Senior Electrician Salary in Burlington, IA: $95,872 (2026)
Quick Answer:The top tier of electricians working in Burlington, IA — those at or above the 90th percentile — pull in $95,872/year or more for 2026, based on BLS OEWS 2025 estimates for SOC 47-2111. Strip back Burlington's price premium (BEA RPP 90.4, 10% below national) and that top-decile pay carries the same buying power as $106,053 in average-cost America. The 55% spread above city median typically rewards 7+ years of practice or specialty credentials.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source

In Burlington, Iowa, senior electricians can achieve top-tier earnings, with a projected annual salary of up to $95,872 in 2026. This figure represents a substantial jump compared to the $61,853 median salary for the profession, highlighting the significant experience premium available in this market. Experienced professionals who specialize in high-demand areas such as industrial controls and solar installations are particularly well-positioned to secure these top electrician salaries in Burlington. To reach this level of compensation, mastering complex systems and accumulating years of hands-on experience are essential, as is obtaining relevant certifications and licenses which can greatly enhance earning potential.
About the Burlington Market
Salary estimated from Iowa average ($66,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Burlington
Experienced electricians at the top of the pay scale in Burlington earn between $79,172 and $95,872 per year (2026 est.). This $51,871 range from 10th to 90th percentile reflects significant earnings potential growth over a career. The Burlington median of $61,853 sits 4.15% below the US median.
Top ELEC Salary Comparison
| Level | Burlington | National |
|---|---|---|
| Median (P50) | $61,853 | $64,530 |
| 75th Percentile | $79,172 | $85,720 |
| 90th Percentile (Top 10%) | $95,872 | $110,810 |
In Burlington, experienced electricians (P90) earn 55.00% more than the local median — reflecting the significant value of specialization and tenure in this market.
What Drives Top Electrician Pay in Burlington
Advanced Certifications in Iowa
IA electricians with additional specialty certifications within the electrical field earn significantly above the $61,853 median. Expanded-scope credentials are increasingly valued by Burlington employers.
Specialty Focus
Electricians focusing on high-acuity or specialty areas within the electrical field in Burlington command premium compensation, often reaching the $79,172–$95,872 range.
Large Health-System & Multi-Site Experience
Large hospital systems and multi-site employers in the Burlington metro area often pay above-market rates for experienced electricians who demonstrate efficiency and leadership.
Employer Loyalty & Patient Relationships
Long-tenured electricians in Burlington with established relationships have strong negotiating leverage. In this developing market, retention bonuses and annual raises are common for top performers.
Continuing Education & Leadership
Electricians in Iowa who pursue advanced degrees, mentor junior staff, or lead clinical education programs position themselves for the highest compensation tiers and management roles.
Electrician Career & Wage Growth Path in Burlington
Clinical Electrician
0-5 yearsSenior/Lead Electrician
5-10 yearsElectrician Department Manager
10+ yearsEducator / Specialty Leadership
AdvancedBurlington ranks #7 of 26 Iowa cities for top earner electrician salary (90th percentile: $95,872).
Top 10% electrician compensation in Burlington ($95,872) is 1.9% above the Iowa average P90 ($94,081).
2019 BLS Actual
$83,560
2025 BLS Actual
$93,882
2026 Current Est.
$95,872
2019–2027 Growth
+17.2%
Salary Trajectory for Electricians in Burlington (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.12% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $83,560 | Actual |
| 2020 | $85,412 | Actual |
| 2021 | $86,346 | Actual |
| 2022 | $88,509 | Actual |
| 2023 | $90,136 | Actual |
| 2024 | $88,798 | Actual |
| 2025 | $93,882 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $95,872 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $97,905 | Projected |
Top-earning electricians (90th percentile) in Burlington saw their compensation grow 12.4% from $83,560 in 2019 to $93,882 in 2025, based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for this metropolitan area. At a 2.12% annual growth rate, senior-level pay is projected to reach $97,905 by 2027, reflecting continued demand for clinical expertise and expanded-function credentials.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Burlington 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.
Maximizing Your Electrician Earnings in Burlington
Compensation for seasoned electricians varies depending on their place within the industry. Those working for union electrical contractors, particularly in commercial and industrial settings, often enjoy salaries reflecting the highest pay scales due to their collective bargaining power. Conversely, non-union contractors focusing on residential electrical work may not offer the same level of financial incentive. Additionally, specialized skill sets in areas like motor controls, fire alarm systems, and renewable energy technologies lead to premium pay opportunities, especially in sectors experiencing rapid growth, like data centers and EV charging installations. Career advancement remains a realistic goal, with pathways from journeyman to master electrician or even electrical contractor. Advanced credentials, including master electrician and state electrical contractor licenses, provide further leverage in salary negotiations, while non-salary compensation like benefits and overtime pay can also differ significantly across employment types in Burlington, IA.
More salary data for Burlington, IA:
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do experienced electricians make in Burlington in 2026?
What drives higher electrician pay in Burlington?
What certifications boost electrician salary in Burlington?
Can experienced electricians make six figures in Burlington?
How much does electrician salary increase over time in Burlington?
Related Pages
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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
Top-earner salary figures on this page are 2026 projections derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) survey, May 2026 release. BLS reported a 90th percentile salary of $93,882 for electricians in the Burlington metro area. A 2.12% compound annual growth rate (CAGR), calculated from 6-year national BLS wage trends, was applied to project current 2026 senior-level compensation. Individual earnings depend on certifications, specialization, practice type, and years of clinical experience.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Burlington 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