Electrician Salary in Opelika, AL: $54,766 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time electrician in Opelika, AL earns a median $54,766/year (≈ $26.33/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 47-2111). Once you factor in Opelika's price level (12% below national, BEA RPP 87.9), that paycheck buys what $62,305 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 3.2% below the Alabama state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Opelika, Alabama, the 2026 median annual salary for electricians is projected to be $54,766, reflecting the competitive nature of this job market. Salary estimates indicate a range from $40,119 at the lower end to $84,887 for those at the upper echelon, showcasing a significant income disparity influenced by whether electricians are affiliated with the IBEW union or work in a non-union setting. Union electricians typically enjoy better pay and benefits, which can lead to lucrative financial opportunities compared to their non-union counterparts. These salary figures, adjusted for local and regional cost factors, suggest that even with a median lower than the national average of $64,530, skilled electricians in Opelika have ample potential for growth and advancement.
About the Opelika Market
Salary estimated from Alabama average ($55,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $40,119 | $19.29 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $44,616 | $21.45 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $54,766 | $26.33 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $70,100 | $33.70 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $84,887 | $40.81 |
Median Salary Position
15.13% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Opelika
In Opelika, AL, the electrician salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $44,768 (2026 est.). At $54,766, the local median is 15.13% below the national median of $64,530.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Opelika: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Opelika Electrician Pay Compares
Opelika median: $54,766/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Opelika Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Alabama Average | $56,576 | -3.20% less |
| National Average | $64,530 | -15.13% less |
Electricians in Opelika, AL earn a median of $54,766 per year (2026 est.), which is 15.13% lower than the national median of $64,530 and 3.20% below the Alabama state average of $56,576.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Opelika has a cost of living 12.10% below the national average, meaning your salary goes further here.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Opelika, AL has a cost-of-living index of 87.9 (below the national average of 100). A electrician earning $54,766 nominally has purchasing power equivalent to $62,305 in an average-cost city — an effective 13.77% boost.
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2019 BLS Actual
$47,680
2025 BLS Actual
$53,629
2026 Current Est.
$54,766
2019–2027 Growth
+17.3%
Salary Trajectory for Electricians in Opelika (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.12% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $47,680 | Actual |
| 2020 | $48,291 | Actual |
| 2021 | $50,956 | Actual |
| 2022 | $51,125 | Actual |
| 2023 | $52,271 | Actual |
| 2024 | $46,694 | Actual |
| 2025 | $53,629 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $54,766 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $55,927 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Opelika metropolitan area, the median electrician salary grew 12.5% from $47,680 (2019) to $53,629 (2025). At a 2.12% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $55,927 by 2027 — a total increase of $8,247 (17.30%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Opelika 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.
Salary by Experience Level
| Experience | Estimated Salary Range |
|---|---|
| 0-2 years (New Graduate) | $40,119 – $44,616 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $44,616 – $54,766 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $54,766 – $70,100 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $70,100 – $84,887 |
ELEC salary ranges estimated from BLS percentile data. Individual electrician compensation varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
Electrician Job Market in Opelika
While only seven electricians are currently employed in Opelika, the local job market offers unique advantages that influence take-home pay and purchasing power. The cost-of-living index in Opelika stands at 87.9, which is below the national average, allowing for a higher effective purchasing power for residents. Employers in this region include a mix of unionized electrical contractors focusing on commercial projects and non-union contractors who typically handle residential jobs. The largest wage disparities often emerge from the industrial sector, where electricians can benefit from specialized skills like industrial controls and PLC automation. Opportunities for overtime, especially during storm work or after-hours commercial tasks, can further enhance earnings potential. To maximize their electrician pay in Opelika AL, tradespeople should consider pursuing additional licenses, enhance their skills in emerging technologies like solar PV or EV charging, and actively seek opportunities within unionized frameworks or specialized industrial sectors.
More salary data for Opelika, AL:
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
Salary figures on this page are 2026 projections based on the Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) survey, May 2026 release. The BLS reported a median annual salary of $53,629 for electriciansin the Opelika metropolitan area. A 2.12% compound annual growth rate (CAGR), calculated from 6-year national BLS wage trends, was applied to project current 2026 compensation. Percentile ranges (P10–P90) represent the full salary distribution across experience levels and practice settings in this market.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Opelika 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