Electrician Hourly Pay in Wheeling, WV: $32.88 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a electrician working in Wheeling, WV runs $32.88 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $68,390 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 47-2111). Weighted against Wheeling's regional price level (BEA RPP 88.3, 12% below national), each hour of work buys what $37.23 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $41,038 per year.
Official BLS data · View source
In Wheeling, West Virginia, the electrician hourly pay stands at a median rate of $32.88, which is notably higher than the national median of $31.02. This competitive pay level enables part-time electricians, who may work around three days per week, to earn a solid income without committing to a full-time schedule. For those engaged in per-diem work on construction sites, residential service calls, or utility projects, the hourly pay can vary widely, ranging from $21.71 for entry-level positions to $46.85 for top earners. The data, based on 2025 BLS OEWS figures projected to 2026, highlights the financial viability of electrician roles across different settings, such as commercial industrial construction and data center installations, making these positions attractive for both experienced electricians and newcomers.
Electrician Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $21.71 | $173.69 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $28.57 | $228.59 |
| Median (P50) | $32.88 | $263.06 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $37.44 | $299.50 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $46.85 | $374.82 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Wheeling
Based on $32.88/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $32.88/hr, a electrician working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Wheeling, WV can expect to earn approximately $68,396 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $39,459. With a cost-of-living index of 88.32 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Wheeling.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Wheeling
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,315.31 | $5,700 | $68,396 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $789.18 | $3,420 | $41,038 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $526.12 | $2,280 | $27,358 |
Compare ELEC Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Electrician (Wheeling) | $32.88 |
| 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 Wheeling, WV earn a median of $68,390 per year (2026 est.), which is 5.98% higher than the national median of $64,530 and 5.30% above the West Virginia state average of $64,948.
Electrician Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $32.88/hr = $41,038/year (purchasing power: $46,463).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $68,396/year (purchasing power: $77,438).
CoL index: 88.323 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$29.95/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$32.20/hr
2026 Current Est.
$32.88/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+12.1%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Electricians in Wheeling (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.12% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $29.95/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $29.84/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $29.81/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $30.05/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $31.18/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $32.59/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $32.20/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $32.88/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $33.58/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for electricians in Wheeling grew 7.5% from $29.95/hr (2019) to $32.20/hr (2025). At a 2.12% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $33.58/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 Wheeling 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 Wheeling
Exploring the earning potential for part-time electricians in Wheeling reveals that working 24 hours a week could yield approximately $38,494 annually—less than a full-time electrician, but still a significant contribution to income in a low-cost area. For per-diem positions, rates can be particularly lucrative. Electricians traveling for out-of-town projects often receive daily stipends ranging from $80 to $150 in addition to base hourly rates between $35 and $60. Utility linemen have the chance to double their earnings during storm work, with per-diem packages reaching up to $500 a day. Hourly rates can vary significantly by employer type; union contractors often ensure higher compensation with benefits, while non-union shops focus more on basic pay. Electricians should consider the trade-offs between higher hourly wages without benefits and lower rates that include health insurance. Negotiation strategies would benefit those in the Wheeling market, especially for electricians aiming to understand their worth concerning certification and specialization, such as those dealing with renewable energy installations.
More salary data for Wheeling, WV:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for electricians in Wheeling in 2026?
How much do part-time electricians make in Wheeling?
Are electricians in Wheeling paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time electrician make per year in Wheeling?
Do electricians earn more per hour working part-time in Wheeling?
Related Pages
Compare Salaries
Career Resources
Nearby Cities in West Virginia
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 Wheeling. 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