Electrician Salary in Orange, CA: $76,574 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time electrician in Orange, CA earns a median $76,574/year (≈ $36.81/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 47-2111). Once you factor in Orange's price level (13% above national, BEA RPP 113.1), that paycheck buys what $67,705 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 1.5% below the California state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Orange, California, the projected compensation for electricians in 2026 is notable, with the median annual salary reaching $76,574, significantly above the national average of $64,530. This local data, sourced from estimates based on 2025 BLS data adjusted for regional economic conditions, reveals a salary range from $50,970 at the 10th percentile to $118,689 at the 90th percentile, highlighting the potential earnings variance in this profession. Those who specialize in industrial controls or PLC systems can command higher pay, further enhancing the value of expertise in these growing sectors. The job market within Orange is competitive yet rewarding for electricians, making skill development and specialization vital for career advancement.
About the Orange Market
Salary estimated from California average ($84,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $50,970 | $24.51 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $57,318 | $27.55 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $76,574 | $36.81 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $98,015 | $47.12 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $118,689 | $57.06 |
Median Salary Position
18.66% above the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Orange
In Orange, CA, the electrician salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $67,719 (2026 est.). At $76,574, the local median is 18.66% above the national median of $64,530.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Orange: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Orange Electrician Pay Compares
Orange median: $76,574/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Orange Pays |
|---|---|---|
| California Average | $77,740 | -1.50% less |
| National Average | $64,530 | +18.66% more |
Electricians in Orange, CA earn a median of $76,574 per year (2026 est.), which is 18.66% higher than the national median of $64,530 and 1.50% below the California state average of $77,740.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Orange has a cost of living 13.10% above the national average.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Orange, CA has a cost-of-living index of 113.1 (above the national average of 100). While the nominal salary of $76,574 is competitive, the higher cost of living reduces purchasing power to an effective $67,705 — a 11.58% reduction.
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2019 BLS Actual
$66,666
2025 BLS Actual
$74,984
2026 Current Est.
$76,574
2019–2027 Growth
+17.3%
Salary Trajectory for Electricians in Orange (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.12% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $66,666 | Actual |
| 2020 | $67,520 | Actual |
| 2021 | $71,246 | Actual |
| 2022 | $71,483 | Actual |
| 2023 | $73,085 | Actual |
| 2024 | $93,586 | Actual |
| 2025 | $74,984 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $76,574 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $78,197 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Orange metropolitan area, the median electrician salary grew 12.5% from $66,666 (2019) to $74,984 (2025). At a 2.12% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $78,197 by 2027 — a total increase of $11,531 (17.30%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Orange 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) | $50,970 – $57,318 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $57,318 – $76,574 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $76,574 – $98,015 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $98,015 – $118,689 |
ELEC salary ranges estimated from BLS percentile data. Individual electrician compensation varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
Electrician Job Market in Orange
With only 21 electricians currently employed in Orange, the local job market is relatively small yet steady, reflecting a specific demand for skilled labor. The cost of living index at 113.1 indicates that living expenses are above the national average, which directly impacts purchasing power. Among the various employers in the area, union electrical contractors often offer the highest compensation, providing not only better pay but also comprehensive benefits that can be a game-changer for long-term financial stability. Factors contributing to the salary disparities include the difference in earnings potential between union and non-union positions, as well as the specialization within the field. Electricians focused on high-demand areas such as industrial maintenance, renewable energy, and EV infrastructure will have better prospects. To maximize their earnings, electricians in Orange should consider gaining additional certifications, pursuing advanced licensing, and targeting roles with union employers to take advantage of the pay premiums associated with those contracts.
More salary data for Orange, CA:
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do electricians make in Orange, CA in 2026?
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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 $74,984 for electriciansin the Orange 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 Orange 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