Electrician Salary in Santa Maria, CA: $76,886 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time electrician in Santa Maria, CA earns a median $76,886/year (≈ $36.97/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 47-2111). Once you factor in Santa Maria's price level (9% above national, BEA RPP 108.8), that paycheck buys what $70,669 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 1.1% below the California state average.
Official BLS data · View source
Electricians in Santa Maria, California can expect a median annual salary of $76,886 in 2026, significantly higher than the national median of $64,530. This figure represents a robust local market shaped by emerging trends in solar photovoltaic systems, electric vehicle charging stations, and the expansion of data centers, which necessitate qualified electrical professionals. The salary range for electricians in the area spans from $49,191 at the 10th percentile to $115,927 at the 90th percentile, indicating diverse earning potential based on experience and specialization. This data, derived from projected estimates based on 2025 BLS OEWS surveys, captures the evolving landscape of electrician pay in Santa Maria CA as demand rises for skilled labor in renewable energy and technology-driven sectors.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $49,191 | $23.65 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $57,361 | $27.57 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $76,886 | $36.97 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $95,064 | $45.71 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $115,927 | $55.74 |
Median Salary Position
19.15% above the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Santa Maria
In Santa Maria, CA, the electrician salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $66,736 (2026 est.). At $76,886, the local median is 19.15% above the national median of $64,530.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Santa Maria: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Santa Maria Electrician Pay Compares
Santa Maria median: $76,886/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Santa Maria Pays |
|---|---|---|
| California Average | $77,741 | -1.10% less |
| National Average | $64,530 | +19.15% more |
Electricians in Santa Maria, CA earn a median of $76,886 per year (2026 est.), which is 19.15% higher than the national median of $64,530 and 1.10% below the California state average of $77,741.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Santa Maria has a cost of living 8.80% above the national average.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Santa Maria, CA has a cost-of-living index of 108.798 (above the national average of 100). While the nominal salary of $76,886 is competitive, the higher cost of living reduces purchasing power to an effective $70,669 — a 8.09% reduction.
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2019 BLS Actual
$58,980
2025 BLS Actual
$75,290
2026 Current Est.
$76,886
2019–2027 Growth
+33.1%
Salary Trajectory for Electricians in Santa Maria (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.12% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $58,980 | Actual |
| 2020 | $69,980 | Actual |
| 2021 | $61,740 | Actual |
| 2022 | $61,580 | Actual |
| 2023 | $66,410 | Actual |
| 2024 | $75,780 | Actual |
| 2025 | $75,290 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $76,886 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $78,516 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Santa Maria metropolitan area, the median electrician salary grew 27.7% from $58,980 (2019) to $75,290 (2025). At a 2.12% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $78,516 by 2027 — a total increase of $19,536 (33.12%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Santa Maria 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) | $49,191 – $57,361 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $57,361 – $76,886 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $76,886 – $95,064 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $95,064 – $115,927 |
ELEC salary ranges estimated from BLS percentile data. Individual electrician compensation varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
Electrician Job Market in Santa Maria
In Santa Maria, approximately 630 electricians are currently employed, competing in a job market that reflects both opportunity and challenges given the local cost of living index at 108.798. While electricians generally enjoy competitive wages, the cost of living can impact take-home pay and purchasing power. Notably, unionized electrical contractors, particularly those affiliated with the IBEW, tend to offer higher wages, often including substantial benefits packages, compared to non-union and open-shop contractors. The gap is especially evident in specialized fields like industrial controls and renewable energy, where expertise in solar PV and EV infrastructure commands premium rates. Electricians looking to maximize their compensation should focus on obtaining specialized licenses and certifications, such as master and contractor licenses, which can enhance pay potential. Exploring roles in industrial maintenance teams or seeking overtime opportunities, especially in emergency situations, can further elevate earnings in this dynamic Santa Maria market.
More salary data for Santa Maria, 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 $75,290 for electriciansin the Santa Maria 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
Source: BLS, OEWS, 7-year dataset (–). Per-city data from annual BLS metropolitan area surveys.
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