Electrician Hourly Pay in State College, PA: $28.28 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a electrician working in State College, PA runs $28.28 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $58,821 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 47-2111). Weighted against State College's regional price level (BEA RPP 96.8, 3% below national), each hour of work buys what $29.22 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $35,290 per year.
Official BLS data · View source
In State College, Pennsylvania, the electrician hourly pay is projected to be $28.28 for 2026, which is notably below the national hourly median of $31.02. This discrepancy highlights the local market conditions for electricians, as their roles often involve flexible work environments such as commercial and industrial construction sites, residential service calls, and utility maintenance. For electricians working part-time, such as 24 hours over three days a week, this results in a reliable source of income while allowing for a balanced lifestyle. Entry-level electricians earn approximately $21.76 per hour, while experienced professionals can earn up to $37.18 per hour. These figures are drawn from the Bureau of Labor Statistics and reflect the actual pay range electricians can expect in their respective roles within the community.
Electrician Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $21.76 | $174.09 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $22.79 | $182.35 |
| Median (P50) | $28.28 | $226.22 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $30.37 | $242.96 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $37.18 | $297.46 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in State College
Based on $28.28/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $28.28/hr, a electrician working full-time (40 hr/wk) in State College, PA can expect to earn approximately $58,816 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $33,932. With a cost-of-living index of 96.76 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in State College.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in State College
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,131.08 | $4,901 | $58,816 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $678.65 | $2,941 | $35,290 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $452.43 | $1,961 | $23,526 |
Compare ELEC Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Electrician (State College) | $28.28 |
| 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 State College, PA earn a median of $58,821 per year (2026 est.), which is 8.85% lower than the national median of $64,530 and 10.60% below the Pennsylvania state average of $65,795.
Electrician Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $28.28/hr = $35,290/year (purchasing power: $36,471).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $58,816/year (purchasing power: $60,784).
CoL index: 96.762 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$24.35/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$27.69/hr
2026 Current Est.
$28.28/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+18.6%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Electricians in State College (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.12% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $24.35/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $24.63/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $23.39/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $27.18/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $29.18/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $27.00/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $27.69/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $28.28/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $28.88/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for electricians in State College grew 13.7% from $24.35/hr (2019) to $27.69/hr (2025). At a 2.12% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $28.88/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 State College 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 State College
For those considering part-time work, the financial breakdown reveals that an electrician working 24 hours per week would bring home an annual income that is a fraction of that earned through full-time employment. However, many electricians opt for per-diem opportunities, especially those who travel for out-of-town work, typical of commercial and industrial projects. Per diem electrician pay in State College can range from $80 to $150 daily in addition to a base pay between $35 and $60 per hour, with storm work for utility linemen yielding even higher rates. Whether working as part of a unionized electrical contractor, focusing on residential tasks, or being a self-employed contractor, hourly rates can vary significantly based on the employer type and the specific skills involved. It’s beneficial for electricians to negotiate their pay, considering that those working with unionized contractors often receive better compensation and benefits compared to non-union electricians. Understanding the market dynamics in State College can help tradespeople make informed decisions about their careers in the electrical field.
More salary data for State College, PA:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for electricians in State College in 2026?
How much do part-time electricians make in State College?
Are electricians in State College paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time electrician make per year in State College?
Do electricians earn more per hour working part-time in State College?
Related Pages
Compare Salaries
Career Resources
Nearby Cities in Pennsylvania
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 State College. 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