect as they navigate their careers in a city that has a unique blend of residential, industrial, and utility service demands.
About the Paterson Market
Salary estimated from New Jersey average ($84,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Electrician Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $24.56 | $196.48 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $28.10 | $224.83 |
| Median (P50) | $35.71 | $285.69 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $45.72 | $365.75 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $55.36 | $442.87 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Paterson
Based on $35.71/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $35.71/hr, a electrician working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Paterson, NJ can expect to earn approximately $74,280 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $42,854. With a cost-of-living index of 115.20 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Paterson.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Paterson
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,428.45 | $6,190 | $74,280 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $857.07 | $3,714 | $44,568 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $571.38 | $2,476 | $29,712 |
Compare ELEC Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Electrician (Paterson) | $35.71 |
| 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 Paterson, NJ earn a median of $74,286 per year (2026 est.), which is 15.12% higher than the national median of $64,530 and 0.10% below the New Jersey state average of $74,361.
Electrician Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $35.71/hr = $44,568/year (purchasing power: $38,687).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $74,280/year (purchasing power: $64,479).
CoL index: 115.2 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$31.09/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$34.97/hr
2026 Current Est.
$35.71/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+17.3%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Electricians in Paterson (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.12% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $31.09/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $31.49/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $33.23/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $33.34/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $34.08/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $46.49/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $34.97/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $35.71/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $36.47/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for electricians in Paterson grew 12.5% from $31.09/hr (2019) to $34.97/hr (2025). At a 2.12% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $36.47/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 Paterson 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 Paterson
For part-time electricians operating on a 24-hour weekly schedule, the annual earnings can differ significantly from full-time counterparts. Such workers would take home approximately $44,302 annually, compared to the potential full-time earnings, emphasizing the trade-off of time versus money in this profession. Per diem electricians often maximize their earnings, with rates often sliding between $80-$150 per day for travel work, while storm work for linemen can elevate pay significantly to double-time plus per-diem, sometimes reaching $300-$500 daily. Differences in hourly rates also emerge from various employer types in Paterson. Union contractors affiliated with IBEW typically offer wages that are 30-50% higher than non-union shops, coupled with comprehensive benefits packages. In contrast, self-employed electricians may enjoy higher hourly rates but face the challenge of securing health insurance and other benefits. As electricians consider their options, negotiations surrounding pay and benefits become crucial in shaping their professional journeys in Paterson, especially within a climate that increasingly values specialized skills, such as those required for solar installations or advanced industrial controls.
More salary data for Paterson, NJ:
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 Paterson. 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 Paterson 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