Electrician Salary in Lake Forest, CA: $76,319 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time electrician in Lake Forest, CA earns a median $76,319/year (≈ $36.69/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 47-2111). Once you factor in Lake Forest's price level (13% above national, BEA RPP 113.1), that paycheck buys what $67,479 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 1.8% below the California state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
Electricians in Lake Forest, California, can anticipate a median annual salary of $76,319 in 2026, which reflects a substantial 18.27% increase compared to the national figure of $64,530 for the same year. This region, experiencing a notable surge in solar power, electric vehicle charging stations, and data center developments, is reshaping the demand for skilled electricians. The local salary range extends from $53,507 at the 10th percentile to as high as $118,295 at the 90th percentile, indicating varied opportunities depending on one’s experience, specialization, and employer type. These figures are based on estimates derived from 2025 BLS data adjusted for regional cost factors, showcasing a robust market for those in the electrical trade.
About the Lake Forest Market
Salary estimated from California average ($84,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $53,507 | $25.72 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $59,199 | $28.46 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $76,319 | $36.69 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $97,689 | $46.96 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $118,295 | $56.87 |
Median Salary Position
18.27% above the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Lake Forest
In Lake Forest, CA, the electrician salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $64,788 (2026 est.). At $76,319, the local median is 18.27% above the national median of $64,530.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Lake Forest: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Lake Forest Electrician Pay Compares
Lake Forest median: $76,319/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Lake Forest Pays |
|---|---|---|
| California Average | $77,718 | -1.80% less |
| National Average | $64,530 | +18.27% more |
Electricians in Lake Forest, CA earn a median of $76,319 per year (2026 est.), which is 18.27% higher than the national median of $64,530 and 1.80% below the California state average of $77,718.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Lake Forest has a cost of living 13.10% above the national average.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Lake Forest, CA has a cost-of-living index of 113.1 (above the national average of 100). While the nominal salary of $76,319 is competitive, the higher cost of living reduces purchasing power to an effective $67,479 — a 11.58% reduction.
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2019 BLS Actual
$66,444
2025 BLS Actual
$74,735
2026 Current Est.
$76,319
2019–2027 Growth
+17.3%
Salary Trajectory for Electricians in Lake Forest (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.12% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $66,444 | Actual |
| 2020 | $67,296 | Actual |
| 2021 | $71,009 | Actual |
| 2022 | $71,246 | Actual |
| 2023 | $72,843 | Actual |
| 2024 | $93,275 | Actual |
| 2025 | $74,735 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $76,319 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $77,937 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Lake Forest metropolitan area, the median electrician salary grew 12.5% from $66,444 (2019) to $74,735 (2025). At a 2.12% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $77,937 by 2027 — a total increase of $11,493 (17.30%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Lake Forest 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) | $53,507 – $59,199 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $59,199 – $76,319 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $76,319 – $97,689 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $97,689 – $118,295 |
ELEC salary ranges estimated from BLS percentile data. Individual electrician compensation varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
Electrician Job Market in Lake Forest
Currently, Lake Forest employs around 14 electricians, a figure that underscores the area's specific labor market dynamics. The cost of living index at 113.1 suggests that while salaries are competitive, they must also correspond to a higher-than-average cost structure in California. Among the highest-paying employers are union electrical contractors affiliated with IBEW, known for offering 30-50% premium pay over non-union counterparts while providing comprehensive benefits. Conversely, non-union contractors typically cater to residential needs and may represent opportunities in specialty sectors, like industrial maintenance or renewable energy solutions. Master electricians holding contractor licenses can further enhance their earning potential, particularly in lucrative fields such as industrial controls or emerging services like solar installation. Strategies leading to elevated electrician pay in Lake Forest CA favor those who continually upgrade their skill set and focus on in-demand specialties.
More salary data for Lake Forest, 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 $74,735 for electriciansin the Lake Forest 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 Lake Forest 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