Electricians Salary in San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA
In San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA, electricians earn $95,020 at the median — $45.69 an hour. The range runs from $56K at the entry level to $170K for experienced workers. Prices run high here (RPP 110.42), so that salary is closer to $86,053 in real purchasing power. A 2-bedroom apartment runs $3,483/month — about 58.4% of take-home, which is tight.
AffordMap analysis of BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (latest release, May 2024)
So what does $95K get you in San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara?
About electricians
Compensation breakdown
Annual earnings by percentile, San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA
Entry-level electricians (10th percentile) start around $56K. Mid-career wages sit at $95K.Top earners bring in $170K or more - a $114K spread from bottom to top.
Electricians pay across states
Median income ranked highest to lowest, compared to the national figure
| State | Median salary | vs. national | Employment |
|---|---|---|---|
| Oregon | $97K | +56% | 9,830 |
| Washington | $97K | +55% | 18,380 |
| Illinois | $96K | +55% | 22,880 |
| Hawaii | $83K | +33% | 3,020 |
| Massachusetts | $82K | +32% | 16,570 |
| District of Columbia | $82K | +31% | 2,130 |
| Alaska | $82K | +31% | 1,820 |
| Minnesota | $81K | +31% | 12,970 |
| New York | $77K | +24% | 40,380 |
| Connecticut | $77K | +23% | 7,570 |
| California | $77K | +23% | 73,420 |
| Wisconsin | $75K | +20% | 12,630 |
| Wyoming | $73K | +18% | 2,710 |
| New Jersey | $73K | +17% | 15,230 |
| Michigan | $73K | +17% | 24,670 |
Track electricians salary changes
BLS updates this data quarterly. We'll email you when San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara numbers change.
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Frequently asked questions
How much do electricians make in San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA?
The median is $95,020 a year - that works out to about $45.69 an hour. The range is wide: entry-level workers start around $56,230, and experienced electricians can clear $169,770. These are BLS numbers, based on employer-reported data, not self-reported surveys.
Is $95K enough to live in San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara?
On that salary, you'd take home roughly $5,855/month after taxes. A 2-bedroom here rents for about $3,483/month (HUD Fair Market Rent), which eats 59.5% of your paycheck. That's above the 30% rule of thumb - housing will be a stretch at the median salary, though you can manage with roommates or a smaller place.
How far does a electricians salary go in San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara?
San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara has a Regional Price Parity of 110.42 (100 is the national average). Prices are above average here, so your dollar buys less than the same salary would in a cheaper metro. After cost-of-living adjustment, the median electricians salary is worth about $86,053 in national-average purchasing power.
Where do electricians get paid the most?
The table above ranks every state by median pay for this role. Keep in mind that the highest-paying states tend to have the highest costs of living, so the top salary doesn't always mean the most money in your pocket.