Electrician Salary in State College, PA: $58,821 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time electrician in State College, PA earns a median $58,821/year (≈ $28.28/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 47-2111). Once you factor in State College's price level (3% below national, BEA RPP 96.8), that paycheck buys what $60,789 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 10.6% below the Pennsylvania state average.
Official BLS data · View source
In 2026, those working as electricians in State College, Pennsylvania, can expect a median salary of $58,821 according to projections based on 2025 BLS OEWS data. This figure positions State College’s electrician pay slightly below the national median, which stands at $64,530 for the same year. The salary range for electricians in this area varies significantly, from $45,260 at the 10th percentile to $77,346 at the 90th percentile. Factors such as specialization in areas like industrial controls and PLC work can significantly enhance earning potential. With an expected annual growth rate of 2.12%, the job market for electricians in the region appears stable, indicating a favorable environment for trades professionals seeking opportunities in both residential and industrial sectors.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $45,260 | $21.76 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $47,414 | $22.79 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $58,821 | $28.28 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $63,171 | $30.37 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $77,346 | $37.18 |
Median Salary Position
8.85% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in State College
In State College, PA, the electrician salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $32,086 (2026 est.). At $58,821, the local median is 8.85% below the national median of $64,530.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in State College: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How State College Electrician Pay Compares
State College median: $58,821/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | State College Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Pennsylvania Average | $65,795 | -10.60% less |
| National Average | $64,530 | -8.85% less |
Electricians in State College, PA earn a median of $58,821 per year (2026 est.), which is 8.85% lower than the national median of $64,530 and 10.60% below the Pennsylvania state average of $65,795.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
State College has a cost of living 3.24% below the national average, meaning your salary goes further here.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
State College, PA has a cost-of-living index of 96.762 (below the national average of 100). A electrician earning $58,821 nominally has purchasing power equivalent to $60,789 in an average-cost city — an effective 3.35% boost.
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2019 BLS Actual
$50,650
2025 BLS Actual
$57,600
2026 Current Est.
$58,821
2019–2027 Growth
+18.6%
Salary Trajectory for Electricians in State College (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.12% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $50,650 | Actual |
| 2020 | $51,220 | Actual |
| 2021 | $48,650 | Actual |
| 2022 | $56,530 | Actual |
| 2023 | $60,700 | Actual |
| 2024 | $56,160 | Actual |
| 2025 | $57,600 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $58,821 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $60,068 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the State College metropolitan area, the median electrician salary grew 13.7% from $50,650 (2019) to $57,600 (2025). At a 2.12% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $60,068 by 2027 — a total increase of $9,418 (18.59%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the State College 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) | $45,260 – $47,414 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $47,414 – $58,821 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $58,821 – $63,171 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $63,171 – $77,346 |
ELEC salary ranges estimated from BLS percentile data. Individual electrician compensation varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
Electrician Job Market in State College
The local job market features approximately 180 electricians, set against a cost of living index of 96.762 that suggests greater purchasing power. Given this context, electricians in State College, PA, should consider which employers offer the most competitive pay. Union electrical contractors, particularly those affiliated with IBEW, tend to offer the highest wages due to the benefits and training associated with union membership. In contrast, non-union contractors typically focus on residential projects and may present lower pay scales. Factors influencing pay disparities include union versus non-union dynamics, specialty skills in high-demand niches such as solar PV and EV charging, and career advancements towards master licensing. Electricians looking to maximize their pay in the State College market should pursue specialized training, stay informed about emerging sectors, and, where possible, seek opportunities for overtime or positions with strong employers in the industrial maintenance realm.
More salary data for State College, PA:
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 $57,600 for electriciansin the State College 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