Electrician Hourly Pay in Milwaukee, WI: $38.20 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a electrician working in Milwaukee, WI runs $38.20 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $79,449 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 47-2111). Weighted against Milwaukee's regional price level (BEA RPP 96.9, 3% below national), each hour of work buys what $39.41 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $47,677 per year.
Official BLS data · View source
Electricians in Milwaukee, WI, are projected to earn a median hourly rate of $38.20 in 2026, significantly higher than the national median of $31.02. This robust hourly pay reflects the dynamic nature of the job, encompassing roles across various settings such as commercial and industrial construction sites, residential service calls, utility line operations, and specialized environments like data centers and manufacturing facilities. For part-time electricians working three days a week, the financial return can still be substantial, translating to a competitive income. Those new to the profession can expect to start around $22.18 per hour, while experienced electricians might earn up to $50.99. Such an hourly range illustrates the potential for upward mobility in the field, as confirmed by official Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) data.
Electrician Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $22.18 | $177.44 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $28.06 | $224.50 |
| Median (P50) | $38.20 | $305.62 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $48.39 | $387.16 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $50.99 | $407.91 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Milwaukee
Based on $38.20/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $38.20/hr, a electrician working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Milwaukee, WI can expect to earn approximately $79,462 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $45,844. With a cost-of-living index of 96.94 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Milwaukee.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Milwaukee
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,528.12 | $6,622 | $79,462 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $916.87 | $3,973 | $47,677 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $611.25 | $2,649 | $31,785 |
Compare ELEC Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Electrician (Milwaukee) | $38.20 |
| 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 Milwaukee, WI earn a median of $79,449 per year (2026 est.), which is 23.12% higher than the national median of $64,530.
Electrician Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $38.20/hr = $47,677/year (purchasing power: $49,184).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $79,462/year (purchasing power: $81,973).
CoL index: 96.937 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$34.64/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$37.41/hr
2026 Current Est.
$38.20/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+12.6%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Electricians in Milwaukee (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.12% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $34.64/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $34.97/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $31.89/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $37.56/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $39.01/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $36.93/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $37.41/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $38.20/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $39.01/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for electricians in Milwaukee grew 8.0% from $34.64/hr (2019) to $37.41/hr (2025). At a 2.12% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $39.01/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 Milwaukee 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 Milwaukee
For those considering part-time work, an electrician operating at 24 hours a week can take home a notable yearly income compared to full-time counterparts. Per diem opportunities present a unique earning dynamic in Milwaukee, with travel electricians making an additional $80 to $150 daily, plus base rates ranging from $35 to $60 per hour for out-of-town projects. In more urgent scenarios, utility linemen can receive double-time pay alongside per diem for storm work, potentially resulting in $300 to $500 daily. The hourly rates vary significantly across different employer types within the city, as union contractors often provide a pay premium of 30-50% for electricians compared to non-union positions, which emphasizes the trade-off between lower wages and employee benefits like health insurance. Electricians should consider negotiating not just for higher rates but also for consistent hours and benefits, particularly in a market where skills in emerging sectors such as solar installation are increasingly sought after.
More salary data for Milwaukee, WI:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for electricians in Milwaukee in 2026?
How much do part-time electricians make in Milwaukee?
Are electricians in Milwaukee paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time electrician make per year in Milwaukee?
Do electricians earn more per hour working part-time in Milwaukee?
Related Pages
Compare Salaries
Career Resources
Nearby Cities in Wisconsin
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 Milwaukee. 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