Electrician Salary in Costa Mesa, CA: $78,105 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time electrician in Costa Mesa, CA earns a median $78,105/year (≈ $37.55/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 47-2111). Once you factor in Costa Mesa's price level (13% above national, BEA RPP 113.1), that paycheck buys what $69,058 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 0.5% above the California state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, electrician salaries in Costa Mesa, California, are projected to reach a median annual figure of $78,105, significantly higher than the national average of $64,530. The local salary range varies widely, with the lowest 10% earning approximately $52,147, while the highest 90% can make up to $121,063. This disparity signals a competitive job market influenced by the distinction between union and non-union electricians. IBEW union members, typically involved in commercial and industrial work, are known to earn 30-50% more than their non-union counterparts, making union affiliation a strong consideration for those eyeing higher electrician pay in Costa Mesa, CA.
About the Costa Mesa Market
Salary estimated from California average ($84,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $52,147 | $25.07 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $60,276 | $28.98 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $78,105 | $37.55 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $99,975 | $48.07 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $121,063 | $58.21 |
Median Salary Position
21.04% above the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Costa Mesa
In Costa Mesa, CA, the electrician salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $68,916 (2026 est.). At $78,105, the local median is 21.04% above the national median of $64,530.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Costa Mesa: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Costa Mesa Electrician Pay Compares
Costa Mesa median: $78,105/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Costa Mesa Pays |
|---|---|---|
| California Average | $77,717 | +0.50% more |
| National Average | $64,530 | +21.04% more |
Electricians in Costa Mesa, CA earn a median of $78,105 per year (2026 est.), which is 21.04% higher than the national median of $64,530 and 0.50% above the California state average of $77,717.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Costa Mesa has a cost of living 13.10% above the national average.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Costa Mesa, CA has a cost-of-living index of 113.1 (above the national average of 100). While the nominal salary of $78,105 is competitive, the higher cost of living reduces purchasing power to an effective $69,058 — a 11.58% reduction.
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2019 BLS Actual
$67,999
2025 BLS Actual
$76,484
2026 Current Est.
$78,105
2019–2027 Growth
+17.3%
Salary Trajectory for Electricians in Costa Mesa (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.12% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $67,999 | Actual |
| 2020 | $68,871 | Actual |
| 2021 | $72,671 | Actual |
| 2022 | $72,913 | Actual |
| 2023 | $74,547 | Actual |
| 2024 | $95,459 | Actual |
| 2025 | $76,484 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $78,105 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $79,761 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Costa Mesa metropolitan area, the median electrician salary grew 12.5% from $67,999 (2019) to $76,484 (2025). At a 2.12% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $79,761 by 2027 — a total increase of $11,762 (17.30%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Costa Mesa 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) | $52,147 – $60,276 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $60,276 – $78,105 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $78,105 – $99,975 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $99,975 – $121,063 |
ELEC salary ranges estimated from BLS percentile data. Individual electrician compensation varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
Electrician Job Market in Costa Mesa
The local job market consists of about 23 electricians, reflecting a modest but stable workforce amid a relatively high cost of living index at 113.1. This index suggests that while salaries are competitive, living expenses may erode some purchasing power. Employers offering the highest wages include union electrical contractors focused on commercial projects and industrial maintenance teams in sectors like manufacturing and data centers. The pay gap among electricians is driven by several factors, particularly the benefits provided by unions, the specialty of their work, and the demand for emerging skills in solar and electric vehicle infrastructure. For those looking to maximize their electrician salary in Costa Mesa, it’s advisable to gain specialized training, pursue IBEW membership, and seek opportunities in high-demand sectors such as renewable energy and industrial controls.
More salary data for Costa Mesa, CA:
Frequently Asked Questions
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Related Pages
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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 $76,484 for electriciansin the Costa Mesa 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 Costa Mesa 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