Los Angeles, CA Summary
Comprehensive 2026 salary benchmarking for electricians in Los Angeles, CA, featuring an average annual wage of $83,039 ($39.92/hr) per Glassdoor. Apprentices earn $50K-$67K, journeymen $80K-$110K, and master electricians/contractors $120K-$140K+, amid labor shortages driving wage growth.
Salary Overview
Compared to National Average: Los Angeles electricians earn about $83,039 per year ($39.92/hr) per Glassdoor, approximately 33% above the BLS national median electrician wage of $62,350.
Comparable Metro Area Salary Analysis
Compared to other California cities, below San Francisco ($101,596) and San Jose ($91,942); above San Diego ($80,888); on par with Sacramento (~$83K). Also comparable with New York City ($84,885). Well above Chicago ($74,239), Philadelphia ($74,362), Phoenix ($72,296), and the major Texas metros. All figures per Glassdoor 2026.
Factors Influencing Local Salary
- Unionization (IBEW Local 11 dominance)
- High cost of living (COL index 115.5)
- Commercial / entertainment / tech demand
- State licensing (C-10, journeyman/master)
- Specializations (EV, solar, data centers)
Salary by Career Stage
- Apprentice / Entry (1-2 years): $50K-$67K
- Journeyman (3-5 years): $80K-$102K
- Senior Journeyman (5+ years): $100K-$119K
- Master / Contractor: $120K-$140K+
Job Outlook and Market Trends
Projected 9% national job growth through 2034 per BLS, with California expected to exceed the national rate. Sustained local demand from infrastructure upgrades, EV/solar electrification, commercial retrofits, and the entertainment sector.
Guidance for Professionals and Employers
Field service owners: Bill at $150-$200/hr to cover $40-$60/hr wages + fringes, overhead, and 25% margins; target union-scale commercial jobs.
Job seekers: Join IBEW Local 11 apprenticeship; specialize in green tech for a 15-25% premium.
Employers: Compete with $5K signing bonuses and paid trainings.
Cost of Living Context
LA's 15.5% above-national COL erodes the salary premium; the $83,039 median yields about $4,500 monthly take-home, tight for singles amid $900K+ median home prices — dual incomes or inland moves are typically needed for affordability vs. Texas's lower COL/higher real purchasing power.
Popular Benefits Offered
- Union health/pension (IBEW: $13+/hr contribution)
- Signing bonuses ($5K+)
- Company vehicles / CDL support
- Paid training/apprenticeships
- Overtime ($6K+/yr average)
