Electrician Hourly Pay in Onalaska, WI: $39.18 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a electrician working in Onalaska, WI runs $39.18 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $81,507 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 47-2111). Weighted against Onalaska's regional price level (BEA RPP 93.4, 7% below national), each hour of work buys what $41.95 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $48,901 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source

In Onalaska, Wisconsin, the electrician hourly pay for 2026 is projected to be $39.18, significantly higher than the national median of $31.02. This competitive pay is advantageous not just for full-time electricians working in commercial, industrial, or residential settings but also for those seeking part-time opportunities or per-diem work. Electricians working three days a week could find themselves earning a substantial income while enjoying more flexibility in their schedules. With an hourly range from $27.34 for entry-level positions to $60.74 for the highest earners, this profession offers a promising financial outlook for electricians at all career stages. It’s essential to consider that these figures stem from annual salary data, yet reflect the strong potential for hourly earnings in the region.
About the Onalaska Market
Salary estimated from Wisconsin average ($74,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Electrician Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $27.34 | $218.70 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $32.40 | $259.22 |
| Median (P50) | $39.18 | $313.47 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $49.58 | $396.63 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $60.74 | $485.93 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Onalaska
Based on $39.18/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $39.18/hr, a electrician working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Onalaska, WI can expect to earn approximately $81,502 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $47,020. With a cost-of-living index of 93.40 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Onalaska.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Onalaska
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,567.34 | $6,792 | $81,502 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $940.40 | $4,075 | $48,901 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $626.94 | $2,717 | $32,601 |
Compare ELEC Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Electrician (Onalaska) | $39.18 |
| 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 Onalaska, WI earn a median of $81,507 per year (2026 est.), which is 26.31% higher than the national median of $64,530 and 2.60% above the Wisconsin state average of $79,442.
Electrician Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $39.18/hr = $48,901/year (purchasing power: $52,356).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $81,502/year (purchasing power: $87,261).
CoL index: 93.4 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$34.11/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$38.37/hr
2026 Current Est.
$39.18/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+17.3%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Electricians in Onalaska (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.12% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $34.11/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $34.55/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $36.46/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $36.58/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $37.40/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $31.65/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $38.37/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $39.18/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $40.01/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for electricians in Onalaska grew 12.5% from $34.11/hr (2019) to $38.37/hr (2025). At a 2.12% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $40.01/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 Onalaska 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 Onalaska
Considering part-time work, an electrician operating three days a week, totaling 24 hours, could bring home a respectable annual income, albeit less than a full-timer's take. Many travel electricians also benefit from per diem arrangements on out-of-town projects, where they can receive an additional $80 to $150 per day alongside their hourly wage, pushing their overall compensation higher. Those involved in storm work for utility companies can see earnings that double their normal rate, with per diem payments further enhancing their financial package. Hourly pay can also fluctuate based on the employer type. Union contractors may offer higher compensation, often 30-50% more than non-union counterparts, alongside benefits that include health insurance and pension plans. Negotiating for better pay or benefits is key in this field, especially when comparing roles with varying levels of responsibility and required credentials, such as OSHA certifications or specific licenses.
More salary data for Onalaska, WI:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for electricians in Onalaska in 2026?
How much do part-time electricians make in Onalaska?
Are electricians in Onalaska paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time electrician make per year in Onalaska?
Do electricians earn more per hour working part-time in Onalaska?
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 Onalaska. 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 Onalaska 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