Electrician Salary in Columbia, TN: $59,871 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time electrician in Columbia, TN earns a median $59,871/year (≈ $28.79/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 47-2111). Once you factor in Columbia's price level (8% below national, BEA RPP 91.8), that paycheck buys what $65,219 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 2.5% below the Tennessee state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Columbia, Tennessee, electricians can expect a median annual salary of $59,871 as of 2026, a figure that reflects local conditions and cost variations. This salary sits notably lower than the national median of $64,530, placing the electrician pay in Columbia TN at approximately 7.22% below the national standard. Salary ranges for electricians in the area span from $39,869 at the 10th percentile to $92,800 at the 90th percentile, demonstrating a diverse compensation landscape influenced by factors such as union membership status and specialty expertise. Union electricians, particularly those affiliated with the IBEW, generally command higher wages compared to their non-union counterparts, making unionization a significant consideration for those entering the field.
About the Columbia Market
Salary estimated from Tennessee average ($58,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $39,869 | $19.17 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $45,781 | $22.01 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $59,871 | $28.79 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $76,635 | $36.84 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $92,800 | $44.62 |
Median Salary Position
7.22% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Columbia
In Columbia, TN, the electrician salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $52,931 (2026 est.). At $59,871, the local median is 7.22% below the national median of $64,530.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Columbia: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Columbia Electrician Pay Compares
Columbia median: $59,871/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Columbia Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Tennessee Average | $61,406 | -2.50% less |
| National Average | $64,530 | -7.22% less |
Electricians in Columbia, TN earn a median of $59,871 per year (2026 est.), which is 7.22% lower than the national median of $64,530 and 2.50% below the Tennessee state average of $61,406.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Columbia has a cost of living 8.20% below the national average, meaning your salary goes further here.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Columbia, TN has a cost-of-living index of 91.8 (below the national average of 100). A electrician earning $59,871 nominally has purchasing power equivalent to $65,219 in an average-cost city — an effective 8.93% boost.
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2019 BLS Actual
$52,124
2025 BLS Actual
$58,628
2026 Current Est.
$59,871
2019–2027 Growth
+17.3%
Salary Trajectory for Electricians in Columbia (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.12% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $52,124 | Actual |
| 2020 | $52,792 | Actual |
| 2021 | $55,705 | Actual |
| 2022 | $55,891 | Actual |
| 2023 | $57,144 | Actual |
| 2024 | $51,888 | Actual |
| 2025 | $58,628 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $59,871 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $61,140 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Columbia metropolitan area, the median electrician salary grew 12.5% from $52,124 (2019) to $58,628 (2025). At a 2.12% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $61,140 by 2027 — a total increase of $9,016 (17.30%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Columbia 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) | $39,869 – $45,781 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $45,781 – $59,871 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $59,871 – $76,635 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $76,635 – $92,800 |
ELEC salary ranges estimated from BLS percentile data. Individual electrician compensation varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
Electrician Job Market in Columbia
Despite a limited number of electricians employed in Columbia—only 10—as of the latest data, the local job market exhibits strengths, particularly for those with the right credentials. The area's cost of living index, sitting at 91.8, indicates that workers may enjoy a relatively favorable purchasing power despite the lower salary scale. Employers that pay the most often include IBEW signatory contractors in commercial and industrial sectors, as well as utility companies and specialized firms involved in renewable energy like solar installers and EV infrastructure projects. The disparity in pay is driven largely by the dynamics between union and non-union roles, with unionized positions offering substantial benefits and pension plans. To maximize electrician salary in Columbia, aspiring electricians should consider pursuing advanced certifications such as a master license or contractor license, which can elevate earnings potential, especially in specialized areas like industrial control systems or data center work.
More salary data for Columbia, TN:
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do electricians make in Columbia, TN 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 $58,628 for electriciansin the Columbia 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 Columbia 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