Electrician Salary in University Place, WA: $96,741 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time electrician in University Place, WA earns a median $96,741/year (≈ $46.51/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 47-2111). Once you factor in University Place's price level (7% above national, BEA RPP 107.4), that paycheck buys what $90,075 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 1.9% below the Washington state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, the electrician salary in University Place is projected to reach a median of $96,741, substantially higher than the national average of $64,530, representing an increase of nearly 50%. The salary range for electricians in this area extends from $65,429 at the 10th percentile to $149,949 at the 90th percentile, reflecting a diverse job market that accommodates various skill levels and specialties. Local estimates, derived from 2025 BLS data adjusted for regional cost factors, highlight a demand for skilled electricians, especially given the robust IBEW union presence that typically offers higher wages and comprehensive benefits compared to non-union counterparts. Understanding this landscape is vital for both aspiring electricians and seasoned professionals navigating job opportunities in University Place.
About the University Place Market
Salary estimated from Washington average ($82,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $65,429 | $31.45 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $74,720 | $35.93 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $96,741 | $46.51 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $123,829 | $59.54 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $149,949 | $72.09 |
Median Salary Position
49.92% above the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in University Place
In University Place, WA, the electrician salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $84,520 (2026 est.). At $96,741, the local median is 49.92% above the national median of $64,530.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in University Place: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How University Place Electrician Pay Compares
University Place median: $96,741/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | University Place Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Washington Average | $98,615 | -1.90% less |
| National Average | $64,530 | +49.92% more |
Electricians in University Place, WA earn a median of $96,741 per year (2026 est.), which is 49.92% higher than the national median of $64,530 and 1.90% below the Washington state average of $98,615.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
University Place has a cost of living 7.40% above the national average.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
University Place, WA has a cost-of-living index of 107.4 (above the national average of 100). While the nominal salary of $96,741 is competitive, the higher cost of living reduces purchasing power to an effective $90,075 — a 6.89% reduction.
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2019 BLS Actual
$84,224
2025 BLS Actual
$94,733
2026 Current Est.
$96,741
2019–2027 Growth
+17.3%
Salary Trajectory for Electricians in University Place (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.12% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $84,224 | Actual |
| 2020 | $85,303 | Actual |
| 2021 | $90,011 | Actual |
| 2022 | $90,310 | Actual |
| 2023 | $92,334 | Actual |
| 2024 | $86,366 | Actual |
| 2025 | $94,733 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $96,741 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $98,792 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the University Place metropolitan area, the median electrician salary grew 12.5% from $84,224 (2019) to $94,733 (2025). At a 2.12% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $98,792 by 2027 — a total increase of $14,568 (17.30%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the University Place 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) | $65,429 – $74,720 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $74,720 – $96,741 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $96,741 – $123,829 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $123,829 – $149,949 |
ELEC salary ranges estimated from BLS percentile data. Individual electrician compensation varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
Electrician Job Market in University Place
With six electricians employed in University Place, the labor market appears competitive, but potential earnings can vary widely due to the high cost of living, reflected in the area's cost-of-living index of 107.4. Employers such as union electrical contractors, particularly IBEW signatories, often dominate the wage structure, providing significant advantages to those in commercial and industrial sectors. Non-union contractors focus more on residential work and typically offer lower pay, while industrial maintenance teams and utility companies provide solid wages due to their specialized nature. Specialty areas such as industrial controls and renewable energy also show promise for higher earnings. Electricians can maximize their salary potential by pursuing additional certifications, gaining experience in high-demand specialties like solar PV installation, and leveraging overtime opportunities where available. The pay dynamics in University Place thus underscore the importance of strategic career planning and continuous professional development in a growing market.
More salary data for University Place, WA:
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 $94,733 for electriciansin the University Place 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 University Place 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