Electrician Salary in Washington, DC: $77,540 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time electrician in Washington, DC earns a median $77,540/year (≈ $37.27/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 47-2111). Once you factor in Washington's price level (9% above national, BEA RPP 108.9), that paycheck buys what $71,213 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 2.7% above the District of Columbia state average.
Official BLS data · View source
In 2026, the electrician salary in Washington, DC is projected to reach $77,540, significantly surpassing the national median of $64,530. This prominent wage reflects the market dynamics shaped by both union and non-union contractors—most notably, the IBEW union stands as a dominant force in the area, offering compensation packages that can outpace their non-union counterparts by an impressive 30-50%. Salary ranges for electricians in Washington vary widely, extending from $45,637 at the 10th percentile to as high as $124,147 for top earners, indicating a robust spectrum of opportunities within the industry. Insights derived from the official data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics showcase how local factors influence these earnings, emphasizing the continued strength of the electrician job market.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $45,637 | $21.95 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $60,332 | $29.00 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $77,540 | $37.27 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $105,459 | $50.70 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $124,147 | $59.69 |
Median Salary Position
20.16% above the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Washington
In Washington, DC, the electrician salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $78,510 (2026 est.). At $77,540, the local median is 20.16% above the national median of $64,530.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Washington: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Washington Electrician Pay Compares
Washington median: $77,540/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Washington Pays |
|---|---|---|
| District of Columbia Average | $75,501 | +2.70% more |
| National Average | $64,530 | +20.16% more |
Electricians in Washington, DC earn a median of $77,540 per year (2026 est.), which is 20.16% higher than the national median of $64,530 and 2.70% above the District of Columbia state average of $75,501.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Washington has a cost of living 8.88% above the national average.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Washington, DC has a cost-of-living index of 108.884 (above the national average of 100). While the nominal salary of $77,540 is competitive, the higher cost of living reduces purchasing power to an effective $71,213 — a 8.16% reduction.
Compare Purchasing Power
Select a city to see how your salary compares after cost of living
Select a city above to compare purchasing power
2019 BLS Actual
$61,410
2025 BLS Actual
$75,930
2026 Current Est.
$77,540
2019–2027 Growth
+28.9%
Salary Trajectory for Electricians in Washington (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.12% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $61,410 | Actual |
| 2020 | $62,300 | Actual |
| 2021 | $61,570 | Actual |
| 2022 | $63,170 | Actual |
| 2023 | $72,600 | Actual |
| 2024 | $75,460 | Actual |
| 2025 | $75,930 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $77,540 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $79,184 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Washington metropolitan area, the median electrician salary grew 23.6% from $61,410 (2019) to $75,930 (2025). At a 2.12% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $79,184 by 2027 — a total increase of $17,774 (28.94%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Washington 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) | $45,637 – $60,332 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $60,332 – $77,540 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $77,540 – $105,459 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $105,459 – $124,147 |
ELEC salary ranges estimated from BLS percentile data. Individual electrician compensation varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
Electrician Job Market in Washington
Within the competitive landscape of Washington, there are approximately 16,580 electricians employed, contributing to a vibrant job market that reflects the region's economic vitality. However, with a cost of living index of 108.884, electricians must consider how expenses may impact their take-home pay, especially as they navigate various employment avenues. Notably, union electrical contractors usually provide the highest wages, particularly for those involved in commercial and industrial work. In contrast, non-union contractors primarily focus on residential projects and typically offer lower wages. The disparity in pay can be attributed to a range of factors, including specialty skills in industrial controls, the acquisition of master and contractor licenses, and overtime opportunities like storm work for linemen. For those eager to maximize their electrician pay in Washington, pursuing additional certifications, engaging in apprenticeships through organizations like NECA and IBEW, and focusing on emerging industries such as solar PV and EV infrastructure can significantly enhance earning potential.
More salary data for Washington, DC:
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do electricians make in Washington, DC in 2026?
Is Washington, DC a good place to work as a electrician?
Can electricians make $100K in Washington?
What is the cost-of-living adjusted electrician salary in Washington?
How much does a electrician make per hour in Washington?
Related Pages
Career Resources
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 $75,930 for electriciansin the Washington 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