Senior Electrician Salary in Madison, WI: $105,041 (2026)
Quick Answer:The top tier of electricians working in Madison, WI — those at or above the 90th percentile — pull in $105,041/year or more for 2026, based on BLS OEWS 2025 estimates for SOC 47-2111. Strip back Madison's price premium (BEA RPP 97.3, 3% below national) and that top-decile pay carries the same buying power as $107,970 in average-cost America. The 31% spread above city median typically rewards 7+ years of practice or specialty credentials.
Official BLS data · View source
Madison, Wisconsin, presents a compelling opportunity for experienced electricians, particularly those striving for the upper echelon of earnings. With the projected median annual salary for 2026 estimated at $80,093, seasoned professionals can anticipate top-tier pay reaching as high as $105,041. This figure not only highlights the lucrative nature of senior electrician compensation in Madison, but it also reveals a noteworthy 24.12% premium over the national median of $64,530. Ascending to this level often requires a strong technical foundation, ongoing education, and specialization in high-demand areas. Skills in industrial controls, motor controls, or renewable energy installations can significantly enhance a senior electrician’s earning potential.
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Madison
Experienced electricians at the top of the pay scale in Madison earn between $102,641 and $105,041 per year (2026 est.). This $59,036 range from 10th to 90th percentile reflects significant earnings potential growth over a career. The Madison median of $80,093 sits 24.12% above the US median.
Top ELEC Salary Comparison
| Level | Madison | National |
|---|---|---|
| Median (P50) | $80,093 | $64,530 |
| 75th Percentile | $102,641 | $85,720 |
| 90th Percentile (Top 10%) | $105,041 | $110,810 |
In Madison, experienced electricians (P90) earn 31.15% more than the local median — reflecting the significant value of specialization and tenure in this market.
What Drives Top Electrician Pay in Madison
Advanced Certifications in Wisconsin
WI electricians with additional specialty certifications within the electrical field earn significantly above the $80,093 median. Expanded-scope credentials are increasingly valued by Madison employers.
Specialty Focus
Electricians focusing on high-acuity or specialty areas within the electrical field in Madison command premium compensation, often reaching the $102,641–$105,041 range.
Large Health-System & Multi-Site Experience
Large hospital systems and multi-site employers in the Madison metro area, which is a large ELEC employment market, often pay above-market rates for experienced electricians who demonstrate efficiency and leadership.
Employer Loyalty & Patient Relationships
Long-tenured electricians in Madison with established relationships have strong negotiating leverage. In this competitive market, retention bonuses and annual raises are common for top performers.
Continuing Education & Leadership
Electricians in Wisconsin 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 Madison
Clinical Electrician
0-5 yearsSenior/Lead Electrician
5-10 yearsElectrician Department Manager
10+ yearsEducator / Specialty Leadership
AdvancedMadison ranks #39 of 46 Wisconsin cities for top earner electrician salary (90th percentile: $105,041).
Top 10% electrician compensation in Madison ($105,041) is 0.99% above the Wisconsin average P90 ($104,015).
2019 BLS Actual
$80,930
2025 BLS Actual
$102,860
2026 Current Est.
$105,041
2019–2027 Growth
+32.5%
Salary Trajectory for Electricians in Madison (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.12% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $80,930 | Actual |
| 2020 | $82,380 | Actual |
| 2021 | $82,000 | Actual |
| 2022 | $94,070 | Actual |
| 2023 | $98,020 | Actual |
| 2024 | $100,130 | Actual |
| 2025 | $102,860 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $105,041 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $107,267 | Projected |
Top-earning electricians (90th percentile) in Madison saw their compensation grow 27.1% from $80,930 in 2019 to $102,860 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 $107,267 by 2027, reflecting continued demand for clinical expertise and expanded-function credentials.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Madison 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 Madison
At the senior level, compensation in Madison's electrical market varies based on specialization and employer type. Electricians who focus on intricate specialties—such as industrial controls or solar PV installation—can command premium pay, given the growing demand in these sectors. Employers also differ; unionized positions typically offer a substantial pay gap over non-union workplaces, with IBEW signatories providing comprehensive benefits and greater job security. Additionally, pathways such as moving from journeyman to estimator or project manager can lead to more advanced roles with increased compensation. To elevate earning potential further, obtaining advanced licenses—like the master electrician or contractor license—and completing an extensive apprenticeship is essential. Non-salary compensation drivers, such as benefits packages and overtime opportunities, also play a crucial role in overall senior electrician pay in WI.
More salary data for Madison, WI:
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do experienced electricians make in Madison in 2026?
What drives higher electrician pay in Madison?
What certifications boost electrician salary in Madison?
Can experienced electricians make six figures in Madison?
How much does electrician salary increase over time in Madison?
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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 $102,860 for electricians in the Madison 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
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