Electrician Hourly Pay in Wilkes-Barre, PA: $31.13 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a electrician working in Wilkes-Barre, PA runs $31.13 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $64,749 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 47-2111). Weighted against Wilkes-Barre's regional price level (BEA RPP 97.4, 3% below national), each hour of work buys what $31.96 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $38,845 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Wilkes-Barre, PA, the projected median electrician hourly rate in 2026 is $31.13, showing a slight increase over the national figure of $31.02. This rate reflects not just the specific skills and expertise electricians bring to various settings, such as commercial and industrial construction sites, residential service calls, and utility environments, but also the local economic conditions. For those working part-time, such as three days a week, this hourly pay offers a practical income, particularly in situations requiring flexibility, such as family commitments or further training. Entry-level electricians may start with an hourly wage around $21.10, while top earners in the profession can reach $48.25, illustrating a significant potential for upward mobility depending on experience and specialization.
About the Wilkes-Barre Market
Salary estimated from Pennsylvania average ($72,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Electrician Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $21.10 | $168.78 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $24.18 | $193.46 |
| Median (P50) | $31.13 | $249.01 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $39.85 | $318.78 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $48.25 | $386.01 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Wilkes-Barre
Based on $31.13/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $31.13/hr, a electrician working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Wilkes-Barre, PA can expect to earn approximately $64,742 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $37,351. With a cost-of-living index of 97.40 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Wilkes-Barre.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Wilkes-Barre
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,245.05 | $5,395 | $64,742 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $747.03 | $3,237 | $38,845 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $498.02 | $2,158 | $25,897 |
Compare ELEC Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Electrician (Wilkes-Barre) | $31.13 |
| 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 Wilkes-Barre, PA earn a median of $64,749 per year (2026 est.), which is 0.34% higher than the national median of $64,530 and 1.60% below the Pennsylvania state average of $65,802.
Electrician Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $31.13/hr = $38,845/year (purchasing power: $39,882).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $64,742/year (purchasing power: $66,471).
CoL index: 97.4 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$27.10/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$30.48/hr
2026 Current Est.
$31.13/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+17.3%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Electricians in Wilkes-Barre (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.12% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $27.10/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $27.45/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $28.96/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $29.06/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $29.71/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $33.18/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $30.48/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $31.13/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $31.79/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for electricians in Wilkes-Barre grew 12.5% from $27.10/hr (2019) to $30.48/hr (2025). At a 2.12% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $31.79/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 Wilkes-Barre 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 Wilkes-Barre
Looking at the electrician hourly pay dynamics in Wilkes-Barre, part-time professionals working a 24-hour week could take home around $38,760 annually, which is substantial yet lower than the income of full-time workers. Traveling electricians, especially those involved in commercial projects, often see additional financial benefits with per diem rates ranging from $80 to $150 a day—boosting effective earnings when combined with competitive hourly rates of $35 to $60. High-demand specialties like industrial PLC contracting may command rates of $80 to $140 per hour. Additionally, the wage differences among various employer types in Wilkes-Barre are notable; union electricians often earn 30-50% more compared to their non-union counterparts due to complete benefits, while self-employed electricians may prefer higher hourly rates in exchange for fewer benefits. As contractors negotiate salaries, understanding the prevailing wage trends in Wilkes-Barre can empower them to make well-informed decisions regarding their pay structure and potential benefits.
More salary data for Wilkes-Barre, PA:
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 Wilkes-Barre. 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 Wilkes-Barre 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