Electrician Salary in Irvine, CA: $80,748 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time electrician in Irvine, CA earns a median $80,748/year (≈ $38.83/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 47-2111). Once you factor in Irvine's price level (13% above national, BEA RPP 113.1), that paycheck buys what $71,395 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 3.9% above the California state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, electricians in Irvine, California, will be positioned favorably, with a projected median annual salary of $80,748. This is about 25.13% higher than the national median of $64,530, reflecting the strong demand for electricians in the area. The salary ranges significantly, from $53,621 at the 10th percentile to $125,160 at the 90th percentile, indicative of the breadth of opportunities available, including those who specialize in industrial controls and PLC work, which commands a salary premium. These figures are based on state-level data from BLS estimates and regional price adjustments, providing a localized perspective on how much electricians make in Irvine as they navigate various market conditions and employment opportunities.
About the Irvine Market
Salary estimated from California average ($84,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $53,621 | $25.78 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $62,622 | $30.10 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $80,748 | $38.83 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $103,358 | $49.69 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $125,160 | $60.17 |
Median Salary Position
25.13% above the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Irvine
In Irvine, CA, the electrician salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $71,539 (2026 est.). At $80,748, the local median is 25.13% above the national median of $64,530.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Irvine: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Irvine Electrician Pay Compares
Irvine median: $80,748/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Irvine Pays |
|---|---|---|
| California Average | $77,717 | +3.90% more |
| National Average | $64,530 | +25.13% more |
Electricians in Irvine, CA earn a median of $80,748 per year (2026 est.), which is 25.13% higher than the national median of $64,530 and 3.90% above the California state average of $77,717.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Irvine has a cost of living 13.10% above the national average.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Irvine, CA has a cost-of-living index of 113.1 (above the national average of 100). While the nominal salary of $80,748 is competitive, the higher cost of living reduces purchasing power to an effective $71,395 — a 11.58% reduction.
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2019 BLS Actual
$70,300
2025 BLS Actual
$79,072
2026 Current Est.
$80,748
2019–2027 Growth
+17.3%
Salary Trajectory for Electricians in Irvine (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.12% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $70,300 | Actual |
| 2020 | $71,201 | Actual |
| 2021 | $75,130 | Actual |
| 2022 | $75,381 | Actual |
| 2023 | $77,070 | Actual |
| 2024 | $98,689 | Actual |
| 2025 | $79,072 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $80,748 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $82,460 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Irvine metropolitan area, the median electrician salary grew 12.5% from $70,300 (2019) to $79,072 (2025). At a 2.12% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $82,460 by 2027 — a total increase of $12,160 (17.30%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Irvine 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) | $53,621 – $62,622 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $62,622 – $80,748 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $80,748 – $103,358 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $103,358 – $125,160 |
ELEC salary ranges estimated from BLS percentile data. Individual electrician compensation varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
Electrician Job Market in Irvine
The job market for electricians in Irvine is robust, with approximately 72 professionals currently employed in the area. However, the cost of living is relatively high, with a cost-of-living index of 113.1, which affects take-home purchasing power. Local employers showing the highest pay include union electrical contractors focused on commercial and industrial work, as well as utility companies and data center maintenance teams. The pay gap between union and non-union electricians is significant, with union members often enjoying 30-50% higher compensation, comprehensive benefits, and pension plans. For those looking to maximize earnings, pursuing specialties such as industrial controls, obtaining a master license, and engaging in high-demand areas like renewable energy and data center work are prudent strategies in this competitive marketplace.
More salary data for Irvine, CA:
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 $79,072 for electriciansin the Irvine 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 Irvine 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