Electrician Hourly Pay in Wilmington, NC: $26.55 (2026)

For those considering a part-time schedule at 24 hours per week, WIlmington’s electricians would earn approximately $33,110 annually, a substantial cut compared to full-time counterparts. Those in the per-diem category, working as travel electricians on out-of-town commercial or industrial projects, can command daily rates ranging from $80 to $150 on top of an hourly base that varies between $35 and $60. Wet weather events can further double the pay rate for utility linemen who often work storm restoration. Pay rates can differ significantly based on employer type, with union positions often providing a more stable income and additional benefits, while non-union or self-employed electricians face a wider variance in hourly rates. The trade-off between accepting a lower hourly wage in exchange for benefits like health insurance and retirement plans versus higher wages without those perks remains a pivotal consideration for many electricians. Effective negotiation in Wilmington's market can often hinge on understanding these dynamics and demonstrating applicable skills, especially for specialized roles in areas like renewable energy or data center electrical work.