Electrician Salary in Petaluma, CA: $78,265 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time electrician in Petaluma, CA earns a median $78,265/year (≈ $37.63/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 47-2111). Once you factor in Petaluma's price level (13% above national, BEA RPP 113.1), that paycheck buys what $69,200 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 0.7% above the California state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Petaluma, California, electricians can expect to earn a median annual salary of $78,265, positioning them significantly above the national median of $64,530. This figure is reflective of local market dynamics and indicates a competitive salary range, where pay starts at $55,031 for the lowest 10% and can rise up to $121,310 for the top 10%. These projections are based on 2025 BLS data, accounting for regional price adjustments. The market presents a distinct gap between union and non-union electricians, with unionized positions, particularly IBEW members, typically commanding higher wages due to comprehensive benefits. As a result, those in the trades find that aligning with unionized employers often provides better compensation and job security.
About the Petaluma Market
Salary estimated from California average ($84,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $55,031 | $26.46 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $62,300 | $29.95 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $78,265 | $37.63 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $100,179 | $48.16 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $121,310 | $58.32 |
Median Salary Position
21.28% above the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Petaluma
In Petaluma, CA, the electrician salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $66,279 (2026 est.). At $78,265, the local median is 21.28% above the national median of $64,530.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Petaluma: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Petaluma Electrician Pay Compares
Petaluma median: $78,265/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Petaluma Pays |
|---|---|---|
| California Average | $77,721 | +0.70% more |
| National Average | $64,530 | +21.28% more |
Electricians in Petaluma, CA earn a median of $78,265 per year (2026 est.), which is 21.28% higher than the national median of $64,530 and 0.70% above the California state average of $77,721.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Petaluma has a cost of living 13.10% above the national average.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Petaluma, CA has a cost-of-living index of 113.1 (above the national average of 100). While the nominal salary of $78,265 is competitive, the higher cost of living reduces purchasing power to an effective $69,200 — a 11.58% reduction.
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2019 BLS Actual
$68,138
2025 BLS Actual
$76,640
2026 Current Est.
$78,265
2019–2027 Growth
+17.3%
Salary Trajectory for Electricians in Petaluma (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.12% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $68,138 | Actual |
| 2020 | $69,011 | Actual |
| 2021 | $72,820 | Actual |
| 2022 | $73,062 | Actual |
| 2023 | $74,699 | Actual |
| 2024 | $93,155 | Actual |
| 2025 | $76,640 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $78,265 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $79,924 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Petaluma metropolitan area, the median electrician salary grew 12.5% from $68,138 (2019) to $76,640 (2025). At a 2.12% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $79,924 by 2027 — a total increase of $11,786 (17.30%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Petaluma 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) | $55,031 – $62,300 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $62,300 – $78,265 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $78,265 – $100,179 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $100,179 – $121,310 |
ELEC salary ranges estimated from BLS percentile data. Individual electrician compensation varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
Electrician Job Market in Petaluma
Petaluma's job market for electricians is relatively small, with 12 professionals currently employed in the area. The cost of living index at 113.1 reflects that residents face higher living costs, effectively impacting their take-home purchasing power. In terms of earnings, unionized contractors generally offer the most competitive salaries, especially for commercial and industrial work, compared to non-union residential outfits. Those specializing in industrial maintenance or renewable energy—such as solar PV installations—may also see higher pay due to emerging demand linked to federal incentives. The disparity in wages between lower and upper earners often stems from certifications and specialties, with master licensed electricians and those with contractor licenses able to command premium rates. To maximize earnings in Petaluma, pursuing union membership, enhancing skill sets through certifications, and focusing on high-demand specialties like data center work can prove advantageous for electricians looking to elevate their careers.
More salary data for Petaluma, 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 $76,640 for electriciansin the Petaluma 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 Petaluma 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